Staycations don’t mean leaving your four-legged best friend at home. Here’s our pick of delightful hotels that also welcome dogs
Luxury stays and canine companionship don’t have to exist separately. The UK is home to a host of prestigious pet-friendly lodgings that cater to you and your four-legged friend. From historic country manors and cosy cottages to chic city-centre hotels, these venues provide an unrivalled level of comfort, sophistication and relaxation.
With breath-taking countryside views or the hustle and bustle of city life, each venue offers its own unique character. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful escape or a more active adventure, these luxury UK stays offer something for everyone, ensuring that you’ll find the perfect fit for your individual style and needs. With a range of amenities and activities at your fingertips, both you and your dog will be spoilt for choice during your stay.
The Star, East Sussex
Olga and Alex Polizzi have achieved the perfect blend of wellie-boot country casual and effortless cool at this 15th-century hostelry in an ancient South Downs village. Your dog won’t feel left out when you dine in the inn or courtyard (only the restaurant is off-limits). Ask for one of the ground-floor rooms in a new block, with French windows to a patio, and they’ll supply a dog bed and bowls.
The Gallivant, Camber
The gallivant is a dog-friendly hotel that ticks all the boxes: a fabulous coastal hideaway, it is situated right opposite the dunes of the famous camber sands beach - a beautiful stretch of golden sand where your dog can run free. The deck rooms are particularly suitable for a dog-friendly stay, featuring double doors that open onto their own private deck with enormous bathrooms and rainforest showers. Take a walk on the nearby beach of Winchelsea and a little further along the coast to the charming market town of Rye which is teaming with dog-friendly cafes and restaurants.
Tottington Manor
Whether it’s for a walk in the South Downs with a coffee stop, lunch with friends, a cosy dinner for two or an overnight Jacuzzi treat, dogs are welcome at Tottington Manor Hotel, Bar & Restaurant in Henfield, West Sussex. Four-legged friends can accompany guests in the dog-friendly Manor Restaurant where they can curl up in front of the inglenook fireplace or on the new South Downs Terrace, complete with comfortable seating on the firepit tables which can all be pre-booked. When staying overnight, seven of the Four Star Hotel’s 12 guest bedrooms also welcome dogs for a small charge and they come complete with complimentary water bowls and dog treats. With the South Downs literally on the hotel’s doorstep, there’s no better place to take pets for a walk where you can admire the view of the coast beyond or head behind the hotel for a more leisurely stroll through Tottington Wood which is fully adorned with bluebells at this time of year. Simply let the hotel how many dogs will be joining you for your stay and the treats will be ready and waiting. From £130 per night. tottingtonmanor.co.uk
Captains Club Hotel, Dorset
Both you and your dog will feel at home at this idyllic river-front spa hotel. Your beloved canine companion is offered the finest dining options, including a delectable lamb bone, succulent chicken and rice dish, or a premium quality dry food. The hotel accepts dogs in designated apartments, where they are given a welcome gift in the room for their arrival along with a bed and water bowl. Dogs are allowed in the bar, lounge area and on the terrace. All treats have been tested by resident dog willow. With beautiful walks in the new forest right on the doorstep, this is the perfect location for a relaxation retreat. If you’re feeling brave and fancy a dip in the sea, the best dog friendly beach – Hengistbury Head is nearby.
Cliveden House, Berkshire
This historic national trust country house, just 40 minutes from London and 20 minutes from Heathrow, is set in 376 acres of Grade-I listed formal gardens and enjoys panoramic views over the river Thames. It is renowned as a venue for entertaining royalty and prime ministers, with tales of parties, privilege and power. Cliveden house welcomes dogs in all public areas except for the Cliveden dining room and the Cliveden spa, however, please note there are some restrictions regarding dogs within the estate.
The hotel offers dog beds and bedtime treats. There is even a special dog menu in the Astor Grill at Cliveden featuring fillet steak and rice, moistened with light gravy. There's 375 acres of woodlands, riverbank and formal gardens to be sniffed at around Cliveden. Guests and their dogs are encouraged to try the “Step Back In Time” walk. This three-mile tranquil river walk will take you along the Thames riverbank and through the woods where you can marvel at the timeless landscape you and your pooch see before you.
Foxhill Manor, The Cotswolds
This scrumptious Cotswolds retreat is perfectly situated on the 400-acre Farncombe estate, with oodles of woodland for dogs to play in. The hotel, a former Grade II-listed arts and crafts mansion built in the early 1900s, has just eight bedrooms, meaning you won’t be fighting with other guests to soak in the rolling valley views on a morning dog walk. Foxhill welcomes dogs over the age of one and they’ll arrange for a plush bed and toy to be placed in your room ahead of your dog’s arrival. Guests also rave about the chef’s ‘Dog’s Dinner’ menu, which offers an array of gourmet dishes for your pampered pooch – they can even order it on room service.
The Milestone Hotel, Kensington
This smart urban stay has its own pet concierge dedicated to your dog’s every need, so even the most demanding of Dachshunds will be catered for. On check-in, pooches are indulged with a hamper of treats, including toys and a Milestone collar tag, plus some tips and recommendations for exploring the capital on four legs. After a day of pounding the pavements, your dog can relax on the hotel’s complimentary cushions and duvets (there’s a turn-down treat for every dog), or recharge and recover with a special doggy dinner menu. If you’re working or just fancy some ‘me’ time, you can also hire a dog sitter and walker to occupy your hound while you’re busy.
Whether you are taking your dog along on a luxury day out, or planning a longer UK break, it’s important to plan ahead. The Kennel Club shares the following checklists for everything you need to consider:
Plan ahead
• Always check the dog-friendly status of places you are planning to visit.
• Consider if your dog is ready and trained to visit new places and prepared to be surrounded by other people and dogs. If you are only introducing your dog to situations like these, start with a short visit and increase the length over time.
• Make sure that your dog is well-behaved and can happily sit and stay.
• Before you travel, make sure that your dog’s microchip, pet insurance and flea and tick treatments are all up-to-date, and that their collar has your correct details.
• If visiting more rural areas, make sure you are aware of any specific rules, such as whether your dog needs to be on the lead in certain areas – for example, around wildlife or if livestock are present.
Getting there
• Don’t forget to pack the dog lead, collar and id tag as well as treats, toys, poo bags, and water with a bowl.
• Before heading off, make sure your dog has time to go to the toilet and enough exercise so they are more settled for the journey.
• If you are travelling by car, make sure your dog has adequate shade and plenty of fresh drinking water available – never leave them inside the car unattended and during the warmer months, avoid travelling during the hottest times of the day.
• Alternatively, if you are taking public transport, make sure to check the rules about travelling with a dog on your chosen mode of transport.
• Try to travel during quieter periods, avoiding rush hour, and always keep your dog on a short lead close to you.
• Take stairs or a lift where possible, but if you need to use an escalator, be prepared to carry your dog, and use the accessible ticket barriers so you have more time to pass through.
Upon arrival - Happy holidays!
• When visiting any dog-friendly establishment, make sure you bring treats and toys for your dog in case you need to distract them and don’t forget poo bags too.
• Feed and exercise your dog before visiting a pub or other establishment so they can settle and keep a close eye on them to make sure they are relaxed, safe, comfortable and not giving other guests unwanted attention.
• If you’re near the coast, make sure you adhere to any guidelines and rules to keep both you and your dog safe and ensure there is a shallow point to enter and exit the water from – not all beaches are dog-friendly so make sure to check the most up-to-date information on the local council’s website.
