Our intrepid doggy rePAWter has been travelling all over the UK sniffing out the very best dog-friendly hotels across the country’s most idyllic towns.
From majestic dog friendly manor houses to cosy cottages and luxurious five-star retreats, TeamCocopup Charlie has been, seen and sniffed them all. We’ve rounded up a few of his favourites, all within two hours driving distance from London.
The Mitre Hampton Court
Beautifully illuminated in fairy lights, you’ll see the façade of Mitre Hampton Court from a mile away. This characterful dog friendly boutique hotel is as eccentric as it is cosy. Art is everywhere in this 17th-century Grade II listed hotel, from the illustrated map of surrey to playful portraits of King Henry dotted throughout.
Led by Chef Ronnie Kimbugwe, the gorgeous riverside 1665 restaurant offers British classics with an eclectic twist. Breakfast is served at The Boathouse, where you can enjoy a nice cuppa while overlooking the Thames. The plant bowl is delish, but so too are the classic Eggs Benedict and Full English options. Almost all restaurants in Mitre Hampton Court have dedicated areas where you doggy can dine with you – which obviously gives it plus points from me and Charlie.
We stayed in the Thames View suite, which as the name suggests, has incredible riverside views. A gorgeous red patterned wallpaper decorates the space, while a handsome freestanding bath is a clear focal point. Designed by Nicola Harding, the room was spacious, colourful and appropriately festive.
There was a dog bed, dog bowls, dog toys and dog treats for Charlie too – who of course loved all the special treatment.
So – whether you are ‘In The Tub’ or ‘Out to Court’ (playful door signs which feature King Henry and Queen Charlotte respectively), there is certainly plenty to love at Mitre Hampton Court. We think it may even be the best festive dog friendly staycation this side of the Thames.
Hotel du Vin Cheltenham
Pat of the Hotel du Vin Group and Fraser’s Hospitality, Hotel du Vin Cheltenham occupies a beautiful building in Cheltenham’s chic Montpellier district. Picture handsome Regency-era mansions, and tree-lined crescents that look like they could’ve been lifted off the set of Bridgerton.
There are 49 individually designed bedrooms and suites, which have undergone a recent (and extensive) refurb to capture the rustic allure of country living, while still celebrating the English Heritage style of the Hotel du Vin collection.
This fabulously dog friendly hotel is centred around a sprawling bar and restaurant and of course – an impressive wine cellar. (After all – a Hotel du Vin would not be complete without a healthy array of vintages that would impress even the most discerning wine connoisseur).
We stayed in the sprawling De Trafford Suite, which is as impressive as it sounds. Occupying the square footage of what seems like an entire London terraced house; the suite features vibrant decoupage wallcoverings with English antique prints that are equal parts eclectic, joyful and tim
Burleigh Court
Burleigh Court is a chic four-star dog friendly boutique manor hotel, housed in a Grade II listed manor, that is surrounded by captivating Cotswolds countryside in Stroud. The hotel, which has one of the most beautiful views of Stroud’s Golden Valley, foregoes the sometimes stuffy environs of other manor house hotels and instead opts for a vibe that is elegant, warm and inviting. Imagine staying in one of the lush country manors ala Bridgerton – minus all the pomp and circumstance.
The best thing about Burleigh Court? It is that it is fabulously dog friendly. TeamCocopup Charlie was welcomed in most of the public spaces, with a dedicated area for doggy diners in the restaurant too. He absolutely loved exploring Burleigh Court’s expansive grounds and going on leisurely walks in the surrounding countryside.
Burleigh Court has 18, individually designed rooms with pet-friendly accommodation available in an adjacent coach house. Our room was incredibly spacious tastefully designed and ideally located in front of the grounds – perfect for late night doggy business. There was a dog bed, dog bowls and some treats too – which Charlie more than appreciated. The room décor was a love letter to Cotswolds charm and featured plenty of well-loved knick knacks, rich tapestries and even a delightful wall mural.
From the warm hospitality of the staff, delicious food and beautiful Cotswolds countryside – there’s no better way to recharge than in this magical Cotswolds hideaway. When life once again gets away from us, we shall certainly be back.
The Bradley Hare
Located in the wildly picturesque grounds of the Duke of Somerset’s estate, The Bradley Hare benefits from and is inspired by the gorgeous pastoral landscapes that surround it. The rooms, which are warmed by roaring fires in the winter months, have been designed by James Thurstan Waterworth, ex-European Design Director of Soho House.
While boasting some handsome 18th and 19th-century furnishings, each of the 12 individually-designed bedrooms exude a muted yet contemporary vibe, elevating the rural chic interiors. Picture glorious free-standing baths, Egyptian cotton sheets, Siberian goose down duvets and a colourful array of contemporary artwork – that is exactly the aesthetic at The Bradley Hare.
We stayed in one of the five generously-sized dog friendly bedrooms in the Coach House. Opposite the pub and with plenty of space to roam, these gorgeous farmhouse style rooms are the perfect place to relax and unwind amidst the sounds and scenery of the great British countryside.
Guests who are staying at The Bradley Hare can expect a complimentary continental breakfast, which exceeded our expectations of continental meals. While hot breakfasts incurred an additional charge, the continental, which offered delicious homemade granola, pain au chocolate, ham, fresh juices, coffees and freshly-baked sourdough with homemade jams and yoghurts will soon make you forget about the lack of a full English.
Dittisham Hideaway
Dittisham Hideaway offers quirky, cosy dog firendly self-catering accommodation that will blow away all your glamping holiday expectations. The newly launched Shepherd’s Lodges are exactly as how you’d imagine them to be but have all the quintessential luxury amenities of any De Savary property.
They are made by West Country Artisans, offering beautiful views of the wooded valley below. At 234sq ft, they are spacious while still giving off cosy vibes. Each one has a large outdoor private terrace, complete with an outdoor wood-fired spa bath . There are also Adirondack loungers, a teak dining table and parasols perfect for enjoying a leisurely summer afternoon with friends.
Inside there are Egyptian cotton sheets, a welcome hamper full of locally sourced treats and breakfast supplies. The Shepherd’s Lodges feature wonderfully decorated interiors that are warm and stylish. They also come equipped with very spacious bathrooms (a rarity in most Shepherd’s Huts accommodations).
There was a Sophie Alport dog bed for a perfect night’s rest, dog bowls, and a full doggy welcome package for Charlie. This included everything from dog treats to poo bags, squeaky toys and a guide to the best countryside walks in the surrounding area. There is also a communal games barn – perfect for playing chess or table tennis during rainy days in the Devonshire countryside.
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