The best dog-friendly pubs in the Cotswolds

Image courtesy of the Lygon Arms

The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is a favourite destination among both two and four-legged visitors, so it should come as no surprise that we have a vast collection of dog-friendly cottages here. With so many opportunities for walking and an abundance of honey-coloured villages to visit, it’s heaven for dogs and their owners.

There’s nothing better than embarking on a walk when you know there’s a cosy pub waiting for you at the end. The Cotswolds is packed with charming inns where you can enjoy a refreshing pint and some home-cooked food, and many welcome dogs too with an array of paw-friendly treats.

To help you plan your next Cotswolds holiday with your pup, here are 10 of our favourite dog-friendly pubs in the Cotswolds.

Dog-friendly cottages in the Cotswolds

Image courtesy of the Duke of Wellington

Duke of Wellington, Bourton-on-the-Water

This newly refurbished pub in Bourton-on-the-Water, one of the Cotswolds' prettiest villages, is sure to be a hit with the whole family, the four-legged ones included. The relaxed pub has a menu full of crowd-pleasing favourites like gourmet burgers, cod and chips, a good range of curries and a pie of the day. Plus, kids can choose from their own menu.

When it comes to dogs, they are just as well catered for – four-legged guests are welcome in both the bar and the beer garden, the latter of which is a tranquil spot overlooking the River Windrush. Grab a pint of the local ale and soak up the peaceful atmosphere with your pup by your side in this sleepy Cotswolds village. For more pubs in Bourton-on-the-Water, read our guide.

Dog-friendly cottages in Bourton-on-the-Water

The Lamb Inn, Burford

A little further along the River Windrush is Burford, a charming Cotswolds village with bags of quintessential character. It’s home to The Lamb Inn, a 15th-century hotel with an excellent restaurant. Dogs are welcome in the bar, lounge and garden of this historic building, complete with flagstone floors and exposed beams.

Perfect all year round, you can cosy up by the roaring fire in the winter or soak up the rays outside in the summer. If you’re peckish, the menu offers a little more than your standard pub grub, with mains including fillet of sea bass, loin of venison and chateaubriand steak with triple-cooked chips.

Dog-friendly cottages in Burford

Images courtesy of the Exmouth Arms

The Exmouth Arms, Cheltenham

If you’re after a more vibrant Cotswolds pub, head to Cheltenham’s bustling Bath Road where you’ll find the Exmouth Arms. The perfect pit stop after a day dipping in and out of the city’s trendy boutiques, this dog-friendly Cheltenham pub has a cool and modern vibe with a busy schedule of events.

Dogs are just as welcome as humans, with dog treats on the bar and water bowls for them to use. They’ll love the large beer garden where they can have a snooze while you tuck into delicious food like homemade fish finger sandwiches and double-stack burgers.

Dog-friendly cottages in Cheltenham

Images courtesy of The Fleece Inn

The Fleece Inn, Bretforton

It's not quite in the Cotswolds, but we couldn’t miss this pub near Evesham off our list. The Fleece Inn has a legendary reputation as one of the best pubs in the area, and it’s made even better by the fact that dogs are welcome too. Built in the early 15th century and now run by the National Trust, it has everything you could want from a pub: roaring log fires in winter, a lovely beer garden in the summer and bags of olde-worlde charm throughout.

Dogs are warmly welcomed and can enjoy the dog treats behind the bar and water bowls available! Humans will love the hearty pub fare, including the award-winning pies.

Dog-friendly cottages in Evesham

Image courtesy of The Gardeners Arms

The Gardeners Arms, Alderton

The Gardeners Arms, in Alderton, not far from Tewkesbury, could be one of the most dog-friendly pubs in the Cotswolds. Four-legged guests can expect a warm welcome from resident pub dog, Teddy, and then enjoy a complimentary bowl of water and even a fresh towel to clean off with after a muddy walk. If they’ve worked up an appetite in the surrounding Cotswolds countryside, they can choose something tasty from Teddy’s Dog Menu.

And for humans? Well, there’s plenty to like – the 16th-century pub has charm in abundance and its menu features an ever-changing rota of specials made with the finest local produce. There’s even a speciality vegan range for those who want a plant-based meal and children have their own menu too.

