Top 5 Dog-Friendly Cotswold Pubs

For dog owners, few things beat a countryside walk topped off with a pint at a welcoming pub. The Cotswolds, with its rolling hills and quaint villages, has dog-friendly pubs in the Cotswolds at every turn – from historic coaching inns to cosy country taverns. These pubs often cater specially for pups, offering treats, water bowls and off-lead play areas, making them perfect stops on a Cotswold dog-friendly walking route. In this guide, we highlight five top pubs (and a couple of bonuses) that roll out the red carpet for four-legged friends, plus nearby pubs with dog walks Cotswolds routes. We’ll cover each pub’s address, doggy amenities, ambience and a suggested walk. We also include practical tips for visiting pubs with dogs – what to bring and etiquette – so you and your pooch are pub-ready. Lace up your walking boots and let’s explore the best Cotswold pubs for dogs!

Practical tips for visiting with dogs: When planning a pub outing, bring a portable water bowl and some treats to keep your dog happy. Always carry waste bags and clean up after your pet. Check the pub’s policy in advance – most welcome well-behaved dogs in the bar or garden but may ask that dogs stay off furniture and remain on a lead indoors. A towel or blanket can give your pup a comfy spot on a hard floor. Keep dogs on lead if livestock is nearby, and respect other customers (not everyone is a dog lover). Finally, make sure your dog is calm enough for a pub visit – sudden barking or over-excitement can spoil a nice meal for everyone. With these dog-friendly pub etiquette pointers in mind, you’re set for a pleasant visit.

The Porch House (1 Digbeth Street, Stow-on-the-Wold, GL54 1BN)

Nestled in the highest town in the Cotswolds, The Porch House is reputedly England’s oldest inn. This atmospheric pub (dating partly to 947 AD) offers a classic country-charmer vibe with low wooden beams, stone walls and roaring log fires in winters. Its central location on Digbeth Street makes it an ideal base for walks. Dogs are warmly welcomed here – the pub is “c dog-friendly pub” with water bowls and treats provided. (In fact, some hotel rooms are dog-friendly too, for those wanting to overnight.) The Porch House kitchen serves hearty British pub fare – think succulent steaks, burgers and traditional fish and chips – using locally sourced ingredients. Two bars – a cosy lounge bar and a spacious restaurant – mean there’s room for pups to lie quietly by their owners’ feet. In summer, the outdoor terrace is a suntrap for humans, while dogs linger happily near the tables. Overall, the pub has a warm, friendly atmosphere that makes both hound and human feel at home.

• Dog-Friendly Perks: The Porch House offers water bowls, dog biscuits and even dog-friendly rooms for staying overnight. Staff are used to waggy tails on the floor and many visitors praise the welcoming attitude (and treats) they receive.

• Ambience & Appeal: A mix of ancient charm and modern comfort – exposed beams, open fire and a well-stocked bar of cask ales, local lagers and creative cocktails. The menu ranges from classic pub grub to grill specials. The outdoor seating area has a view over Stow’s market square, perfect for soaking up sunshine.

• Nearby Walk: Stow to Bourton-on-the-Water Circular (approx 10.4 mi/16.7 km). This challenging 4.5-hour loop heads west from Stow through hilltop meadows and woods to the picturesque village of Bourton, then returns via Lower Slaughter. Stow Heart of England Way Loop (5.8 km). For a shorter ramble, this gentle 1½-hour loop stays on grassy tracks and the Heart of England Way through fields just outside Stow. Both routes end back in Stow so you can reward the dog (and yourself) with a pint at The Porch House. Dogs on lead recommended where marked, especially near livestock.

