Dog spas and Pet Menus: Luxury dog friendly hotels in UK

It's no secret I'm a cat lady. I make no apologies for how my life will turn out; surrounded by cats I call my children and who will have a better standard of general living than I do. I'll avoid going on holiday because I can't trust anyone to give each cat the level of care and devotion each one needs. I may even go a little Egyptian. Ok, a LOT Egyptian.

But then I met a dog. A crazy hound who runs and runs and has more energy than twenty toddlers high on Vimto at Peppa Pig Land or whatever it's called.

And it got me thinking. Dogs are far more portable, and far more obedient (generally). While Manbearpig. my cat, would sooner die than show a flicker of recognition at his own name EVEN THOUGH HE'S TRAINED TO RESPOND TO IT, dogs are so loyal, so happy and willing to please their leader. And this makes them perfect to bring along on holiday.

I'm heading up to Cumbria with my fiancé next weekend to see his parents and we've planned a day in the Lakes with Dexter, a gorgeous little-even-though-he-thinks-he's-bigger-than-all-dogs Miniature Schnauzer for a good ol' chase the birds avoid all puddles run around.

So here are a few dog-friendly country retreats and secluded hotels, perfect for bringing Rover along with you.



The Raithwaite Estate | Whitby | North Yorkshire

Oh I do love to be beside the seaside. If you're craving fish and chips and fun in the sand, the C19th estate in North Yorkshire is only a stumble from the beach and Whitby's charms. If you're a dog owner, 28 rooms in The Keep are especially designed for Man's Best Friend, having access to acres of open space, woodlands and gardens. If you fancy a solo stroll the hotel has a dog lodge where they're kept happy and content until you return.

There's even a Dog Spa, where pooches get pampered with treatments and snapped into line with obedience classes. You can't say they haven't thought of everything here.

Double rooms at the hotel start from £130 per night room only.



Luton Hoo Hotel | Luton | Bedfordshire

The mansion that stands in thousands of acres of parkland has roots dating back to the 1400s. Now though, the former stately home, which has been featured in films such as War Horse, Four Weddings and a Funeral, Eyes Wide Shut, and The Secret Garden, provides a luxury retreat for owners and their pets.

Guests staying in the ground floor Parkland and Flower Garden rooms have immediate access to the grounds, and for £30 for night the hotel can organise a doggy meal, a bed, a bowl and treats. If your pooch is more gourmet than Pedigree Chum the hotel's chef will whip up a dog's dinner using the best ingredients which will then be hand delivered ready for feeding time.

Rooms start from £180 on a bed and breakfast basis.



The Arch | London

If you thought the capital would miss out on dog-friendly palaces, you were wrong. For those planning a quick jaunt into the city, bring your dog along to enjoy the sights and sounds (and bark at a sassy urban fox). The Arch, a five star pooch paradise in Marylebone (we call it Marley-bone which when you think about the very nature of this feature is an AMAZING pun, but say it however you want) has everything your dog will need. Dog bed? Check. Dog treats? Check? Dog toys? Check? Dog fur and body wash? Double check. As above, there's a Pet Menu and you can even take your dog to dinner in the Martini Library.

Prices start from £250 for room only.



The Traddock | Settle | North Yorkshire

We're back in the dales for this one. If you and your pooch are a fan of a good walkies, then The Traddock hotel is perfect. Whether it's a fifteen minute stroll by the river or a day's hike throughout the mountains, dogs are welcome to join. There are a few house rules (dogs must be well behaved, not jump on the beds, and stay away from the dining rooms for obvious reasons) but aside from that, they're welcome to join their owners in every activity.

Double rooms start from £105 for bed and breakfast.



Winster Hall  | Winster | Peak District

A Grade II listed manor with oodles of history behind it, this holiday home even has a parapet. A PARAPET. Unlike the other hotels we've mentioned, the whole building is for hire and sleeps 16. Pets are welcome to roam the grounds and join in with whatever activities you have planned. The four poster bed and lavish dining rooms would suit a group of friends, or perhaps a family bearing sizing resemblance to the Von Trapp clan. The point is, the house and all that surrounds it is yours (and your dog's) to enjoy.

So there you have it, our round up of dog-friendly hotels in the UK, and even a house to hire if that takes your fancy. You'll never feel bad about kennels again...