The best dog-friendly hotels in the UK
All hotels have been independently reviewed and selected. We will earn a commission if you book via the links below, but this never affects our rating.
Our expert writers are usually hosted on a complimentary basis in order to gain the first-hand experience necessary for their review.
In decades gone by, taking your dog on holiday with you would have been seen as somewhat unusual. But today, dog-friendly breaks are a whole market of their own. Thanks in part to the pandemic-induced pet boom, hotels are now falling over themselves to impress owners with everything from spa treatments for our four-legged friends, to afternoon teas featuring "peamutt butter" muffins and dog-friendly carrot cake. You can even have your canine companion sit for a “pawtrait” at one particularly luxurious London property. Alongside the standard amenities for us humans, dogs can expect to be treated to their own beds, bowls and all manner of toys, and some stays provide wellies and maps detailing the very best routes for walkies. It was once a real challenge to find genuinely brilliant dog-friendly stays in the United Kingdom – now, however, the only challenge is deciding which one to book.
How we review
Every hotel in this curated list has been visited by one of our expert reviewers, who are usually hosted on a complimentary basis. They stay for a minimum of one night, test at least one meal and trial other experiences that the hotel might have to offer.
England
The north
At this pet-friendly countryside stay near Bolton Abbey, dogs have their very own lounge, though humans are welcome to enjoy it, too. On arrival, your pampered pooch will be presented with a doggy bed, water bowl and a selection of tasty treats, and after a walk along the river and a paddle at the nearby beach, you can order room service from the Canine Delights menu. Originally built as a coaching inn back in the 17th century, the hotel retains much in the way of original character, and boasts four-poster beds, lovely views and a top-notch spa.
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Set on the shores of Ullswater, this cool lakeside stay features grassy grounds – just right for playing ball or frisbee in – and a cluster of dog-friendly shepherd's huts decked out with beds, bowls and copper tubs for post-swim soaks. Dogs can dine with you at The Glasshouse and The Living Space, and there are walking maps pinpointing the best strolls in the local area. Dogs stay for £15 per night, with an additional £5 per night should you choose to bring a second canine companion along.
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This former Victorian schoolhouse-turned-inn is as well-dressed as Beau Brummell. The glorious carved-oak bar dominates the main hall and as well as the malted charms of Cholmondeley Best Bitter and Merlin’s Gold, there's a staggering 400 varieties of gin to discover. Your faithful friend will not go thirsty either, as the menu also features beer brewed especially for dogs. Three of the rooms in the old headmaster’s house behind the inn are dog-friendly, with an additional fee of £10 per night.
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After a salt-whipped romp along the Northumberland Coast, this cosy boutique hotel in Beadnell – a small fishing village not far from Bamburgh – certainly warms the cockles. Rooms have a relaxed country manor vibe, and the rustic, dog-friendly restaurant restaurant serves local ales and just-caught seafood. Four-legged guests bag their own dog basket, food and even have a special outdoor shower (there's an additional charge of £10 per night). It's a 40-minute stroll along a rugged white-sand beach over to Seahouses.
The south and west country
On the outskirts of Cheltenham, this handsome manor house has dog-friendly rooms kitted out with plenty of extras to please your pooch – some even have their own enclosed gardens. You'll be greeted with plush Le Chameau beds and bowls upon arrival, while in the bar there's a dedicated menu of Sir Woofchester treats. Set right beside Cheltenham Racecourse, there are terrific walks to be had across the fields, with plenty of space for hounds to race around off lead, and muddy pups can be shampooed and rinsed at the "paw spa" afterwards. The hotel accepts two dogs per room with a £30 charge per dog per night.
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On the doorstep of Westonbirt Arboretum – home to Britain’s prime collection of trees – this reimagined Cotswold stone manor offers an excellent sense of style and space. It's a great place for dogs – there are eight rooms in which canine guests are able to stay for an additional £20 per night – and there’s a dog-focused menu at the bar, featuring braised venison, liver and oat biscuits. Hounds can expend energy in the extensive grounds, too.