The King’s Arms, Didmarton (The Street, Didmarton, GL9 1DT)

Tucked in a tiny village near Westonbirt, The King’s Arms is a beautifully restored country inn combining rustic character with modern touches. The stone and timber building dates to the 17th century and has cosy fireplaces inside. It also has a large beer garden – perfect for dogs to stretch their legs and sniff the fresh Cotswold air. The pub’s philosophy is very dog-friendly: it provides water bowls, dog beds, treats and even “dog beer” upon request. According to Dog Friendly Cotswolds, the King’s Arms “offers everything your dog could possibly want… beds, bowls and biscuits,” and there’s a resident Jack Russell named Spoof who loves the canine guests. The inn is part of a small group of Cotswold pubs, so the menu features high-quality seasonal British dishes and hearty roasts. You’ll find an impressive selection of cask ales, local ciders and wines at the bar. Both the indoor restaurant and garden are open to dogs, making it easy to include your pooch at lunch or dinner.

• Dog-Friendly Perks: Dogs are allowed everywhere (pub and dining room) and the inn provides doggy beds, bowls, biscuits – even the famous Spoof’s lookalike plush toy for guests to find. The enclosed garden means dogs can play off lead safely while owners enjoy a drink. (There is a small extra charge for a dog in a room, if you stay overnight.)

• Ambience & Appeal: A smart but relaxed Cotswold pub atmosphere – polished wood, cushioned benches and crackling fires. The food is top-notch local fare (we’re talking Gloucester old spot pork belly, Cotswold lamb, etc.) with an emphasis on seasonal produce. The beer garden has views of rolling farmland. The staff are known to be very friendly, making the whole place feel like a home away from home.

• Nearby Walk: Westonbirt Arboretum (approx 3 miles). A short drive from Didmarton, Westonbirt is famous for its treetop paths and historic tree collections – a haven for nature lovers and their dogs (on short leads). Cotswold Way via Huddington (5 km loop). From the village, you can take footpaths up onto the Cotswold Way ridge. A popular circular heads across Huddington Hill, offering classic Cotswold views of the Severn Vale and Woodchester Park woodlands, then loops back via the village of Huddington. This 3–4 km route is moderate. After the walk, warm up inside at the King’s Arms (don’t forget to reward your dog with a treat!).

The Lamb Inn (Sheep Street, Burford, Oxfordshire, OX18 4LR)

In the heart of Burford – the “southern gateway to the Cotswolds” – The Lamb Inn is a historic coaching inn with all the charm you’d expect. It sits on a quiet side street of this picturesque market town, where the River Windrush flows under an old stone bridge. The interior is traditionally country: exposed beams, inglenook fireplaces and dark-wood panelling, creating a snug atmosphere on rainy days. Dogs are very much part of the scene here. According to Dog Friendly Cotswolds, in the bar and lounge dogs are welcomed with a bowl of water and a biscuit, and the Lamb even offers a special dog menu (with options like fish or steak casserole). The pub proudly states “plenty of room at the inn” and is explicitly dog-friendly – guests report friendly staff and an enclosed garden space. Classic pub classics (fish & chips, shepherd’s pie, roasts on Sundays) and a good real ale selection complete the appeal. With Burford’s shops and the Windrush valley on the doorstep, The Lamb is perfect for a leisurely dog walk plus pub stop.

• Dog-Friendly Perks: Bowls of fresh water and dog biscuits are available, and canine guests can even order from a dedicated pet menu featuring roast meat dishes. The Lamb has a fenced yard and garden where dogs can be let off lead to stretch their legs. The inn’s own dog-friendly rooms mean you can stay the night with your pup, too.

• Ambience & Appeal: A classic Cotswold stone inn feel – flagstone floors, snug leather seats and a roaring log fire in winter. The setting in historic Burford (with views of church spires and old cottages) adds to the charm. Expect hearty pub fare (the Sunday roast is especially lauded) and a friendly, local crowd. The downstairs bar is relaxed and often full of dog walkers.

