Since our beloved pug entered our lives, my husband and I have been on a mission to visit as many dog-friendly places as possible, writes Genevieve Willis-Long.
Winston is very much one of the family and where we go, he goes. We hadn’t really contemplated that it might be difficult to find somewhere lovely to stay overnight with our pampered pooch – but it was becoming a struggle – until we found out about PetsPyjamas.com.
PetsPyjamas.com is Europe’s number one online dog friendly holiday specialists where pet lovers can browse and book from over thousands of truly pet-welcoming cottages, hotels, country stylish B&Bs around the UK and Europe… the list is endless! The site gives you lots of information on your stay with your furry friend and lots of the hotels have special PetsPyjamas treats and offers too.
We settled on a night away not too far from home but just far enough to feel like a proper mini break – the independently owned, Tewkesbury Park, in Gloucestershire. The hotel is set in 163 acres of rolling parkland with a fabulous view overlooking the site of the 1471 Battle of Tewkesbury.
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It’s recently had an extensive three-year renovation with the addition of nine luxury historic suites, two new spa rooms, two meeting rooms, an orangery, a cocktail lounge and an events suite complete with wood-fire pizza oven and terrace.
On arrival at the hotel we were all greeted warmly by the staff and led through the hotel to our room. We stayed in one of the dog-friendly rooms (of course) on the ground floor which had a stunning view and French doors which led directly outside to a grassy area – perfect for nipping out with Winston to stretch his legs.
There was a welcome pack with doggie treats, a luxury Hunt & Wilson dog bed (with memory foam mattress no less), suggested walks and a letter from the resident hotel dog, Puddles with tailored information about our stay.
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We switched our phones off and went for a beautiful stroll around the grounds adjacent to the hotel’s rather fine golf course – which Winston found very interesting to watch. It was such a relaxing feeling to know that dogs are allowed almost everywhere (on the lead, of course, in case they decide it might be fun to chase a golf ball). After our walk we relaxed with a glass of rosé (Winston was brought a bowl of water) in the evening sunshine on the terrace watching a couple play croquet… quite blissful.
We were very much looking forward to dinner in the hotel’s new destination restaurant, Mint – which was completed last year – it looked incredible, with a stylish, contemporary yet traditional feel and was buzzing with atmosphere.
As Winston was dining with us we headed to the cosy piano lounge where Winston was invited to lounge on another gorgeous dog bed whilst we poured over the seasonal menu created by head chef Anuj Thakur. We enjoyed a delicious three course meal with some fantastic wine.
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Indian mint and aloo Tikki chat and crispy Gloucester Old Spot pork cheeks for starters followed by melt in the mouth Grafton Farm lamb shoulder and Macadamia nut crusted south coast cod. We were almost too full to fit in pudding, but managed to squeeze in a buttermilk and mint panna cotta and a dark chocolate and caramelised banana mousse.
After dinner we took Winston for a pre-bedtime walkie before we retired to our lovely room for a fantastic night’s sleep (we loved the enormous bed – possibly one of the comfiest I’ve ever slept on).
The next day we were greeted by sunshine streaming through the French doors. At breakfast, n the piano room, we settled down with a great buffet breakfast. Winston was beside himself when the waiter came over with his specially prepared ‘doggy breakfast’ of scrambled eggs and sausage! I almost heard him say “I could get used to this…”.
After another big walk around the grounds we headed off back home – rested, happy and wagging our tails.
THE ESSENTIALS
- For dog friendly bookings visit petspyjamas.com and search for Tewkesbury Park Hotel.
- Dog friendly rooms from £121 per night.
- Pet’s Pyjamas exclusive package (2 nights stay, afternoon tea with champagne, 3 course dinner with doggy dinner for your pup, full English breakfast for you and your dog, £25 voucher per room for spa treatments) from £380 for 2 people.
- PetsPyjamas also offers dog owners 24/7 Vet advice on the go as part of their dog-friendly holidays with complimentary access to 24/7 vet advice line PawSquad. The service – available via the PawSquad app - instantly connects you to 24/7 emergency support from fully qualified, UK-licensed vet should you experience any pet problems while away from home.
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