There’s no need to leave your four-legged friend at home for your next Cotswold adventure, with SoGlos discovering 17 dog-friendly attractions that welcome every member of the family.
While it’s often required that dogs remain on the lead, these attractions are ideal for both two and four-legged visitors to enjoy a day trip, family outing or simply soak up the beautiful Cotswold countryside.
Dog-friendly days out at Painswick Rococo Garden
Complete with amazing architecture, woodland trails and towering trees, the gorgeous Painswick Rococo Garden is perfect for a picturesque dog walk — providing they're kept on a short lead.
Well-behaved pooches are also welcome to join their owners for drinks and doggy snacks from the cafe, with temporary seating under a lovely marquee while Rococo Garden creates its new welcome area.
Dog-friendly days out at Cotswold Wildlife Park
Introduce four-legged friends to a host of other animals at Burford’s Cotswold Wildlife Park, with dogs allowed to accompany their families around the grounds.
With many spacious lawns to roam, pets are sure to have a paw-some day out — while there are plenty of activities to keep kids happy, too!
Dog-friendly days out at Batsford Arboretum
Wander around Batsford Arboretum’s incredible natural collections with your dog, with 56 acres of stunning parklands to explore.
Well-behaved pooches are also allowed in the garden centre and on-site cafe, which was named Cafe / Coffee Shop of the Year in the 2024 Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards!
Dog-friendly days out at Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway
Everyone’s welcome to hop aboard the train at Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway, with dogs allowed to travel in standard carriages for a flat-rate fare — as long as they’re not on the seats or tables and kept away from carpeted areas and those tasty buffet cars!
Please note that there is a limit of two dogs per group of passengers.
Dog-friendly days out at Westonbirt Arboretum
One of the country’s most spectacular tree gardens, Westonbirt Arboretum promises hours of fun and exploration, with dogs free to roam the Silk Wood where there are seasonal trails to keep walkers entertained — and the Gruffalo and his friends to spot!
As a bonus, the pantry grab-and-go kiosk sells doggy ice cream, too.
Dog-friendly days out at Cotswold Motoring Museum
Home to children's TV star Brum, Cotswold Motoring Museum takes visitors on a journey through motoring history — perfect for a family day out, with canine companions welcome to tag along.
The pretty surroundings of Bourton-on-the-Water are ideal for dog walks, too.
Dog-friendly days out at Bibury Trout Farm
Hungry hounds will love watching their owners fish for supper at Bibury Trout Farm’s ‘catch your own’ fishery, open daily from March to October.
And, with plenty of green space and a water meadow to explore, Bibury is a great spot for a dog walk in the beautiful Cotswold countryside.
Dog-friendly days out at Birdland Park and Gardens
A favourite animal attraction in Bourton-on-the-Water — and home to the world's most popular penguin, Spike — Birdland Park and Gardens allows dogs to join in the family fun, with water bowls provided to keep thirsty canines happy while kids marvel at penguins, pelicans and more.
Dog-friendly days out at Woodchester Park
Surrounding an unfinished Victorian mansion, Woodchester Park is a secluded woodland valley just waiting to be explored by dogs and their human companions — with a number of picturesque routes for scenic walkies and lakes to doggy paddle in, too.
Dog-friendly days out at Cotswold Lavender
Open for just a brief time from the end of June to early July every year, Cotswold Lavender offers the chance to wander around stunning and beautifully scented purple fields, with four-legged pals welcome to tag along.
A paw-fect backdrop for the most Insta-worthy dog snaps!
Dog-friendly days out at Cirencester Park
Cirencester Park is a great spot for a family day out, with dedicated doggy walking areas where four-legged friends can run, sniff and play.
Its popular dining destination, Roots + Seeds Kitchen Garden, is dog- and family-friendly, too, with a fab adventure playground for kids.
Dog-friendly days out at Greystones Farm Nature Reserve
Pooches under close control can enjoy riverside walkies at Greystones Farm Nature Reserve, with routes that are suitable for the whole family.
And there’s lots more for pups and their humans to discover at the ancient site in Bourton-on-the-Water, from Iron Age fortifications to blooming wildflower meadows.
Dog-friendly days out at Cotswold Water Park
Home to plenty of trails and bridle paths to get tails wagging, dogs are welcome on a scenic walk through Cotswold Water Park, with picnic spots along the way for a well-deserved rest.
Just be mindful of the resident wildlife and don't let your pup go paddling in the lakes!
Dog-friendly days out at The Dragonfly Maze
Head to Bourton-on-the-Water for a visit to The Dragonfly Maze, weaving through the yew hedge pathways with your furry friend, while little ones can have fun solving the riddle to reveal the hidden golden dragonfly.
The centre is open each summer from June to August, weather permitting, and dogs must always be kept on the lead.
Dog-friendly days out at Broadway Tower
While dogs might not be able climb up the Cotswolds’ highest castle, there’s plenty of fun to be had at Broadway Tower’s dedicated canine playground, featuring paw-some agility obstacles.
Meanwhile, the surrounding countryside is made for outdoor exploring, with an expanse of open space, several walking routes and spectacular views.
Dog-friendly days out at Cerney House Gardens
A romantic haven in the heart of the Cotswolds, Cerney House Gardens offers a slice of rural paradise for visitors and their doggy pals.
The secret Victorian garden is open seven days a week, with a gazebo walk, woodlands, a vegetable garden and much more to discover — fans of beautiful roses should visit in their blooming months between June and mid-July.
Dog-friendly days out at Newark Park
Welcoming dogs throughout its estate, Newark Park is a National Trust site in Wotton-under-Edge, offering plenty of pretty parklands to explore with canine companions in tow.
The three-levelled garden is also a great spot for a picnic!
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