When I plan a day out, the dog comes too, and as our days out comprise a dog walk and a pub lunch, I must first find a dog-friendly pub that will allow my Border collie Pythius-Peacocke to place his paws under the table.

This is not always easy. Many licensees hold up their hands in horror at the idea of a dog on their premises.

That said, there are also some really amazing pubs, hotels and inns that go out of their way to accommodate walkers and their canine friends.

In fact, over the years, I have discovered that the more stylish the establishment, the more likely it is that Pythius will be allowed to join me in the bar area or a corner reserved for dogs.

Some, such as The Rose Revived at Newbridge, allow dogs to sit anywhere except on the carpet; other pubs allow dogs in the public bar area; a third group, including the Swan at Swinbrook, allow them the freedom of the house.

Last week, the dog and I had the ultimate ‘hotel experience’ when we met Andy Peaston, the concierge at Lords of the Manor, a beautiful 17th-century hotel which stands amid eight acres of secluded gardens and parkland in the idyllic Cotswold village of Upper Slaughter. Pythius and I have visited this elegant hotel several times, always stopping for a light lunch in the beautifully appointed bar area where dogs are allowed. What we did not realise until last week was that guests staying in the hotel with their dogs can hire Andy to walk the dog while they enjoy the comforts of this superior hotel.

Andy (who also doubles as barman at times) says it is all part of the service that hotels such as Lords of the Manor offer their guests.

“It’s what hospitality is all about,” he said, as he pulled on his wellington boots and prepared to take Pythius for a walk round the lake, while my friend and I relaxed with a glass of wine.

Lords of the Manor is one of 22 independently owned hotels in Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds that have joined forces to promote their establishments, and form the Cotswold Foodie Club. Membership of the club is free and open to anyone interested in fine food. This can range from a simple, but beautifully served, ploughman’s lunch or sausages and mash, to a full Michelin-starred celebration with all the trimmings.

Members have the chance to take up the many offers the club provides. For example, this month Lords of the Manor is one of several offering members a complimentary glass of Remy Martin Coeur de Cognac when they dine in the restaurant. Other participating restaurants include The Cotswold Plough at Clanfield, The Feathers Hotel, Woodstock, and The Trout, at Tadpole Bridge.

Pythius is familiar with all these establishments, particularly The Trout, where a large bowl of cold water along with a small doggie-chew is always available when he calls. We visit The Trout often as it stands next to the River Thames and the Thames path, which can be walked in either direction. This is a section of the Thames where an amazing variety of birds — such as the reed bunting, which thrives when close to water — can be seen and heard. Walk for about a mile up river and you will come to the Chimney Nature Reserve run by BBOWT.

The Trout was awarded the AA Pub of the Year 2011 — and no wonder, as this is a pub that welcomes drinkers and diners equally. It also stocks a fine range of real ales, which are changed frequently, so you never know quite what to expect.

The Feathers Hotel, in Woodstock is another of Pythius’s favourites. Here he is welcomed into the newly renovated bar area for lunch, before we enjoy a walk around the grounds of Blenheim Palace. Then there’s The Plough at Clanfield. Pythius is always made very welcome here too. This is the inn we visit when going on to walk around nearby Kelmscot. The last time we called in The Plough, the chef cooked us an excellent Arnold Bennett omelette — quite the best I have tasted.

Another hotel within this group is The Swan Hotel, at Bibury, which attracts so many oriental tourists that it has signs in the building written in Japanese. Pythius is welcome here, too, much to the amusement of Japanese visitors.

During my travels through the countryside with my beloved dog, I have been delighted that so many beautiful old hotels have made us welcome. If you would like a full list of the Cotswolds Finest Hotel group — and to join the Cotswolds Foodie Club — go to www.cotswoldsfinesthotels.com. While they don’t all welcome dogs — many do.

To read more of Helen and Pythius’s dog walks and pub visits go to the website (http://pawsunderthetable.blogspot.com).