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The Ultimate Guide to Dog-friendly Attractions in the Cotswolds

Looking for a dog-friendly destination in the UK? We know we’re biased, but we think that the Cotswolds is the best place to bring your dog on holiday. There’s lots of beautiful countryside to explore, plenty of dog-friendly pubs, and so many of our local attractions welcome four-pawed visitors.

Here’s our canine guide to the Cotswolds.

Which Cotswolds attractions are the most dog-friendly?

If your dog loves a day out, the Cotswolds is a good place to come. There are plenty of dog-friendly attractions in the area, including some rather surprising ones. Here’s our pick of Cotswold dog-friendly attractions. 

  • Tewkesbury Abbey: dogs are actually allowed inside this beautiful medieval church, as well as the grounds
  • Batsford Arboretum: your pooch is allowed to join you for a stroll around these gorgeous gardens, provided they’re kept on a lead
  • Westonbirt Arboretum: dogs are allowed in two of the three sections of the Arboretum, The Downs and Silk Wood. They can scamper off-leash in the latter
  • Cotswold Lavender: you and your dog can enjoy a relaxing walk together through the lavender fields. Again, please keep them on the lead
  • Cotswold Motoring Museum: this fascinating place is in pretty Bourton-on-the-Water, and unusually for museums, welcomes canine visitors
  • GWSR: does your dog love a train ride? Pooches are permitted in certain carriages on this heritage railway (please check when booking)

Can I take my dog to Cotswold Wildlife Park?

The answer to this is yes, Cotswold Wildlife Park near Burford welcomes dogs, provided they’re kept on the lead. There are a few areas where dogs aren’t allowed (the shop, restaurant, Bat Belfry, reptile house and children’s farmyard, plus any areas with free-range animals). Need a poop bag? Just ask at the shop.

Our local wildlife attraction, Birdland in Bourton-on-the-Water, also accepts well-behaved dogs. Please keep them on a short lead, and they can enjoy a lovely walk around the park’s pathways. 

If you’re looking for other nature-themed days out, your pup can join you at Cotswold Water Park, where there are some wonderful walks around the wetlands and lakes. Again, dogs need to be kept on their lead and (we know this is a big ask) out of the water. You and your (leashed) dog can also explore the famous Bibury Trout Farm together.

Is the Cotswolds good for dog walking?

The Cotswolds is exceptionally good dog walking territory; and if you have a dog that needs plenty of exercise, you’ve come to the right place. 

There are plenty of walking trails around the area, such as the Cotswold Way, the Windrush Way and the Wychavon Way. Choose a section that suits you and your dog, and head out for a walk through the beautiful countryside.

There’s a great 5.5-mile circular walk near Lords of the Manor, which takes in both Upper and Lower Slaughter as well as pretty Bourton-on-the-Water. Other popular walks include Cleeve Hill, the path up to Snowshill, and if you’re looking for shade, the Three Woods Trail near Andoversford.

Read our blog to find out more about walking in the Cotswolds.

Are dogs allowed at Broadway Tower?

One of the best dog-friendly walks in the Cotswolds is the route up to Broadway Tower. Starting in Broadway village, the path takes you up to the top of the escarpment, where you’ll get the most amazing views. 

When you’ve caught your breath, there’s a circular walk around the land at the top, including a dog agility section. There are dog-friendly tables at the cafe. Please keep your dog on the lead in certain areas (such as the deer park), and dogs aren’t allowed in the museum building. However, with so many wonderful walks around the tower, why would any pup want to be indoors?

Can you take dogs to National Trust gardens in the Cotswolds?

There’s a wide choice of National Trust properties and gardens in the Cotswolds, and some of them welcome dogs. Our top pick for pups is Newark Park in Gloucestershire, where you and your four-pawed friend can enjoy a walk around the grounds together.

Croome Park is another popular spot among pet parents. As well as the excellent walking, there’s the bonus of the restored RAF canteen, which has a covered outdoor area for dogs and their families, and serves up a delicious doggy ice cream.

Westbury Court Garden is a less well-known Trust garden; however, it’s simply stunning, and welcomes leashed dogs. It’s a rare preserved Dutch water garden, complete with canals, formal plots and a collection of old and unusual trees. There’s a great picnic area, so pick up some delicious Cotswold produce on your way.

Where can my dog swim in the Cotswolds?

Is your dog a real water-pup? There are plenty of places for your dog to cool down in the Cotswolds’ many rivers.They can enjoy a refreshing splash in the river at Bourton-on-the-Water, and there are some nice shallow paddling points along the River Windrush outside the village. 

Which are the best dog-friendly pubs in the Cotswolds?

After a long walk or a day out at an attraction, there’s nothing like collapsing down a friendly pub in the evening, enjoying a well-earned pint and some hearty pub grub, with your canine companion at your feet. You’ll be pleased to know that there’s no shortage of dog-friendly pubs in the Cotswolds, and as a minimum, most inns welcome pets in the beer garden.

We’ll be here forever if we list the Cotswolds’ best doggy pubs, as there are simply so many! Three of our local pubs, The Old Manse Hotel, The Mousetrap Inn and the Kingsbridge, are all rated dog friendly.  

Can my dog stay at Lords of the Manor?

We love four-footed guests at Lords of the Manor, and we even have a selection of special dog-friendly rooms. These Very Important Pets have comfy blankets to snuggle up with, and they can tuck into delicious doggy treats. 

If you’re coming to the Cotswolds with your dog, please contact us to find out more about our dog-friendly holidays.