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England
Lord Crewe Arms
Blanchland. Northumberland - 01434 6575251
Just off the Moors in the middle of wonderful walking country is the hamlet of Blanchland, near Consett in Northumberland. Huddled around its Abbey, it is caught in a time warp, and it is easy to understand local stories of Scots who came raiding over the Border, but couldn't find the village in thick fog. Thinking they were saved, Monks in the Abbey set the church bells ringing - which guided the raiders straight to the settlement.
In the village is the Lord Crewe Arms with the Dorothy Forster bedroom, reputed to be haunted. Knowing my Mother was a Forster the hotel gave this room to my parents, only to have to change it when their current dog howled his head off.
A local poet wrote
Tis whispered that 'Spirits' abide in the 'Crewe'
(perhaps better seen when you've had one or two)
but none of my dogs will go into this room; a previous owner of the hotel told me his dog always waited at the bottom of the steps when he went into the Dorothy Forster room.
But don't be put off - my dogs love the rest of this delightful hotel, parts of which date back seven hundred years, and the management are very welcoming to dogs. The dogs particularly like the Hilyard Room with its huge fireplace built with a Priesthole, reputed to be where Tom Forster, one of my infamous ancestors, once hid to escape capture by the King's forces in 1715. 30 mins from Consett.
Whately Hall
Banbury - 0800 40 40 40
This hotel is really welcoming to dogs. At dinner time chef sent over a huge plate full of doggie goodies, beautifully garnished with parsley. Sadly my two didn't appreciate this attempt at decoration; just wolfed their food down.
Dean Swift wrote part of Gullivers' Travels here, and with its panelled rooms you feel his spirit is still around, helped by the fact there is a secret staircase and a priest's hole.
Woolley Grange
Bradford-on-Avon - 01225 864705
With a welcoming Springer Spaniel and the head house-keeper ex-Buckingham Palace, this hotel wraps you round with superb service. If you have children they will love this hotel; they have their own Woolley Bears Den where marvellous nannies look after them all day. Your bedroom will probably have an open fire, and lots of goodies in the bathrooms. The Restaurant is a delight, both food-wise and decor, and the dogs definitely enjoyed their stay with a chance to snuffle round the gardens and take walks in the surrounding countryside. Bath 7 miles.
Crown Hotel
Wetheral, Nr. Carlisle - 01228 561888
On the banks of the River Eden, this hotel looks up towards a castle. The main building is an elegant Georgian house with sympathetically built modern bedrooms at the back. If you wonder why you can't open the windows more than a few inches, this is because the rooms are low down, and when this modern wing was opened the management said they found some guests were helping themselves to TVs, bedding and even beds - the windows were ideally placed for a car to drive up underneath and load the stolen goods. But Hotel Managers say they have never caught dogs doing such dastardly things!
New Dungeon Ghyll
Great Langdale, Cumbria - 01539 437213
This remote, basic family inn is often visited by the SARDA (Search and Rescue) teams when they need to unwind after a difficult rescue. Step outside the door and there are fells and fields galore for long walks.
English Lakes Hotels:
Low Wood Hotel
0153 943 3338
Wild Boar Hotel
0153 944 5225
Waterhead Hotel
0153 943 2566
Royal Hotel
0153 944 3045
Lancaster House
01524 844 822
This is a group of five family hotels in the Lake District. They are very dog-friendly, and my dogs awarded 5 bones to the Wild Boar Hotel at Crook. If staying at one hotel, you can dine and use any of the facilities of the other hotels - Gymnasium, Beauty Clinic, Swimming Pools, waterfalls and spa pools, etc. These hotels actually like children and their Sandpiper Clubs provide special kids menus; even encouraging them to make their own pizzas - chef's hat and ingredients provided.
Headlam Hall
Co. Durham - 01325-730238
As we arrived there was an almighty crash, and a Labrador shot into view looking as sheepish as only a Labrador that has been naughty can. This was Hilda, the hotel's resident dog, who had decided to see what was available to stave off the pangs of hunger and had managed to overturned one of the huge six foot high rubbish bins. Labradors must be related to Borders, the tricks they get up to satisfy hunger.
Hilda is happy to show off her village to visiting dogs, and promising we wouldn't let her anywhere near anything remotely resembling food, the hotel allowed us to take her for a walk around the little hamlet of Headlam, tucked away in the Durham countryside. It is ideal dog-walking countryside; even the cars seem to nose carefully round bends as though expecting dogs to be in the middle of the road. As we walked we collected several canine friends; did they like Hilda for her personality, or because she had access to delightful snacks? We'll never know. But Headlam Hall welcomes dogs and their owners, and the Robinsons put you up in the Coach House in the garden, with an indoor swimming pool (for humans not dogs). Darlington 8 miles.
