The Bell Inn

If your family includes one, or more, furry member, then this article is for you — because it’s really nice to go on holiday with your whole family, and in the UK that’s easy to do: there are lots of dog friendly hotels throughout the country. Many hotels accept well-behaved dogs with open arms (and some even take naughty ones!) with welcomes that might include food and water bowls, treats, and a comfortable bed. Some of our favourite dog friendly hotels in the UK even have dog biscuits behind the bar, or on reception, most offer conveniently located outdoor space and the promise of a good fuss too.

For the Album

Claridges

  • Those brave enough to venture into central London with a dog, should remember that plenty of dogs actually live there, and that the Royal Parks are a dog’s dream. Dogs who deserve a treat in a different stratosphere from the chuckable/edible variety, can be accommodated at ultra-grand Claridge’s in Mayfair which has to be one of the ultimate dog friendly hotels in the UK. Super-luxurious and glamorous, with opportunities for see-and-be-seen walkies in Green Park or Hyde Park.
  • Swinton Park looks more like a castle than a stately home, with towers, turrets and crenelated battlements, huge windows and sweeping parkland surrounds — 250 acres in all, part of 20,000 belonging to the whole estate. Inside are 32 large rooms and suites, plus two restaurants, and an assortment of reception rooms and lounges. Expect oil pantings in gilt frames and long corridors clad with tapestries. Onsite activities are broad, and include pony trekking,a cooking school, fishing, golf,, falconry, wine appreciation, and croquet; plus there’s an indoor pool, an outdoor pool, and a spa and games room. And an assortment of dog friendly rooms mean there's something for every furry family.

For a Rural Retreat

Forss House

  • Forss House is an atmospheric country house, built in 1810, in 20 acres of relatively remote Scottish woodland. This is the perfect launchpad for fishing, walking, stalking and shooting, and other outdoor pursuits. There are 14 rooms and suites to the hotel, a good selection of which are dog friendly, plus communal areas with welcoming fireplaces and a great selection of whisky.
  • The Grosvenor Stockbridge is a new hotel with plenty of dog-friendly garden rooms. Surrounded by some of the best fly-fishing in the UK, it's popular with the country set looking to spend days on the River Test or shooting in the surrounding countryside. Evenings are spent enjoying the delicious food and drink The Grosvenor has to offer and sampling the cocktails in the stunning new bar.

For an Adventure

Bodmin Jail Hotel

  • Bodmin Jail Hotel is actually within the historic walls of Bodmin Jail, and the 70 rooms and suites really are in the old cells — though thoroughly and sleekly converted and extended, to include indulgent bathrooms and luxury linens. There’s a smart restaurant, and a more relaxed tavern, plus a gym. And there’s plenty of space for families, and lots of opportunity for creating memories! Dogs are accommodated on the ground floor, and staff will set you up with food and water bowls, a bed, and an extra sausage at breakfast.

For Walkies

Pen Y Gwrwd

  • Right under the Snowdonia’s nose, the Pen-y-Gwryd hotel is an historic mountaineers’ base, with 16 rooms in a range of comfortable configurations. Hearty dinners are announced to guests with a gong, and the breakfasts are designed to set you up for a good climb. One of the walls in the bar is made of halved tree trunks, all polished up, and there is home-made lemonade in summer and mulled wine in winter. Popular with self-walkers as well as dog walkers, the hotel is the definition of homely with old-fashioned but spotless rooms. Dogs are welcome here for a very modest £5 per day.
  • Idyllically located in the charming New Forest, The Bell Inn is a small, but perfectly formed inn. Its 28 rooms and suites are comfortably decorated, and eight of them, on the ground floor, welcome dogs. There’s also a buzzy pub bar, and a restaurant specialising in locally sourced ingredients. Well priced, and a great family getaway.
  • The second Bell Inn on our list is a small owner-run pub with rooms in the tiny Cotswolds village of Langford. It’s also ideal for walkers, with open fireplaces, thick stone walls, and dark, cosy tones. The pub food is excellent, seasonal and local, and you can eat in the dining room, by the fire, or in the beer garden.

