Heading for a break in the Cotswolds? Having been born and raised in this part of the world, I may be biased but there’s no better place for a countryside retreat. If you’re looking to bring your furry friend for long dog walks through the country and lazy pub lunches, I’ve rounded up the best dog friendly cottages in the Cotswolds so you can plan the perfect break with your pup.
Nestled in the heart of England, the Cotswolds is a picturesque region known for its rolling hills, historic villages, and sprawling countryside. It’s a perfect escape for those looking to unwind in nature, and importantly, it’s a haven for dog lovers. You won’t visit many pubs or coffee shops in the Cotswolds without a few pups roaming around! With an abundance of trails, parks, and dog-friendly pubs, the Cotswolds also boasts some of the most charming cottages that welcome pets with open arms. Having carried out plenty of research on this in the past for friends and family visiting the area, I thought I’d share seven of the best dog-friendly cottages in the Cotswolds so that you too can enjoy a memorable getaway for you and your four-legged companion(s).
Quick tips for visiting the Cotswolds
Get this: affordable car hire from Cheltenham. Cheltenham is the gateway to the Cotswolds, and having a car is a huge help for enabling you to travel between the villages as public transport here isn’t great.
Don’t miss: a small group tour of the Cotswolds from Oxford. A local tour guide can show you all the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds so you get the most from your trip.
Bucket list experience: a guided walking tour of the Cotswolds so you can see the best of the beautiful Cotswold countryside before enjoying a lovely afternoon tea.
The best dog friendly cottages in the Cotswolds
Here’s my guide to the best tried and tested dog friendly cottages in the Cotswolds.
Piggy in the Middle, Moreton-in-Marsh
Piggy In The Middle is the perfect spot for a stay in glorious Moreton-in-Marsh, nestled in the Cotswolds. Moreton-in-Marsh is one of my favourite towns in the Cotswolds – I love exploring the cute boutiques and cafes. This elegantly stylish two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment offers both comfort and sophistication, making it an ideal choice for couples, families, or groups of friends, plus dogs. There’s luxurious bedding and thoughtful touches throughout. One of the best dog-friendly cottages in the Cotswolds, the peaceful apartment has a spacious open-plan kitchen and living area with sash windows that look out onto the bustling High Street. I also love the fact there’s a private balcony and a garden for outdoor relaxation. Its central location means you can easily explore Moreton’s boutique shops, art galleries, and lovely local restaurants. It’s also nearby iconic Cotswolds destinations and attractions like Daylesford Organic and Diddly Squat Farm Shop, making it a perfect base if you fancy exploring the wider region.
Looking for a spot of lunch? Don’t miss my guide on where to find the best pub lunches in the Cotswolds.
Bank Cottage, Moreton-in-Marsh
Bank Cottage is set in the charming village of Longborough near Moreton-in-Marsh. One of the best dog-friendly cottages in the Cotswolds, it’s a gorgeous three-bedroom, semi-detached stone cottage that blends the charm of the Cotswolds with modern comfort and elegance. Ideal for up to six guests plus a cot and a couple of furry friends, this cosy Cotswolds retreat has a gorgeous traditional interior with exposed beams and a rustic fireplace, alongside contemporary touches including a modern kitchen with a Bose sound bar and stylish bedrooms, including one with an en-suite. Its inviting front garden, proximity to local dining at the Coach and Horses pub, and a community-run shop make it the perfect choice for families or friends looking for an authentic village experience in the north Cotswolds. With its mix of comfort, character, and convenience, Bank Cottage offers a tranquil and picturesque setting for exploring the rolling hills and timeless allure of the Cotswolds.
The Cottage at Maugersbury, Stow-on-the-Wold
The Cottage at Maugersbury is a picturesque and pup-friendly retreat in the Cotswolds, perfect for families and dog owners alike. My favourite thing about this cottage is the sprawling countryside it’s set on – just look at these incredible views. Boasting unobstructed valley views, this south-facing property is bathed in light, offering a relaxing escape in the peaceful countryside. Located just a short distance from the gorgeous Cotswold town of Stow-on-the-Wold, you can easily visit the nearby shops, pubs, and restaurants. There’s also an enclosed 25 metre-long garden with dining furniture and a barbecue, offering the perfect space for dogs to run round. The cottage itself features a kitchen with a breakfast bar and comfy seating area, a cosy dining room, and a spacious sitting room with a log fire, perfect for relaxing evenings with a bottle of wine. Upstairs, flexible sleeping arrangements include a super-king bed in the main bedroom with an en suite, a single bedroom, and a third bedroom with a double and day bed. The cottage is close to attractions like Daylesford and Bamford Spa, The Wild Rabbit pub, and Soho Farmhouse, making it the perfect base for exploring the Cotswolds’ scenic walks and historic sites.
Evenlode, Stow-on-the-Wold
Evenlode in Stow-on-the-Wold is a beautifully transformed Cotswold cottage, ideal for couples seeking a romantic escape or a base to explore the Cotswolds’ attractions with their dogs in tow. This cosy retreat, arranged over three floors, features a modern open-plan kitchen and living space on the ground floor, making it perfect for a self-catered stay with a range of appliances and comfortable seating. The first floor features a snug area with an electric fire and a selection of books for a relaxing break. The top floor has a luxurious bedroom with a king-size bed, TV, and an en-suite shower room, offering views of the picturesque town. When not out exploring the town or enjoying a dog walk, you can enjoy the shared courtyard for al fresco breakfasts or coffee. Located in the heart of Stow-on-the-Wold, you have easy access to quaint shops, tea rooms, and historical sites, emphasising the town’s significance in the English Civil War. If you fancy exploring further, Bourton-on-the-Water, with its tranquil waterways and attractions like the Cotswold Motoring Museum & Toy Collection, is nearby, making Evenlode a great base for discovering the best of the Cotswolds.
