The dog-friendly Cotswolds is one of the most beautiful areas of the UK. There’s no surprise it was selected for so many brilliant blockbusters! In honour of The Cannes Film Festival kicking off, we have chosen some of our favourite film locations you can visit with your four-legged friend during a dog-friendly holiday in the Cotswolds.
Arlington Row, Bibury
Frequently named one of the most photographed streets in England, Arlington Row featured as the Village of Wall in the film, Stardust (2007). This magical fantasy included stars such as Robert De Niro, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Claire Danes. Arlington Row was the perfect setting for a magical village, with its charming cottages that date back to 14th century all surrounded by idyllic beauty. A must-see when you are staying in the Cotswolds area during your dog-friendly holiday, you’ll feel like you are stepping into a fairy tale.
Furry friends are welcome to walk by your side on leads, as you stroll down the picturesque cottage lane and across the quaint stoned bridges. Once you have enjoyed a wander around Arlington Row, you can stop by the dog-friendly cafe. While there, you can order hot drinks and grab some lunch. If you prefer homely pubs, The Swan is a delightful Inn right on the River Coln. Here, you can choose delicious food from seasonal menus, or unwind within the beautiful beer garden with your pooch.
Where to Stay:
Cirencester is a pretty, dog-friendly town to stay in whilst you explore the sights of the Cotswolds. Our most popular dog-friendly accommodation here is The Kings Head Hotel, an elegant boutique hotel with a superb subterranean spa! Visit our website today to see all of our most popular pet-friendly hotels and dog friendly cottages in Cirencester.
Castle Combe, Wiltshire
Castle Combe, a charming dog-friendly village voted ‘The Prettiest Village in England’, featured in the film Stardust. This striking village, with honey-coloured Cotswold stone houses also appears in Dr. Dolittle (1967) and War Horse (2011).
As you and your canine friend stroll through the village toward the bridge, you’ll enjoy unbeatable views and stunning scenery. Your dog will love being able to roam free through the wonderful woodlands, splashing in the streams, and wandering through fields during your dog friendly UK holiday.
Where to Stay:
Nestled within 365-acres of woodland, The Manor House Hotel in Castle Combe is luxurious and dog-friendly. This pet-friendly Hotel features a wonderful Michelin starred restaurant and dog-friendly The Castle Inn, where you can enjoy delicious food during your stay.
If you love dog-friendly holiday cottages, we recommend The Fishing Lodge in Wiltshire as it’s super cosy and sits right on the banks of the peaceful River Avon. When you stay here, you will find yourself surrounded by beautiful gardens, and dog-friendly picturesque villages to visit.
Blenheim Palace and Gardens, Oxfordshire
One of our favourite dog-friendly attractions in the Cotswolds. Not only is Blenheim Palace steeped in so much history and known as the birthplace of Winston Churchill, but also the lavish gardens are often used as backdrops for both films and TV shows.
The ‘Lights, Camera, Action” trail is a fun activity for you and your canine companion. The beautiful trail throughout the Palace grounds follows locations from Blockbusters including Napoleon (2023), Spectre (2015), Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation (2017), and Gulliver’s Travels (2010). For the ‘Potterheads’ out there, you may recognise the magnificent 40-acre lake designed by Capability Brown. This is because it was used for the lake scene featuring a young Severus Snape in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix!
Your pup will love venturing around the 2,000 acres of dog-friendly Parkland during your visit. There are also plenty of dog-friendly cafes that welcome furry friends when you need to rest your feet (or paws!)
Where to Stay:
Oxfordshire is home to beautiful countryside, picturesque rivers, and is the pawfect base for dog friendly holidays. Our most popular pet-friendly hotel is The Lamb Inn. It was originally a 15th century weaver’s cottage, so you will love being surrounded by its old-world charm.
The Broadway Tower, Broadway
Experience stunning views from the second highest point in the Cotswolds at The Broadway Tower during your perfect dog-friendly holiday. Designed by Capability Brown in 1794, this wonderful location can be spotted in Andie MacDowell’s romantic comedy Crush (2001) and The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes (1970).
While dogs must wait outside the tower when you enjoy the views, they are very welcome around the beautiful grounds. Your furry pal will love the new circular walk and dog agility obstacles where there is lots to see (and to sniff!) After exploring the grounds, take a break in one of the dog-friendly seating areas. The Morris and Brown Café and the Espresso Bar Restaurant at Tower Barn both warmly welcome dogs.
Where to Stay:
Broadway is a beautiful dog-friendly village with honey-coloured Cotswold stoned cottages and a pretty high street lined with horse chestnut trees. A delightful base for a dog-friendly holiday with your canine companion. Our most popular dog-friendly hotel in the area is The Lygon Arms, it’s both luxurious and cosy at the same time! It even has a luxe Spa to treat yourself in after a long day of sightseeing.
Pretty cottages are the best part of the Cotswolds. So, if you are hoping to stay in one of our dog-friendly holiday cottages, we especially recommend The Beagle Dog-Friendly Cottage. When staying here, you’ll get a taste of what it’s like to live in the beautiful Cotswolds.
Snowshill Village
Lovely Snowshill featured in the much-loved British Comedy film Bridget Jones Diary (2001). The village was where unlucky-in-love Bridget’s parents lived and is most memorable for the notorious Turkey Curry Buffet scene.
Snowshill’s idyllic beauty and cosy pubs attract visitors all year round. Plus, the village is surrounded by gorgeous countryside that will set tails wagging! If you choose to visit the pet friendly Snowshill from June to August, we recommend the wonderful field full of beautiful purple lavender (also known as Cotswold Lavender). Whilst keeping your dog on the lead, you can wander the fields smelling the sweet smells of lavender, and even have a delicious picnic with your furry friend in tow!
Where to Stay:
The dog-friendly Broadway is the best base for visiting the lovely Snowshill. The honey-coloured village boasts a scenic high street and offers an array of antique stores, gift shops, and dog-friendly pubs and cafes.
Lacock Village
The dog-friendly Lacock is a must-see for film and tv lovers (particularly Potterheads) and their pups. This quaint, medieval village features cottages and inn’s that date back to the 15th century. It’s a location that is very popular with period dramas, including Downtown Abbey and the BBC’s Cranford. Dog-friendly Lacock has also featured in classic films like Pride and Prejudice and The Other Boleyn Girl. But Potterheads will most recognise the sights of Lacock for featuring in a variety of Harry Potter films – The Philosophers Stone, The Chamber of Secrets, and The Half-Blood Prince.
During your pet-friendly holiday, you can walk your dog around the village and visit Harry Potter’s parents house. You will also be able to see the Lacock Abbey which welcomes dogs into the grounds, but not the building itself. The Lacock region is as beautiful as you would expect. It’s home too charming, rustic pubs that are dog-friendly. For example, The George Inn welcomes dogs to enjoy both the garden and the bar area.
Where to Stay:
Dog-friendly Wiltshire is full of rural charm and spectacular scenery, making Wiltshire excellent for a memorable dog-friendly holiday. Whether you stay in a stunning dog-friendly hotel or a charming dog-friendly cottages, you and your four-legged friend will adore a pet-friendly holiday in the Cotswolds.
Dog-Friendly Holidays with PetsPyjamas
The Cotswolds is known to be exceptionally dog-friendly, offering many attractions your four-legged friend can enjoy too! If you’d love to visit the sights of the Cotswolds, book one of our dog-friendly cottages or pet-friendly hotels today. Remember your dogs stays FREE!