For Country House Chic

Linthwaite House Hotel

  • The Linthwaite House Hotel is a slick, but comfortable Edwardian country house conversion, overlooking Lake Windermere and the Lakeland Fells. Its 30 rooms are chic, contemporary and comfortable, decorated with plenty of art and colour; its smart stand-alone suites, are just up the hill from the main house, and have cathedral ceilings and windows all the way up to them, private terraces and log fires (some come with private outdoor hot tubs). Linthwaite also has an award-winning restaurant. Perfect for families, romantics, walkers and fisher-folk alike. There are three dog friendly rooms here, all on the ground floor with direct access to the gardens.

For a Spa Break

  • Cowley Manor is a devilishly hip, grown up Cotswolds retreat for urbanites. It is hard to imagine anyone turning up in tweed with a grinning tongue-lolling muddy spaniel, designer dogs only at this super-spoiling, Grade II Listed retreat. Cowley has 55 acres, two pools, a gym and award-winning modernist spa, a sun-trap of a terrace, a ‘lifestyle shop’, and a classic British cuisine in the restaurant. Dogs are welcome in seven rooms (all in the stables) and are provided with bed, water bowl and treats.
  • Mar Hall, near Glasgow, is a dog friendly hotel beloved of Glasgow footballer’s dogs. This imposing mansion turned golf and spa hotel a good twenty minutes from the centre of town, with great views over the River Clyde and good dog walking. There’s also a spa with an extensive therapy list, 53 rooms and suites, and both formal and informal dining options.

For the Beach!

The Nare

  • The Nare is a hotel located right up against a sandy stretch of Cornish coastline close to the Eden project. Its 36 rooms and suites are decorated as if this were still a luxurious private-feeling home, with Persian rugs, antiques, and heritage prints. There’s also a croquet lawn, a spa-with-a-view, indoor and outdoor pools, and two restaurants. Great for families, and dogs — a nightly table d’hote doggy menu is included in the nightly charge!
  • The Seaview, in the village of Seaview -—one of the loveliest on the north coast of the Isle of Wight — has views across the Solent and a delightful variety of seaside houses of all shapes and colours opposite. There is a cosy bar full of sea-doggery where owners and dogs can get extremely comfortable. Bedrooms are comfortable and simply furnished. Some dogs like knowing that they are never more than 50 yards from plunging into the sea.

For Families

The Gin Trap Inn

  • Dog friendly and family friendly, the Bedruthan Hotel is a Cornish treasure, with spectacular views along Mawgan Porth on the north coast. It isn’t a beauty from the outside, but the views of the coastline through its many floor-to-ceiling windows are properly breath-taking. And there are facilities for all: three pools, a spa, two restaurants and plenty to do.
  • Now more than 350 years old, but with fresh-as-a-daisy decor, The Gin Trap Inn is a fantastic little coaching inn on the North Norfolk coast. Its 13 rooms and suites, and three separate, two bedroom cottages, are all individually designed and decorated to make the most of their original features, but with contemporary ideas about light, colour and comfort. The pub bit of the inn is excellent, offering great food, a great pub garden, complete with an awesome climbing frame, and a cosy inside space, with oil paintings and great lighting.

For Romantics

The Whittling House

  • The Whittling House is a restaurant with rooms (ten of them), close to the beach, near Alnwick on the Northumberland coast. Each room is uniquely decorated, with a cosy but contemporary blend of furniture and fabrics, and a colour scheme that wouldn’t be out of place in an interiors magazine. The restaurant is definitely the main event, though; it’s buzzing and convivial, with a great menu of seasonal British dishes and plenty of seafood, plus local ales and spirits. There’s a friendly bar too. Doggy arrivals receive their own beds in the rooms.