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There's a fun, innovative feel to this hillside haven in the rolling grounds of a private estate. They've pushed the boat out in devising the 63 stylish rooms, with 12 rooms to pick from if you’re bringing Fido (including a treehouse, a room in the farmhouse and some suites – the fee is £30 per dog per night) and as well as a dog bath tub for post-walk washing, you can expect a canine agility course, a boot room with tennis balls galore and dedicated dog walking maps. Afternoon tea in The Lounge features pet-friendly muffins plus tempting treats from Cotswold Raw.
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This Georgian manor house and estate is a Hampshire hidden gem, and with 500 acres of surrounding countryside to frolic around in, it’s ideal for a spoiling weekend away with your dog in tow. Pets are welcomed with beds, dishes, food and personalised bottles of spring water (a one-off £35 fee is applicable) and when the spa, swimming pool and Highwire Adventure course tempt, the concierge team can arrange dog-sitting, as well as various activities to keep canine companions entertained in your absence.
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Once a ‘hostel’ for Hampton Court Palace guests and now a characterful boutique stay with individually styled rooms (think hand-painted de Gournay wallpaper, wonderful antique pieces and the odd nod to King Henry VIII) and a playful feel to it. It's right on the bank of the Thames, meaning it's ideally placed for river walks and boat trips, and Bushy Park is right on the doorstep. There are nine dog-friendly rooms on the ground floor, all with access to the courtyard and a welcome pack upon arrival – the additional charge is £20 per night. Lunch, afternoon tea and dinner can be enjoyed with your pet in the Coppernose restaurant, as well as outside on the sunny terrace in warmer weather.
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Dogs gain access to their very own private members' club, The Kennels, when staying at this legendary West Sussex sporting estate. Tasty treats include organic pig's ears, and there are dog-friendly walking maps on hand, too. Your four-legged friend can sleep in your room and will have access to the dining room. Regular guests may want to consider The Kennels' Dog Membership package, which at £60 per year – 70 per cent of the fee is donated to the Canine Partner charity – ensures a personalised bowl is allocated and kept for the sole use of your pampered pooch.
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Treat your dog to some exciting new smells at this beautiful Dartmoor country house, where its grade I-listed gardens have all kinds of exotic foliage, grottos, dells and glades for them to sniff around. Rooms are all dog friendly (at an additional £20 per night) and come with a bowl, bed and treats. The wildly romantic, chintz-free country estate was once a holiday home for the Duchess of Bedford, Georgiana Russell, and is now run by Alex Polizzi. The 'make yourself at home' atmosphere will have you feeling like head of the manor in no time.
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There are two dog-friendly rooms at The Bath Priory, so call ahead to book one if you want to explore this regal city with your four-legged friend. Foxglove, on the ground floor, is a gorgeous space with its own terrace overlooking the beautiful gardens – ideal for those often unavoidable late-night walkies. Dogs get a welcome pack in the room, complete with a big, soft bed, and they can dine with you at The Pantry – the excellent small plates restaurant. Two dogs are allowed here, at a cost of £20 per dog per night.
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Set within a 500-acre estate in the Cotswolds, this rambling countryside escape is ideal for families with dogs. While key enticements for humans include Michelin-starred dining, an impressive spa complex with a great indoor pool, and an equestrian centre, four-legged friends can look forward to woodland walks, jaunts through flower-filled meadows and amenities including a dedicated grooming zone (where pups can be washed and dried after walks), doggy dinners, bedding, fleeces, towels and bowls. There's a £25 additional nightly fee.
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One of Cornwall’s most affordable and easygoing hotels, St Michaels is on the very edge of Falmouth – a place rooted in history, with a thriving arts and entertainment scene. A 15-minute walk will take you to Swanpool Beach and the town centre, while the coastal path is right on the hotel’s doorstep. The light-filled interiors give a firm nod to nautical styling, and a handful of the rooms and beach residences are suitable for pets, with dog beds, blankets, bowls and snacks included in the £20 daily fee.
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This stretch of Cornish coastline is like nature on steroids – bigger, brighter, more brilliant. The bay on which Watergate sits is so expansive, it's ideal for dog walkers, and the area is peppered with sandy coves that beg to be explored. This is the aim of the hotel – to encourage guests to enjoy the beach and sea before venturing back inside to relax, swim, enjoy good food (two of the restaurants welcome pets) with family and friends. Many of the rooms are dog-friendly, though there is a charge of £15 per night (a second dog incurs a £5 supplement).