Langley Castle
Nr. Hexham - 01434 688888
This is more a keep than a castle, but incredibly impressive non-the-less, with walls seven feet thick and a collection of 14 garderobes (mediaeval loos). The remains of these can be seen on the walls and no one knows why there are so many. The castle belongs to an American family who love all things British. They saw this castle advertised in Country Life, flew over, fell in love, and turned it into a gem with nine large bedrooms with modern bathrooms. However, it hasn't been over-chintzed so is reasonably priced. The heart of the hotel is a huge drawing room in the centre; all corridors from bedrooms lead to this, so you get to know your fellow guests over a drink in front of the log fires. If you climb up to the roof you have a marvellous view over countryside, and Catherine Cookson’s old home.
Sunlaws House
Kelso - 01573-450331
Phoning the first time to ask if the hotel took dogs, a happy laughing Scots voice said "we do, yes", and this is a wonderful hotel for humans and animals. Part of the Duke of Roxburghe's estate, one feels some of the best pieces of old furniture that furnish the suites must have come out of the Ducal attics. The less-expensive bedrooms are attractive too, but in modern style. Log fires welcome you, lots of delicious cooking using local produce is used in the superb restaurant, and they turn down the beds at night.
Floors Castle is the centrepiece of the estate, and it was here that the film "Greystoke" was filmed in 1983, and Borders featured in the film. Anyway, the Castle is well worth a visit, as is the delightful town across the picturesque river.
Linden Hall
Nr. Morpeth, Northumberland - 01670-516611
This hotel is built around an elegant Georgian mansion and there are 'cottage' bedrooms where you can stay with your dog. There is plenty of room to exercise the dogs in 225 hectares of grounds and you will need exercise yourself to take advantage of the breakfasts; kippers, kidneys and every sort of egg and bacon you can imagine. Food at dinner is good too.
Being in Northumberland there are lots of 'Border' connections and when Widget had eaten something poisonous during the day the hotel staff didn't panic, but phoned the local Vet and gave clear directions how to get there, so we found everything waiting for us when we arrived. Newcastle-upon-Tyne 21 miles.
Randolph Hotel
Oxford - 0800 40 40 40
This is an institution and Rocco Forte's sister has done up the reception rooms in their original Victorian style so they gleam with gold leaf and jewel colours: a fitting setting for guests such as Elizabeth Taylor. Bedrooms are extremely comfortable with lots of goodies in the bathroom. Officially the hotel takes 'small pets by arrangement' so tell the dogs to behave!
Oxford has some wonderful restaurants, but if you are too tired to walk the hotel has Squires Restaurant, with silver salt and pepper shakers. Sipping a drink, do take time to look at the wonderful cartoons on the bar walls, and you can get postcards of these.
Boar's Head
Ripley, Yorks - 01423-771888
This was originally The Star, a coaching inn on the Leeds-Edinburgh run, with ‘lots of convivial enjoyment’. But in 1919 the owner, Sir William Ingilby, a strictly religious man, objected to the pub serving drinks on a Sunday, and ordered it to be closed on the Sabbath. This so incensed the landlord that he packed his bags, and no-one took his place. For seventy years Ripley village remained dry, until Sir William's grandson, Sir Thomas, re-opened the pub as The Boar's Head hotel (the family crest). However, if anyone gets too convivial the village stocks are right outside! Sir Thomas is fond of a glass of malt himself, and takes a great interest in the hotel, personally selecting the Wine List, which has more than two hundred bins with wines from all over the world, Paul Tatham, the Manager, knows and loves Borders and in each bathroom is a wooden boat thoughtfully provided by Lady Ingliby to make guests feel at home.
The Lion
Shrewsbury - 0800 40 40 40
If you saw the TV series on Cadfael, you can almost feel 'Brother Cadfael' slip slopping past the old windows as he goes about his business. Shrewsbury has more half-timbered houses than any other town in England; the Lion is an ancient coaching inn of mixed styles, and in the days when the local gentry came in to town for a mini-season its ballroom (some say designed by Adam) was much in use. Most of the bedrooms have been added on recently, sympathetically too - and although small they are well furnished. However, you can stay in the suite where Charles Dickens stayed. The Chef produces some delicious dinners, especially using local produce such as salmon.
The George Hotel
Stamford - 01780 750750
Princess Anne stays here, and so do my dogs. Hoping she enjoyed it as much as we did, we sat in the cobbled courtyard and ate marvellous bar snacks. Some of the bedrooms are huge, some much smaller, but as there has been an Inn here for over 900 years you have to expect some crooked staircases and very different bedrooms, all well furnished. The hotel is easy to find; just look for the huge sign across the road. There is a lovely restaurant with memorable food, and this is the place to have real roast beef served from the trolley.
Falcon Inn
Painswick, Gloucester - 01452 814222
Just the place for dog walkers, as they have a special drying room for those soggy wet boots and jackets - and there are log fires to warm you after a long walk. Built in 1554, it used to be a courthouse, was used for cockfighting in the bad old days, and then became a Coaching Inn. Up the street is St. Mary's Church, famous for its 99 yew trees (legend has it the 100th won't grow).