For Pub Dogs

West Arms Hotel

  • The West Arms Hotel in Wrexham, North Wales is a wonderfully preserved 16th century inn in the foothills of the Berwyn Hills. The 16 rooms are cosy and unique, decorated with a smattering of antiques and art - and all have contemporary bathrooms. Expect warm fires in inglenooks for dogs to stretch out in front of after a long walk in the Berwyn Hills, and a good, seasonal pub menu.
  • The Royal Oak is a charming, traditional inn, in picture-perfect Tetbury. There are just six rooms and suites, decorated with a stylish eye for both traditional and contemporary design: think exposed stone, pale wood floors, and simple, contemporary furnishings. The pub serves traditional pub food at a good price. Dogs stay on the ground floor for free.
  • The Masons Arms is another pub with rooms upstairs, and cottages attached — these sleep up to six. The exterior is whitewashed and traditional, overlooking the Winter Valley, only three miles from Lake Windermere. The decor is rustic, but contemporary, with stripped wood floors and chunky wooden furniture in the seven rooms, and cosy fireplaces and mis-matched chairs in the pub itself. There’s a great menu of pub classics.

For Great Value

  • Strattons Hotel in Swaffam blends modern and traditional in a comfy mix. The former family home of Les and Vanessa Scott, the ten guestrooms are all individually decorated with funky furniture and prints. Plus they serve award winning food. Doggy visitors should look out for the potentially alarming carved bird and shaggy sofa in the entrance hall. And try the afternoon tea.
  • The Ship Inn in Rye is an historic pub with rooms in a fantastic spot in central Rye. There are just ten rooms: simple, light and comfortable, and a good selection of them are dog-friendly, as is the pub. Rye is a great place for foodies, and The Ship Inn makes the most of the local foodie culture in their sourcing, both for the restaurant and the pub. They also have an excellent list of English wines. And you’re close to the beach.
  • There’s another Ship Inn on our list, this time at the other end of the country in Fife. This Ship Inn has just six rooms, two of which are dog-friendly, plus a restaurant, and it’s home to the UK’s only Beach Cricket Club — it has its own pitch on the beach and everything!

Still not sure where to book?

Dog Friendly Hotels in the UK - The Ultimate Guide

Bedruthan Hotel

Newquay (Cornwall)

A family-friendly hotel with fabulous views of the Atlantic Ocean. Interiors are contemporary throughout. Rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows, wooden floors, and minimalist furniture. With two Cornish restaurants, three pools, a spa, and plenty of activities - this is a real crowd-pleaser.

  • Spa breaks - Pamper yourself at the top of the range luxury spa, using all natural products and treatments — heaven!
  • Families - With family orientated rooms, great dining options and the beach close by it's ideal for families
  • Eco break - A sustainable and environmentally minded hotel with an extensive responsible tourism pledge
  • Restaurant - The Wild Cafe and The Herring serve seasonal dishes using the best of local produce
from $190 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
West Arms Hotel

Denbighshire (Denbighshire)

Unspoiled 16th Century Inn nestled in the foothills of the Berwyn Mountains. Traditional aspects maintained with the original features and antiques. Rooms are cosy and unique, with modern bathrooms. Seasonal menus, daily specials and a fully stocked bar entice locals and guests alike.

  • Sights nearby - Chirk Castle built in 1310 includes a dungeon and tower.
  • Great walks - Explore the Chirk Aqueduct along the River Dee.
  • Romantic
  • Full of character
from $209 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Pen-y-Gwryd Hotel

Gwynedd

An historic mountaineer's hotel offering characterful service, right under Snowdonia. Delightfully eccentric climbing inn with a range of comfortable sleeping options. With a hearty breakfast to start the day and a lively dinner upon your return!

  • Hideaway - A hidden gem in this spectacular stretch of countryside, lose yourself amongst the picturesque hills and lakes.
  • Great walks - Situated in the heart of Snowdonia this area boasts some of the finest walking in the British Isles.
  • Restaurant
  • Boutique
from $114 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Claridge's

London (Mayfair)

Art Deco-inspired, luxury-centric hotel in the heart of Mayfair offering seamless service, spa treatments and gym facilities. Large, contemporary rooms exude comfort. Whether it is the famous Afternoon Tea in the 1930's Reading Room or a gourmet meal at the restaurant, be ready to be spoiled.

