BY CHRIS ELMES
Every dog owner knows how frustrating it is when you’re planning something special and find a place that would be perfect if it only accepted dogs. These are our top six dog-friendly places to stay for a special occasion. From the woodlands and rugs of country cottages to the firesides and gardens of grand hotels, these are the places of your dog’s dreams.
1. No.15 Great Pulteney
Bath
Style and substance go hand in hand at this art-filled boutique hotel and spa in Bath city. Dogs are welcome in almostall ofthe decadent bedrooms and are greeted with their very own woof-box. Indulge yourselves with afternoon tea and early evening cocktails after being spoilt in the spa.
Set a day aside to explore Bath and its array of charming cafés, cobbled streets, welcoming dog-friendly pubs and beautiful countryside walks just a stone’s throw from the centre.
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2. Another Place – The Lake
Cumbria
This family-friendly hotel on Ullswater is the perfect place to gather everyone for a celebration.Long walks around the estate, hopping into the lake to cool off on hotter daysand slumping under the tables in the spacious, welcoming bar make it a fabulous dog-friendly place to stay. There are 18 beautiful acres to explore, all rolling down towards the shore.
In the evenings, you’ll find a brilliant restaurant in The Living Space, a dog-friendly place to eat, play games and share stories all together. Sink into big sofas by the fire, orgo for a swim in the indoor 20-metre pool before retreating to your comfortable bedroom to soak in the bath.
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3. The Scarlet Hotel
Cornwall
The Scarlethas tobe one of the loveliest, most romantic hotels in Britain, with sea views and relaxing rooms, so the fact that it’s also dog-friendly is a delightful surprise.Eat excellent fresh seafood out on the terrace with your dog at yourfeet, andgo for a walk along Mawgan Porth beach (one ofCornwall’s bestdog-friendlybeaches,open to dogsyear round).
After days out, return to soothe your tired muscles with a long soak in the wood-fired hot tub high on the cliff top, overlooking the beach below. For a real treat, book a treatment in the Ayurvedic spa and swim in the pool with views out towards the ocean. You’ll all leave feeling refreshed and revitalised.
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4. The Peacock at Rowsley
Derbyshire
This grand old housedates back to1652and has probably been a dog-friendly place to stay since hunting dogs lounged by the fireside.Itsbeautiful location in the Peak District,four-poster beds (one is from Belvoir Castle), picturesque gardens and impeccable food make it a fabulous place for a romantic celebration. Amazingdiningawaits in the restaurant – expect meat and game from the estate, and afternoon tea in the garden during summer.
Take your dog and explore the extensive grounds or the many walking trails around the PeakDistrict, andreturn to sink into fireside seats by the bar or enjoy a G&T out on the terrace.
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5. Stow House
Yorkshire
In the heart of the beautiful Yorkshire Dales is this lovingly restored boutique Bed and Breakfast. Each bedroom has been decorated immaculately, boasting restored beams, sash windows, unique artwork andcast iron baths. Dogs are welcome in most areas, so enjoy a cocktail in the lounge, a coffee in the snug and dinner in the dining room without them leaving your side.
Picturesque walking trails start from your doorstep – head towards the River Ure past waterfalls andherons orclimbPenhilland marvel at the incredible views from the top. Return to help yourself to drinks from the honesty bar and look forward to delicious fresh breakfasts the next morning.
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6. The Meikleour Arms
Perth & Kinross
This historic but brightly renovated country estate in dense, ancient woodland is a wonderful outdoorsy retreatand one of thebest dog-friendly places to stay in Scotland.Spend long days outfishing on the Tay, pickingvegetables from the garden and walkingthrough thewonderfulforest. With very few rules, your four-legged friend can accompany youalmost everywhere.
In the evenings, head to the restaurant for incredible fresh produce – tryscallopshand-dived on the west coast, vegetables and herbs from the walled garden and venison from theMeikleourForest, paired with unique wines from lesser-known Bordeaux vineyards.
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Written by
Chris Elmes
Chris is our copywriter, who spins enticing articles out of rough notes and travel tales. Having grown up in rural Wiltshire with only cats, he defected to Team Dog and now roams the countryside with Porth, a gorgeous spaniel named after a Welsh town in what he considers to be a joke. They love disappearing into the hills and coming back hungry for a good pub meal, although Porth has not been convinced to follow Chris into vegetarianism.
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