The east
This 19th-century inn lies between a vast, sandy beach and the parkland surrounding Holkham Hall. Staff are outfitted in tweed waistcoats, there are antler displays on the wall, and paintings depict wild hunting scenes. Many of the bedrooms welcome pets and along with dog beds, bowls and treats made with game from the Holkham estate, towels are provided for dusting off sandy paws following lengthy coastal walks. A large outdoor kennel is on hand for shooting parties staying with their dogs.
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With a combination of enthusiasm and an irresistible eye for detail, David and Bruce have created the ultimate contemporary b&b in the grounds of their converted barn in Suffolk. The surrounding area – the ‘five acres’ that give the stay its name – is rustic woodland, with footpaths into the countryside beyond; one of them leads to the coast at Thorpeness in around half an hour. Three of the rooms are dog-friendly – David and Bruce have two hounds (and cats) of their own – so your pet should feel right at home. The best bit? No extra charge.
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Expect thoughtfully converted barns with beamed ceilings and freestanding tubs, walks you can take from your doorstep, a soothing spa, and a hot tub in a suntrap of a spot at Retreat East. The location, in the countryside just outside the small village of Hemingstone, feels wonderfully remote, down a small lane and surrounded by rolling fields. Guests can bring well-behaved pets at no extra cost, and there is a dog-washing station outside the main barn which is handy for hosing hounds down after muddy walks. Aside from the smallest ones, dogs can stay in all of the barns here.
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This is a terrific place to come for a lazy weekend by the sea with your four-legged friend. It's right on the Suffolk Coast Path; you can walk south to Sizewell and Aldeburgh, north to Walberswick and Southwold, or inland to Dunwich Forest and the popular RSPB reserve at Minsmere. They have 16 rooms in total, food is properly pubby and they even sell dog collars, leads and canine sausages for hungry hounds.
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A well-located seaside hotel with a loyal following of returning guests of all ages. The first-floor lounge offers grandstand views towards Blakeney Point, over moored boats, narrow creaks and the atmospheric salt marshes. Though it's very much a no-surprises, traditional sort of place, it benefits from friendly, long-serving staff and soft-hued interiors. Dogs are allowed both in the main house and the Granary Annexe, plus there's a large garden for them to run around in and let off steam. On request, the chefs can whip up a hot meal for furry guests. It costs £12 per dog, per night.
London
This boutique property in Knightsbridge is known for its doggy credentials. There’s a pet concierge on hand to cater to all of your pooch’s needs and a very popular afternoon tea which allows you and your furry friend to spend some quality time together, in serious style. For Fido, there’s a 'dog-tini' to sip on, chicken and beef meatloaf, homemade dog biscuits and carrot cupcakes, plus a chew toy to take home – while you'll get the standard offering. Other treats include turndown pet snacks, an embroidered towel, dog-sitting and walking services, and there are no extra charges for pets.
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Set right on the Thames, Locke Broken Wharf offers the chic, modern feel of a hotel with the convenience of your own apartment. Some rooms are a little too cosy, so it's well worth opting for a larger one, and if you can, pick a room with a view of Shakespeare's Globe and the Millennium Bridge. Each has its own fully-equipped kitchenette (ideal for those with dogs on raw diets) and four-legged friends are welcomed with a bowl, treats and a fetching bandana. Cross the bridge to the Tate Garden on your morning stroll, or walk north towards the City to find the grassy grounds of St Paul’s. The hotel allows one dog per room and there’s a one-off fee of £40 per stay.
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This Kensington hotel has a dedicated Pet Service and your dog will be presented with a hamper of treats on arrival, including toys and a Milestone collar tag. They also receive a special welcome letter, complete with dog-friendly tips for travelling around London and details of places to visit. After a day's sight-seeing, your pooch can bed down on custom-made cushions, duvets or a floor mat, and there's a 'do not disturb: pet sleeping' sign to hang on the door. There's also a dedicated menu and the hotel can arrange a turndown treat for your dog. But best of all? There's no charge.
