Dog-friendly days out in the Cotswolds
Date published: 18 Sep 2025
If you and your four-legged friend are plotting a break in the Cotswolds, you’re in for a treat. With its honey-coloured villages, rolling hills, babbling streams and woodlands, this area is made for dog friendly adventures. Here are some top suggestions for dog-friendly days out in the Cotswolds that will have both you and your pooch grinning from ear to floppy ear.
1. Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens, Burford
Let’s kick off with one of the classics: Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens. It makes for a great family day out. You can wander through 160+ acres of gardens and parkland, spot giraffes, rhinos and sculptures, ride the miniature train (dogs included!) and let the kids blow off steam in the adventure playground. Dogs aren’t allowed inside indoor animal enclosures or spaces, but they’re welcome on a lead pretty much everywhere else.
2. Broadway Tower, Broadway
This iconic folly, perched high on a hill, is surrounded by acres of countryside and part of the Cotswold Way. Dogs on leads are welcome in the grounds, and the sweeping views from the top are unforgettable. You can walk straight from Broadway village up to the tower, making it a fantastic circular outing for both two and four-legged visitors.
3. Batsford Arboretum, near Moreton-in-Marsh
A peaceful, tree-filled haven covering 56 acres, Batsford Arboretum is a lovely option for a day out with your pup. Dogs are welcome on leads throughout the arboretum, garden centre and café. And the changing colours through the seasons mean there’s always something new to enjoy. In autumn, the fiery leaves are on top form, while spring brings a sea of blossom.
4. Westonbirt Arboretum, Tetbury
Another arboretum worth exploring is Westonbirt, home to one of the world’s most spectacular tree collections. Dogs are welcome off lead in Silk Wood, which covers a huge area with easy-to-follow trails. They’re also welcome in The Downs on leads. The Old Arboretum is the only dog-free zone. In summer, you can treat your furry friend to doggy ice cream from the pantry, while autumn is spot-on for dazzling displays of colour.
5. Cotswold Water Park, near Cirencester
Spread across 40 square miles and boasting over 180 lakes, the Cotswold Water Park is a paradise for walkers. Dogs will love the variety of lakeside trails, woodland paths and meadows. While the beach is reserved for human sunbathers, the trails and café both welcome hounds. And they’re allowed on some boats too. It’s also a good place to spot birds and other wildlife.
6. Woodchester Park, Stroud
Managed by the National Trust, Woodchester Park is a peaceful wooded valley dotted with lakes and rich in wildlife. Dogs on leads are welcome along the walking trails, which are full of surprises, including the unfinished Gothic revival mansion, Woodchester Mansion. It’s a tranquil place to escape the bustle and enjoy nature together.
7. Chastleton House, near Moreton-in-Marsh
This Jacobean treasure is surrounded by rolling countryside, with grounds where dogs are welcome on leads. Chastleton House is full of history (though pups must stay outside the house itself), and the surrounding area is great for extending your walk. National Trust properties like this often have dog-friendly facilities, making them easy days out for the whole family.
8. The Rollright Stones, near Chipping Norton
Step back in time at The Rollright Stones, a Neolithic stone circle set in open countryside. It’s atmospheric and mystical, and dogs are welcome on leads – they just need to stay outside the Stone Circle itself. You can combine a visit with a walk across the surrounding fields, which are criss-crossed with public footpaths.
9. Birdland, Bourton-on-the-Water
Birdland is a favourite day out for all the family – furry ones included. Its nine acres of gardens and woodland are home to penguins, flamingos, parrots, and birds of prey. Plus, there’s a Jurassic Journey zone with life-size dinosaur replicas. Dogs are welcome on short leads and there are water bowls dotted around the park.
10. Cirencester Park, Cirencester
On the edge of Cirencester town centre, Cirencester Park is one of the largest private parks in the country. It’s open to the public for free, and dogs on leads are welcome to explore its grand avenues and peaceful pathways. With 3,000 acres of space, you’ll never be short of routes to wander.
11. The Slaughters (Upper & Lower)
These twin villages, Upper and Lower Slaughter, are regularly voted among the prettiest in the Cotswolds. They’re linked by a gentle riverside walk, which makes for a scenic morning or afternoon out. Dogs can paddle in the shallow River Eye, while humans enjoy the postcard-perfect stone cottages and quaint bridges. Stop for a pint in a dog-friendly pub along the way, and you’ve got the makings of a perfect Cotswold afternoon.
12. Broadway Village & the Cotswold Way
Broadway isn’t just home to the tower — the village itself is a delight, with dog-friendly pubs, tea rooms and shops. From here you can pick up a stretch of the Cotswold Way, a national trail that runs for over 100 miles through some of the region’s most stunning scenery. Whether you fancy a short loop or a longer ramble, your dog will love the adventure.
13. Cleeve Hill, near Cheltenham
The highest point in the Cotswolds, Cleeve Hill offers wide open space and panoramic views across to the Malvern Hills and beyond. It’s a brilliant spot for dogs with good recall, as the expanses of grassland give plenty of safe roaming room. Sheep do graze here, so keep a close eye on curious pups.
14. Painswick Beacon, near Gloucester
Another high point with spectacular views, Painswick Beacon is popular with walkers. Once an ancient Iron Age hill fort, the common land here is perfect for dogs, with open meadows, trails and hilltop panoramas. On a clear day, you can see for miles.
15. Stroud Farmers’ Market, Stroud
For something a little different, head to Stroud Farmers’ Market, held every Saturday. It’s one of the UK’s best farmers’ markets, packed with local produce, crafts and street food. Dogs on leads are welcome, and many stallholders are happy to offer a friendly fuss (or even the odd treat).
Staying in a dog-friendly cottage in the Cotswolds
All of this is made so much better when your base is welcoming to dogs. At Dog Friendly Cottages, you’ll find properties with:
- Enclosed gardens so your dog can stretch out or play without worry.
- Cottages welcoming multiple dogs so you can bring all the pack.
- Easy access to walking routes straight from the doorstep or very nearby, so you don’t spend all day in the car.
- Comforts for dogs: water bowls, a bed, easy-clean floors, and perhaps even treats from your hosts.
- ‘Pets go free’ options, so you don’t have to pay a penny to bring your pup.
Browse our full range of dog-friendly cottages in the Cotswolds to find theperfect base for your holiday.
Meet the author
Annabel JacksonAnnabel loves exploring new parts of the UK with her family, including French bulldog, Albie. They’re regular visitors to North Wales and Norfolk, but have also made some paw-some memories in the Peak District, Cotswolds, Highlands and Cornwall.
