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TAIL WAGGING ADVENTURES ON THE GREAT WEST WAY
Looking to bring your dog on holiday this season? The Great West Way offers a range of dog-friendly things to do, places to eat and accommodation perfect for you and your furry friends.
THINGS TO DO FOR A WOOF-TASTIC TIME!
Stretching from London to Bristol and with three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty on route, there are an abundance of walking trails on the Great West Way ready for you and your dog to explore. Plus, with a range of pet-friendly attractions, restuarants and more, you can enjoy pawsitively perfect days out. Here's our selection of some of the top dog-friendly attractions...
Cheddar Gorge
Situated in the depths of the Mendip Hills and within easy reach of the Great West Way, Cheddar Gorge is one of England’s most spectacular natural landmarks. The stunning gorge boasts awe-inspiring cliffs, holding fascinating secrets of prehistoric times. The gorge has a large variety of attractions within it, accompanied by plenty of trails to explore on foot and a twisty road to discover by car. Venture up Jacob’s Ladder with your furry friend, a 274-step climb offering rewarding panoramic views of the Somerset Levels. Here, you can continue your hike along the Cliff-Top Walk, a 3-mile circular route. You might even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of Cheddar’s famous goats along the cliffs!
Horse-Drawn Boat Trips
For a truly authentic dog-friendly experience, the Kennet Horse Boat Company offers relaxing boat trips down the famous Kennet and Avon Canal. Their horse-drawn boat tours offer a unique and environmentally friendly journey as you explore Berkshire’s beautiful countryside. With few left in the UK, this historic experience showcases horses walking alongside the canal, slowly guiding you downstream.
The tradition of horse-drawn boats dates back as far as 1760, when it was commonplace for horses to pull boats. While some may be able to drift on their own, the boats would often come upon stretches of water that required an extra bit of power to sail through. As such a simple and effective method of transportation, horse-drawn barges continued well into the 1960s, speaking to its popularity. Dogs can be brought along providing they’re well-behaved and kept on a lead, but it’s worth noting that they admit them at their discretion.
Stonehenge
The fascinating monument that keeps on giving. Every few years we seem to learn something new about its mesmerising history, and it continues to puzzle even the greatest minds. The world-famous stone circle is a truly wonderful sight to behold and will certainly get you thinking about its purpose and history. You might ask yourself how the stones got from their original location to the circle just outside Salisbury, or how they managed to balance the huge stones so perfectly that they’ve remained in place for thousands of years.
When you’re out in the field admiring Stonehenge’s construction, the good news is that your furry friend can be right by your side. While they’re not allowed to be present in the Monument Field itself, they are permitted throughout any of the National Trust’s Open Access fields, with the exception of certain designated areas where sheep may be grazing.
Vale of Pewsey
If you’re looking to visit quaint historic villages and majestic landscapes, the Vale of Pewsey in Wiltshire is an excellent destination. The history of the fascinating vale dates back to the 6th century, with some settlements thought to be even older. There are plenty of authentic local pubs, shops and cafes to choose from as you explore its vast network of ancient footpaths. Or perhaps you’d prefer to head straight to the most well-known attraction in Pewsey – the White Horse carvings. Your dog is sure to appreciate the natural paths and will certainly be tired out after your day of exploration.
Windsor Great Park
Part of the Windsor Estate, Windsor Great Park offers 4,800 acres of ancient Royal landscape, featuring forests, grasslands, lakes, and gardens. Here, you will discover 1,000 years of history with the company of your furry friend.
Stretch your legs across the Long Walk, a tree-lined avenue over 2.5 miles with the ancient fortress of Windsor Castle at its end. Venture inside the Deer Park, home to the largest population of ancient oak trees in Europe! Take in breath-taking views at Virginia Water, featuring stunning lakeside reflections and hidden gems amongst its woodland shores.
DOG-FRIENDLY PLACES TO STAY
Spend as long as you like along the Great West Way with a range of dog-friendly accommodation. From fancy hotels and countryside inns, cosy self-catering cottages and narrowboats, there are plenty options to suit you and your furry friend.
