The best dog-friendly hotels in the UK
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Long weekends spent holing up in the UK countryside, hanging out by the coast or in one of the world's best cities are some of the loveliest getaway options out there. And for dog-owners, these breaks are made all the more appealing if their pooch is as welcome as they are. We've rounded up our edit of seriously smart dog-friendly hotels in the UK that go the extra mile.
Gara Rock, Salcombe
A solitary seaside design hotel in Devon, Gara Rock offers outrageous snugness atop a high, jagged peninsula just outside of Salcombe. The seaside address is a kind of hotel-meets-private-hamlet, where historic Admiralty cottages sit alongside new accommodation. Take your pick from three-storey self-catering houses to a spectacular lone studio built into rocks. The House Nine interior-design team channelled an undeniably Soho Farmhouse vibe with antiques and muted, warm colours for more of a cardamom-and-ginger than sugared-almond-beach-hotel feel. An outdoor shower, replete with Bramley dog shampoo, is available for attending to post-romp muddy paws. Just as well, in fact, as the majority of the rooms are dog-friendly – including some of the suites – along with both the lounge and the restaurant. Read our full review of Gara Rock. Antonia Quirke
Address: Gara Rock, Devon, TQ8 8FA
Prices: From £265 per night, with a £40 charge per dog for a short break, and £60 for a week-long stay.
Cliveden House, Berkshire
An Italianate wonder on the misty banks of the Thames, this house is perhaps better known for its history (visitors have included Queen Victoria and Roosevelt) and scandal (it’s also the setting of the famous Profumo affair, and has had two devastating fires since it was built in 1666) than as a weekend destination. Now run by the Livingstone brothers, who also own Chewton Glen, it’s where Meghan Markle stayed with her mother the night before she married Prince Harry and it also has one of the country’s standout spas. All 376 acres of the National Trust gardens are glorious, and the house itself is maze-like (there’s a real one in the garden too) with grand fireplaces, suits of armour and heavy drapes. The house is enormous, so the 48 bedrooms seem surprisingly private – of them, The Lady Astor Suite has probably the most breathtaking view, but even the much smaller rooms are gorgeous, with handmade beds and original artwork. Dogs are welcome in all public areas save the dining room and spa, and most rooms are pet-friendly, bar those with hot tubs. Each pooch will receive their own towel, water and food bowls and cosy bed for use throughout their stay and, when you head off to the restaurant, they can choose a dish off their very own menu as well. Read our review of Cliveden House.
Address: Cliveden House, Taplow, Berkshire, SL6 0JF
Prices: From £530 per night, plus £35 per dog, per night
Sim Cannety-ClarkeThe Fife Arms, Scotland
Created by the power couple behind Hauser & Wirth – arguably the most influential contemporary-art dealers in the world – this former hunting lodge in Braemar, near Balmoral Castle, is their first hotel. And it was the most exciting Scottish opening in decades when it landed in 2019. Of course, the art is more than a feature – large-scale portraits by Picasso and Freud greet you on arrival and a tiny, slightly mad, cocktail bar is dedicated to Elsa Schiaparelli, the Italian couturière whose signature colour was shocking pink (and who just so happened to love the Highlands and visited Braemar often). In restaurant Clunie, smoked venison tartare is served beneath a dramatic cubistoid mural by Argentinian artist Guillermo Kuitca, while the jolly Flying Stag bar serves buckeye rarebit and Highland beef and bone marrow burgers to locals as well as hotel guests. When it comes to the bedrooms, all 46 of them are terrifically varied – our choice is the Duke of Fife Suite, though the much simpler croft rooms are charming too. Dog friendly rooms are available on the first floor, furnished with food and water bowls, a special Fife Arms dog bed, a welcome package of treats and a turndown gift. Read our full review of the Fife Arms.
