Dog-friendly country breaks, perfect for Londoners
Our founder, Emma, and her Cocker Spaniel, Pippin, have spent years scouring the UK for plush dog friendly hotels, BnB’s and glamping sites that you and your pup can retreat to for a weekend away from our bustling capital.
Here are some of their favourites (plus their go-to local dog walks at each destination).
1. The Village Pub, Barnsley, Gloucestershire
The Village Pub is located in the heart of The Cotswolds, only a two hour drive out of West London. This gorgeous establishment is set in the picturesque town of Barnsley, filled with stone cottages, thatched roofs and as a total bonus, it’s just out of reach of the bus loads of tourists that fill the larger neighbouring towns.
Emma and Pippin return to this Pub BnB time and time again. Why? Because each time you can guarantee that your dog friendly suite will offer comfort and style, the staff will be friendly and helpful and the bar and restaurant will be brimming with beautiful wines, beers and delicious seasonal local food.
Room rates at The Village Pub start from £109.00 per night, including a beautiful breakfast in front of a roaring fire, which usually includes a cooked dish of your choice, plus an array of delicious local yogurts, pastries, fruits, cereals, coffee, teas and juices. Emma usually asks the chef to make a plate of scrambled eggs for Pippin too (and they’re always happy to oblige)!
Pippin’s picks for walks in the area:
The Coln Valley path - starting in Ablingdon and winding through several untouched Cotwold towns and farms, finishing at The Inn at Fossbridge where you and your wet pup can enjoy a beer or hot coffee in front of the roaring fire!
Badbury Hill Clump - this National Trust property is simply divine, offering a diverse range of landscapes from forests to open valleys and best of all, the sprawling Bluebells that fill the upper camp between April and May.
2. The Cottage, Ty Mawr Collection, Brecon Beacons National Park
If you and your fur baby are looking to venture outside of England, but your time is restricted, then this gem in the heart of The Brecon Beacons National Park, Wales is the place to visit!
The Ty Mawr Collection comprises five unique cottages, ideal for dog parents wanting that special romantic break, or a bolthole to relax and unwind. Pippin and Emma’s pick is “The Cottage”, however each of the properties is guaranteed offer an experience to remember in its own right.
Set in the grounds of Ty Mawr, a grade 2* Georgian Mansion in the heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park, The Cottage is perfect for enjoying the huge array of local dog friendly outdoor activities or for just curling up in front of the roaring log burner - these cottages will delight whatever the season.
Your dog will be pleased to know that Ty Mawr comes complete with a 12 acre park, solely for the use of the guests and their dogs. The owners of Ty Mawr have even put together a helpful guest book which includes the details of their recommended mobile dog groomer, who will clean up mucky pups after a day of muddy fun!
Weekend packages at Ty Mawr Cottage’s start from £480.00, or £720.00 for a seven night stay.
Pippin’s picks for walks in the area:
The Brecon to Talybont Canal food trail - as the name suggests, this trail directs you and your furry friend along the picturesque canal where you can drink up the magical views of longboats and ducks (as well as drinking up at the many dog friendly pubs along the way).
Craig Cerrig Gleisiad - a gorgeous mountain walk boasting some of the most breathtaking views, bird watching and flora we ever did see. It is worth noting that this is one of the few walks in the area which can you safely unleash your city pup and bank on not running into any livestock (for those of you who own working dogs that enjoy winding up the sheep, like Pippin)!
3. The Idle Rocks Hotel, St Mawes, Cornwall
This beautiful hotel is set on The Roseland Peninsula overlooking the picturesque harbor of St Mawes. Just by choosing to make St Mawes your base, you and your pup have already made an excellent decision, guaranteed to have your jaw dropping at the beauty around you (and the plethora of dog friendly walks/activities at your fingertips)!
The Idle Rocks Hotel has arguably one of the best restaurants in Cornwall, and what’s more, sustainability is at the core of what they produce (just like Man’s Best Friend Kensington and Chelsea). They serve refined and imaginative French/Asian inspired food. Their produce is sourced locally, and where possible they forage!
Rooms at The Idle Rocks Hotel start at £150.00 per night. Be sure to check with staff to ensure you have booked a dog friendly room!
Pippin’s pick for walks in the area:
St Anthony’s Head - whilst staying at The Idle Rocks Hotel, take the tiny Place Ferry from St Mawe’s harbor, a short ride over to St Anthony’s Head. The ferry ride itself is charming and an experience in its own right that you and your pup will never forget. For Emma and Pippin, there is no better place to spend an entire day exploring. Here you’ll find woodlands and tiny hidden homes, manor houses, fields and endless paths that lead to empty stone beaches – St Anthony’s Head really has it all.
4. South Coast Glamping, New Forest area
South Coast Glamping offers Londoners and their pups (who may not be well equipped for a traditional camping experience), a rather plush and fuss-free alternative. This company will set up a luxury bell tent in your camping site of choice in advance of your arrival, so all that’s left to do when you get to your site is sit back and relax (or more likely let your pup stretch his legs on the beach or in the forest after the journey).
South Coast Glamping offer a variety of packages and extras, depending on your needs. Emma and Pippin opted for their Gold Package, which included the tent, a raised double bed, shabby chic matting, rustic wood furniture, fairy lights, bunting, blankets, flowers and a tea light chandelier. For inexperienced or ill-equipped campers like Emma and Pippin, it’s worth noting that South Coast Glamping also offer optional extras including full length mirrors, kitchen essentials, fire pits and even a champagne tea pack!
South Coast Glamping are completely mobile and will largely operate at any South Coast camp site of your choice, but they can also recommend six or seven sites based on your preferences (which as a dog parent, will likely be based on your pups needs rather than your own)!
Prices start from £120.00 for a minimum of two nights.
