The best dog friendly days out in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds

countryside strolls, idyllic estates and picturesque villages

Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace is a great place to visit with your dog. The seat of the Dukes of Marlborough, it’s the only non-royal, non-episcopal country house in England to hold the title of ‘palace’. With 2,000 acres of beautiful Capability Brown-designed gardens and parkland to explore, four-legged friends won’t mind that they’re not allowed in the palace itself (we know that they’re the kings and queens of their own homes, anyway).

Address: Woodstock, Oxfordshire, OX20 1UL
Top tip: It’s best to book tickets in advance of your visit.

Faringdon Folly Tower & Woodland

The 1,000 foot Faringdon Folly Tower was the last major folly to be built in England. A unique architectural gem dating back to 1935, it sits atop Folly Hill affording dog walkers picture-perfect views over the surrounding countryside, including the famous White Horse Hill. But it’s not just about the tower, it’s well worth exploring the woodland too. If you have little ones, you’ll want to seek out the hidden sculptures … the fairy house is our favourite.

Address: Folly Hill, Stanford Road, Faringdon, Oxfordshire, SN7 7AQ
Top tip: Visit through the seasons to admire how the landscape changes.

Cogges Farm

Cogges is a unique historic farm in the heart of Witney that is now open to the public as a heritage centre. With a beautiful manor house (no dogs allowed inside though, sorry), walled kitchen garden, orchard, adventure play and 17 acres of open space to enjoy, it’s one of our favourite recommendations for a family friendly, as well as dog friendly, day out in the Cotswolds.

Address: Church Lane, Witney, Oxfordshire, OX28 3LA
Top tip: If you’re a fan of Downton Abbey, you might recognise Cogges as the home of Yew Tree Farm and Mr Drewe, the tenant farmer.

The Old Swan & the Minster Lovell to Crawley circular

Nestled in 65 acres of idyllic grounds in the picturesque village of Minster Lovell, we love The Old Swan not just for its dog friendly bar but for the gorgeous surroundings … magical gardens, wild flower meadows, river banks and woodland. Follow this route to enjoy the scenic 5.6 km circular that takes you past pretty thatched cottages, over farmland and along a stretch of the River Windrush.

Address: School Lane, Minster Lovell, Witney, Oxfordshire, OX29 0RN
Top tip: It can be a touch muddy after wet weather so wellies or walking boots are a must.

Foxholes Nature Reserve

A somewhat hidden gem, Foxholes Nature Reserve is paw-fect for a tranquil woodland walk. And if you’re visiting the Cotswolds during bluebell season, prepare yourself for one of the most stunning displays in the whole of Oxfordshire. Looking for a longer walk? The 11 km circular Foxholes Wild Walk starts in Shipton-under-Wychwood and includes the ancient woodland found at the nature reserve.

Address: Bruern, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 6QE
Top tip: There is limited parking so avoid peak times if you can.

Burford

Located in the heart of the Oxfordshire Cotswolds, Burford is one of the most picturesque towns in England, and more than worthy of a morning or afternoon spent discovering its charms. Honey-coloured cottages line the streets and, combined with the medieval architecture, make for a postcard-perfect setting. There’s an array of dog friendly shops and cafés, and as you amble through the town, keep an eye out for the majestic St. John the Baptist Church, its spire reaching for the skies. When you want to escape the hustle and bustle, head for the three-arched bridge at the bottom of the high street and enjoy a quiet stroll along the River Windrush.

Address: Guildenford car park, Church Lane, Burford, Oxfordshire OX18 4SE
Top tip: The Carpenters Arms has cosy, canine-friendly corners in abundance and is lovely for a bite to eat.

Greys Court

Greys Court is a beautiful Tudor country house and garden near Henley-on-Thames in Oxfordshire where dogs are warmly welcomed. Think water bowls, dog bins, lovely walks, as well as being able to accompany you in the coffee shop … and we all know that National Trust cake is amongst the best. We particularly like the 3 km estate boundary walk following the grey arrows through the farmland and beech woods. Dogs must be kept on a lead as Greys Court is a working farm with wildlife grazing but it’s so scenic, you’ll have a brilliant time.

Address: Rotherfield Greys, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 4PG
Top tip: If you’re visiting with children, the NT often organises seasonal trails and activities for them.

The Kingham Plough & the Kingham circular

Located in the picture-perfect village of Kingham, a bone’s throw from Chipping Norton, Stow-on-the-Wold and Moreton-in-Marsh, this beautiful country pub is one for the foodies serving modern British dishes with a Mediterranean influence. Post-lunch, enjoy this 6 km circular to see more of the unspoilt Cotswold village.

Address: Kingham, Oxfordshire, OX7 6YD
Top tip: See how long it takes your furry friend to sniff out the pub’s doggy treats.

Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens

Set in 160 acres of landscaped parkland and gardens two miles south of Burford, the Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens makes for a brilliant dog friendly day out. Stroll around the park and get eye-to-eye with the giraffes (yes, the special walkway puts you at head-height with them), watch the rhinos graze on the lawns, make friends with the llamas, ride on the train or explore the walled garden. There’s so much to see and do, and rarely do you get an opportunity to visit such a place with your pooch.

Address: Bradwell Grove, Burford, Oxfordshire, OX18 4JP
Top tip: Dog are not allowed in the restaurant, but you can pack a picnic to enjoy in one of the picnic shelters or on the lawns.

Punting at Cherwell Boathouse

Fancy indulging in a quintessentially Oxford pleasure with your furry friend? How about punting? Obviously, it’s one for the water-lovers but if your pooch has perfected their doggy paddle, why not spend an idyllic hour or two enjoying a leisurely punt and seeing the countryside from a different perspective. The punt season runs from mid-March to mid-October. There’s a tea hut at Cherwell Boathouse serving drinks and snacks if you simply want to sit in the sun and watch the punts glide on by.

Address: Bardwell Road, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX2 6ST
Top tip: Pack a life jacket for your pup.

For more fabulous ideas for dog friendly days out in the Cotswolds, visit the Oxfordshire Cotswolds website.
It’s brimming with ideas and inspiration.