The Perfect Doggy Day Out: Dog Friendly Things To Do in the Cotswolds

The Cotswolds is one of those rare places where both the two-legged and four-legged family members can have a great time. As well as the beautiful and varied walks through the landscape, this is a place that loves dogs - most pubs have dog treats behind the bar and dogs are generally welcome in more places than not.

With a little bit of help from Logan the Cotswold Cottage Gems dog, we've put together an itinerary of the perfect tried and tested doggy day out, as well as more dog friendly things to do in the Cotswolds.

The Ideal Doggy Day Out in the Cotswolds

1. Wild Swimming and a Riverside Walk: Coln St Aldwyns to Bibury

Start the day with a lovely countryside walk along the Coln Valley, from Coln St Aldwyns to Bibury, where the calm and shallow sections of river (even in winter) are perfect for dogs to paddle and play.

This is a particularly pretty stretch of the Cotswolds, with calm, shallow sections of river running alongside enclosed fields and woodland. It's a lovely setting for dogs who enjoy exploring the countryside and cooling their paws in the water.

For the humans there are beautiful views across fields and woodland along the way - a peaceful alternative to some of the more well-known Cotswold walking routes.

2. Stop for a Well-Earned Pub Lunch

After your walk, it's time to have a rest and a pub lunch. These traditional inns are the closest to your walk and all are dog-friendly, with great food and drinks for humans too!:

• The New Inn, Coln St Aldwyns: A charming village inn and a natural choice after exploring the Coln Valley.

• The Victoria Inn, Eastleach: A traditional country pub in a beautiful village, perfect for a relaxed lunch.

• The Keepers Arms, Quenington: A welcoming village pub and a lovely place to stop after a countryside wander.

3. A Blow Dry at The Stylish Hound

A little pampering is always welcome, especially after a morning of countryside adventures.

The Stylish Hound in Stow on the Wold have express blow dry services to freshen up as after swimming in the river (or exploring a muddy field!). In the mean time, the humans can explore the historic market town full of independent shops and cafes. (Note: you'll need to book your appointment in advance, so plan which day you're doing a mucky walk!)

4. Doggy Shopping at DOG

Your dog shouldn't miss out on the holiday shopping! DOG, the general store for dogs, has shops in both Bourton on the Water and Stow on the Wold, where you can browse the treats, toys and accessories.

5. Head Back to a Cosy Cottage with a Log Burner

After a full day of exploring, there's nothing better than heading back to a cosy cottage where everyone can put their feet (or paws) up in front of the fire. Curling up and enjoying a relaxing night together is what a countryside escape is all about.

All of our cottages welcome up to four dogs, with special doggy welcome hampers from Caboodle included. Explore our collection of dog-friendly cottages in the Cotswolds, including our cottages with log burners.

More Dog Friendly Things to Do in the Cotswolds

Of course, there's much more to enjoy beyond our ideal doggy day out. If you're staying for a few nights, or simply looking for more places to explore, here are some other lovely ideas.

Discover More Beautiful Dog Walks

There are so many fantastic walks in the Cotswolds, from gentle riverside trails to open commons and woodland paths, there's something for every sort of dog and owner - there's even a dog playground at Broadway Tower! Make a note of our favourite dog walks in the Cotswolds, including routes around Bourton on the Water, the Slaughters, Broadway Tower and the surrounding countryside.

Explore the Cotswold Villages

Many of the prettiest Cotswold villages are lovely to explore with a dog, and out in the countryside you'll find more walks, fewer people and almost always a pub or a cafe.

Some favourites include:

• Guiting Power: a pretty village clustered around a village green with two cafes and two pubs to choose from.

• Longborough: famous for its opera, Longborough is a charming village with easy access to country walks and an excellent local shop and cafe (stay in Longborough).

• Oddington: a quiet village with a foodie village pub just down the road from Daylesford Organic.

• Upper & Lower Slaughter: charming villages that epitomise the Cotswolds, with an easy loop walk between them.

Enjoy a Woodland Wander

The Cotswolds has some beautiful woodland walks, particularly lovely in spring and autumn. A shaded route is a good choice on warmer days, while autumn leaves and quieter paths make for a lovely seasonal outing. Try Littleworth Wood near Snowshill, Wychwood Forest or Batsford Arboretum where dogs on leads are welcome.

Visit Minchinhampton Common

If your dog loves open space, Minchinhampton Common is a great choice. The wide grassy landscape offers plenty of room to explore, with beautiful views across the surrounding countryside. Cattle graze on the common, so keep your dog under close control and follow local signs.

Enjoy a Dog-Friendly Day Out at Cotswold Wildlife Park

For something a little different, Cotswold Wildlife Park welcomes dogs in its gardens and parkland, provided they are kept on a lead. It's a great option if you're looking for a family day out.

FAQs: Dog Friendly Days Out in the Cotswolds

Is the Cotswolds good for dogs?

Absolutely. The Cotswolds is a wonderful destination for dogs, with miles of countryside walks, pretty villages, dog-friendly pubs and independent shops.

Which Cotswold pubs are dog friendly?

The vast majority of Cotswold pubs are dog-friendly, either entirely or in specific areas - especially in villages. You don't need to worry about finding dog-friendly pubs and places to go.

Are there dog-friendly cottages with log burners in the Cotswolds?

Yes, all of our Cotswold cottages are dog-friendly, with no rules about furntiure or where they can go! Nine cottages have log burners, making them a lovely choice after a day exploring the countryside.