If the thought of leaving your faithful four-legged friend with a neighbour fills you with a deep sense of unwavering guilt, it’s time to think about booking a break at a dog-friendly hotel.
Whether you’re seeking a cool urban stay or a countryside retreat, there’s a perfect escape for every type of dog owner – and we’ve found several of the best the UK has to offer.
With complementary treats, dog beds, toys on tap and more alternative pursuits like dog reiki, your pooch is sure to enjoy these luxury boltholes as much as you.
1. Foxhill Manor, The Cotswolds
This scrumptious Cotswolds retreat is perfectly situated on the 400-acre Farncombe Estate, with oodles of woodland for dogs to play in. The hotel, a former Grade II-listed arts and crafts mansion built in the early 1900s, has just eight bedrooms, meaning you won’t be fighting with other guests to soak in the rolling valley views on a morning dog walk.
Foxhill welcomes dogs over the age of one (at £30 per day per dog), and they’ll arrange for a plush bed and toy to be placed in your room ahead of your dog’s arrival. Guests also rave about the chef’s ‘Dog’s Dinner’ menu, which offers an array of gourmet dishes for your pampered pooch – they can even order it on room service.
This five-star neoclassical manor has played host to virtually every British monarch since George I, so you and your pup are sure to be treated like royalty at Cliveden House.
The hotel has become somewhat of a hot spot for well-heeled dog owners, who know that their dogs will be well looked after while tiring themselves out in 250 acres of National Trust woodland paths, or enjoying luxurious naps in the hotel’s doggy Chesterfields.
For human guests, the hotel offers all the facilities you’ll need, such as a gym, pool, squash grounds, tennis courts, a boathouse with two usable boats and a luxury spa.
Sitting pretty by the dunes of Camber Sands, this dreamy coastal hideaway has all the cosy fires, designer decor and roll top baths you could ever need for the perfect weekend break.
With the beach right on your doorstep, there’s plenty of space to let Fido off his leash and run along the two-mile stretch of golden sand. There are four pet-friendly bedrooms to choose from, although the hotel say that really big dogs like Dobermans and German Shepherds aren’t allowed.
Dogs are able to join guests for breakfast, lunch and dinner in the hotel lounge, and almost all of the kitchen ingredients are sourced within 10 miles of the hotel. Elsewhere, there’s a coastal and shingle garden, larder, library of books and a spa offering therapeutic facials and de-stressing massages.
4. The Milestone Hotel, Kensington
This smart urban stay has its own pet concierge who is dedicated to your dog’s every need, so even the most demanding of Dachsunds will be catered for.
On check-in, pooches are indulged with a hamper of treats, including toys and a Milestone collar tag, plus some tips and recommendations for exploring the capital on four legs.
After a day of pounding the pavements, your dog can relax on the hotel’s complimentary cushions and duvets (there’s a turndown treat for every dog), or recharge and recover with a special doggy dinner menu.
If you’re working or just fancy some ‘me’ time, you can also hire a dog sitter and walker to occupy your hound while you’re busy.
5. Trigony House Hotel, Dumfries
At Trigony, dogs aren’t just allowed, they’re welcomed. On arrival, you’ll likely find resident Golden Retriever Roxy padding around the grounds of this laid-back country house hotel. Shouldered by the rolling hills of Dumfriesshire, there are some pretty epic day walks to take on – from beginner to intrepid hiker (the hotel will provide you with a map of some of the best dog walks in the area on arrival).
The staff have all the kit needed to make sure your dog is comfortable for the weekend, like beds, toys and towels, plus there are dogsitters available if you fancy a night off from parenting.
Making sure your dog enjoys the most relaxing weekend, the hotel can even book your pooch in for a reiki session, which apparently can boost their wellbeing and help to ease post-walkies aches and pains. Rather adorably too, there’s even a free sausage for every good boy and girl at breakfast.
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