  • Spa - Claridge's Spa combines Japanese healing rituals with restorative bodywork and the best in bio-innovations
  • Sights nearby - Nestled in the embassy district of town, you will see many old grand buildings.
  • Romantic
  • Outstanding location
from $951 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Mar Hall

Glasgow (Bishopton)

An imposing mansion with epic surrounding views. Grand bedrooms with large sash windows and four poster beds. A world class golf course is attached. A spa with an extensive therapy list and beauty treatments for those wishing to relax. Formal and informal dining options. An ideal rural escape.

  • Total relaxation - The spa and indoor pool provide easy relaxation and the surroundings are perfectly tranquil.
  • Great walks - Plenty of walking on the 240-acre wooded estate of the Earls of Mar, especially along the banks of the River Clyde.
  • Swimming Pool - Large indoor pool
  • Designer
from $273 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Seaview

Seaview

Friendly, stylish hub in the centre of charming Seaview, popular with locals. Boasting a busy terrace, two restaurants and a mix contemporary or chintzy bedrooms in various sizes, some with views. Great base for sailing or local exploring, 50 yards from the sea.

  • Families - A family friendly hotel on an island that provides plently of outdoor activities for children, plus babysitting services.
  • Beach Life - Situated right on the coast. Ideal for all manner of sea bourne activities or simply coastal walking.
  • Sights nearby - Puckpool Mortar Battery is nearby and makes for an interesting historical visit.
  • Great walks - Bring one of the hotels packed lunches and walk the coastal path to Ryde beach.
from $184 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Linthwaite House Hotel

Windermere (Cumbria)

Slick, stylish designs meet an intimate Edwardian country house offering all round comfort. Award winning dishes and fine wines at the restaurant. From its hilltop location over Lake Windermere and the Fells - explore The Lake District on foot, bike or horseback. Serenity at its finest!

  • Foodies - Henrock, overseen by Michelin Starred Simon Rogan offers relaxed fine dining with many ingredients sourced from his own farm
  • Romantic Break - Take the stunning views, plush suites, two man tubs and candlelit dinners and you are guaranteed romance
  • Views - From its elevated position Linthwaite enjoys breathtaking views over Lake Windermere and the Coniston Fells
  • Private Hot Tub - The hot tub suite has a private enclosed verandah housing a large hot tub with a stunning lake view
from $254 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Cowley Manor Experimental

The Cotswolds

A contemporary-chic manor house set on 55 beautiful acres, in the Cotswold countryside. Trendy rooms mix the best of both worlds, with original sash windows, high ceilings and fireplaces mixed with sleek handmade modern furnishings and bold colour combos. A sophisticated, fun country escape.

  • Spa - Wide range of treatments using Green & Spring products.
  • Swimming Pool - Outdoor and indoor heated pools.
  • Great walks - 55 acres of parkland surround the proerty with natural springs, lakes, and Victorian cascades.
  • Sights nearby - Visit the "Venice of the Cotswolds" the village of Bourton on Water.
from $317 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Strattons Hotel

Norfolk

Eclectic, welcoming, family-run bolthole of just 10 rooms in a charming market town. Beautiful boutique rooms and elegantly decorated suites. Boasts a popular restaurant famed for its homely cooking, afternoon tea and personal comforts.

  • Value chic - An eclectic mix of kitsch and contemporary and antiques and fabric-festooned decadence, all for a reasonalble price tag.
  • Romantic Break - Charming rooms with fourposter beds, free tanding baths, open fires and indulgent room service.
  • Restaurant - Award winning English cooking using fresh, local and organic produce.
  • Local markets - A real highlight is the bargain hunting anituques market in Swaffham every Saturdays.
from $178 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Cley Windmill

Norfolk

Characterful windmill B&B overlooking marshes of Cley, a pretty village near shingle coast where locals swim. Quaint rooms with comfortable beds and wonderful views. Good birdwatching nearby.

