Written by fourleggedbreaks| 11 January 2025 in England
The Heart of England is an ideal place for a holiday for the whole family, encompassing some of the UK’s most beautiful landscapes. At Four Legged Breaks we have an extensive range of almost 1000 pet-friendly holiday homes across the region for you to choose from – take a look here at our Dog-friendly holidays in Heart of England.
Explore the outstanding natural beauty of the Heart of England, including the four beautiful National Landscapes which the region is home to: The Cotswolds, the Shropshire Hills, Wye Valley and Malvern Hills, all offering exceptional outdoor activities including walking, cycling and horse riding, plus bags of heritage and culture.
The Cotswolds covers some 2000 square kilometres, encompassing stunning rural scenery, chocolate-box villages and a host of attractions and activities for the whole family to enjoy, including your dog. …You’ll be spoilt for choice when it’s time for walkies, with routes and trails to suit all levels of fitness and energy.
If you fancy a gentle amble, we recommend the 4 mile circular route from the picturesque Broadway high street, along historic tracks and up to the famous and intriguing Broadway Tower with its spectacular views (see route details). You can even climb to the top of the Tower to enjoy some extra special views – although your dog will have to wait outside.
There’s plenty of choice for walkers seeking something more challenging, with various long-distance National Trails on offer:
The Cotswold Way: 100+ miles of magical walking, with long distance views from the Cotswold escarpment, and journeys through picturesque villages and ancient sites.
The Shropshire Way: Covers the north and south of the county and forms a “figure of eight” centring on the delightful town of Shrewsbury.
Offa’s Dyke Path: 177 miles along the English-Welsh Border, where hikers can immerse themselves in wildlife and history, including the spectacular 8th Century ancient monument Dyke King Offa.
After all that fresh air and exercise you’ll probably be ready to sample the local food and drink on offer at one of the many excellent dog-friendly cafes or pubs in the area.
If you fancy a spot of retail therapy, head to one of the area’s characterful towns or picturesque villages. Historic Winchcombe is one of our favourites, with its centuries-old timbered buildings, independent shops selling quality local produce, and the nearby River Isbourne which is ideal for a gentle stroll. When we’re on dog-friendly holidays in the Heart of England, we also love to visit the cities of Worcester and Gloucester, and the charming market towns of Ludlow, Ledbury, Leominster, Kidderminster and Stow-on-the-Wold, all known for their historic buildings, traditional pubs and picturesque streets.
You could also discover some fantastic annual events, including the Ledbury Poetry Festival, the Royal Three Counties Show and the traditional Well Dressing celebrations.
Nature lovers might enjoy a visit to Batsford Arboretum – a dog-friendly attraction that is worth a visit at any time of year, from the first snowdrops of spring, through to the outstanding autumn colour in October and November.
Or for something a little more exotic, check out the Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens, with over 260 animal species in over 160 acres of stunning gardens and Parkland (dogs welcome in the Park on a lead).
And when your feet are ready for a rest, consider a ride on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway – a preserved steam and diesel heritage railway line offering a uniquely different view of the area (well-behaved dogs are welcome in standard class carriages).
Happy exploring!
Take a look at our range of pet-friendly holiday cottages in the Heart of England >>
Check out our other Blog posts for more recommendations, advice and special offers for your next dog-friendly holiday.