What’s a holiday without your four-legged friend in tow?
Given that as so many hotels now welcome dogs with as much vigour as their owners, you need never compromise on style in order to bring every family member.
BEST FOR: PAMPERED POOCHES
Chewton Glen, Hampshire
If you thought treehouse living meant low ceilings, chilly nights and a camper stove, then these boltholes in the grounds of a luxury Hampshire hotel will blow your mind. With a private concierge, hot tubs and all the modcons you’d expect from a five-star suite, these wooden structures are the ultimate secluded retreat. Not only can your pooch join you to curl up in front of the fire, and try their luck with the breakfast hamper that is delivered through a hatch, they’ll also find plenty of sniffing opportunities at the beach — just a 20-minute woodland walk away. The extensive grounds are the ideal place for a morning stroll. Though dogs aren’t permitted in the main hotel, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to tear yourself away from the sumptuous treetop lifestyle anyway — especially as you can enjoy spa treatments in-room here.
Treehouses from £950 per night on a B&B basis, plus a £35 supplement per dog; dog treats, a bed and a bowl, are included. chewtonglen.com
BEST FOR: ATTACHED ANIMALS
Beck Hall, Malham
Beck Hall is not just dog-friendly — it’s very dog-friendly, set up by owners Louise and Andy after they adopted their own four-legged friend and found there to be a shortage of hotels that genuinely welcomed pets. Perched beside a babbling beck on the edge of the village of Malham, its setting in the midst of the Yorkshire Dales makes it an ideal base for “walkies”, while its reasonably-priced restaurant serves the freshest of produce. Dogs are welcome at all three meals (or four, if you count afternoon tea) as well as in the snug, with its inviting open fire, and forget those expensive mini bars, there are dog biscuits on tap here. Those with energetic breeds will be pleased to hear there is a three-hour circular hiking trail to Malham Tarn glacial lake, and there’s also the 40-minute round trip to Janet’s Foss waterfall nearby. Food storage is available, so no need to worry about returning to your room to find dog food everywhere!
From £95 per night on a B&B basis, dogs stay free; dog treats are available and sausages are available to order at breakfast. beckhallmalham.com
BEST FOR: DISCERNING DOGGIES
Wild Rabbit, Oxfordshire
Wild Rabbit Exterior (Front)
This pub with rooms oozes glamour, and a stripped-back boutique feel, in the heart of the honey-stone village of Kingham. Part of the renowned Daylesford estate, the converted 1750s inn was once dubbed the “poshest pub in Britain” and welcomes dogs in eight of its 12 rooms, as well as the terraces and bar. Daylesford Farmshop, complete with cookery school and spa, is just up the road, and there are lots of walking trails in the nearby area. Just 30 minutes away you’ll also find a lavender farm, featuring endless rows of the calming purple plant — it’s the perfect place for a stroll with your dog.
Cottages from £400 room only and a minimum stay of 2 nights; dog-friendly rooms from £135 B&B, plus a £15 supplement per dog; dog beds are provided on request. thewildrabbit.co.uk
BEST FOR: EXTROVERTED HOUNDS
Salcombe Harbour Hotel & Spa, Devon
Help your dog find their sea legs at this boutique hotel on the shores of Salcombe estuary, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and an idyllic playground for children and animals alike. Modern and stylish with a seaside theme throughout, this 50-room property is perfectly placed to soak up the jovial atmosphere of the harbour, or to head out on the popular Bolt Head walk — a 4.5-mile trail that begins at East Soar and takes you around the jagged rocks of Bolt Head itself. The staff here are real animal-lovers, so your pooch will be well-catered for when they return from their trek.
Dog-friendly rooms from £250 per night on a B&B basis, plus a £15 supplement per dog; dog bowl and bed are included. harbourhotels.co.uk/salcombe