Moonstone, Cheltenham
Moonstone, located a few miles south of Cheltenham (my hometown), is a luxurious, state-of-the-art home designed for opulence and comfort, making it ideal for special occasions or group getaways. This architectural marvel, entirely powered by eco-technology, sprawls over 16,000 square feet and features six bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, capable of accommodating up to 12 guests plus 2 cots and dogs. The home is equipped with lavish amenities including a spectacular indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room, cinema room, gym, games room, and even a baby grand piano, set against the backdrop of stunning gardens with lake views. Dogs will love roaming wild in the gardens. The kitchen is a chef’s dream, complete with modern appliances and a wine fridge, while the spacious sitting-room, complete with its own bar, opens onto a vast terrace for alfresco dining. Each bedroom is meticulously designed, with the main bedroom offering a stone bath and floor-to-ceiling windows. Outside, guests can enjoy expansive gardens, a pizza oven, and close proximity to the wonderful Green Dragon Inn, one of my favourite pubs in the Cotswolds. Moonstone’s location also offers easy access to Cheltenham, picturesque Cotswolds villages, and attractions like Dunkerton’s Cider Mill, ensuring a wonderfully luxurious base for exploring.
park farm cottage, Malmesbury
Park Farm Cottage, nestled just a mile east of Malmesbury on the southern edge of the Cotswolds, is an idyllic rural retreat for up to 8 guests plus 2 cots and furry friends. One of the best dog friendly cottages in the Cotswolds, this detached stone cottage offers uninterrupted countryside views and is perfect for family gatherings or get-togethers with friends. The property has an inviting kitchen with French doors leading to a private garden, which I love for letting the dogs roam free. There’s also a separate dining room with a feature fireplace, and a cosy sitting room ideal for relaxing by the fire. Upstairs, four spacious bedrooms offer panoramic views, including a main bedroom with a Jack and Jill style en suite connected to one of the twin bedrooms. Outside, the cottage is surrounded by a large, enclosed lawn, an orchard, and two paddocks, totalling three acres of beautiful land. The location is perfect for countryside dog walks, with a friendly local pub nearby. Attractions including Malmesbury Abbey, Abbey House Gardens, and Cotswold Water Park are within easy reach, making Park Farm Cottage a splendid base for exploring the picturesque Cotswold villages and enjoying a peaceful countryside escape.
kingham cottage, Bath
Kingham Cottage, just a couple of miles south of Bath, is a serene countryside escape with breathtaking valley views, while being in close proximity to the historic city. Undoubtedly one of the best dog-friendly cottages in the Cotswolds, this detached stone cottage has been thoughtfully renovated, blending warm character with modern comforts. A unique aspect of Kingham Cottage is that 100% of the income from bookings supports After Umbrage, a charity providing free breaks for carers of those with life-limiting or terminal conditions, making a stay here not just a holiday but a contribution to a meaningful cause. The cottage features a cosy sitting room with a stove fireplace, a welcoming farmhouse-style kitchen/dining room, two charming bedrooms with high beamed ceilings, and a bathroom equipped with both a roll-top bath and a modern shower. You’re well located to enjoy scenic dog walks and explore Bath’s rich history and shops, and after a day of discovery, you can return to the cottage’s tranquil setting and enjoy evenings on the sheltered patio or visit the local pub, The Wheelwrights Arms. Kingham Cottage offers a perfect blend of relaxation and rural beauty, making it an ideal getaway for those seeking rejuvenation.
What to pack for the Cotswolds
A break in the Cotswolds with your dog promises beautiful landscapes, quaint villages, and plenty of outdoor adventures. To ensure you have everything needed for a comfortable and enjoyable trip, here’s a checklist of items to pack:
- A collapsible dog bowl for food and water for your dog while out and about in the Cotswolds.
- This fluffy carrot dog toy, which is perfectly on brand for the Cotswolds.
- Weather-appropriate clothing – pack layers and weather-appropriate attire. In spring and summer, light clothing, suncream, and a hat are essential. For autumn and winter, bring warm layers, a coat, hat, and gloves, as temperatures can be cooler.
- A backpack – I’ve used this Trespass backpack for as long as I can remember. It’s lightweight, holds up to 30 litres, is really comfy, and comes in a range of colours. You’ll need this if you’re planning on walking around the Cotswolds.
- Reusable travel water bottle – I don’t go anywhere without one of these any more. It’s super cheap and is easy to just refill and shove into a backpack when you’re out exploring. I always like to have water on me, and don’t like buying single use plastics, so this is perfect.
- A good camera – you can’t visit such beautiful places like Lower Slaughter without taking a good quality camera to get some amazing shots. I love the Canon EOS 90D and always take it on my travels.
- Comfortable footwear – walking shoes or sturdy sneakers are ideal for exploring the village streets, countryside paths, and riverside trails.
- Rain gear – as English weather can be very temperamental, consider packing a waterproof jacket to stay dry during potential showers. I’d also recommend bringing an umbrella – this one is sturdy, perfect for packing away into a backpack, and I bring it everywhere with me.
Remember to check the weather forecast closer to your travel dates to pack accordingly, and consider any specific activities you’re planning for your visit to the Cotswolds. The Classic Cottages holiday cottages have pretty much all the amenities you could need for a comfortable stay, and each of them feels like a home from home.
This article was written in conjunction with Classic Cottages.
I hope you found my guide to the best dog friendly cottages in the Cotswolds helpful! If you have any questions about visiting the Cotswolds, let me know in the comments below and I’ll do my best to help you.
