Written by Lisa Proffitt | 11th July 2022
With airports in chaos and fuel prices astronomical, a summer holiday closer to home is a great option for many families this year, with the added benefit that local getaways make it much easier to take the family dog along too. The following rural bolt-holes in our region are perfect places for a pet-friendly getaway.
The Penny Farthing Hotel, Berkhamsted: Dating from the 16th century, this stylish and dog-friendly hotel sits in the historic market town of Berkhamsted. Circular walking trails nearby take in the Chiltern Hills and the Dunstable Downs, and your dog will also love Verulamium Park, set in 100 acres of beautiful parkland.
Banyers House, Royston: Close to the town centre, this iconic Georgian building has been transformed into a dog-friendly destination venue. There are nine boutique-style bedrooms and a restaurant serving a Mediterranean-inspired menu that you can also enjoy with your dog in the bar area. The hotel has pet-friendly gardens and is within easy reach of Wimpole Estate Gardens and Knebworth House.
The White Hart, Ampthill: This former coaching inn in the heart of the town serves everything from brunch to Sunday lunch and wood-fired pizzas. Dogs are welcome in the bar and one of the eight boutique-style rooms is dog-friendly at an extra charge of £20 per dog.
The Bedford Swan Hotel: On the banks of the River Great Ouse, The Bedford Swan Hotel dates back to 1794 and has recently been refurbished. It’s large - there are 113 individual rooms and they don’t just welcome dogs. If you have a cat or a house rabbit you can take them on your mini-break too - any pet is welcome at a charge of £10 each.
Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Great Milton: Famously created by celebrated chef Raymond Blanc, dog-friendly Le Manoir in Oxfordshire offers magnificent rooms and an award-winning Michelin starred restaurant. Pampered pets will love it here almost as much as their owners as the hotel is surrounded by glorious Oxfordshire countryside and an endless variety of wonderful walks. You can’t take your dog with you to the restaurant, but there are plush kennels where you can leave them during dinner.
The Bay Tree Hotel, Burford: Full of character and charm, this picture-book country hotel is a great base for exploring the gorgeous Cotswold countryside and nearby Blenheim Palace Gardens. You can dine with your pooch in the bar or library, or pop next door to The Bay Tree’s sister hotel The Lamb Inn where a full doggie menu is available.
The Chilterns Fox, High Wycombe: This beautiful Georgian country inn nestles in a peaceful spot in the heart of the Chiltern Hills. Open seven days a week it offers comfortable accommodation and outstanding food and drinks, from craft ales to cocktails. Several rooms back on to open fields with The Chiltern Way one of many great walks on the doorstep.
The Crown, Amersham: This 16th century four-star coaching inn is in the centre of Amersham and welcomes dogs on request. All the rooms are luxurious with roll-top baths and sheepskin rugs.
Hartwell House and Spa, Aylesbury: Set in 90 acres of parkland on the edge of the Chilterns, your dog will have plenty of space to run around off-lead. Beautifully restored, there are 48 bedrooms with dogs welcome in the pet-friendly suites - either two small dogs or one larger dog per suite, dog food and accessories included.
The Granary at Fawsley: A converted grain store, The Granary sits on the Fawsley estate in rolling Northamptonshire countryside close to Badby Wood, making it an ideal destination for a dog-friendly getaway. A thoughtful touch are the dog walking guides of the local area with routes marked as suitable for the young and boisterous or those who prefer to plod.
Ashbrook House and Cottage, Moreton Pinkney: The 16 acre setting for these properties is so idyllic that it is often used for location filming. Each property has a private garden and terrace, an outdoor pool, a pond with a boat and a children’s play area. The Macmillan Way long distance walking path is right outside the door and the nearby Crown Inn at Weston welcomes dogs too.
Duxford Lodge, Duxford: Duxford is a village famous for the Duxford Air Museum and is also a great location for dog walks in the Cambridgeshire countryside. Dog-friendly rooms start at £159 per night and come with a small kitchen. There’s plenty of outside space for alfresco dining too.
Bee Cottage, Rutland: Just five minutes from Rutland Water, this chocolate-box thatch provides accommodation for up to five people and two dogs for £120 a night.
The Charlecote Pheasant Hotel, Charlecote: This 3-star dog-friendly hotel, five miles from Stratford-Upon-Avon, has a lovely rural setting opposite the National Trust’s Charlecote Park. There are a number of dog friendly rooms plus landscaped gardens and a private field, perfect for bed-time walks.
If you have a favourite place to go with your pooch, we’d love to hear about it. And if you’re looking to buy, sell or rent a property in our region then please do give your local Michael Graham expert a call today.