Cliveden Hotel, Berkshire This AA-five-red-star, neo-Classical residence is perched on the edge of the River Thames and set in 376 acres of National Trust park ground. There’s no extra charge for your dog to stay, and, on arrival, you’ll receive a map of the grounds that specifies all the areas in which your dog is free to explore without a lead. Dog beds are provided, and the restaurant even has a doggy menu that includes tasty dishes such as ‘Noisette of Chunky’ and ‘Delice de Pal on a bed of Winalot’. For you, there is a Michelin-starred restaurant, Waldo’s, in the hotel. Double rooms start from £370 per night; dogs free Cliveden House, Cliveden, Taplow, Berkshire (01628 668561; www.clivedenhouse.co.uk)
St Petroc’s Hotel, Cornwall The 10-room hotel boasts views either over the estuary or St Petroc’s chuch. It’s owned by chef Rick Stein, who welcomes dogs to several of his other properties as well, including The Seafood Restaurant, Rick Stein’s Café and Prospect House. They’re only banned from St Edmunds House and Bryn Cottage because of the noise they make on the oak floors. For £15 a night, ‘Chalky’s Pals’ (as dogs are known at the hotels) will be supplied with a dinner bowl and fleece blanket. Double rooms start from £90 per night; dogs for £15 per night St Petroc’s Hotel, New Street, Padstow, Cornwall (01841 532700). For further information about St Petroc’s or other Rick Stein hotels, visit
www.rickstein.com
Holne Chase, Devon Voted the AA’s most pet-friendly hotel in 2004, Holne Chase in Devon’s Dartmoor National Park caters for dogs although horses are also welcome at this former hunting lodge. Dogs are permitted in all rooms at Holne Chase, and have their own doggie-doors. Sag bags and towels are provided, and food can also be arranged. There’s also a dog-only spa, where your pet can freshen up after a long, muddy walk around the grounds. Double rooms start from £160 per night; dogs for £7.50 per night Holne Chase Hotel, Tavistock Road, Ashburton, Devon (01364 631471; www.holne-chase.co.uk)
Down Hall Country House Hotel, Hertfordshire Down Hall was winner of the AA pet- friendly hotel of the year award in 2006. This large manor house dates back to 1322, and is situated in 110 acres of private land. On arrival, you’ll be given a map outlining some of the walks you can take in the grounds. Dogs are welcome in the guest rooms, and the hotel supplies ‘Pooch Pamper Packs’, featuring feeding bowls, treats and waste bags. Double rooms start from £150 per night; dogs for £5 per night Down Hall Country House Hotel, Matching Road, Hatfield Heath, near Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire (01279 731 441; www.downhall.co.uk)
Trigony House Hotel, Scotland This 10-room country house is situated in south-west Scotland, surrounded by four acres of woodland and landscaped gardens. It offers outdoor pursuits such as falconry, walking and fishing. Dog beds, towels and food are provided at no extra charge, as well as a free doggie welcome pack containing a ball, treats and a map outlining all the best local walking routes. Dogs aren’t permitted in the restaurant, but are allowed to eat with you in the bar. Double rooms start from £70 per night; dogs at no extra charge Trigony House Hotel, Closeburn, Thornhill, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland (01848 331211; www.trigonyhotel.co.uk)
Kitley House Hotel, Devon This Tudor manor is surrounded by 600 acres of land with six established shoots in the local vicinity, as well as a
large trout lake, which guests are welcome to use. Dogs are welcomed with a bag of canine treats, and there are plenty of local groomers and dog-sitters available. Double rooms start from £109 per night; dogs at no extra charge Kitley House Hotel, Yealmpton, Nr Plymouth, Devon (01752 881555; www.kitleyhousehotel.com)
Ivy House Country Hotel, Suffolk The Ivy House is a collection of barn conversions, surrounded by herbaceous gardens and lily ponds. The hotel welcomes all dogs, and offers a special doggie box’ on your arrival, containing a torch, dog bowl, blanket, dog chews and a map of local dog walks. Double rooms start from £125 per night; dogs at £15 for any length of stay Ivy House Country Hotel, Ivy Lane, Oulton Broad,
Lowestoft, Suffolk (01502 501353; www.ivyhousecountryhotel.co.uk)
rebecca pearson and teo van den broeke