Address: The Fife Arms, Braemar, Ballater AB35 5YN
Prices: From £460 per night, plus £25 per dog, per night
Jake EasthamThe Retreat at Elcot Park, Berkshire
Midway between Newbury and Hungerford in the Kennet Valley, this fine redbrick house is planted in grounds amid oaky countryside, a lone monkey-puzzle tree acting as an arboreal sundial and pathways leading around a tennis court, parterre hedge and walled garden – while an infinity pool faces painterly, cow-grazed fields. Inside, a fire crackling below a portrait of verse-conjuring boy wonder Percy Bysshe Shelley will dry out the breeches, as will the mohair sofa. Absinthe-green walls are lined with antique prints of hot-air balloons and world maps; twin chandeliers illuminate a game of backgammon and the gleam of ice in a cocktail. Around the corner, a pheasant suddenly skitters in across hallway tiles and flaps out again, a commotion of brown feathers, but others will want to linger longer. Here’s a very accessible country-house hangout in an area curiously under-served by decent hotels. Dog friendly rooms come with access directly onto the grounds, and two of the four restaurants permit your pet to dine alongside you; the Atlas Room and the Orangery. A welcome pack awaits each pooch upon check in.
Address: The Retreat at Elcot Park, Berkshire RG20 8NJ
Prices: From £180 per night, plus £30 per night, per dog
The Grove Narbeth, Wales
Painstakingly restored by live-in owners, Neil and Zoë Kedward, after they fell in love with the then-derelict building on a weekend jaunt, this Grade II listed, 18th-century country house binds thoughtful modern extensions to the bones of the property. Antique heirlooms are mixed with contemporary furnishings, including art from the local community. Quirky trinkets can be found around every corner, rooms are filled with handmade furniture and well-maintained gardens are backed by the undulating greenery of Pembrokeshire and, in the distance, the Preseli mountains. Dogs are welcome across the Cottage garden suites and first-floor Cottage Junior Suite Elderflower (which has a ground floor terrace and garden access), and there are several dog-friendly tables in the snug section of the Artisan Restaurant.
Address: The Grove Narberth, The Grove, Molleston, Narberth SA67 8BX
Price: Doubles from £280, plus £20 per night, per dog
Martin MorrellThe Wild Rabbit, Cotswolds
If you ever wondered where London’s most well-heeled residents frequented when out of town, it’s within the biscuit-hued walls of The Wild Rabbit, the much-loved sister enterprise of Daylesford Farm - which, by no coincidence, is just up the road. At its heart, it’s a colloquial country coaching in, albeit one with Hugo Guinness block prints on the walls, but the Bamford products in the guest rooms, award-winning kitchen team and luxe cottages scattered throughout the surrounding village of Kingham, perhaps give away its loftier status. It’s rare not to see a shaggy dog stretched out in front of the fire here, where staff are well-stocked with treats, and four-legged guests are welcome across dog-friendly garden rooms and the larger cottages.
Address: The Wild Rabbit, Church St, Kingham, Chipping Norton OX7 6YA
Price: Doubles from £225, plus £15 per night, per dog
Lainston House, Hampshire
Country house hotels are still in high demand as the summer staycation reigns supreme, and Lainston House, an opulent 17th-century home set in 63 acres of parkland, offers charm through the engraved silver bucket behind its imposing facade. Lavish period rooms, rare tipples looking out over the longest avenue of limes in the UK and a six-course tasting menu in the atmospheric wood-panelled dining room are all par for the course here. Guests looking for something (extra) special might want to book The Avenue’s Chef Table experience where you can join the talented kitchen brigade as they prepare and present their small plates tasting menu. Dogs and owners alike will also enjoy the walks that ripple across the countryside from the front door of the house, or a bite to eat together in The Cedar Bar or on the terrace.