  • Birdwatching - For keen ornithologist NWT Cley Marshes Nature Reserve is a wonderful area for spotting all manner of birds.
  • Views - Panoramic views over the salt marshes
  • Local markets - Just South of the mill are small shops, selling pottery, smoked fish and secondhand books.
  • Restaurant - A no-choice, three-course menu at £32.50 per head is served at 7.30pm and changes daily.
from $227 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Swinton Park Hotel

Yorkshire (North Yorkshire)

Striking, castle-like stately-home set in sweeping parkland and offering plenty of on-site activities from fishing and golf to a cookery school and sleek spa. Vast rooms, beautiful views and a choice of two restaurants.

  • Families - Magical Yorkshire hideaway in a castle with pkenty of space, interconnecting rooms, and fun activities for kids
  • Cooking classes - Variety of courses run throughout the year at the on site cookery school
  • Country Escape - In a great locality to explore this beautiful and rugged part of the UK
  • Honeymoons - A perfect spot for newly weds to hideaway in rural luxury
from $311 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Ship Inn, Rye

Rye

A charming and historic pub with rooms, nestled in the centre of the idyllic town of Rye. Rooms are chic, comfortable and filled with lots of natural light. The traditional pub prides itself in its love for English wine. Enjoy deliciously simple yet artisan locally sourced food at the restaurant.

  • Beach Life - Spend the day on Camber Sands, with over 2 miles of stretch of beach to explore
  • Local exploring - The B&B is the perfect spot for discovering the wonders of Rye and beyond
  • Sights nearby - Visit Rye Castle, less than 10 minutes away from the B&B
  • Restaurant - The restaurant serves locally sourced seasonal food
from $108 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Forss House

Thurso (Caithness)

A charming 1810 country house hotel set in 20 acres of Scottish woodland. The perfect launchpad for all outdoor pursuits particularly walking, shooting and fishing. Spend the evenings with a choice whisky in hand by the fireplace. A great country escape.

  • Back to Nature - A rugged coastline on one side and the inland forests and mountains on the other gives plenty of outdoor space to explore
  • Great walks - The local coastline and hills make for some excellent walking for both the ambler and the serious walker
  • Fishing - Both rivers and coastal fishing are accessible from the hotel
  • Full of character
from $126 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Nare

Cornwall (Veryan-in-Roseland)

A longstanding, privately owned “country house by the sea” offering warmth, kindness, old school manners, formal dining and comfortable, traditional bedrooms in a stunning location overlooking Carne Bay. A Cornish home-from-home beloved by many often-returning families

  • Families - A good choice for an inter-generational break with something to entertain all ages (plus the dog is welcome too)
  • Active Holiday - With pools, a tennis court, and boats there is plenty to do at the property itself
  • Self catering - The Pendower Suite and The Lemoria Cottage have kitchens
  • Sights nearby - The Lost gardens of Heligan and The Eden Project are easily accessible and worth a visit
from $501 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
The Bell Inn, Hampshire

Hampshire (Hampshire)

A charming Georgian inn on the northern edge of the New Forest. Individually designed bedrooms offer a comfy oasis after a day's exploring. There's a buzzy bar and the AA rosette restaurant champions locally sourced ingredients. Ideal for outdoorsy types or those wanting a quiet country escape.

  • Restaurant - The restaurant has one AA rosette and prides itself on its locally sourced ingredients.
  • Sights nearby - Paulton's Park, Beaulieu Motor Musuem, Marwell Zoo and Exbury Gardens are all close by
  • Great walks - There are endless walking trails on the door step.
  • Full of character
from $126 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Ship Inn, Fife

Fife

The Ship Inn is home to only beach cricket club in the UK. That aside it also offers excellent rooms and delicious food with a focus on doing the simple things well. A great base for a holiday exploring the unique charms of Fife.

  • Restaurant
  • Great walks - The surrounding coastline is full of wonderful walking routes.
  • Fishing - Sea fishing trips can be organised at Elie Harbour.
  • Surfing - Nearby Ruby Bay, is a good spot for surfing.
from $114 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Masons Arms

Cumbria (Cartmel Fell)

Awash with traditional charm, The Masons Arms is a delightful hotel in the Lake District. Featuring excellent food in the restaurant, a wide range of ales and comfortable rooms. The pub's cottages, that sleep up to six, make it a great option for families or groups.

