Our top dog-friendly cottages in the Cotswolds
For a holiday that mixes picture-perfect scenery with bustling market towns and plenty of dog-walking opportunities, the Cotswolds is one of our top picks. The famous Cotswold Way offers 102 miles of stunning scenery and chocolate-box villages, and the region has an abundance of great pubs that welcome walkers and their dogs with open arms. To help you plan your trip, read on for five of our favourite dog-friendly cottages in the Cotswolds.
1. Hornstone Cottage
Dog-friendly cottages in the Cotswolds don’t get much more charming than this former stable tucked away in a meadow next to ancient woodland. The cottage sits alone at the top of the Golden Valley and looks out at breathtaking views of the surrounding fields and forest. You can buy eggs from the hens if they’re laying – just ask your hosts over in the main farmhouse. Cook in the lovely country kitchen or fire up the barbecue and watch the sunset on balmy evenings.
You and your dog will love being close to so many amazing walks – take the canal path to Stroud for riverside scenery ending in shops, restaurants and a Saturday farmers’ market. For a more relaxed pace, stroll 15 minutes to the local (dog-friendly) pub for a hearty lunch.
2. Asphodel Cottage
A hobbity thatched shepherd’s cottage with Cotswold stone walls, a rustic living area and plenty of romantic touches. A stone fireplace and wood-burner keep things cosy, and steep stone stairs spiral up to the comfortable bedroom and a bathroom with a claw-foot bath. There’s a lovely kitchen with everything you need plus a few luxuries – apple juice, local beer, coffee pods and fudge.
The area is perfect for dog walking, with beautiful country walks starting from the door, including Thames Head and Monarchs Way. Charming Cotswolds towns are close too – take a day trip to Stow, Lower Slaughter, Moreton or Bourton. On lazier days, relax in the garden with its mini wild meadow and help yourself to apples, plums or herbs depending on the season.
3. The Stables at Bibury Farm Barns
One of our favourite luxury dog-friendly cottages in the Cotswolds, this gorgeous renovated stable has striking art and elegant rooms. The interiors are luxurious, with chunky mattresses, squashy sofas and squeaky clean bathrooms with lovely lotions and potions left for you. Tuck into the welcome hamper, filled with local breakfast goodies and honey from bees down the road, and kick back by the cosy wood-burner.
On warm days, walk 10 minutes to the organic farm shop for fresh produce and fire up the barbecue in the garden. You’re a short stroll from beautiful Bibury and its iconic Cotswolds scenery, and there’s a stunning walk that follows the River Coln and rewards you with a brilliant pub before heading back towards town.
4. Woodchester Valley House
An elegant, spacious house in rural paradise overlooking a family vineyard. This is one of our favourite dog-friendly cottages in the Cotswolds for bigger groups or those who like plenty of space, with two living rooms to relax in as well as games and books to dip into. The interiors are bright, airy and impressive, with a high-spec kitchen, locally made furniture, rooms filled with light and amazing views. Arrange a vineyard tour and tasting, and choose a bottle to enjoy around the dinner table or with your barbecue in the summer. Day trip to Stroud, a bustling market town full of independent shops and cafés, or put your walking boots on and set off along the Cotswold Way to take in spectacular views and picturesque villages.
5. The Chapel
This romantic renovated chapel is one of our favourite dog-friendly cottages in the Cotswolds for truly getting away from it all. Walls are adorned with modern art, rooms feature hand-crafted furniture and there’s a lovely kitchen with everything you need to cook up delicious feasts. You’re perfectly placed for exploring this picturesque part of the Cotswolds – Stow-on-the-Wold and Bourton-on-the-Water are close by, as are fantastic walking trails and great pubs and restaurants. If you’re looking for a bit more hustle and bustle, Cheltenham is 25 minutes’ drive for shops, jazz and literary festivals. However you fill your days, you’ll love coming back to your cosy quarters to sink into the corner sofa or watch the sun go down from the flower-filled gardens.
Written by
Claire Maguire
Claire combines her twin loves of writing and travel to create inspiring blog content. Rudi combines his twin loves of baths and chasing squirrels to excuse getting as muddy as possible whenever he can. He hates missing out, so finding dog-friendly places is an absolute must. Claire loves a place with a stunning interior and is thankful Rudi is well-behaved enough to leave it the way they find it, unless there are slippers to be eaten.
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