Taking Your Dog to the Cotswolds? Your Guide to a Dog-Friendly Cotswolds Holiday

Planning a holiday in the Cotswolds with your dog? Here's everything you need to know before you arrive – plus where to find us when your dog needs something while you're here.

The Cotswolds and dogs go together rather beautifully.

Rolling hills. Ancient woodland. River walks. Pretty villages. Big muddy puddles. Long lunches. Cosy pubs. And miles and miles of countryside waiting to be explored.

It's little wonder that the Cotswolds has become such a popular destination for dog-friendly holidays.

If you're bringing your dog to the Cotswolds, Be More Bob in Cheltenham is somewhere worth putting on your list.

We're an independent multi-award winning dog shop based in the heart of the Cotswolds, and we're here for all the things you might need for your dog while you're visiting – whether you've forgotten something at home, your dog has discovered just how muddy a Cotswold field can be, or you've simply found a lovely new walk and decided you need better kit for it!

A Cotswolds holiday is better with your dog

There is something particularly lovely about exploring the Cotswolds with a dog.

The best Cotswold adventures aren't necessarily the ones where you tick off every attraction. They're the ones where you head out for a walk, discover a footpath you've never seen before, stop for a drink somewhere dog-friendly and eventually make your way home tired, muddy and happy.

That's very much the Be More Bob way.

Take the long way. Make a day of it. See where the path takes you.

What should you pack for a dog-friendly Cotswolds holiday?

The weather in the Cotswolds can be wonderfully unpredictable, so it's worth being prepared.

Even on a sunny morning, a Cotswold walk can involve wet grass, muddy tracks and a stream that your dog has decided absolutely must be investigated.

We'd recommend packing:

🐾 A good dog harness

A comfortable, well-fitting harness is particularly useful if you're going to be doing lots of walking.

If you're not sure whether your dog's current harness fits properly, pop in and see us while you're here. We have extensive experience fitting dog harnesses and a dedicated harness try-on zone in the shop.

🐾 A lead you can rely on

A standard lead is useful for villages, roads and areas where dogs need to be kept on lead.

For longer countryside walks, you might also want a longer line to give your dog more freedom while keeping them safely connected to you.

🐾 A waterproof dog coat

Cotswold weather doesn't always follow the forecast.

A lightweight waterproof coat can be particularly useful when you're walking through wet grass or caught in a Cotswold shower.

And if you're planning winter adventures, a warmer insulated coat or fleece may be worth packing too.

🐾 Towels!

Seriously.

Pack more towels than you think you need.

There is a very good chance your dog will find mud.

If you run out, don't worry – we sell dog drying and wet-walk essentials at Be More Bob.

🐾 Plenty of treats

New places mean new smells, new distractions and lots of exciting things to investigate.

A pocketful of good treats is always useful.

And if you've forgotten your dog's favourite snacks, that's exactly the sort of emergency we like to deal with.

We sell 100% natural treats, lots of low-fat options, lots of long-lasting chews - if you need it, we've got it!

🐾 Poo bags

Because apparently even the most beautiful Cotswold landscape still requires responsible dog ownership.

🐾 A water bottle or travel bowl

Long walks require water, particularly during warmer weather. We have a travel section for you all your essentials.

Staying somewhere dog friendly?

One of the great things about the Cotswolds is the huge choice of dog-friendly places to stay.

From countryside cottages and holiday lets to dog-friendly hotels, pubs and inns, there are plenty of options for bringing your four-legged family member along.

But remember that dog friendly doesn't necessarily mean dog proof.

It's worth checking the individual accommodation's rules before you arrive.

And pack accordingly.

Your dog may be perfectly happy sleeping on their own bed at home.

They may have other ideas when presented with an exciting new holiday cottage.

We have beds and waterproof blankets - perfect for covering your holiday cottage beds!

Where can you walk your dog in the Cotswolds?

This is where things get really good.

The Cotswolds is criss-crossed with footpaths, bridleways and countryside walks.

There are short village strolls, woodland adventures, hillier routes and longer walks for dogs and humans who like to put some miles into their day.

Some of our favourite types of Cotswold adventures include:

Village → countryside → pub → nap.

It's difficult to improve upon.

Just remember to check local guidance, keep your dog under control around livestock and close gates behind you.

And if you're walking through farmland, give animals plenty of space.

Visiting Cheltenham with your dog?

If you're staying anywhere around Cheltenham, come and see us at Be More Bob.

We're an independent dog shop in Cheltenham, and we love welcoming visitors as much as we love looking after our local customers.

You'll find us just off the High Street by John Lewis, and a handy five minute walk from Pittville Park! >>>>>> VISIT US

Think of us as your Cotswolds dog holiday pit stop.

• Forgotten the dog treats?
• Need a new lead?
• Your dog has destroyed their favourite toy?
• The weather has changed?
• You've discovered that your dog's old harness isn't quite up to the job?
• Your dog has rolled in something that requires considerably more cleaning equipment than you packed?

Come and visit our dog shop in Cheltenham

At Be More Bob you'll find carefully chosen products for dogs who like getting out and about.

We stock everything from Ruffwear harnesses, leads and outdoor clothing to natural treats, toys, walking accessories and practical wet-weather essentials.

We're particularly experienced when it comes to dog harnesses, and our try-on area means you can bring your dog in and get help finding the right size and fit.

We don't believe in simply pointing you towards a shelf and telling you to pick a size.

We'll talk to you about your dog, how you walk, what you're looking for and what will actually work.

Bringing a nervous dog to Cheltenham?

We know that not every dog loves busy shops.

If your dog is anxious, nervous, reactive or simply happier without lots of other dogs around, you can book a Pawsonal Shop at Be More Bob.

You'll get the shop to yourselves.

It's a quiet opportunity for your dog to explore, meet us and try things on without the usual distractions.

It can be particularly helpful if you're looking for a harness and want your dog to have time to settle before trying anything on.

Your dog. Your appointment. Your shop.

>>>>> BOOK a private snoop!

Things to do in the Cotswolds with your dog

A Cotswold holiday isn't just about walking.

There are dog-friendly pubs, cafés, gardens, shops and attractions throughout the region.

Our advice?

Don't try to do everything.

Choose somewhere beautiful, find a good walk, stop somewhere for lunch and let your dog enjoy being somewhere new.

After all, dogs are rather good at reminding us that a holiday isn't about how many things you manage to see.

It's about having a good day.

And if you need something for your dog...

Come and see us.

We're in Cheltenham and we're ideally placed for visitors exploring the Cotswolds.

Whether you're staying in Cheltenham itself or heading out towards the Cotswold villages, we're here if you need dog supplies during your stay.

Be More Bob is your independent Cotswolds dog shop – for locals, visitors and anyone who believes the best adventures are better with a dog.

So bring the dog.

Take the long way.

Get muddy.

Find a good pub.

And if you run out of treats along the way...

you know where we are. 🐾

Planning your Cotswolds dog holiday?

Save this guide for your trip and come and say hello when you're in Cheltenham.

We'd love to meet you – and your dog.

Be More Bob
Multi-award winning Independent dog shop
Good dogs. Good adventures. Good stuff.

Open Tuesday - Saturday, 10.30-5.00 & on by private appointment.