If you can’t go anywhere without your four legged friend, then a dog-friendly UK staycation is likely to be on the cards. The Cotswolds is one of the most beautiful places in Britain and, with its expansive countryside, a dog walking paradise. After an invigorating walk in the great outdoors, nothing beats a cosy pub for a well-deserved drink and hearty food. Luckily, the Cotswolds is packed with pubs that will extend their warm welcome to even the furry members of your family.
Our hand-picked selection of dog friendly pubs in the Cotswolds includes a dozen prime picks to suit every solo traveller, couple, or family, along with your beloved pooch. Whether you want glorious beer gardens to laze away those summer days in or a snug bolthole complete with roaring fire, the perfect dog-friendly Cotswolds pub awaits in all its honey-coloured glory.
Duke of Wellington, Bourton-on-the-Water 
Sherborne Street, Bourton on the Water, Gloucestershire GL54 2BY
The village of Bourton-on-the-Water has timeless appeal. As one of the finest pubs in the area, the Duke of Wellington is no different. Inside, the classic and the contemporary combine effortlessly to create a large, convivial space in which to drink and dine. There is also a pleasant outdoor beer garden – heaven sent on a sunny day.
This light, bright and characterful pub welcomes furry friends as well as their human companions. The menu is brief but varied, ranging from British classics such as fish & chips, sausage & mash, and a range of gourmet burgers to dishes featuring international flavours from the likes of Thailand, Mexico and Japan.
Make sure you allow time for a wander around the delightful village, known for the low bridges spanning the River Windrush. Bourton is also the starting point for several popular Cotswolds walks, including a 40 minute stroll to equally pretty Lower Slaughter or a two hour circular waterside walk.
Crown & Trumpet Inn, Broadway
Church Street, Broadway, Worcestershire WR12 7AE
Located close to the Cotswold Way, the Crown & Trumpet can be found in one of the area’s most scenic villages. Listed by both the Good Pub and Good Beer guides, you’re guaranteed a decent CAMRA-approved pint as well as a warm welcome.
Dating back to the 17th century, the Crown & Trumpet is a typical Cotswolds inn crafted from honey-toned stone. There is an emphasis on local produce and flavours, with dishes like Worcester or Evesham Vale Pie, locally made faggots, and venison sausages served for lunch or dinner.
Several walks commence in picturesque Broadway, including an uphill trek to Broadway Tower and back, plus hikes to Snowshill, Winchcombe and Chipping Campden, via the Cotswold Way. At around an hour, Snowshill is the shortest, while a brisk stroll to Chipping Campden will take around 90 minutes. For the Broadway Tower and Winchcombe walks, it’s best to allow up to three hours. So make sure to take plenty of water for both you and your pooch before setting off!
The Cat & Custard Pot, Tetbury
The Street, Shipton Moyne, Tetbury, Gloucestershire GL8 8PN
This unusually named pub can be found in Shipton Moyne, a village close to Tetbury. The charms of The Cat & Custard Pot – in addition to the intriguing moniker – include a pizza terrace which is open from Wednesday to Sunday inclusive.
Apart from the handmade pizzas, the food menu includes hearty fare like pies, steaks and burgers. The emphasis is on delicious, filling and affordable dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. Decor-wise, the pub is cosy and welcoming, with swoon-worthy touches like velvet-covered chairs in rich jewel hues, warm woods, neutral tones and Morris-style wallpaper.
In an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), there are plenty of scenic walks for both with two or four legs to enjoy. Depending which you choose, routes may take in Westonbirt Arboretum or Highgrove, or end in Tetbury.
The Beehive, Cheltenham
1-3 Montpellier Villas, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL50 2XE
The well-heeled Montpellier area is home to the Beehive, and there’s certainly a buzz about this smart, dog-friendly pub. It’s also noted for being one of half-a-dozen CAMRA-approved real ale pubs in Cheltenham.
