Top 10 dog-friendly cottages in the UK

1. Fingals Folly

Devon

This quirky stone cottage for two is located in a hidden valley in the dreamiest part of South Devon. You’re close to the estuary and the coast – Blackpool Sands is just eight miles away, whilst the River Dart is right on your doorstep. Owners Richard and Sheila are dog-lovers themselves, and are happy to recommend you all the best secret spots to visit with your pooch.  

Inside, you’ll find a light and bright beach-house interior and two balconies. Out the front, you get views of the tennis lawn. Whilst on the back deck, you’ll overlook the babbling brook and can bask in the sun or catch flash of a kingfisher. Enjoy a sauna or a swim in the light-flooded pool, set off on long walks, have dinner at a local pub or just settle in for a night by the log-burner. If you’re looking for one of the most unique dog-friendly cottages in Devon, this is it. 

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2. Mulberry Cottage

Scottish Borders, Scotland 

Dog-friendly holiday cottages don’t have to be bland and boring inside, and this charming Borders cottage proves just that. Inside, a warm and classy feel awaits you. There’s a beautiful fireplace, velvet sofas, William Morris curtains, a trendy kitchen, comfortable beds and stylish furnishings. Find everything you need to rustle-up meals from fine local produce, the beautiful market town of Melrose has a butchers, veg shop and bakery. In cooler months, the dining room makes for a cosy setting whilst on summer evenings the well-sized garden hits just the spot.  

Both you and the pooch will love exploring the surrounding area. Local cycling, running and walking trails take in Bowden Moor and you can walk to the Eildon Hills’ three peaks straight from the door. They make for a brilliant day of walking, and views from the top go as far as Lammermuirs, Moorfoots and Upper Tweeddale Hills. 

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3. Jackdaw Cottage

Gloucestershire 

With over 30 acres of ancient woodland for you and your four-legged friend to explore, this has to be one of our favourite dog-friendly cottages in Gloucestershire. The flag-stoned cabin oozes cosiness; with a huge wood-burner, kilim furnishings, comfy armchairs and fluffy sheepskin rugs. Find homemade cake when you arrive, buy eggs from the hens when they’re laying and go visit the two friendly labs that live on site. 

This converted field cattle shelter is the most secluded of the cottages, but still only a 15-minute walk to the local pub and the canal towpath that leads to lovely laid-back Stroud. In the evenings, get stuck into a board game, cuddle up with the dog or stargaze from your very own wood-fired hot tub. 

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4. Smugglers Lane at Middle Colenso Farm

Cornwall 

This is the sort of place where you arrive and never want to leave. Feel all your worries drift away as you approach; tropical plants line the pathway to your idyllic stone cottage. As dog-friendly cottages in Cornwall go, this one is up there as one of the best. There’s miles of countryside to roam, as well as plenty of beaches nearby. Praa Sands is just a 5-minute drive or if you’re feeling adventurous head to St Michael’s Mount. 

With towels, blankets and Cornish pasty shaped treats provided on arrival, dogs will be happy here. You’ve got your own courtyard garden too, and a handy outdoor shower to wash down any mucky paws. Inside, it’s warm and stylish in a mid-century way. Enjoy a delicious homemade cream tea on arrival, then hunker down in front of the woodburner. 

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5. The Old Post Box

Suffolk 

This traditional Suffolk holiday cottage is believed to have been built in 1650 as a smithy and extended in the 1870s and 1970s; the original layout has been opened up without losing its snug feel. Find a local, handmade cake and a bottle of wine on arrival. There’s a cosy wood-burner in the living room, plus plenty of snug seating, board games and a pretty garden that leads off from the kitchen. 

Dogs will love running around out in the enclosed garden, or further afield at the coast. There’s Southwold, Walberswick, Aldeburgh and Snape Maltings all within a short drive. As well as Dunwich and Ordford which has great pubs. A water bowl, towel, treats and poo bags are all provided for your stay. As well as ample walking recommendations, some of which start right from the front door! 