Dog-friendly cottages in Tewkesbury

Images courtesy of The George

The George, Bradford-on-Avon

Tucked away in the Wiltshire countryside, The George in Bradford-on-Avon is a top choice if you’re looking for dog-friendly inns in the Cotswolds for a post-dog walk dinner. Serving up delectable dishes of classic British pub grub with a twist, the pub supports British farmers and artisan suppliers. There’s an a la carte menu, Sunday lunch, and breakfasts and afternoon teas are available at weekends.

A friendly welcome awaits for both humans and hounds, with dogs allowed to accompany you in the Vault dining room, the bar, and the garden.

Dog-friendly cottages in Bradford-on-Avon

Image courtesy of The Weighbridge Inn

The Weighbridge Inn, Minchinhampton

The Weighbridge Inn is a quirky, 17^th-century country pub in Minchinhampton, near Stroud, where you’ll find an array of mismatched chairs, crackling open fires, rustic beams and exposed stone walls. It’s the perfect winter destination if you’re looking for dog-friendly pubs in the Cotswolds to warm the cockles!

Your four-legged friend will be most appreciative of the water and gravy bones on offer, while you’ll be more than satisfied by the human menu. With lunchtime sandwiches, hearty pub classics and mouthwatering puddings, it’s not hard to while away a couple of hours here in this welcoming little corner of the Cotswolds. Take a look at our guide to Stroud if you're looking for more things to do and places to eat in the area.

Dog-friendly cottages in Stroud

Images courtesy of the Lygon Arms

Lygon Arms, Broadway

A luxurious inn in the heart of Broadway, the Lygon Arms should be on the bucket list of any discerning dog. You’ll follow in great footsteps too, with Oliver Cromwell, Charles I, Pierce Brosnan and Kylie Minogue all having paid it a visit.

If it’s good enough for Kylie, it’s good enough for us, and with a dedicated dog menu too, it’s definitely good enough for your pup! They can choose from chicken, beef steak or sausages, followed by a dollop of dog ice cream. Dine with your pet in the Lygon Bar or Lygon Lounges, both of which have a fabulous cosy atmosphere and a mouthwatering menu.

Dog-friendly cottages in Broadway

Image courtesy of The Bathurst Arms

The Bathurst Arms, Cirencester

The Bathurst Arms near Cirencester is in a perfect setting for ramblers to stop at after they’ve worked up an appetite walking the peaks of the surrounding Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It’s one of the best dog-friendly inns in the Cotswolds to tie in with a pub walk, and with a gorgeous garden opening onto a babbling stream, it’s a lovely spot to spend a few hours with your pup.

The interior oozes rustic charm, with old beams, wooden flooring and cosy nooks creating a welcoming ambience, not to mention the open fire which keeps cold at bay in the winter. The Bohemian tepee in the garden is another wonderful space to dine, where you and your four-legged friend can relax in the ambient glow of the fairy lights and outdoor heaters, with cosy throws to add an extra layer of comfort. Once you've refuelled, our guide to things to do in Cirencester highlights some more adventures in the town.

Dog-friendly cottages in Cirencester

The Chequers, Churchill

For a slap-up meal in the company of your four-legged friend, look no further than one of the best dog-friendly pubs in the Cotswolds, The Chequers. Mentioned in the Michelin Guide where the cooking is described as ‘gutsy and traditional’, it’s an atmospheric pub-restaurant at the heart of the attractive, historic town of Churchill, close to Chipping Norton.

As you would expect from an establishment with such an accolade, the food on the changing menu makes it well worth a visit, and we’re sure your dog will be delighted to snooze by your side in the warm and relaxing bar area (where dogs are welcome). Choose from perfectly cooked meat from the grill, an array of tantalising burgers and a selection of carefully thought-out mains and specials. There might even be some free dog biscuits for your pup!

Dog-friendly cottages in Chipping Norton

Map of dog-friendly pubs in the Cotswolds

Dog-friendly cottages in the Cotswolds

Now you’ve whetted your appetite for a dog-friendly Cotswolds holiday with this round-up of our favourite pubs, why not browse a selection of dog-friendly cottages too? You can browse our full collection of pet-friendly accommodation in the Cotswolds by clicking the button below.

Dog-friendly Cotswolds cottages