Dog-Friendly Days Out in the Cotswolds
Rolling hills, cosy pubs, countryside walks and postcard-perfect villages — the Cotswolds is one of the best places in the UK for a dog-friendly day out.
And as DigDrum’s founder is proudly from the Cotswolds, we thought it was only right to share some of our favourite places to explore with your four-legged sidekick.
Whether you’re planning a weekend adventure, a countryside pub lunch, or a relaxed scenic walk, here are some brilliant dog-friendly spots across the Cotswolds.
Crickley Hill Country Park
If your dog loves open space, Crickley Hill is hard to beat.
Located just outside Cheltenham, this beautiful country park offers:
- Huge open grassland
- Woodland trails
- Panoramic views across Gloucestershire
- Plenty of sniffing opportunities
There are several walking routes depending on how energetic your dog is feeling, and the wide-open scenery makes it ideal for dogs who enjoy exploring.
Bring water on warmer days, as some areas are quite exposed in summer.
Sudeley Castle
One of the Cotswolds’ most iconic heritage attractions, Sudeley Castle welcomes dogs in the gardens, grounds, and outdoor areas.
It’s a fantastic option if you want a slower-paced day out combining:
- History
- Scenic gardens
- Countryside walks
- Dog-friendly cafés
The castle grounds are especially beautiful during summer and early autumn, making it a great stop during a Cotswolds road trip.
The Green Dragon Inn
A proper countryside pub with dog-friendly charm.
The Green Dragon is well known locally for:
- Relaxed atmosphere
- Great pub food
- Outdoor seating
- Welcoming dogs inside and out
After a long walk in the countryside, it’s exactly the kind of pub where muddy paws are expected rather than frowned upon.
Many dog owners travelling through the Cotswolds look for places where both humans and dogs can properly relax, and this is one of them.
Broadway Tower
Broadway Tower offers one of the most scenic walks in the Cotswolds.
The surrounding parkland is ideal for dogs who enjoy longer walks with plenty to sniff and explore, while owners get incredible views stretching across the countryside.
There’s also a dog-friendly café nearby, making it an easy half-day trip.
Bourton-on-the-Water
Sometimes called the “Venice of the Cotswolds”, Bourton-on-the-Water is one of the region’s most popular villages, and many shops, cafés, and pubs welcome dogs.
It’s a brilliant spot for:
- Gentle riverside walks
- Ice cream stops
- Pub lunches
- Browsing independent shops
It can get busy during peak summer weekends, so early mornings or weekdays tend to be calmer for nervous dogs.
Westonbirt Arboretum
For dogs who love woodland adventures, Westonbirt is a fantastic choice.
The tree-lined trails provide:
- Shade during warmer weather
- Interesting scents
- Peaceful walking routes
- Seasonal colour all year round
It’s particularly beautiful in late summer and autumn.
Dog-Friendly Holidays Need Dog-Friendly Enrichment
One thing many owners forget when planning days out is that dogs can become overstimulated just as easily as they become bored.
Busy pub gardens, cafés, heritage sites, and travel days can leave dogs needing a calm outlet to decompress afterwards.
That’s one reason portable enrichment tools like DigDrum can be so useful on weekends away.
After a long day exploring:
- Dogs can settle through instinctive play
- Owners can relax without worrying about furniture damage
- Holiday cottages and Airbnb stays become less stressful
DigDrum was designed to help dogs redirect excess energy and natural digging instincts into positive play, wherever you happen to be.
Because the best days out are the ones both you and your dog enjoy.
