Lewtrenchard Manor Hotel

Lewtrenchard Manor is a grand Jacobean country house hotel tucked into the West Devon countryside near Okehampton, on the edge of Dartmoor, and unusually for a five-star property of this pedigree it welcomes dogs with real warmth. Guests travelling with a dog consistently describe it as one of the most genuinely dog-friendly luxury stays they have found.

Dogs are specifically allowed here, and the welcome extends to practical touches like water bowls. What surprises many dog owners is that the dog-friendly rooms are not the tired afterthoughts you sometimes get at smart hotels: they are described as grand, spacious and beautifully finished, so you are not trading comfort for the privilege of bringing your dog. A pet charge may apply, so it is worth confirming the current amount when you book, and assistance dogs are welcomed too.

The manor itself, all oak panelling, historic grandeur and sweeping grounds, is a large part of the appeal, and reviewers with dogs single out the staff for being kind, relaxed and genuinely welcoming rather than precious about pets in such elegant surroundings. More than one guest describes feeling like lord and lady of the house for a day, dog happily in tow.

The setting is ideal for an active dog. The house sits in extensive grounds with direct access to Devon countryside walks, and Dartmoor's open moorland is close by for longer rambles, making it a natural base for a slow, indulgent country escape.

It is a formal, fine-dining sort of place, so it suits well-behaved dogs and owners happy with country-house etiquette rather than families after somewhere casual. A few guests have noted the odd service slip, such as a slow room-service order, but these are rare grumbles against an overwhelmingly warm picture. Lewtrenchard Manor suits dog owners who want a genuine luxury escape, a special-occasion country-house stay where the dog is as welcome as they are, on the doorstep of Dartmoor.