Dog-Friendly Cotswolds: The Ultimate Guide for You and Your Pup 🐾

Planning a getaway with your four‑legged best friend? The Cotswolds is one of the most dog‑friendly regions in the UK — offering rolling hills, honey‑stone villages, woodland trails, and plenty of pubs and cottages that welcome dogs with open arms.

 Whether you’re after scenic walks, cosy stays, or dog‑friendly attractions, this guide will help you plan the perfect trip.

Why the Cotswolds Is Perfect for Dogs

• Miles of trails & countryside: From the iconic Cotswold Way to hidden woodland footpaths, hills and valleys, rivers and towns there’s no shortage of dog‑friendly walking routes.

• Plenty of pet‑friendly stays: Hotels, cottages, and B&Bs offer everything from enclosed gardens to doggy welcome packs. There's every type of accommodation available.

• Attractions & eateries: More local businesses than ever are opening their doors to dogs, making the Cotswolds a stress‑free choice for pet owners.

The Cotswolds is beautiful year round and offers an array of landscapes to explore, from lavendar fields, slopping hills and wooded valleys to beautiful villages and the wonderful larger towns of Cirencester, Cheltenham and Chipping Norton.

Dog‑Friendly Places to Stay

Finding the right base is key to a successful trip with your pup. Look for accommodation with outdoor space, nearby walking routes, and dog‑friendly amenities.

• The Fish Hotel Stylish countryside retreat near Broadway with direct access to 500 acres of dog‑friendly walking.
  
  
• Bolthole Retreats: A wide collection of Cotswold cottages, many with enclosed gardens.
  
  
• The Frogmill inn is a beautiful 16th Century pub,
with 28 boutique bedrooms
  nestled in the Cotswolds, near Cheltenham
  
  
• Cotswold Grange an oasis of calm in Cheltenham. Cotswold Grange is a boutique hotel in Cheltenham sitting on a quiet, tree-lined avenue within walking distance of town and parks.
  
  
• Stratton House Hotel independent, family-owned Spa Hotel in the Cotswolds, located on the edge of Cirencester, offers a quiet country feel with the convenience of just a short walk into town.
  
  
• Lion Inn a beautifully restored 15th-century coaching inn situated in the picturesque town of Winchcombe. Close to great walks on the Cotswold Way. 
  
  
• The Lakes by Yoo near Lechlade is an 850-acre estate guarantees your pooch just as much fun as you if not more! With dog-friendly accommodation and a lakeside restaurant make The Lakes by YOO your paw-fect base to explore the Cotswolds together.

Best Dog Walks & Trails

• Cotswold Way: Pick a stretch of this long‑distance route for stunning scenery and dog‑friendly paths.
• Cirencester Park (Bathurst Estate): Expansive grounds ideal for long strolls.
• Westonbirt Arboretum: Colourful seasonal walks where dogs are welcome on leads.
  
• National Trust Gloucestershire includes expansive parks, ancient woodland, and beautiful houses. Some of our favourites are
  Dyrham Park | South Gloucestershire | National Trust
  Hidcote | Gloucestershire | National Trust
  Newark Park | Gloucestershire | National Trust

Popular Riverside Walks

The River Windrush and The Slaughters Circular
This popular route follows the River Windrush, connecting the famous villages of Bourton-on-the-Water and The Slaughters. 

River Coln Trail
A longer, recently launched 33-mile trail that follows the River Coln from its source in the northern Cotswolds to its confluence with the River Thames. 

Malmesbury River Walk
A 2.4-mile circular walk in Malmesbury that follows the River Avon, passing historical sites in the charming town. 

Thames Path (Southern Cotswolds)
Walk along the Thames Path from Lechlade to the historic villages of Ingleshame and Buscot, passing the remarkable medieval Church of St. John the Baptist in Ingleshame. 

Bourton-on-the-Water to Lower Slaughter
A shorter, picturesque walk between two well-known Cotswold villages. 

Dog‑Friendly Attractions

The Cotswolds has plenty of attractions where dogs are welcome:

• Cotswold Wildlife Park (Burford) – Dogs allowed in most outdoor areas.

• Batsford Arboretum – A botanical haven for lead walks.

• Cotswold Lavender (Snowshill) – Stroll among fragrant lavender fields.

• Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway – Dogs can ride along in standard class carriages.

• Painswick Rococo Garden – Historic gardens open to dogs on leads.

Dog‑Friendly Pubs & Cafés

Nothing beats a cosy pub after a long walk. Thankfully, the Cotswolds is packed with dog‑friendly eateries:

Check out Be More Bob's interactive dog-friendly Cotswold Pubs Map! 

• Bourton‑on‑the‑Water: Riverside cafés and pubs with dog‑friendly outdoor seating. Top Tip - Bourton is extremely popular in the summer months. Visit in other seasons when there are fewer crowds. The Cotswolds is beautiful at all time of the year.

• Stroud: Independent cafés with water bowls and garden spaces. Local markets draw people from miles around.

• Cirencester: Ideal for a post‑park coffee or pint with your pup. Steeped in Roman history.

(Pro tip: Always call ahead — some places allow dogs indoors, while others only offer outdoor space. The Cotswolds is an extremely dog friendly place, but it's always worth a check if you feel that you would rather sit inside.)

Our favourite time to visit the Cotswolds is in the Autumn when the hills and valleys are full of colour - and you can sit in a cosy pub after your walk!

Tips for a Stress‑Free Dog Holiday

• Visit Be More Bob for all your essentials!
  
• Bring water and a portable bowl for longer walks.
• Check lead rules (some areas are livestock grazing zones). Bring a long lead and a short lead. The Cotswolds is known for its sheep - always check that you are allowed in the field and follow public footpaths - always keep your dog on a lead around livestock
• Pack shampoo, towels and a dry robe — countryside walks can get muddy!
• Use apps like AllTrails or local walking maps to find dog‑friendly routes.

Final Thoughts

The Cotswolds is the ultimate UK destination for dog lovers — with endless walks, welcoming pubs, and a variety of pet‑friendly places to stay. With the right planning, both you and your furry friend will have an unforgettable trip.