This is our brand new 3-day summer guide to the dog-friendly Cotswolds — a picturesque escape for you and your four-legged companion. Whether you’re new to the area or returning for more countryside charm, we’ve put together a collection of our personal favourites that we regularly enjoy with our cockapoo, Winnie.
We know how tricky it can be to plan a trip where your dog is truly welcome, not just tolerated — which is why we’ve done the groundwork for you. Everything we’ve included here is somewhere we’ve personally visited and loved, always with Winnie in tow.
This guide is brimming with cosy, dog-friendly places that welcome wagging tails. We even found a dog-friendly zoo where your pup can tag along. These spots are utterly picturesque, so be sure to bring your camera for some truly paw-some photographs of you and your furry friend!
The guide ‘Dog-Friendly Cotswolds’ will help you and your dog make the most of every moment. You’ll find thoughtful tips, detailed directions, and a balanced itinerary that allows time to both explore and unwind. This isn’t just a travel guide — it’s a celebration of all the joy that comes with sharing new places with your dog. We hope it inspires your own Cotswold adventure and helps you make lasting memories together.
So grab the lead, pack some treats, and let’s head off on a proper getaway. The Cotswolds await — and they’re more dog-friendly than ever. Download the full guide ‘Dog-friendly Cotswolds’ below and let your next adventure begin!
Day 1
1. Stay at De Vere Cotswold Water Park Hotel.
Lake 6, South Cerney, Gloucestershire, GL7 5FP.
Located within the stunning Cotswold Water Park nature reserve, this dog-friendly hotel blends natural beauty with modern comfort, making it an ideal destination for a dog-friendly staycation. Built in 2007, the hotel is part of the well-known De Vere hotel group. This was our second time staying at a De Vere property, and once again, it was a lovely and memorable experience. A peaceful, relaxing atmosphere for both humans and hounds. Some rooms overlook the lake and have private balconies or offer access to a communal decking area with comfy chairs.
Dogs are truly welcomed almost everywhere at the hotel. Pooches will be treated with their own bowl, bed and a towel, priced £30 per dog, per stay.
2. Explore Cirencester, well-known as the capital of the Cotswolds.
Cirencester is affectionately hailed as the Capital of the Cotswolds. This charming market town boasts a rich history dating back to Roman times, when it stood as the second largest settlement in Roman Britain, surpassed only by London.
Day 2
1. The Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens
Bradwell Grove, Burford, Oxfordshire, OX18 4JP.
The park is set in 160 acres of stunning, well-maintained grounds and exhibits over 260 different species of animals including Chapman’s zebra, giant anteater, giraffe, Southern white rhino, Asiatic lion, Bactrian camel, giant tortoise, penguin and many other fascinating creatures, like various primates, reptiles and exotic birds.
Cotswold Wildlife Park is the largest privately owned zoological collection in the UK. It was opened in 1970 by John Heyworth, who inherited the manor house and 3,000 acres of surrounding grounds. Dogstaycation® spent the whole day at the Cotswold Wildlife Park, and, honestly, it wasn’t enough. So be sure to allow at least 4 hours.
Dogs are very welcome almost everywhere, apart from some enclosures with snakes, birds and insects.
Open every day, 10:00 – 18:00 (last admission 16:00). The day ticket is £19 (£17.50 if you book online) for adults, £13.50 (12.50) for children.
2. Explore Burford, your storybook entry to the Cotswolds.
Nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds, Burford enchants travelers with its charming honey-colored stone cottages and inviting village streets. A perfect blend of history and cozy pubs, it’s a peaceful haven where every step feels like walking through a storybook.
Dog-friendly pubs in the area: The Farmer’s Dog (Jeremy Clarkson’s pub)
Asthall Barrow Roundabout, Burford OX18 4HJ.
Day 3
1. Cotswold Lavender, the family lavender farm.
Hill Barn Farm, Snowshill, Worcestershire, WR12 7JY.
The story of this family farm started in 1994, when the family moved to Hill Barn Farm, on the outskirts of the village of Snowshill. Starting from a few hundred plants, they have grown to almost 70 acres of lavender.
Now everything in the farm revolves around lavender: planting, growing, harvesting, and making new lavender products like lavender gifts, toiletries, soaps and home fragrances.
Dogs are welcome with open paws at Cotswold Lavender.
Open every day until 6th August 2025, 10:00 – 17:00, with some extend hours in July. Admission fee is £7.75 (adults), £3.50 (children).
2. Hidcote, a well-known Arts and Crafts-inspired garden.
Hidcote Bartrim, Gloucestershire, GL55 6LR.
The story of Hidcote is inextricably linked with the name of Lawrence Johnston, an enthusiastic garden designer and a tireless plant hunter. An amalgam of Lawrence’s passion for gardening and his mother’s fortune meant he never had to work and indulged in his favourite hobby. Apart from being a passionate gardener, Lawrence co-sponsored or undertook several plant hunting expeditions to Europe, Africa, and China looking for rare and unusual plants to add to his collection. In 1948, Hidcote was transferred to the National Trust.
Dogs are welcome in all areas except for the Manor House and the Old Garden complex.
Open every day, 10:00 – 17:00. Admission fee is £19.00 (adults), £9.50 (children) or free for the National Trust members.
You can also download this guide in PDF format using the link below:
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