Elvington Cottage, Bourton on the Water

Elvington Cottage makes a comfortable Cotswolds base for anyone travelling with a dog, and its whole-house format is a big part of the appeal. You have the run of the place - no shared corridors, no reception desk to steer a lead past, and no other guests next door - which suits dogs that settle more easily with their own space around them. The cottage sits about ten minutes on foot from the centre of Bourton-on-the-Water, so the car can stay parked while you explore.

The garden is the feature dog owners return to most. It is enclosed and fairly compact, which makes it easy to let a dog out first thing without committing to a full walk, and there are good routes straight from the doorstep for longer outings into the surrounding countryside. Guests travelling with dogs have described the cottage as an easy, low-stress place to stay with a pet, with generous indoor space for a group and a dog to spread out across the downstairs living areas and conservatory.

The management team earns consistent praise for being approachable and accommodating, and there is a welcome pack waiting on arrival. With four bedrooms and roomy communal areas, the layout works well for families or a group of friends who want everyone under one roof. The honest trade-off is that this is a well-used holiday let rather than a polished boutique stay; some visitors have felt it could do with a little refreshing in places, so it is worth setting expectations before you go.

The cottage is best suited to dog owners who want a self-catering base with private outdoor space and walking on the doorstep, rather than hotel-style service and amenities. If you are heading to the Cotswolds with a dog and a group, and you like the idea of walking into Bourton-on-the-Water one way and out into open countryside the other, Elvington Cottage is a solid pick. As with any self-catering let, confirm the current pet arrangements and any charges with the management team when you book.