• Nearby Walk: Burford and Windrush Valley Circular (6 miles/10 km). This scenic loop follows the River Windrush west of town. The path meanders through fields and water meadows to an isolated St Oswald’s Church in Widford, then climbs up to the village of Fulbrook before returning to Burford. It’s an easy to moderate walk (some gates and stiles) with lovely riverside views. From Burford, head out via the lane by the church or the trail by the river, passing the old woollen mill. After about 3–4 miles you’ll circle back into Burford near the High Street – reward yourself with a pint at The Lamb (or at the village Carpenters Arms pub in Fulbrook). Dogs will enjoy the riverside paths and open fields on this Cotswold dog-friendly walking route. (Tip: parking is available in Burford, and dogs should be on lead near farms.)

The Gardeners Arms (Beckford Road, Alderton, Gloucestershire, GL20 8NL)

A 16th-century thatched pub set amid gentle hills, The Gardeners Arms (near Tewkesbury) is a firm best Cotswold pub for dogs. Its motto says it all: this local freehouse prides itself on being dog-friendly. Children and dogs are “very welcome” in the pub and restaurant. Inside, expect a warm country decor (stone walls, open fireplace) and outside a sunny beer garden. The real treat here is the menu for pups – affectionately called “yappetisers,” snack plates for doggy diners – featuring everything from pigs’ ears to chicken and rice stews. Human food is equally good, focusing on fresh, locally sourced dishes (shepherd’s pie, burgers, Thai-inspired specials, etc.). The bar stocks local ales and an impressive list of gins and wines. Because it’s slightly off the usual tourist trail, it has a cozy, rural atmosphere. Gardeners Arms owner Chris and his team often chat with visitors, making it a friendly spot to linger after a walk.

• Dog-Friendly Perks: Dogs are allowed everywhere (inside and in the garden) with water bowls at hand. The Gardeners Arms offers an actual dog menu – think stews, biscuits and doggy-safe ice cream – so your companion can dine in styles. The wide lawns let dogs roam on lead, and the pub provides poop bags by request. Many walkers stop here on route, meaning dogs often have new friends to meet.

• Ambience & Appeal: A traditional beamed cottage pub with modern comfort – the garden’s ivy-clad walls and fairy lights are particularly charming in summer. Interior dining is warm and welcoming. One reviewer called it a “relaxed and buzzing pub” (with menus for humans and hounds alike). There’s even a small children’s play area, making it family-friendly too. The pub hosts events like quiz nights and has a great selection of craft beers and local drinks.

• Nearby Walk: Alderton & Dumbleton Circular (5.5 mi/8.8 km). This easy loop starts and ends at the pub, crossing farmland and a wooded copse between Alderton and Dumbleton hills. It passes ancient woodlands and farmland meadows – a gentle rural circuit for dogs. Alderton & Dixton Loop (4.8 mi/7.6 km). Another local route, this one heads east through the Dixton valley and then around the foot of Alderton Hill. Both walks offer quiet lanes, field paths and nice views of the Malvern Hills in the distance. You can pick up the marked route at the pub (see the pub’s “Local Walks” page). After the stroll, relax on the terrace with a drink while your dog laps up a puppuccino or digests the special dog menu treat.

The Royal Oak (1 Cirencester Road, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, GL8 8EY)

Located on Tetbury’s main street, The Royal Oak is a traditional 17th-century inn that’s been sympathetically restored. It’s owned by the same group as The Hare & Hounds and shares that pub’s love of dogs. Here, canine guests are greeted with water bowls and doggy treats at the bars. The Royal Oak has a friendly pub vibe – the downstairs bar is cosy, and the upstairs restaurant (above a courtyard) serves tasty seasonal dishes (particularly local game and fresh fish). There’s an outdoor trailer café (an Airstream) in the courtyard during summer evenings, adding a fun twist to the pub scenes. A jukebox in the bar provides a nostalgic feel, and regulars say it’s a great place to chat with locals. Overall it’s a solid pubs with dog walks Cotswolds spot where your hound can snooze by your feet next to the fire or enjoy the Tetbury evenings outdoors.

