The Cotswolds compromises of Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Somerset & Warwickshire. It has an abundance of wildlife in some of its many woodlands and there is a variety of dog friendly days out in the Cotswolds for you to enjoy.
The Best Places To Take Dogs in Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is famous for its lush woodlands and forests with various countryside walks available on your doorstep. This makes it very popular with owners who have dogs and enjoy having a day out themselves.
Below we have compiled a small list of 7 top dog friendly attractions in the Cotswolds that we think you may enjoy:
Activities & Things to Do
Along with the many fabulous dog walks in the Cotswolds here are the other top days out we found.
1. Visit Tewkesbury Abbey
For a morning or afternoon as part of a longer day, take your canine companion on a trip to Tewkesbury Abbey. Situated at the confluence of the Avon and Severn Rivers, there are lots of great waterside paths to follow to this ancient town and its Abbey, which dates back to the 7th Century AD. A former Benedictine Monastery, the Abbey is awesome from outside and in, and has a particularly impressive Romanesque crossing tower. The Abbey Shop is available for gifts and souvenirs, and your well behaved pooch can watch you enjoy tea and scones in the Touching Souls Tea Room.
2. Enjoy Batsford Arboretum
Explore the heart of the Cotswolds and visit this superb nature attraction near the town of Moreton-in-Marsh. The Arboretum and Garden Centre is sure to excite your furry friend, with its collection trees and shrubs, the largest of its kind in the UK. Enjoy the peace and quiet, while your dog explores the fabulous landscape in this natural haven. There’s even a bus stop outside, so you can leave the car behind. Keep pooch on a lead, and you can also enjoy the centre’s cafe.
3. Climb Broadway Tower
Head out with fido along the Cotswold Way, and keep your eye out for this magnificent folly, designed by Capability Brown. At a height of over 1,000 feet above sea level, this is the 2nd highest point in the Cotswold Hills, and has the best views. Take in the panorama of the 62 miles in every direction, and cast your eyes over 16 counties, some of them in Wales. Enjoy tea, cakes and lunch after you soak in the experience.
4. Experience Cotswold Water Park
Covering 40 square miles of Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Wiltshire, this park is a must visit for you and your four legged friend. It has 150 lakes, which pooch will be very keen to have a sniff at. There is a great deal of biodiversity here, as nurtured by the Park’s management team and volunteers. See the wide variety of rare birds and mammals which find a home in the Park’s wetlands and lakes. Take your time and enjoy refreshments at Gateway Centre cafe.
5. Take in Blenheim Palace
Sitting in the east of the National Park, near Woodstock in Oxfordshire, this magnificent Baroque stately home is one of England’s most popular visitor attractions. Dating back more than 300 years, this is the ancestral home of the Dukes of Marlborough, themselves an integral part of British History, a notable descendent being Sir Winston Churchill. The Palace’s pleasure gardens are for humans only, but the magnificent wooded parkland which surrounds these are open to all, including your well behaved canine companion.
6. Roam around Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens
Situated near the Oxfordshire town of Burford, these gardens cover 160 acres, which pooch will love exploring. There are also more than 260 species of animals to see, including lions and penguins to name but two. You and your furry friend might also particularly enjoy the Giraffe Walk. Keep pooch on a lead and under control, and you can enjoy all the outside exhibits the Park and Gardens have to offer. There is even a narrow gauge railway which does a mile long, horseshoe shaped circuit around the grounds.
7. Follow the Canal to Bathampton
Situated on the edge of the AONB, the beautiful English village of Bathamptom is a fantastic destination for a great walk in the country. You and your faithful friend can follow the Kennet and Avon Canal, with its well kept towpaths, which cuts through the Cotswolds on its way to the River Avon. There are lots of wetlands and meadows in the area, as the Avon winds its way towards the city of Bath. Enjoy the dog friendly pubs in Bathampton, plus their excellent selection of local ales and ciders. Or tea and coffee, if you prefer.
Looking at Visiting the Area
We hope our favourite dog-friendly places in the Cotswolds are now some of yours. Steeped in history and boasting spectacular scenery this glorious region is the perfect place for a mini-break so we have searched for the best pet-friendly Cotswolds holidays.
Holiday Cottages
Whether you want to be in the thick of things or prefer somewhere remote with scenic walks on the doorsteps, we’re sure these Cotswolds pet friendly cottages will impress. For even more luxury, check out the Cotswolds hot tub cottages for pets.
Log Cabins
Some guests like having onsite facilities such as a bar, restaurant or spa. if that’s you then have a look at our recommendations for pet friendly log cabins in the Cotswolds.