Address: Lainston House, Woodman Lane, Sparsholt, Winchester SO21 2LT
Price: Doubles from £300, plus £50 per night, per dog
Fowey Hall, Cornwall
The old-world charm and languid peace of this port town and civil parish in southern Cornwall have been successfully seducing well-heeled visitors for centuries, and Fowey Hall itself only adds to the languid beauty of the area. With its vaulted roofs, the hotel is reminiscent of a dramatic setting from one of local writer Daphne du Maurier's novels, though inside the feel is altogether more modern. It reopened after extensive renovations in 2021, to much fanfare, and manages to intertwine grandeur and elegance with an achingly cool zeitgeisty atmosphere. A sanctuary for the whole family; opulent bedrooms, intimate alcoves tucked beside roaring fires, and spa treatments will relax and rejuvenate the adults, while the hotel grounds and dog-friendly beaches nearby are bound to ensure that four-legged residents sleep deeply come evening.
Address: Fowey Hall Hotel, Hanson Drive, Fowey PL23 1ET
Price: Doubles from £210 plus £15 per night, per dog
The Fish Hotel, Cotswolds
Part-boutique hotel part-outdoor activity centre (we promise it’s chicer than that makes it sound), this back-to-nature bolthole sprawls across a 400-acre estate in the Cotswolds. It has a cluster of quirky country houses, shepherd’s huts and treehouses that feel romantic, cosy and Scandi-cool in equal parts. Perhaps best of all though, is the affordable price tag when measured against other similar luxe properties in this honey-hued area of the UK. Well, second best to the fact both you and your dog can enjoy a back-to-nature break as you roam the surrounding forest and fields before settling down for a picnic or stopping in a local dog-friendly pub, before warming up in front of the fire in the hotel bar. Four-legged residents are welcome in any of the Cosy Luxe rooms in The Stable, as well as being well-catered for in the hotel lounges.
Address: The Fish Hotel, Farncombe Estate, Broadway WR12 7LH
Price: Doubles from £170, plus £30 per stay, per dog
Treehouse Hotel, London
Best for: a city break with rooftop views
After the UK’s 2020 boom in pup ownership, Treehouse Hotel London has reopened with the exciting launch of the Ulti-Mutt Staycation – a truly inclusive experience so no family member gets left behind.
Talk to the very helpful Canine Concierge to accommodate all of your dog’s needs before checking into one of the hotel’s 95 boutique-style rooms with nature-inspired interiors for a true break from the everyday humdrum. The Ulti-Mutt Staycation package has rooms kitted out with dog beds and bowls plus a dog-friendly mini-bar and room-service menu from award-winning pet-food company Lily’s Kitchen, including its new lamb chew sticks and duck, salmon and venison dry food. One-on-one dog walking is also available on request in collaboration with Marylebone Walkers, starting at £20 per hour, to give your mutt the ultimate tour of the hotel’s green surroundings.
And now for the owners’ turn – head to The Nest rooftop bar and sip on cocktails with 360-degree views of the city after tucking into experimental Mexican dishes at the Madera restaurant. Treehouse has finessed all the details, and pets are always part of the tribe here. Cordelia Aspinall
Address: Treehouse Hotel London, 14-15 Langham Place, London W1B 2QS
Price: The Ulti-Mutt Staycation package from £249
Albion House, Ramsgate
Best for: strolls along the beach
Princess Victoria decamped here for six months in the summer of 1835 while she recovered from what was thought to be typhoid. Her donkeys came too and were kept in the pleasure garden on Albion Square. Dogs, however, don't have to stay outside and are welcomed into what is now the smartest hotel in Ramsgate. There are smoky green walls and gilded mirrors that celebrate the high ceilings, huge shuttered windows, grand staircase and bright-white restored cornicing. Plus, all canine visitors are treated to in-room treats and toys as well as a dog bed and water bowl. Guests can make the most of the nearby Viking Coastal Trail, as well as the most dog-friendly beaches. We recommend a trip to the candy-striped huts at Broadstairs for an ice cream at Morelli’s – one of the oldest parlours in the UK. Tabitha Joyce
Address: Albion House, Albion Place, Ramsgate, Kent CT11 8HQ