  • Families - With lovely cottages that sleep up to six people, it's a great option for a family holiday.
  • Great walks - The surrounding countryside is full of beautiful walking routes.
  • Sights nearby - Take a trip to the wonderful nearby Holker Hall & Gardens.
  • Romantic
from $108 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
The Gin Trap Inn

Norfolk (Norfolk)

Seriously stylish 350-year-old coaching inn close to the North Norfolk coast. As well as individually designed rooms and suites there are three dog-friendly bedroom cottages. All are done with bright contemporary style whilst keeping plenty of period features. Excellent food. Family friendly.

  • Foodies - Expect cooking over coals, working with local suppliers, fermenting/pickling to make the most of local ingredients year round
  • Families - As well as family friendly accommodations plus self catering options, there's a fab children's play area in the garden
  • Country Escape - North Norfolk is a hugely popular coastal destination and the Gin Trap is ideally located for an escape here
  • Birdwatching - This is prime birding country. Visit the reserves at Snettisham or Titchwell
from $184 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Bodmin Jail Hotel

Bodmin (Cornwall)

A boutique property built within the walls of historic Bodmin Jail. Interiors are sleek & contemporary but with plenty of period features; original stone walls are complemented by luxury linens and indulgent bathrooms. Dine in the smart Chapel Restaurant or Jolly Hangman Tavern. Great for families.

  • Families - Spacious family rooms, casual dining the kids will love and you're right in Bodmin Jail!
  • Local exploring - Bodmin is a great central location for exploring further afield in Cornwall
  • Restaurant - Enjoy a la carte dining at The Chapel Restaurant or something more casual at the Jolly Hangman Tavern
  • Full of character - There is a good blend here of period and original features plus smart contemporary styling
from $258 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Bell Inn

Oxfordshire

Owner-run pub with rooms in a Cotswold's village. Contemporary cool decor blends dark moody tones with a traditional backdrop; it's all open fireplaces, thick stone walls & mismatched furniture. Perfect base for outdoor lovers after a countryside experience & good food without breaking the bank.

  • Active Holiday - The team has great contacts & can help arrange outdoor pursuits including fishing, hunting, deer stalking & pigeon shooting
  • Local exploring - Affordable, atmospheric & authentic base for exploring all that The Cotswolds has to offer
  • Restaurant - Modern country pub restaurant serves hearty British comfort food in a fireside dining room. Highlights include wood-fired pizzas
  • Fishing - Nearby Lechlade Trout Fisheries is home to two large lakes which are excellent for carp & trout fishing
from $126 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Whittling House

Alnmouth

A restaurant with rooms set close to the beach in pretty Alnmouth. Rural chic rooms feature pastel hues, modern art, and stylish modern fabrics. The buzzing restaurant serves very good seasonal British dishes and there's a convivial bar too. A smart coastal stay suited to families or couples.

  • Families - With a laidback feel, beaches on the doorstep, and even the dog welcome - this is perfect for a family break
  • Country Escape - The lovely coastal setting, rural chic rooms, and fabulous restaurant make this an idyllic country stay
  • Sights nearby - Alnwick Castle, UK’s second largest lived-in castle & home of Duke of Northumberland plus the setting of Harry Potter films
  • Restaurant - Locally sourced seasonal British dishes are served in the restaurant
from $178 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
The Royal Oak Tetbury

Gloucestershire

A charming traditional inn set in the picturesque Tetbury. Beautifully styled rooms mix traditional and contemporary design. Think exposed stone, pale wood floors, and simple modern furniture. The atmospheric bar features an art deco piano & a vintage jukebox. A characterful and well-priced stay.

  • Families - Interconnecting rooms, a laidback feel, and kid friendly options in the restaurant make this a good choice for a family break
  • Short break - Easily accessible from London, this is a good choice for a quick weekend away
  • Great walks - Enjoy long walks through the scenic Cotswolds countryside
  • Restaurant - Traditional pub fare is served in the restaurant
from $108 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Written by Jane Hutchison

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