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One Aldwych’s papier-mâché dogs, Spencer and Lizzie, set the tone at this handsome Covent Garden hotel. While sharing a room with their owners, dogs will be provided with a bed, bowl and towels, plus treats from Bow Wow London. The concierge is likely to greet furry friends by name and there is no extra charge for overnight stays. Though the hotel is in a busy part of London, the pedestrianised streets of Covent Garden make for good walks and excellent sniffing territory.
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Dogs are in for some serious celebrity treatment at this grand Belle Epoque stay tucked just off bustling High Holborn. Beds, treats and a list of insider tips on dog-friendly hangouts in the neighbourhood – including must-visit restaurants, cafes, pubs and parks – are all part of the experience. Even better, back at base, pooches are free to accompany their owners to the brasserie-esque Holborn Dining Room and sultry Scarfes Bar. There is no deposit or extra charge, though the hotel can only accommodate smaller pets.
Scotland
Every corner drips with decorative detail at this Highland hotel in Braemar – a village in the lap of the Cairngorm mountains, famous for the Royal Highland Games. The setting is a playground for dogs (expect vast stretches of moorland and forest right on the doorstep), while at the hotel itself, four-legged friends are welcome in certain rooms on the first floor as well as at The Flying Stag – a jolly and noisy bar serving gently upgraded pub favourites like buckeye rarebit and a Highland beef and bone marrow burger. A charge of £25 per stay applies.
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This delightful small hotel, parts of which date back to the 17th century, offers stylish accommodation and splendid local seafood from its position on a tiny peninsula looking out across Loch Glendhu. Dogs are welcome (nay, encouraged), at an additional charge of £15 per night, and the warm and informal proprietors, Tanja and Sonia, are more than happy to sit down to discuss day plans and recommend the most scenic routes for walkies. They can also arrange kayaking, climbing and horse riding on request.
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Pets are made to feel every bit as welcome as guests at this relaxed country house in the rolling Dumfries and Galloway countryside. Dog owners will appreciate the sprawling private gardens and dedicated outdoor canine showers, and rooms are kitted out with beds, bowls, towels and a welcome box of gourmet treats. Pooches also receive a complimentary sausage each morning at breakfast, and dog-sitting can be arranged upon request. A charge of £15 per night applies.
Wales
A delightful family-owned hotel set among tumbling gardens on the Pembrokeshire Coast, with pretty, light-drenched interiors (think walls hung with botanical prints and armchairs upholstered in Colefax and Fowler fabric) and a decidedly warm feel to it. Hounds are welcomed in the Coach House's four wood-panelled bedrooms for £15 per night, and they can join owners in the bar, sunroom and drawing room, too. The hotel sits just a short stroll from the coastal path and close to the harbour town of Tenby – with its multicoloured houses, art museum and interesting line-up of shops and cafés – meaning there's no shortage of opportunities for scenic walkies.The Grove has established itself as Pembrokeshire's smartest country house hotel. Positioned in a thoroughly rural and peaceful spot near the pretty little town of Narberth, it offers Georgian meets Arts and Crafts interiors, cosseting bedrooms, and highly creative food (with dog-friendly tables in the snug section of the Artisan Restaurant). Pet-friendly amenities include towels, blankets, treats and a special menu. Dogs are welcome in six rooms – all of which have a garden, a terrace or access to open spaces – for a charge of £20 per night.
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On the fringes of Snowdonia National Park, Palé Hall is heaven for dogs and their owners. They love four-legged friends here – the owners have "three and a third" of their own, meaning your canine companion won't be short of pals to play with. Dogs are allowed in certain bedrooms and, if numbers allow, in one of the four reception rooms. There's a dog-washing station with towels and a separate entrance for muddy paws. Rooms can be equipped with a comfy dog bed, food and water bowls, and the hotel provides special treats and a doggy towel coat for use during your stay (£25 per night).
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Northern Ireland
With a first-rate spa and friendly but five-star service, this is a haven of sybaritic luxury in glorious rural surroundings just half an hour from Bellaghy. It seems fitting, then, that you'd want to share this suitably relaxing holiday with Fido, who will enjoy walks in the mature woodland beside a tumbling river, and cuddles in the cottage suites, shepherd's huts and forest dens that are available for guests with pooches. Dogs are also able to join their owners for lunch and dinner in the The Mulberry Garden and the Castle Kitchen and Bar. A charge of £15 per dog per night applies.
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