National Walking Month: Dog Friendly Hotels for UK Walking Holidays
Dogs and walking go together like cats and sitting down. Here’s where you’ll need to go for the perfect getaway. From Lucy Ogilvie.
Here are the UK hotels that I can verify as being not only dog friendly, but perfectly situated for if you want to head out on a long refreshing walk with your canine buddy. Book soon! Borrow a dog, if you have to. Just don’t take mine. I’ve put my top five favourites in this article, but if you want to find out more then check out the full guide on Pearlshare:
Any other suggestions? Let me know on @pearlshare on twitter!
The Devonshire Arms Hotel & Spa, North Yorkshire
This high-end hotel set in a 17th-century country inn is a short walk from historical Bolton Abbey, a beautiful landmark that has inspired various poems, artworks and songs. The luxurious rooms and suites are all individually furnished with opulent country-chic style, and include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and tea and coffee-making equipment. Upgraded quarters add 4-poster beds, walk-in showers and river views. There are also cottages, for those looking to self-cater. There’s an upscale on-site restaurant, plus a low-key bar offering casual dining. The adjacent spa has an indoor pool, hot tub, steam room, sauna and beauty treatments available to guests and non-guests. The best bit? Dogs are 100% welcome. What are you waiting for?
The Peacock at Rowsley, Derbyshire
This upscale country house hotel is set only a short distance from three important heritage sights: Haddon Hall, Chatsworth House and Matlock. The elegant rooms have plush fabrics, antiques and period-style furniture, while many incorporate original historic features such as wood-beamed ceilings and fireplaces. All come with flat-screen TVs, DVD players, iPod docks and free WiFi. A buffet breakfast is included, and there’s also a fine dining restaurant and more casual bar/lounge with a welcoming log fireplace. Other amenities include a landscaped garden and 7 miles of on-site fly fishing — and because it’s dog friendly, that means there’s lots of both on-site and off-site walks to take with your beloved pet pal.
The Athenaeum Hotel, London
Across the street from Green Park, this swanky hotel with a striking bespoke living wall is perfectly situated right in the heart of London. Chic rooms offer free Wi-Fi, flat-screens and iPod/iPhone docks, along with Nespresso machines. Upgraded rooms add balconies and/or park views. Suites have 4-poster beds and living areas; while the upgraded 3-bedroom suite provides a whirlpool bath, and a balcony with sweeping city views. Self-catering apartments come with their own kitchens, however room service is available for all 24/7. There’s a modern French-inspired restaurant, as well as a spa, a gym and meeting/event space. Bring your pets; dogs are more than welcome in this perfect London lodge. The nearby parks are wonderful for walks, and staff are very happy to advise the best spots outside the main city to take a stroll with Fido.
Ellenborough Park, Gloucestershire
An award-winning luxury hotel set in a 15th-century country estate, caught between the Cotswolds’ highest point and the lush green gallops of Cheltenham’s world-famous racecourse. The hotel itself is set in 90-acres of countryside and grounds, and offers 61 individually designed bedrooms and suites, an Indian-influenced spa, heated outdoor pool and fitness suite. An onsite restaurant serves local Cotswold produce for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. Pets are welcome here, and the friendly staff are very happy to point any owners in the direction of the nearest dog-friendly walks.
Hotel Endsleigh, Devon
Set by the River Tamar on 108 acres of land, this posh boutique hotel in an 1811 Regency shooting lodge is a short drive from the rolling wilds of Dartmoor National Park. The elegant, stylish rooms come with en suite bathrooms, some with free-standing baths and walk-in showers, and many have garden or river views. Suites add separate sitting rooms, and there’s also 1 suite housed in a thatched lodge with a private garden and wood-burning stove. A sophisticated, oak-panelled restaurant with a fireplace offers breakfast, lunch, dinner and afternoon tea. The sprawling grounds contain formal gardens and an arboretum, plus croquet and a pool with trout — so although dogs are welcome, try and make sure they’re not tempted by the tasty fish! There are several striking walks nearby the hotel that will provide both you and your furry friend with hours of exercise and pleasure.
So, there you go — that’s only five of them, but there are so many more amazing hotels and dog-friendly getaways in the full guide on Pearlshare:
You can trust me. I’m a dog person.
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