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WalesUnmissable Things to Do in Gloucestershire with Your Dog
Welcome to the very pooch-friendly county of Gloucestershire!
Known for its stunning scenery and cosy villages, Gloucestershire is also home to some seriously good tail-wagging attractions.
If you’re planning to take your pet with you on holiday, booking a hot tub cottage is way better than a hotel. And around 75% of us plan to take our dogs with us this year.
So what can you do there?
We’ve rounded up some top pet-friendly spots where you and your dog can enjoy the day together. From vast outdoor parks to historic estates and cosy cafes, these places welcome dogs and make for great outings.
Dog-Friendly Walks in Gloucestershire
One of the best (and FREE) ways to enjoy Gloucestershire with your dog is to explore the area’s scenic, dog-friendly walks. From peaceful forest trails that offer solitude to lively routes where you’ll meet fellow dog walkers, Gloucestershire has plenty of outdoor options.
With well-marked paths and convenient parking, these routes are ideal for discovering the county’s natural beauty. Here are some top dog-friendly walks in Gloucestershire, along with trail highlights and parking information to make your visit easy and enjoyable.
| Walk Name | Description (Length and Parking) | Postcode |
|---|---|---|
| Cotswold Way National Trail | A scenic trail covering 100 miles from Bath to Chipping Campden. Offers stunning views, historic sites, and dog-friendly paths. Parking available at various points along the route. | GL54 1BN |
| Symonds Yat Rock | Approximately 2-mile circular route with views over the River Wye and dense woodland. Paid parking is available at the Symonds Yat Rock viewpoint. | GL16 7NZ |
| Crickley Hill | 2-3 mile trails with panoramic views and open spaces for dogs to enjoy. Free parking available onsite. | GL4 8JY |
| Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail | 4.5-mile trail featuring sculptures within the forest. Ideal for a longer walk with dogs; parking available at Beechenhurst Lodge. | GL16 7EL |
| Painswick Beacon | 2-mile circular route around the beacon with views over the Cotswolds. Free parking available near the start of the trail. | GL6 6SU |
Dog-Friendly Attractions in Gloucestershire
Ready to head out and see what this county has to offer?
Hold up! Before you reach for the lead and the poo bags, have a quick butchers down this list of Trip Advisor favourites:
1. Westonbirt Arboretum
TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5/5
- Location: Tetbury, Gloucestershire, GL8 8QS
- Phone: +44 300 067 4890
- Dog-Friendly Features: Dogs allowed in Silk Wood and on café terrace; waste bins and water bowls provided. Occasional dog-friendly events.
- Highlights: 600 acres with diverse trees and scenic trails, particularly stunning in autumn. Treetop walkway offers elevated views.
- Entry: About £11 for adults, free for Forestry England members.
2. Puzzlewood
TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5/5
- Location: Perrygrove Road, Coleford, Gloucestershire, GL16 8QB
- Phone: +44 1594 833187
- Dog-Friendly Features: Dogs on leads welcome; waste bags at entrance. Shady, narrow paths ideal for well-behaved pets.
- Highlights: 14-acre ancient woodland with twisted trees and mossy trails, often used as a filming location. Picnic and play areas on site.
- Entry: Adults around £8.50.
3. Robinswood Hill Country Park
TripAdvisor Rating: 4.0/5
- Location: Reservoir Road, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, GL4 6SX
- Phone: +44 1452 383333
- Dog-Friendly Features: Dogs welcome on all trails, with some off-leash areas; water stations and waste bins provided.
- Highlights: 250+ acres of open space and trails with views of Severn Valley. Great for spotting local wildlife, with picnic areas throughout.
- Entry: Free, with parking fees.
4. The Cotswold Way
TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5/5
- Location: Extends from Bath to Chipping Campden
- Phone: Check local listings for visitor info
- Dog-Friendly Features: Dogs welcome on all trails, with water available at several stops along the way.
- Highlights: 102 miles of scenic walking through iconic Cotswold villages and hills, ideal for day hikes or multi-day treks.
- Entry: Free to explore.
5. Prinknash Bird and Deer Park
TripAdvisor Rating: 4.0/5
- Location: Prinknash Abbey Park, Cranham, Gloucestershire, GL4 8EX
- Phone: +44 1452 812727
- Dog-Friendly Features: Dogs on leads welcome throughout, though certain enclosures are restricted.
- Highlights: Up-close encounters with deer, peacocks, and exotic birds in a tranquil park setting with picnic areas.
- Entry: Adult tickets around £10.
