5 dog friendly walking destinations in the Cotswolds
When referring to the Cotswolds, one is generally referring to the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which is an enormous nature reserve which incorporates parts of the counties of Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire, and Worcestershire. Given that overflowing lists of recommendations can be made for each of those areas in their own capacity, it goes without saying that if suggesting dog friendly walking destinations in the overarching area, there are a wealth of possibilities. This section of the country of England is famously picturesque, scattered with quaint villages, meandering hills and open space spanning as far as the eye can see.
Lodge Park & Sherborne Estate
This National Trust tourist attraction sits at the heart of the Cotswolds near Aldsworth village in Gloucestershire. It remains the only 17th-century grandstand still standing in England, and its position on this Cotswold estate means it is preserved in nature in a way you’d imagine it stood all those years ago, undisturbed by modern developments of humans. With the fallow and roe deer roaming the grounds, and some badgers and foxes too, you and your dog will make a seamless addition to the tranquil natural scenery.
Visiting with dogs:
Dogs are welcome at Lodge Park & Sherborne Estate but must be kept on leads.
Website: Lodge Park & Sherborne Estate
Address: Lodge Park, Aldsworth, Cheltenham, GL54 3PP
Brockhampton Estate
Brockhampton Estate in Worcester is one of the wonderful National Trust properties in the area and a must-visit spot for those looking to get a worthwhile, beautiful day of exercise in for the whole family (dogs included). That said, it is also a great spot for a short, brisk walk if a day of exercise isn’t actually what you’re looking for – the walking trails vary in length and can be chosen based on your personal schedule. Dogs are allowed in the woods and parkland area on leashes.You can always trust a National Trust property to be fully equipped with facilities, shops and cafes to ensure there is never a parched pooch nor hungry human in sight.
Visiting with dogs:
Brockhampton Estate welcomes dogs on leads in the woods and parkland.
Website: Brockhampton Estate
Address: Brockhampton Estate, Bringsty, Worcester, WR6 5TB
Painswick Rococo Garden
So much of the Cotswolds is made up of naturally occuring beauty, like undulating landscapes and meandering streams that make you feel as if you’re walking through a Shakespeare poem (and in a lot of cases in this neck of the woods, you may well be walking through an area which inspired one of the bard’s nature poems). However, there is still something exceedingly special about visiting a curated garden, and Painswick Rococo Garden has been done so tastefully that you still feel embedded in nature when walking your dog amongst the 1700s designed courtyards and meadows.
Visiting with dogs:
Dogs are welcome at Painswick Rococo Garden.
Website: Painswick Rococo Garden
Address: Gloucester Rd, Painswick, Stroud, GL6 6TH
Croome
The National Trust’s name is usually a gold-standard when it comes to both beautiful and reliable estates and natural areas to visit across the United Kingdom, especially when there’s a four-legged walker in the mix. You have probably assuaged, based on how many of these hot-spots are in the Cotswolds, that the entire area is a prime destination for dog-walking. Croome is no different, and the landscape provides a sight for sore eyes as you explore the area. It’s steeped in history, so doubles up not just as a walk but as a culturally enriching experience, too (though your pups will presumably be more interested in the wide open space and room to run).
Visiting with dogs:
Dogs must be on leads in all areas of the site at all times
Website: Croome
Address: High Green, Worcester, Worcestershire, WR8 9DW
Woodchester Park
Last but certainly not least, dog-walkers looking to explore the Cotswolds need to consider Woodchester Park a top priority. This secluded wooded valley near Stonehouse, Gloucestershire almost feels enchanted it’s so charming. Canine companions are not just allowed but encouraged – leashes are required, though, to ensure everyone can enjoy the area equally (naturally occurring wildlife included!) There are three main walks which set off from the car park, and The Boathouse Walk is a dog-walking favourite, as it has the waterside feature (and who doesn’t love a paddle?)
Visiting with dogs:
Dogs are welcome but please keep dogs on a lead at all times.
Website: Woodchester Park
Address: Nympsfield, near Stonehouse, Gloucestershire, GL10 3TS
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