The Trout at Tadpole Bridge
Oxfordshire
Perched on the banks of the Thames, this 17th-century inn, with its chic rooms, is a great bolt hole for a wintry weekend. Pooches are welcome too, with beds, bowls and treats provided. B&B doubles are from £130 a night (troutinn.co.uk).
Sharrow Bay
Lake District
Arriving at Sharrow Bay on the banks of Lake Ullswater feels like stepping back in time. And for four-legged guests the real treat comes at the end of a muddy day exploring the fells. The luxe doggie rain shower, with argan oil shampoos, hairdryers and towels, is arguably the best bathroom in the house. B&B doubles are from £260 a night (sharrowbay.co.uk). Dogs cost £30 extra a night.
Colwall Park Hotel, Malvern
Worcestershire
A special treat awaits dogs at the bar of this stunning country hotel. Last summer it introduced dog “beer” (a light meat stock drink) that is served alongside pints of ale that are strictly for owners. Dogs also enjoy a bed in their owner’s room, a towel, a bowl for water and food, and delicious room service treats. Doubles are from £75 a night (colwall.co.uk), room only. Dogs cost £10 extra a night.
Ston Easton Park
Somerset
This glamorous country house hotel, surrounded by acres of countryside, is great for a weekend break with dog in tow. At night your pet will enjoy a “doggie dinner” of locally made James Wellbeloved food, while you can expect a three-course meal using produce from the hotel’s gardens. Half-board doubles are from £295 a night (stoneaston.co.uk).
Ashford Castle
Co Mayo
This 13th-century luxury castle hotel offers a range of pooch perks, including comfy beds — made to measure for your dog — fluffy towels, food and mineral water-filled bowls and . . . a doggie turndown service (with a treat on the pillow). The hotel is set in 350 acres and surrounded by lush woodland with views over Ireland’s second largest lake. B&B doubles cost from £200 a night (ashfordcastle.com). Dogs cost £35 a night.
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Palé Hall, Bala
Gwynedd
This converted Victorian manor house has 18 bedrooms, as well as beautiful drawing rooms and a restaurant with menus designed by the Michelin-starred chef Michael Caines. And it’s great for dogs, with special showers, free snacks and fluffy towels. So you can all head into Snowdonia for long country walks, getting as muddy as you like. B&B doubles cost from £190 a night (palehall.co.uk).
The Wild Rabbit
Cotswolds
Pick between four pet-friendly rooms — Mole, Hare, Otter and Owl, all outside ground-floor rooms — at this Michelin-starred restaurant with rooms. Expect luxurious dog beds, water bowls and dog biscuits at the bar. B&B doubles cost from £175 a night (thewildrabbit.co.uk). Dogs cost £15 extra a night.
The Nare
Cornwall
This country house hotel by the sea offers dogs their own “table d’hôte” menu. Most opt for the chef’s dish of the day, while pets with special dietary requirements can pick from the à la carte menu. Spend days bounding along the coastal footpath at Carne beach and evenings hunkered down in the cosy living room. Half-board doubles cost from £290 a night (thenare.co.uk). Dogs cost between £16 and £25 extra a night.
Is your dog fat?
1 Very thin (20 per cent below ideal body weight)
Easily felt ribs with no fat cover; raised tail base bones with no fat cover; accentuated hourglass shape from above.
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2 Underweight (10 per cent below ideal body weight)
Easily felt ribs with little fat cover; raised tail base bones with slight fat cover; marked hourglass shape from above.
3 Ideal body weight
Easily felt ribs with slight fat cover; some contour on the tail base with slight fat cover; a well-proportioned waist from above.
4 Overweight (10 per cent above ideal body weight)
Hard to feel the ribs under moderate fat cover; some thickening at tail base; back is slightly broadened at the waist.
5 Obese (20 per cent above ideal body weight)
Hard to feel ribs under thick fat cover; thickened and hard-to-feel tail base; no waist and fat hangs from abdomen; broad back.