A dog-friendly guide to the Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is crying out for dog owners to descend on its grassy hills and leafy villages, for it's the kind of place that's so dog-friendly, it would be easier to come up with a list of places dogs can't go.
Whether you fancy a long walk through fine country estates, an afternoon by the fire in the pub, or even a day in a museum, this almost excruciatingly quaint region will keep every man and his dog happy. Expect a warm welcome in the independent shops of Burford and Witney, and don't miss a paddle in the shallow River Windrush in Bourton-on-the-Water – perhaps just steer clear of Duck Race weekend in case the dog gets overzealous.
Out here in the countryside you'll find a wealth of cracking accommodation putting on a warm welcome for dogs and their humans – including properties with their own agility courses to test your dog's talents. Here's how to spend a great weekend in the Cotswolds with your dog.
In this guide:
Things to do
It would be easy enough to spend an entire weekend just walking, eating and drinking in the Cotswolds. But if you prefer something a little more cultural, or you've got kids in tow who need some entertainment, there's plenty to do in this bucolic region to keep the whole family happy – even when it's raining.
Batsford Arboretum
There's rarely a bad time to go to Batsford Arboretum, but one of the best times to visit is spring, when its magnificent magnolias burst into flower, some with petals as large as your face. Expect to stroll beneath a canopy of rich green in summer as the trees flourish, and in autumn, you'll find a stunning collection of acers bringing pops of colour throughout. Dogs are welcome to walk with you all over the arboretum, as well as in the café and garden centre.
Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens
If your dog thinks they're at the top of the food chain, this might just be the place to give them some perspective. Based in Burford, this zoo lets you stroll along its footpaths with the dog on a short lead, meaning they can meet big cats, come face to face with rhinos and even spot an emu. Dogs can't go inside any of the reptile houses or on the lemur walk, nor can they dine with you in the catering establishments, but they're welcome on the tiny train that traverses the parkland and can sit outside wherever you are eating.
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