Price: Doubles from £85, plus a £30 surcharge for dogs
The Mitre, Hampton Court
Best for: a royal welcome
We think of corgis as being the royal pet dog, but back in the day all sorts of breeds scampered around England’s palaces, biting velvet cushions and worrying courtiers. In Henry VIII’s time it was the spaniel that reigned – his favourites, Cut and Ball, often got lost and he once offered a princely 15 shillings to anyone who found them – though of course it was a later king, Charles II, who popularised the breed. But all are welcome at The Mitre, which reopened opposite Hampton Court Palace in late summer 2020, after its new owners gave it an extensive makeover. The hotel group’s founders Hector and Ronnie both own dogs, so were keen to welcome fellow owners, providing canine-friendly rooms on the ground floor with access to an outdoor terrace, and a welcome pack (bed, bowl, poop bags and treats) on arrival. And guests can take their pooches to the hotel’s Coppernose restaurant, set in a rotunda with Thames views – there’s also a sizeable river terrace and Orangery space. Good walks along the footpath past the palace, although Bushy Park, just next door, has acres to run around in (just be mindful of the deer during rutting season). Rick Jordan
Address: The Mitre Hotel, Hampton Court Road, East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9BN
Price: Doubles from £180, plus £20 per night per dog
The Painswick, Painswick
Best for: a walk along the Cotswold Way
The little sister of Cotswold hotels Barnsley House and Calcot & Spa, The Painswick has brought a younger crowd to the idyllic hilltop town of Painswick. What was once the old vicarage is now a 16-room bolthole with a destination restaurant helmed by Wild Honey ex-head chef Jamie McCallum. Walkers roll in from long days exploring the Cotswold Way, while art lovers come for drinks after a visit to 18th-century Painswick Rococo Garden just up the road. Dogs are welcome in the garden wing rooms which come with a dog bed, water bowl, doggy bags and a cheeky treat. Katharine Sohn
Address: The Painswick, Kemps Lane, Painswick, Gloucestershire GL6 6YB
Price: Doubles from £246, plus £15 per night, per dog
The Bull Inn, Charlbury
Best for: a no-frills foodie weekend
Charlbury is one of the easiest Cotswolds villages to reach from London. It’s only an hour and 20 minutes from Paddington, and only a 10-minute walk from the train station you’ll find this rural-chic pub with rooms. There are eight lovely rooms here – 1, 2, 5 and 6 the ones to book if you’ve a dog in tow. There’s a classically comforting restaurant downstairs and the recently launched pizza shack is perfect for eating in the garden during the summer months. Come winter, dine inside by the fireplace and opt for the Bull burger, which comes with two patties and their special secret sauce. KS
Address: The Bull Inn, Sheep Street, Charlbury OX7 3RR
Price: Doubles from £99, plus £15 per dog, per night
The Cary Arms, Torquay
Best for: sea views and a doggy paddle
Down a steep strip of Beach Road in Torquay lies what might just be one of the UK’s best-kept secrets for pet-owners: a dog-friendly seaside bolthole overlooking miles of beautiful blue English Riviera. Dotted around the boutique retreat are four different pet-friendly options, from brand new beach huts to ground-floor rooms with terraces. To make the most of the scenic location, go for one of the sea-facing suites, which come with their own sun deck and beds. Spend mornings feasting on a full English breakfast at one of the outside tables overlooking the water, with your four-legged friend by your side, before venturing down for a paddle at the dog-friendly beach just next door. Dogs are welcome inside the restaurant bar area as well, where it's best to book ahead – especially for the brilliant Sunday roasts. Lauren Burvill
Address: The Cary Arms, Babbacombe Beach, Torquay, Devon TQ1 3LX
Price: Doubles from £150, plus £20 per dog, per night
Artist Residence, South Leigh
Best for: supper by the fire
