Top UK Dog Friendly Retreats

by Katie Heath

My husband, Ben, and I are lucky enough to travel all over the world for work. Since welcoming our Pomeranian puppy, Pepita, into our family five months ago though, we’ve foregone our worldwide travel in favour of more local staycations within the U.K. with one caveat; they must be dog friendly.

Pepita comes everywhere with us and, according to research, 10% of dogs in the UK are also lucky enough to accompany their owners on holiday.  I’ve summed up my top five staycations within the UK that are just as fabulous for humans as they are for our canine companions.

1. Chewton Glen Treehouse Suites 

An idyllic classic English House and Spa retreat perched on the edge of The New Forest and just a stones’ throw from the ocean. Spend your days with long walks and pub lunches exploring the countryside and stay in a luxury treehouse perched amongst the canopy of trees. At night, watch the stars from your private hot tub while your four legged friend happily curls up by the warmth of the log burner. A perfect getaway for everyone.

2. Pennyhill Park 

With one of the biggest spas in the UK, this is a place to come to relax. Not just for you, but with big rooms, beautiful grounds and woodlands beyond; it is a great place for your pets to relax too. Award-winning food is served from a number of different restaurants and when you decide that one more massage would be too much (said no one ever!) you can kick back in the cinema screening room, play tennis, croquet or even tee off on the nine-hole golf course.

3. Soho Farmhouse 

The exclusive private members’ club sometimes allows non-members to stay and, if you can wrangle a night or two, it comes highly recommended. The individual log cabins are furnished to the highest quality with all amenities you could need including a dog bed and bowl. The country retreat is just as friendly to those on two legs as it is to those on four, with acitivites to keep everyone happy including mini golf, swimming, horse riding, long walks or just relaxing in the bar with a glass of wine by the fireplace. 

4. Moondara House, Log House Holidays  

If your furry companions are happiest in the water, running around and having an uninterrupted country stay, this is the place for you. Moondara is an 8 person Log House complete with your own hot tub, private beach, rowing boat and huge kitchen perfect for a big family or group of friends. The only time you’ll want to leave is for a pub lunch at The Wild Duck – a beautiful 16th century country inn propped up by original wooden beams and huge roaring fireplaces. 

5. Nobu Hotel Shoreditch 

The newest hotel in the Nobu family, Pepita was actually the very first dog to stay at the hotel when it opened. With your four-legged friends allowed in the rooms and in the Lobby Lounge and Bar, this is a great hotel to stay in if you want a good central base from which to explore the Capital. The rooms are distinctly Japanese and snug, so perfect for smaller dogs. If your companion is a little on the larger side, I would recommend booking a suite.

For more dog friendly destinations within the UK and abroad (coming soon!) head on over to my blog www.kalanchoe.co.uk I look forward to seeing you there! 

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