Whatley Manor Hotel, near Malmesbury
Whatley Manor is a luxurious, quintessentially English Wiltshire hotel with a number of dog-friendly ground floor rooms. Set in 12 acres of grounds, and located on the edge of the Cotswolds near Malmesbury, you can be sure of plenty of pretty Great West Way walks for you and your fourlegged friends to enjoy in the surrounding countryside. Well trained dogs over 6 months are welcome to stay if booked in advance, with a £30/night supplement. You will find a luxury dog basket, food, treats, poo bags and a toy for your companion waiting in your room on arrival.
Herongate Apartments, Hungerford
Book a stay at the pet-friendly Herongate Apartments during your Great West Way journey. There are four apartments to choose from, all conveniently located just a few minutes' walk from Hungerford High Street and the beautiful Kennet and Avon Canal, with dogs welcome for a charge of £20 per dog per night. Guests can enjoy complimentary access to the gym and pool at nearby Herongate Club, or explore Hungerford itself for independent shops and friendly pubs.
The Rose & Crown, Wiltshire
You will find the Rose and Crown at the foot of the rolling countryside of the Lambourn Downs in the charming village of Ashbury. Expect a traditional village inn where young children and dogs are both welcome. Europe’s oldest roadthe Ridgeway - runs nearby, offering brilliant views and great dog walks.
Bath Self Catering, in and around Bath
Want to stay in or around Bath as part of your Great West Way adventure? Bringing your dog? Bath Self Catering can help. This association of high quality, luxury self-catering holiday cottages and apartments includes many pet-friendly options. There are lots of options for you and your dog to choose from, including modern city-centre apartments or cosy countryside cottages within striking distance of the city.
Devizes Camping and Caravanning Club Site, Wiltshire
Experience the rural charm and beauty of Wiltshire at Devizes Camping and Caravanning Club Site, an ideal place to stay if you’re travelling the Great West Way route by campervan.
Pets are welcome at the site, and there are even designated enclosed dog-walking areas where you can exercise your canine companion. The location of the site alongside the Kennet & Avon Canal also means you will have lovely dog walk options along the towpath; head East along the canal to reach the spectacular Caen Hill Locks after around two miles. This staircase of locks carries the canal up and over a hill in an impressive feat of 19th century engineering.
The Queens Arms, near Hungerford
Explore the lovely countryside near Hungerford during a stay at the Queens Arms, an award-winning hotel, pub and restaurant situated in the beautiful village of East Garston in West Berkshire. There are 12 bespoke bedrooms, a selection of which are dog-friendly. If you're looking for local dog walks during your stay, you will be spoilt for choice; the Queens Arms is set in the heart of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and surrounded by stunning Berkshire countryside.
Manor Farm Courtyard Cottages, near Newbury
The four luxuriously-appointed self-catering cottages at Manor Farm Courtyard Cottages in the little Berkshire village of Hampstead Norreys welcome well-behaved dogs. These 17th century former barns and stables provide everything you need for a luxurious stay, with a village shop and cafe a stone's throw away and lots of lovely dog walks on the doorstep.
Honeystreet Boats, Wiltshire
Why not stay on a beautiful canal boat on the Kennet & Avon Canal as you explore the Great West Way? Enjoy an all-inone option for both fun transport and cosy accommodation with Honeystreet Boats, based in the beautiful Vale of Pewsey. Their lovely narrowboats are all dog-friendly. Sit back and relax as you set a leisurely pace floating along the canal, moor up for a while at a canalside beer garden, or take your canine friend for a brisk walk along the towpath.
The Royal Oak, Yattendon, Berkshire
Dog owners will love the Royal Oak at Yattendon - a charming and characterful country inn at the heart of a pretty Berkshire village where you can enjoy a comfortable stay and a delicious meal. There is a £10 surcharge per dog if you are bringing a four-legged friend with you for your stay, and you can be sure of a warm welcome for the whole family. What's more, Yattendon village boasts a large network of local footpaths and bridleways for you and your dog to explore.
The Roseate Villa Bath
Overlooking the tranquil Henrietta Park, the Roseate Villa Bath is moments from the centre of the beautiful Georgian city of Bath. The Roseate Villa Bath welcome dogs with open arms - in fact the hotel even has its own dog, Muttley!
Bath itself has many great dog walks to enjoy, including the National Trust's Bath Skyline walk with impressive views over the city
Find our more about dog-friendly travel on the Great West Way... click here