• Dog-Friendly Perks: The Royal Oak caters explicitly to dogs: water bowls and treats are at the ready, and dogs are welcome in the ground-floor bars. (They ask that large dogs be kept under control, but small or well-behaved dogs are usually free to stretch out.) The pub also has a fenced patio area at the back for al fresco dining, where dogs can stay close on summer evenings. Owners often comment on how happy their dogs are here, given the attention and biscuits they receive.

• Ambience & Appeal: The Oak mixes old and new: expect stone floors, tiled fireplaces and a classic oak-beamed ceiling. It feels like a proper village pub. The menu is contemporary British – venison steaks, risottos, vegetarian pies – and the drink list is impressive (cask ales, cider and a wide wine selection). In summer the Airstream kitchen in the courtyard offers wood-fired pizzas and street food, making a visit a bit of an event. Indoors, it has a warm, busy feel; outdoors, there are picnic benches. Tetbury’s shops and antiques stalls (and nearby Westonbirt Arboretum) add to the attraction.

• Nearby Walk: Tetbury Trail & Ashley Walk (6.75 mi / 10.9 km). This longer loop follows a scenic byway north towards the village of Ashley, then returns via the Monarch’s Way through open farmland and woodland. It starts from town, heads out through a wooded valley and across fields, offering lovely views. Dogs will enjoy the meadows and shady copses. Tetbury Valley Walk (3.75 mi / 6 km). For a shorter stroll, the Tetbury Valley route heads south from the old railyard car park, through tree-lined lanes and up a gentle climb before looping back with broad Cotswold views. Both walks cross quiet country lanes and footpaths – Tetbury Trail walk has some road sections, but nothing too taxing for fit dogs. After the hike, cosy up with a pint at The Royal Oak – maybe even order a puppuccino for your pup at the bar!

Bonus Picks

• Seagrave Arms (Friday Street, Weston Subedge, Chipping Campden, GL55 6QH) – A beautiful 17th-century inn between Broadway and Chipping Campden, recently renovated. The Seagrave Arms loves dogs: it provides beds, bowls and biscuits for every canine visitor, and has an enclosed herb garden where dogs can play off-lead. With seven cosy bedrooms, it’s great for a weekend stay. The food is high-end pub grub (gourmet pies, fresh seafood), so it’s a treat for owners too. For a walk, try the nearby Wormington Loop or a hilltop circuit over Bredon Hill (dogs on lead on these historic downs), followed by drinks in the snug bar.

• The Gardener’s Arms, Tewkesbury Road (near Bishops Cleeve) – Another bonus: The Gardener’s Arms in Cheltenham (not the Alderton one). (Note: If you venture east, this one in Cheltenham is famed for friendly barkers and a huge enclosed garden).

• Hare & Hounds (Tetbury Road, Westonbirt) – Sister pub to the Royal Oak, set on 3,000 acres of Westonbirt Arboretum and Mendip Hills farm. It has its own dog-friendly rooms and walks out to arboretum trails. (We mention it here for completeness – see PetsPyjamas for details.)

Each of these pubs also makes a great base for exploring their local dog walk routes. Whether it’s woodland and river walks by Bourton, the Cotswold Way hills near Cheltenham, or scenic lanes around Broadway, you’ll find a route to match. Always remember to check if dogs need to be on-lead (often required near livestock or in areas of historic site).

Ready to Get Out There?

Whether you live nearby or are planning a Cotswolds break, these dog-friendly pubs in the Cotswolds promise a relaxing pint for you and a warm welcome for your best friend. From England’s oldest inn in Stow-on-the-Wold to charming village taverns, each pub has its own character – and treats and water bowls for dogs – so you can truly savour the Cotswold pub life together. Pack a leash and your camera (for those sunset hilltop moments), and hit the trails and taverns! If you have a favourite dog-friendly pub or walk in the Cotswolds, share your tips with fellow pet-lovers. Here’s to happy tails and tasty ales on the next Cotswold dog-friendly walking route!