Does your dog enjoy the finer things in life such as a comfy bed by the fire with organic treats after an invigorating walk; or a riverside stroll with dinner in their room; or are they of the more sociable kind who might like to meet new friends and share a doggy beer in the bar? Whatever their thing, if you are thinking of taking your dog on holiday, Inn Places has got you covered with 15 fabulous dog-friendly pubs.
Founded by David Hancock, one of the best-known names in the pubs and inns sector (former editor of Alastair Sawday’s Pubs & Inns Guide and AA Room at the Inn), is a website that features a handpicked collection of the finest pubs with rooms in England and Wales, each chosen for their stylish accommodation, talented chefs offering fresh seasonal food and for offering a warm pub welcome. Whilst the majority of the pubs featured on Inn Places offer dog friendly accommodation, David has taken the hard work out of your search by highlighting those who will really help you to treat your dog to a very special break away - with creature comforts ranging from room service – with a juicy rump steak on the menu - to special communal tables for dog walkers and fluffy towels after a dip, here is a list of David’s top recommendations for the perfect dog friendly getaway.
Best for Doggy Room Service: The Master Builder’s, Buckler’s Hard, Hampshire
This rambling inn set beside the Beaulieu River on the edge of the New Forest takes dog pampering to a whole new level with its very own doggie room service menu – you can order a 4oz rump steak, free-range chicken, and sausages and gravy. You’ll find the same level of pooch pampering at sister inn, the Bull & Swan in Stamford, Lincolnshire, which is located close to the gates of the vast Burghley Estate just perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Best for relaxing by the fire: The Lister Arms, Malham, North Yorkshire
Just a stroll from Malham Cove, in a jaw-dropping Dales location and National Trust owned village, is the Lister Arms. With miles of stunning footpaths from the front door, it is the perfect inn for a walking break with your canine companion. Back in the cosy bar, your dog gets the prime position, snoozing on its own bed in front of the roaring log fire. (10% of the cost of their stay is donated to the Search & Rescue Dog Association).
If your dog loves the camera then this is the place for you - at the Lord Crewe Arms, set in a timeless village deep in Pennine moorland, they don’t just like dogs, they LOVE them and your four-legged friend will not only be pampered in the room with their own bed and bowl, they will be famous on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook in a flash!
Best for making Friends: The Chequers Inn, Woolsthorpe, Lincolnshire
With a dedicated doggie page on their website, dogs are welcomed with open arms at the Chequers – the landlords really love them. But, it’s all about making friends at this vibrant village pub with rooms, as there are long communal tables in the toasty bar, specially designated for dog owners. The Belvoir Estate is just up the road – perfect for walking.
Best for dogs that like beer and owners that like gin: The Cholmondeley Arms, Cholmondeley, Cheshire
The “Chum”, a revamped old school house famous for its huge choice of real ales and over 300 gins (hosts its own annual Gin Festival) won’t let you or your dog down - after a long walk around the Cholmondeley Estate, reward your dog with a dog ‘beer’ (a meaty stock-based drink) and plenty of treats found in a jar on the bar.
Best for Organic homemade treats: The Star Inn, Sparsholt, Oxfordshire
Dogs will go wild for the treats at this tucked away village inn set below the Oxfordshire Downs and the famous Ridgeway Path. Baked to a secret recipe these dog treats are homemade and organic and seem to be the dog version of Catnip.
Best for seadogs, east and west:
The Ship on Norfolk’s popular north coast (and its sister The Crown at Wells-next-the-Sea) is a dogs paradise and here they don’t just provide beds and towels but bedside snacks in the rooms too – perfect after a coast path walk or a winter run on Brancaster beach.
Best for answering the call of the wild: The Inn at Whitewell, Lancashire
This elegant country inn is set in glorious isolation on the banks of the River Hodder amidst the breath-taking beauty of the Trough of Bowland. All rooms are dog-friendly and they can stare across the valley and stunning moorland before you are persuaded to go out for an invigorating walk.
Best for making Canine Friends: The Felin Fach Griffin, Brecon, Powys
The Griffin shines like a beacon in the Brecon Beacons, a brilliant bolthole to escape to for great food, cosy rooms, a chilled atmosphere, and the Great Outdoors. Bring your dog, the walking is amazing, and they are welcome in the bar and all rooms (no extra charge), and pub dogs Max & Lottie are available for games every day.
Best for Walkies – North and South
The Ashdown Forest is a glorious walking area and you can walk to Pooh Sticks Bridge from this refurbished 16th-century inn. Your canine friend is welcome in the bar where you’ll find a jar of dog biscuits, and dogs can stay overnight in the ground floor rooms - gun dogs have their own outside kennel.
Best for a bath: The Rose & Crown, Romaldkirk, County Durham
Dogs visiting the Rose & Crown many think that they are visiting a grooming parlour - return from an invigorating muddy walk through the Teesdale valley and take advantage of the facilities for washing down and drying resident canines. And when you are looking your best, pop along to the bar for the 'Welly-bix' dog treats that are homemade in the village.
Best for town dogs: The Old Stocks Inn, Stow-on-the-Wold, Gloucestershire
Leave your dog in the comfort of the Old Stock’s dog-friendly garden rooms (with dog beds, treats and bowls) overlooking the secret terrace garden whilst you explore the antiques and lifestyle shops of this elegant Cotswold town…then take them for a well-deserved walk on the Gloucestershire Way to Lower Slaughter.
Best for all-round dog-lovers: White Horse, Chilgrove, West Sussex Dogs are welcomed with as much warmth and enthusiasm as human guests at the White Horse at Chilgrove set below the glorious South Downs - on arrival your furry friend will find a comfy bed, food and water ready and waiting.