Beers are sourced from a pair of town-based breweries, plus there are draught ciders from Hereford, Suffolk and Cornwall. Locally sourced food is featured on the ever-changing menu, and is freshly cooked to order, while the wine list has a global feel. Featured dishes may include mushroom, spinach and truffle pie, barbecue ribs or corn-fed chicken, as well the de rigeur steaks, burgers, bangers and battered fish.
Housed in an elegant regency building, the Beehive is packed with original Victorian features, and the clientele is a real mix of locals, out-of-towners and tourists from all walks of life. As for rambling in the area, active types are spoilt for choice when it comes to Cotswolds routes, or you can simply enjoy exploring the bustling and refined town centre.
The Lamb Inn, Burford 
Sheep Street, Burford, Oxfordshire OX18 4LR
Burford is another classic Cotswolds village, with cosy lines of honey coloured stone buildings sloping down towards the River Windrush. The Lamb Inn is positioned on a sleepy side street. Inside it has the laid-back feel of a place in which to kick back and relax. No dog could surely resist sneaking in a snooze by the fire.
For their human owners, the main draws of this traditional Cotswolds pub include a sunny and oh-so-English outdoor garden, as well as a range of plump, cosy armchairs or intimate corner tables. Perfect for snatching a romantic interlude when it’s just the two of you. It’s a place where time has seemingly stood still.
There are plenty of dishes with thoroughly modern twists to be found on the menu, such as smoked almonds, truffle macaroni cheese, cider brined pork, crushed potatoes and pea ravioli. Popular local walking circuits include the Villages of the Windrush Valley route or the Cotswold Conservation Board walk to Great Barrington.
The Lion Inn, Winchcombe 
37 North Street, Winchcombe, Gloucestershire GL54 5PS
With a bar, snug, restaurant and garden, The Lion Inn leaves both humans and hounds spoiled for choice. Despite the laid-back atmosphere, this is a place that takes its food seriously; a fact that’s reflected in the AA rosette award it holds. Ingredients are locally sourced wherever possible, including from the gardens of regulars who find themselves with a glut of fruit or surplus veg to spare.
The usual dishes are all present and correct, from beer battered haddock to dry aged steaks. Alongside these, there are more inventive options too, such as the roasted river trout with chowder or a Moroccan style, meat-free tagine served with flatbread and couscous.
For those who can tear themselves away from the charms of this rustic yet stylish establishment, there are lots of lovely local trails to follow on foot. These take on local sights like the historic Belas Knap long barrow or majestic Sudeley Castle.
Hare & Hounds, Tetbury
Westonbirt, Tetbury, Gloucestershire GL8 8QL
The Hare and Hounds has a royal connection of sorts – Highgrove estate and its well-known shop are to be found in the vicinity. Add Tetbury’s clutch of appealing antiques and interior stores into the mix and this is a place to sample fine food or snap up a one-off piece for your home.
As for the pub itself, diners can choose between the relaxed atmosphere of Jack Hare’s bar and the elegant surroundings of the two AA rosette awarded Beaufort restaurant. Food is locally sourced, prettily presented and includes some interesting dishes. If you fancy something different, how about sole with seaweed potatoes, native lobster tart or vegetable pithivier with Barkham blue cheese?
Don’t miss the chance to take your four-legged pal for a plod around Westonbirt Arboretum while you’re so close by. Here you can marvel at over 15,000 tree species from all over the planet.
The King’s Arms, Didmarton
The Street, Didmarton, Near Badminton, Gloucestershire GL9 1DT
Whether you prefer to sip a colourful cocktail, elegant G&T or glass of fine wine, The King’s Arms in Didmarton can mix or pour the ideal drink. If beer’s more your bag, there are plenty of local ales to sample too.
Interior-wise, think painted panelling, large chalkboards, candlelight and throw cushions with crown prints. Snaffle a cosy window banquette if you can, and gaze at the stunning surrounding countryside all afternoon or evening long. Or perhaps you’d prefer to cuddle up by the wood-burning stove, or keep watch while the pizza oven in the country-style garden bakes your dinner to perfection.