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6. The Peren

Herefordshire

Herons, kingfishers, badgers and weasels are just a few of the visitors to your glorious acre of wildflower meadow, the setting for the Peren, a 19th century restored barn. It’s spacious, stylish and contemporary living with a dollop of green credentials. Inside, find calming and spacious interiors featuring stone floors and natural wood cabinets, big french doors and a glass walkway.  

Outside, there’s heaps of space for all the family. Pick herbs from the garden, enjoy a game of cricket, drink tea on the terrace and have a BBQ out on the meadow. There’s so much that makes this one of the best dog-friendly cottages in Wales, but it’s the miles of uninterrupted countryside that tops it. Delve into books at nearby Hay-on-Wye or conquer mountains in the stunning Brecon Beacons. 

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7. Spinks Nest

Norfolk

We know your four-legged friend deserves an extra special dog-friendly cottage, and Spink’s Nest is just that. The renovated flint cottage is set deep in Norfolk’s Glaven Valley so there’s tonnes of glorious walks all around. Spot seals on the coast, get lost in the dunes and enjoy a ramble through the region’s many breathtaking estates. 

Step through the door and you’ll be greeted with an old gardener’s cottage theme. Armchairs are perfectly placed in front of the fireplace, there’s a well-stocked kitchen, houseplants, plenty of antique finds plus a sunken Japanese bath. The gentle morning light, exposed flint walls and delicious Aesop smellies will also leave you smitten. This is an ideal spot for a romantic weekend away, made even better by the fact your pooch can join in with it. 

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8. The Store at Wellhayes

Dorset

This is an outside sort of place, somewhere where all you’ll want to do is swim in the lake or take walks through the woodland. In summer, you’ll be out on the terrace lounger or swinging in the lakeside hammock. There’s a little rowing boat for pottering around in too. In winter months, nothing beats lighting the fire and looking out at the lake through the big french doors. 

Inside, the space is fresh, open plan and minimalistic. Find a generous welcome hamper with local eggs, bread, fruit and a good bottle of French wine. James’ clever design and handiwork make this small space very comfortable.  With the Jurassic Coast just a stones throw, head out on long walks or cycles – dogs will love playing on beaches and taking swims in the river. 

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9. The Stables at Bibury Farm Barns

Cotswolds

You’ll have amples of space here at this beautifully renovated Cotswold barn. Huge french doors from the living room open out into a sprawling garden with a pretty lawn that dogs will love. The utility room is perfect for post-walk wash downs, especially on those muddier days! Nothing inside has been done on the cheap, so expect thick mattresses between fine linen, sparkling bathrooms, fat sofas and super soft furnishings. 

In chilly months you and the pooch will love cuddling up in front of the wood burner, and on warm days relaxing out in the garden. There’s lots to do nearby – a short walk down the footpath takes you to Bibury and its iconic row of Cotswold cottages.  There’s a local organic farm, plenty more quintessential villages plus heaps of walking routes where you can stomp through the hills. This is the ultimate weekend away for families, and the best thing is you can bring up to two dogs too! 

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10. Wild Meadow

Powys, Wales

A gorgeous eco-build set amongst a wildflower meadow on the fringes of Presteigne. Pick home-grown goods from the kitchen garden, wander through the orchard and marvel in glorious views. Dogs can go free-range whilst you relax out on the terrace with a good book. 

Inside, the open-plan living space is bright and welcoming with a wood-burner for when you’re cuddled up indoors. Bikes can be hired from the owners, so head out and make the most of the Welsh countryside. Pooches will love exploring Offa’s Dyke Path from the cabin; just follow the route from Presteigne to Knighton for a leisurely walk of about seven miles. If you’re looking for one of the most laid-back dog-friendly cottages in Wales, Wild Meadow is just the ticket. 

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Written by
Ella Perryman

Ella has a great eye for telling a story in a full article or a single picture. Marshall only has eyes for anyone who’ll give him a scratch or a biscuit. He’s also partial to a wander in the woods and days spent digging in the sand. Together, they’re a coastal adventure dream team who love heading back to Ella’s Devon roots or exploring the rugged fringes of Wales.