Dog-Friendly Dining Options
Nothing will be friendly if one of your party starts getting ‘hangry’.
With that in mind here are some visitor favourite eateries where you can your fill boots this holiday with your dog by your side.
- The Bear Inn
- Location: Cirencester, Gloucestershire
- Phone: +44 1285 653573
- Food: Modern pub classics with local twists, such as Butcombe beer-battered fish and Cirencester’s finest Sunday roast. The Bear Inn offers both indoor and outdoor seating, making it ideal for all seasons. Dogs are welcome throughout the pub and garden.
- Type: Historic Pub
- The Red Lion
- Location: Arlingham, Gloucestershire
- Phone: +44 1452 740700
- Food: Traditional British fare, offering everything from snacks to heartier meals like charcuterie boards and cheese plates. The pub is next to the Severn Way walking path, making it a convenient stop after a walk with your dog.
- Type: Country Pub
- The Old Lodge
- Location: Minchinhampton, Gloucestershire
- Phone: +44 1453 832047
- Food: Locally sourced British dishes served in a relaxed setting overlooking Minchinhampton Common. Popular among dog walkers, this pub offers both indoor and outdoor seating with scenic views of the Cotswolds.
- Type: Pub and Restaurant
- The King’s Arms
- Location: Didmarton, near Tetbury, Gloucestershire
- Phone: +44 1454 238245
- Food: Classic pub dishes with a modern edge, using fresh, local ingredients. Known for its welcoming garden area where dogs are invited, the King’s Arms provides a warm, family-friendly atmosphere.
- Type: Country Pub
- Fromebridge Mill
- Location: Whitminster, Gloucestershire
- Phone: +44 1452 740547
- Food: Traditional British menu, including Sunday roasts and pub classics. This riverside pub allows dogs in its garden and bar areas and offers a scenic spot to relax after nearby countryside walks.
- Type: Pub and Restaurant
Handy-to-know tips for visiting Gloucestershire with a dog
Plan for Scenic Walks in the Cotswolds
Gloucestershire is home to stunning walking trails, including scenic routes in the Cotswolds. Explore areas like Cleeve Hill, Leckhampton Hill, or Crickley Hill Country Park, where dogs can enjoy open spaces and owners can take in panoramic views.
Just be mindful of wildlife, especially in more secluded areas. Dogs will need to be kept on a lead when necessary.
Get ready for varied Terrain
The landscape can range from open fields to wooded paths. In places like the Forest of Dean or along the River Severn, the terrain can get pretty muddy and rocky too, especially after rain.
Pack essentials like towels for cleaning mucky paws and consider using a sturdy lead if you’re near livestock areas.
Bring Dog-Friendly Essentials
In rural areas, amenities can be sparse. Pack water, a portable bowl and waste bags to keep your dog comfortable and stop them getting thirsty on long walks.
Some popular locations like Symonds Yat Rock often have nearby facilities but it’s still best to carry essentials with you.
Watch our for local restrictions
Some areas of Gloucestershire have seasonal guidelines or restrictions for dogs, especially during lambing season or in wildlife-sensitive zones.
Always follow local signage, especially in nature reserves or conservation areas, to ensure the safety of both your pet and local wildlife.
Nearly £1million pounds worth of farm animals are accidentally killed by dogs each year. Here’s some info to help you plan ahead.
- Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust – Provides updates on wildlife-sensitive zones and guidelines for dog walkers, particularly in nature reserves and during peak seasons like spring nesting and lambing: Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust.
- CLA South West – Offers specific advice on keeping dogs under control during lambing season and other sensitive times for livestock and wildlife across the region: CLA South West.
- The Countryside code – if you’ve never read it there are some handy tips on keeping within the rules.
Tips from Real Visitors
“We loved our trip to the Forest of Dean with our Labrador. The trails are shaded, and there’s so much space for dogs to explore. There are even dog-friendly spots along the Wye River to take a dip!” – Sarah, visitor from Bristol.
“Cleeve Hill was fantastic for us and our pup. The views are amazing, and there’s a dog-friendly pub nearby to relax after the hike.” – James, visitor from London.
Planning Your Dog-Friendly Gloucestershire Adventure
Gloucestershire is perfect for pet owners seeking a mix of nature, historic villages, and scenic countryside.
Whether exploring the lush trails of the Forest of Dean, hiking in the Cotswolds, or enjoying the vibrant towns, you and your dog will have plenty to enjoy. Start planning your Gloucestershire getaway today!