Leeming Hotel
Ullswater - 0800 40 40 40
The dogs definitely approved of the Leeming Hotel. As far as they were concerned it had all mod. cons. Taking a stroll through the grounds all seemed quiet. "Let them off the lead" invited the Manager. Whoosh. A rabbit was seen hopping across the lawn and the dogs disappeared joyfully into the bushes. This was something like; at last a hotel that realised what was essential for doggie guests. Once we had re-captured the two happy dogs, we continued around the gorgeous grounds. Wordsworth would be delighted with the daffodils and other flowers that spill out everywhere. 7 miles Penrith.
The Feathers
Woodstock, Oxfordshire - 01993-812291
We stopped here because we had heard the lunch-time bar snacks were worth it - they were. Afterwards we went for a walk with the dogs in Blenheim Palace grounds, and it seemed stupid to press on when such a delightful hotel was waiting - and the Receptionist had been so friendly when we asked if the dogs could have some water outside. As long as the dogs had their own bedding they are allowed in the hotel bedrooms; chef prepared a delicious meal just right for dogs - we had asked for scraps but it looked good enough for us to eat. We hid the chocolates that are provided in the bedrooms before we went downstairs for our own dinner (don't forget to book as locals fill the dining room). Saddle of hare being the speciality the night we dined. Chocaholics are well catered for! Oxford 8 miles
Tankerville Arms
Wooler, Northumberland - 01904-620137
Dogs are always welcome here, as long as they bring their own beds. Right in the middle of 'Border' territory, Anne Park and her team are welcoming to dogs, children and well-behaved owners. The Copper Bar is a haunt for farmers on market days, and in the evening there are usually locals sitting by the open fire.
Near by are the incredible white cattle of Chillingham, relics of ancient herds. You have to leave the dogs in the car if you want to see these cattle, as any strange noises and they are off - but their story is so extraordinary that it is worth the effort to find them. All around is magnificent countryside, with the Cheviots providing the border between Scotland and England. 01668 281581
Consort Hotels, an hotel marketing consortium, will tell you which of their member hotels take dogs if you phone them with your itinerary.
White Swan Hotel
Alnwick, Northumberland - 01665 602109
In the centre of town, this hotel is so attractive it looks like a typical tourist office poster. If you liked ‘Titanic’ the film, the Dining Room is panelled with wood panelling from her sister ship, Olympic.
Cliveden
Taplow, outside Maidenhead - 0800 856 8003
This must be the ultimate hotel with pampering and cosseting galore. History and notoriety go together, as this is where Christine Keeler and Mandy Rice Davies famously swam in the swimming pool used by today’s hotel guests, and you can actually stay in the cottage used by Stephen Ward. Dogs are very well looked after, and several return here frequently they like it so much.
Hilton Hotels
01628 668561
Generally very dog friendly, particularly the one at Milton Keynes (where we liked the swimming pool!)
Cumbria Farm Tourism
01768 775500
Is a group of very comfortable farm house B & Bs. Most of bedrooms are en-suite, and delicious food for dinner mixes local products with spicy ingredients, as Cumbria was on the spice smugglers route.
Copthorne Hotel
Newcastle-upon-Tyne - 0191 222 0333
General Manager Tony Hill is very keen on dogs. Because the hotel is near the Law Courts, and Judges and QCs very often own dogs, hotel staff are used to taking their dogs for walks whilst master is presiding over a case. The river runs along the front of the hotel, and in the morning you see the local dogs being exercised here. Wonderful dog-friendly beaches are only a short drive away. The hotel recently hosted guests who had come north for BT2000 and Gill Coates, Senior Sales Co-ordinator brought in Henry, her Basset Hound, to make everyone welcome.
Scotland
Cringletie House Hotel
Peebles - 01721 730233
Followers of Parker the Urban dog, who writes in the Weekend Telegraph, will be pleased to know he cast his eye over this hotel, and very much approved. Dogs are welcomed with dog chews, bowls and dog food. When out working in the grounds if you come to somewhere where dogs should be on leads, there are spare ones hanging at the entrance for you to borrow.
Auchterarder House Hotel
Perthshire - 01764 663646
Dating from 1832, and set in 17 acres of private grounds.
Ardvaser Hotel
Isle of Skye - 01471 844223
Small traditional coaching inn. Recommended in 'Taste of Scotland'
Creggans Inn
Strachur, Argyll - 01369 860279
Well-known for an extensive wine list.
Wales
Glanrannell Park
Llanwrda, Carmathenshire - 01558 685230
Linda and Gerald Golding's dog is Duke, and Richard their son (who is Head Chef) owns Fred, and between them they keep this lovely country house in order. You sit on the lawns overlooking the lake, watching for Herons - which Richard doesn't like these because they eat the trout; he thinks these should be for the guests. If you have forgotten to bring a book to read there are shelves of books to choose from, and plenty of lovely walks for dogs.
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