More a village pub-with-rooms than a hotel, this thatched country hideout is the only properly rural property from the Artist Residence group, who have urban-cool hotels in Brighton, Penzance, London and (soon) Bristol. Inside, antique furniture jostles for space alongside eye-catching art on the walls; a neon installation in the restaurant reads ‘What did I do last night?’. Locals bring their pooches in for Sunday lunches and pints of ale by the fire, while guests staying the night have a handful of dog-friendly rooms to choose from – we recommend the rustic barn suite in the old outbuildings, which has a uniquely whittled four-poster and a log burner. Staff will point you in the direction of some of the local invigorating country walks, and have dog treats on hand when you return. Sarah James
Address: Artist Residence, Station Road, South Leigh, Oxford OX29 6XN
Price: Doubles from £120, plus £15 per night, per dog
Lucknam Park, Chippenham
Best for: stretching your legs at a traditional estate stay
A Cotswolds classic, Lucknam has all the hallmarks of a country-house escape: four-poster beds, crackling fireplaces and a grand tree-lined driveway. So it’s only natural that canine friends would also be a part of the picture, especially when it comes to those obligatory countryside walks. The key draw for dog owners is the 500 acres of picturesque estate to explore (although due to the horses in the grounds, dogs must stay on a lead), as well as the range of pretty walks nearby – see our guide to the best walks in the Cotswolds for ideas. Inside the hotel, four-legged friends will feel right at home with a welcome pack of treats and toys plus Lily’s Kitchen food, beds and bowls, while a dog directory in the select pet-friendly rooms will help you make the most of your stay. LB
Address: Lucknam Park Hotel and Spa, Colerne, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN14 8AZ
Price: Doubles from £275, plus £25 per night, per dog
The Rectory, Crudwell
Best for: a long pub lunch
There’s more of a relaxed country-home feel here than at your classic hotel. There are 15 rooms in the Georgian building, as well as a pool perfect for warm summer days and a cottage in the grounds for families. Room six is the one to book – it’s the biggest, and has a four-poster bed and hazy green floral wallpaper you’ll want to copy at home. The Rectory is intimate and casual, but it’s easy to find your own space and a cosy corner to settle down in. The hotel's grounds are ideal for pups to embark on a run around before supper. After a long walk along the Fosse Way, head to dog-friendly sister pub The Potting Shed just down the road to eat lunch while your pup snoozes by the fire. KS
Address: The Rectory, Crudwell, near Malmesbury, Wiltshire SN16 9EP
Price: Doubles from £130, plus £15 per night, per dog
The Lygon Arms, Broadway
Best for: a quintessential countryside retreat
There’s a good amount of history at Broadway’s most glamorous country retreat. The 16th-century coaching inn, now an 86-room hotel, has a roll call of former guests that includes Oliver Cromwell, Charles I, Prince Phillip, Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor. It underwent a major refurbishment in 2016 after its initiation into the Iconic Luxury Hotels group, joining big-name country piles Cliveden and Chewton Glen, but this Cotswolds hotspot errs on the affordable side. Dogs are welcome in a number of its rooms and suites. Borrow a pair of wellingtons from the boot room for tramping walks around nearby Croome Park. KS
Address: Lygon Arms, High Street, Broadway, Worcestershire WR12 7DU
Price: Doubles from £195, plus £25 per night, per dog
Angus PiggottThe Seaside Boarding House, Burton Bradstock
Best for: lunch with a cliffside view
There are two rooms at this clapboard clifftop hotel that are strictly recommended for dogs (both at the front of the house with seaside views) – though the owners have been known to bend the rules in some of the others too. Interiors are relaxed and muted, dotted with finds from auction houses and local furniture dealers, and artworks are a mix of Peter Blake collages, Damien Hirst butterflies and antique-shop paintings of ships and seascapes. Dogs are welcome to dine outside at the cliffside terrace or hang out in the bar. And since the hotel is planted literally on the South West Cath, there are beautiful blowy walks in both directions. Chesil beach just below the hotel is dog-friendly as is the cute Hive Café for crab sandwiches and ice creams. TJ
Address: The Seaside Boarding House, Cliff Road, Burton Bradstock, Dorset DT6 4RB
Price: Doubles from £220, with breakfast; no additional charge for dogs