Dog-friendly walking holiday in the Cotswolds

Sitting on the edge of the Cotswolds, in the charming town of Tewkesbury, this hotel offers luxurious breaks that really do make your dog feel as welcome as you. We stay in one of the hotel’s dog-friendly rooms, equipped with a memory foam dog bed, bowls, dog towels and treats. The room opens directly onto the sprawling 163-acre golf course and parkland, making it easy to enjoy the unspoilt views of the Gloucestershire countryside, and, of course, let my dog, Bella, tend to her business.

We arrive after an afternoon exploring Tewkesbury. The Battle Trail is a short walk, leading from the foot of the Tewkesbury Park’s golf course and into the town. It’s an interesting trail and means you can avoid using the roads. Once in Tewkesbury, we join the River Severn on a path which leads us along the water’s edge, passing a number of tempting pubs, boats and signs of the town’s industrial heritage.

Our evenings are spent in Tewkesbury Park’s modern Piano Lounge. Bella is even treated to a tableside memory foam mattress. The food is locally-sourced and delicious. For breakfast, we enjoy a selection that truly sets us up for the day. And Bella can’t believe it when she’s served a bowl of scrambled eggs and sausages!  

After breakfast, we head out to the Malvern Hills, an area of outstanding natural beauty. We choose a trail that follows the top of the Malvern Ridge from Chace End at the south to North Hill, taking in the main summits. Arriving at Chace End, we’re met by a steep incline to the ridge, and as the sun comes out we stuff our jumpers into our backpacks. Reaching the top, the views are incredible. Ahead of us, we can see the peaks of the hills rising and falling, dotted with trigs marking the route and its high points.

Whilst it’s tempting to soak up the sun and quiet that the ridge offers, we head down into the valley. Our walk meanders through Midsummer Hill and Hangman’s Hill, passing through rural hamlets, woodland and untouched landscapes to undulate over the Hills. We share a picnic nestled behind a memorial shelter on a former Iron Age hillfort – few people pass and birds swoop by. It’s a beautiful area. And after walking for the day, we’re grateful to return to the comfort of Tewkesbury Park.

The following morning, we all enjoy our breakfast before checking out and exploring Bourton-on-the-Water – a quaint riverside town, branded as the Venice of the Cotswolds. It’s a lovely close to our weekend in the area, and I’m keen to return to see more.

Tewkesbury Park’s leisure facilities include an 18-hole par 73 parkland golf course and academy course, as well as an extensive leisure club with a swimming pool, gym, squash and tennis courts, sauna and steam room.

Tewkesbury Park is only five minutes from the M5’s junction nine, on the doorstep of Tewkesbury and within easy reach of Cheltenham, Gloucester and Worcester.

Find out more about Tewkesbury Park and its dog-friendly rooms here.

Images: Tewkesbury Park and Nadia Davies.