When it’s time to walk off the crab mac‘n’cheese, chicken kiev or sweet potato curry, the area offers plentiful rambling opportunities. Top picks include taking in Westonbirt Arboretum, Ozleworth Lake or the Somerset monument.
The New Inn, Coln St Aldwyns 
Coln St Aldwyns, Gloucestershire GL7 5AN
The New Inn is really anything but – rather, it’s an archetypal 16th century Cotswolds pub with old stone walls, sash windows and an ivy-clad exterior. Inside, think crackling fire in the sizable grate, smart linen roman blinds, lots of natural wood and an eclectic collection of chairs and tables.
Baz and Fred oversee the seamless running of things, and assure a warm welcome to well-behaved pooches and humans alike. Burgers are the big thing here, and they can be washed down with a cocktail, local ale or glass of fine wine. Will it be Chesney Hawks, Shroom and Boom or a Chick-Inn? If you’ve had your fill of stacked patties lately, there are several other plates to choose from too.
There’s a mix of easy and intermediate walks in the area, taking you via locations like Southrop, Bibury or the River Windrush.
The Bear of Rodborough, Stroud 
Rodborough Common, Stroud, Gloucestershire GL5 5DE
A romantic bolthole located among the rolling Cotswold hills, The Bear takes prime position on Rodborough Common. This area is abundant in local wildlife as well as soothing green landscapes. Stroud is a particular favourite with arty types, who flock here to sample the local arts and crafts scene and sip great coffee in the friendly cafes.
This dog-friendly Cotswolds inn has several dining venues to choose from. There’s the convivial Bear bar, the outdoor pavilion and the more formal yet unfussy Library restaurant, which boasts an AA rosette. Whichever you choose, treats like a plant based cottage pie, chicken schnitzel, London Porter smoked salmon and homemade cakes await.
As it’s located on National Trust managed land, there’s barely a better place in the land to undertake those daily dog-walking duties. After lunch you can discover Stroud, go butterfly spotting or simply admire sweeping views over the Severn Estuary.
Old Spot Inn, Dursley
2 Hill Road, Dursley, Gloucestershire GL11 4JQ
Pork crackling on Sunday is a given, but you can also expect a cracking atmosphere at the Old Spot Inn. Even the greedy eyes of Harry Potter’s cousin Dudley Dursley would surely light up when walking into this pub, in the village of the same name as his famous fictional family.
The dog-friendly Old Spot Inn can be found at the foot of lofty Winchcombe Hill, right by the route of the Cotswold Way. Dating from the 18th century, low ceilings and lots of brewing memorabilia ensure this place is packed with charm and character.
While this is a traditional British pub proudly serving ploughman’s lunches and stuffed doorstep sandwiches, you can also find more contemporary options like pulled pork sliders, Moroccan koftas and buddha bowls on the menus. The inn proudly supports local breweries and suppliers, so there’s always a balanced selection of beers on tap.
Somewhere Else, Cirencester
65 Castle Street, Cirencester GL7 1QD
If you hanker for something a little out of the Cotswolds ordinary, then Somewhere Else in the stylish market town of Cirencester should tick all the right boxes. From expert mixologists to pop up kitchens, it can make a refreshing change from all that rolling countryside. And your pooch can pop along too.
Some fabulously named burgers are featured on the menu, from ‘Oui Chef’ or ‘N’Duja Really Like It?’ to a ‘Hot Mess’. You can also select a sizzling or more subdued sauce for your chicken wings or strips – or sample a classic or contemporary ‘Ruby Murray’ at Asha Indian Kitchen.
Where to work off all that yummy food? Cirencester is a very walkable town to saunter through, and options include a meander over to the Roman amphitheatre or a stroll along the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust’s Hare Festival Way.
Have these pooch-friendly pubs tickled your fancy? Extend your foodie experience even further with some of the other fantastic places to eat in the Cotswolds.
Planning a trip to the Cotswolds with your four-legged friend? Check out Park Farm Cottage, a gorgeous dog-friendly bolthole in the southern Cotswolds.
