1. The Rose & Crown, Romaldkirk
Nestled in the Pennines of County Durham, the pretty Anglo-Saxon town of Romaldkirk is home to 18th-century coaching inn, The Rose & Crown. The pub is like a checklist of picture-postcard features – ivy draping the walls? Check. Open log fire? Check. Gravel-crunching courtyard? Check. Dogs can stay at no additional cost and they’re also permitted in the cosy bar. Courtyard rooms are great for a quick walk outside and the dog treats are homemade in the village. There’s even a dog hosing and drying area so you can keep your bedroom spotless.
The Rose and Crown, Barnard Castle DL12 9EB
2. Arden Cottage Bed & Breakfast, Williton Somerset
With lilac wisteria draping the brilliant white façade of this B&B, Arden Cottage is a chocolate-box setting in Somerset that pets will love. Trek over the Brendon Hills, Exmoor and the Quantocks and dog-friendly beaches nearby and there are treats for dogs on arrival. There’s also a doggie lounge where owners can chill out with their pets after they’ve bounded around in the spacious garden. Dogs are allowed in rooms but don’t let them on the beds.
Arden Cottage, Wanstrow, Shepton Mallet BA4 4SZ
3. The Bourne Valley Inn, Hampshire
If it’s a few friends your pooch is after then look no further than The Bourne Valley Inn. The resident spaniel Alfie is on hand to make your dog feel welcome. Ground floor rooms come complete with beds and water bowls and there are biscuits and ‘Snuffle beer’ as a welcome treat. The humans in your group will love the contemporary country rooms and crackling open fire in the bar.
The Bourne Valley Inn, Upper Link, St Mary Bourne, Andover SP11 6BT
It doesn’t get much more remote than this old coaching inn from 1680 on the banks of Loch Gleann Dubh in north west Scotland. With dramatic munros and hectares of heath on its doorstep your dog will need a good rest by the fire at the end of a day’s exploring. Kylesku provide a ‘doggie pack’ for all guests with furry friends which includes a towel to dry them off and some treats. The staff are happy to sit down with guests to explain the best local walks which include Sandwood Bay beach and Balnakeil.
Kylesku Hotel, Drumbeg, Kylesku, Lairg IV27 4HW
The Cotswolds is the epitome of picturesque villages surrounded by rolling hills – and the medieval village of Burford is no exception. Hanging baskets overflowing with blooms and the smoky smell of fire laden with soot fill the air outside The Lamb Inn which won the Condé Nast Johansens’ ‘Most Excellent Inn’ award in 2012. Dogs are so welcome here that there’s even a menu for them in the bar. Dishes including a succulent steak casserole – sure to get tails wagging. They’re welcome to stay in the rooms too, some of which come with freestanding baths and exposed beams.
The Lamb Inn, Sheep St, Burford OX18 4LR
Rolling sandy beaches are a dog’s idea of heaven, and The Lifeboat Inn is situated right on the north Norfolk coastline – great for walkies. The hotel provides water bowls and allows dogs in the bar and lounge. Pooches can get their portrait in the canine hall of fame when they stay at the inn – you can scroll through photos of previous four-legged guests chilling out around the hotel in their online gallery here. If dogs could leave reviews – we think The Lifeboat would get five stars.
The Lifeboat Inn, Ship Ln, Thornham PE36 6LT
The folk at the northern Welsh pub of Groes Inn are true dog-lovers, Lurcher and Long dogs stay for free in their rooms – all they ask is for a donation to one of three local canine charities they support. Dogs will be spoilt for choice with walks around Snowdonia and endless hiking trails. Owners can relax in the bar at the end of a long day – the inn even brews its own ale.
Ty'n-y-groes, Conwy LL32 8TN
8. Raithewaite Hall, Yorkshire
The idyllic seaside town of Whitby is home to a sprawling sandy beach, breath-taking clifftop golf course, Gothic abbey that was the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula and Raithwaite Hall, which boasts Yorkshire’s only luxury dog spa and lodges. An upgrade from an inn, this is a place to really push the boat out for your pooch.
1 Sandsend Road, Whitby YO21 3ST