Your four-legged friends are part of the family, so why leave them behind when taking a break away. More and more UK hotels are catering for canine companions nowadays and these are the pick of the bunch.
Isle of Eriska
With views across Loch Linnhe, this magical 330-acre private island makes for a unique dog-friendly escape. Owned by GEM and managed by the award-winning ICMI, the Isle of Eriska hotel dates back to the 1800s. Choose from 16 contemporary rooms in the main house, five spa suites (complete with hot tubs), two bedroomed garden cottages, six large hilltop reserves with balconies and three-bed self-catering apartments set away from the hub of the estate. Traditional public areas have log fires and wood panelling, perfect for relaxing after a long walk. There’s also a Michelin-starred restaurant, spa and plenty of surrounding wildlife to enjoy.
Foxhill Manor
Bring up to two dogs to this arts and crafts eight bedroomed mansion in the Cotswolds. Guests here benefit from access to the nearby sister hotel, Dormy with its spa and restaurant. But Foxhill also has an intimate dining room, led by chef Richard Thorp – and you have the freedom to pop into the kitchen should you fancy a picnic hamper or barbecue kit. Your pups can enjoy chef-prepared cuisine direct from the kitchen too. Rooms come with beds and bowls, plus four-posters and rolltop baths for you.
Forest Side Lakes
Stay in one of the six pet-friendly rooms located in the north wing, complete with dog treats, a bed, blanket and towels. Designer James Mackie has worked his magic on the decor at this 20 bedroomed Lake District property, repurposing many original Victorian features and pieces to create an elegantly modern vibe. Chef Paul Leonard uses the best local produce from nearby farms and the kitchen garden to create first-rate six and ten-course tasting menus. And there are 43 acres of private grounds to explore together.
Craigellachie
The 19th century 26 room hotel sits on the rivers Spey and Fiddich and has attracted a famous clientele including Noel Gallagher, Kate Moss, Tom Parker-Bowles and Sadie Frost. Craigellachie is full of authentic Scottish touches, like local staff, Johnston’s of Elgin cashmere topped mattresses, contemporary plaid textiles and four-poster beds. Spend an afternoon watching the dogs run and splash on the beach at Lossiemouth or salmon fish with the local Gillie, followed by dinner beside a roaring fire at the hotel’s cosy pub The Copper Dog. Then retire to The Quaich where you can select from 900 different whiskies and admire the hand-crafted furniture by Soane, as well as the bar’s silver band lining produced by Hamilton & Inches.
St Michaels Hotel Falmouth
For a beachside break, stay at St Michaels Hotel among sub-tropical gardens, and just a stone’s through from the pretty harbour. It was recently refurbished to the tune of £8 million and offers a cool modern spa, fitness centre and three places to eat and drink. The interior decor in its 84 rooms mirrors the colours and vibe of the doorstep Cornish coast. Humans travelling with dogs have a choice of a classic king or twin, a bay view room with terrace and a bay view suite – all with bowls, treats and beds.
Sheraton Grand Park Lane London
Situated across from Green Park where much of 101 Dalmatians was filmed, the art-deco Sheraton Grand took inspiration from its pawfect location following a large scale relaunch in 2016 – Domino and Lulu are now the hotel’s dalmatian mascots. Your four-legged best friend can accompany you throughout the property (with exception of two restaurants) and stay in your plush room at no extra charge – there’s a complimentary dog walking service thrown in and you can take him or her to the hotel’s swish bar for a ‘dogtail’.
Devonshire Arms Yorkshire
Found on the Chatsworth Estate as part of the Duke of Devonshire’s wider 30,000 acres Bolton Abbey Estate, the Duchess herself oversees the bespoke interior design at Devonshire Arms. Your pooch will receive suitably noble treatment here. Dogs are welcome in every part of the 17th-century hotel except the tranquil spa and the indoor section of the Burlington Restaurant & Brasserie (there’s an alfresco dining area in which they can join you). Take advantage of a complimentary sitting service during meal times, treats, a dedicated dog lounge and even solid wood four-poster dog beds to match those the humans sleep in.
Broadoaks Country House Lake District
Windemere is a walking and lake swimming paradise, a great option for a dog-friendly mini-break. The hotel has its own secure field for runs, and ‘dog suites’ at the back of the hotel, so you don’t have to leave them in the room while you’re at the spa or enjoying a meal at Oaks Restaurant. Pet-friendly rooms The Retreat, The Boudoir and three Garden Suites include treats from Flo & Scout the resident Cavapoos and the Bob and Lush Four Paws menu – book doggie dinner bed and breakfast and they’ll enjoy their own fine dining experience complete with canapes and daily afternoon tea.
Milestone Hotel London
Not only is the Milestone a beautiful and dog-friendly hotel, but it also offers a plethora of delights to pamper your pooch. On arrival, you’ll be given a tailor-made welcome hamper, with a toy, treat, Milestone tag, doggie bag and a choice of beds, cushions, duvets and floor mats to suit their tastes. They receive a nightly turndown treat, their own ‘do not disturb’ card, mineral drinking water and a lip-smackingly good menu. Make use of the handy grooming, walking, taxi and canine birthday party services while you’re here too. The Milestone Hotel has 56 unique and sumptuous rooms, many of which look out over Kensington Palace, as well as six plush residences. There’s also a spa and five-star upscale dining establishments to be sampled.
Lord of the Manor Cotswolds
The 26 bedroom country manor house is surrounded by a sequence of magical award-winning gardens. Stately, but cosy, Lord of the Manor has a range of rooms types from which to select, two fine dining restaurants (The Atrium has 3 AA Rosettes and The Dining Room made The Times ‘Most Romantic UK Restaurants’ list). Homemade biscuits, fancy organic food, comfy blankets, treats and a range of toys provide comfort and fun for your dog, and there are many picturesque local hikes to be explored together.