There was a time when it was frowned upon to bring dogs into hotels and restaurants. But as the bond between pets and their owners grows stronger, more people are refusing to pack a suitcase without bringing their four-legged companion along for the ride.
Autumn is the perfect season to explore the UK’s parks and woodlands – and even better with a canine companion by your side.
If you’re looking for a pooch-friendly getaway, try one of these pawfect properties.
Balmer Lawn Hotel, New Forest
Let your pooch run free with a sensory overload on 140 miles of safe off-road tracks in the New Forest and 40 miles of nearby coast to explore. An ideal base is the four-star Balmer Lawn Hotel on the edge of Brockenhurst, where many of the rooms are classified as dog-friendly.
The hotel provides fresh fluffy towels, water bowls and tasty treats for four-legged guests, ensuring they enjoy the same service as their owners. There’s also a fine-dining experience in the restaurant, with an area outside set aside for guests to sit and have dinner with their pets.
Forest trails begin straight from the front door, where a hose can be used to make mucky pups presentable when they return.
How: Prices start from £165 per person on a B&B basis (two sharing). Dogs cost £25 per night. Visit balmerlawnhotel.com
St Ermin’s Hotel, London
There are an impressive 3,000 parks and green spaces in the capital – enough to keep a pooch happy on a city break. A short walk from St James’s Park and Green Park, this historical building in Westminster takes a very modern approach to pet pals. There are 18 rooms set aside for free dog stays, all with a cosy bed, delicious treats and a water bowl.
The hotel’s ‘Canine Concierge’ can offer advice on local exercise areas and nearby parks, pooch-friendly restaurants, grooming parlours, local vets (in case of emergencies) and recommended local dog outfitters for those who want to parade their pooch in the finest attire.
How: Rooms from £329 with breakfast. Visit sterminshotel.co.uk
Homewood Hotel & Spa, Bath
The patter of paws is a reassuring sound in country house hotels, where dogs are in their element. Set in the Somerset Hills, a 15-minute drive from Bath, this playful Georgian retreat is decorated with vibrant interiors and bold artwork, reflecting a playful approach to hospitality.
On arrival, all dogs are given beds and bowls to help them settle in. Foodie requirements are catered for with a specialised dog restaurant menu, while a dog agility course on site is available to burn off extra energy. Tired owners can book their pet into a doggy creche, too.
How: From £195 per night including breakfast, dogs are £25 extra per room. Visit homewoodbath.co.uk
SCHLOSS Roxburghe, Scottish Borders
Why should dogs make do with scraps and kibble? Guaranteed to set tails wagging, a dedicated doggy menu is served at this historic house on the Scottish Borders. Culinary delights include yappertizers such as ‘Tail Wagging Eggs’ with a mix of scrambled eggs, ham, carrots, and ‘Poochie Poultry’ with poached chicken breast, carrots broccoli and gravy.
Hotel rooms are also dog-friendly, equipped with individual baskets and rugs, or choose to stay in one of 39 new self-catering cottages. Additionally, pets can enter most of the communal areas including the drawing room for afternoon tea.
From woodland walks to riverside strolls, there are more than 300 acres of land to explore in the grounds. A dedicated doggy shower removes the risk of muddy paw prints on the carpets.
How: Two-bedroom cottages from £580 per night, dogs are £30 extra per room. Visit schlosshotel-roxburghe.com
