Britain is a nation of animal lovers, or so we like to think! The United Kingdom is number 4 on the list of Best Countries for Animal Welfare. Given how many countries there are on the list that is quite impressive. Our love for our dogs in particular has reached exponential levels over the last decade. People are taking their dogs everywhere with them. It used to be that the only places you could take your dog were your local or country pubs out in the sticks. You’d see an old sheepdog asleep under the table next to a ruddy-faced old farmer and think to yourself, ‘Yep, I’m definitely in the countryside’.
Now you see dogs everywhere! There are even expensive canine boutiques selling designer gear for your pooch that you can dress your canine chum up in so that their outfit costs more than your own. We love Be More Bob in nearby regency spa town Cheltenham for treating our fur babies. And why not? There’s a good reason why dogs are man’s best friend: they are awesome! Who can resist a pair of deep brown eyes giving you puppy eyes and a waggy tail? If you are as dog mad as we are here at The Wyndham, then read on to find out why your dog will love the Forest of Dean.
1. Dog-Friendly Hotel
We love it when our residents bring their furry friends with them to The Wyndham Hotel & Restaurant in Clearwell. We don’t think people should be forced to leave their dogs at home when they fancy a weekend away, that’s why we are a dog-friendly pub and hotel. Why use a sitter when you have acres of stunning walks on your doorstep to enjoy when you stay with us? Bring Fido with you, so you can all have fun together in the Forest.
2. Dog-Friendly Pubs
When you need to stop for lunch, or dinner on an epic country walk, it’s great to know that pretty much all of the pubs in the area are dog-friendly. Our favourite place is The Moody Cow in Upton Bishop. They have been listed in the Michelin Red Guide for the last seven years. And for good reason! Their food is exceptional.
3. Long Walks in the countryside
Wherever you head off for your walk with your beloved pooch during your weekend away when you stay with us, you will be in for a treat. There’s picturesque scenery, breathtaking waterfalls and astonishing woods to explore. For something a bit different, we love walking the Sculpture Trail. It is a ‘4.5 mile long trail full of sculptures created by artists to interpret the Forest environment and the history of the Forest of Dean’s very unusual landscape’. It was the first one of it’s kind to open in the UK back in 1986. It’s well worth a visit.
4. The Dean Forest Railway
If the weather is grey and damp, then what better way to spend the day than whizzing through the woods on a steam train? What’s more, The Dean Forest Railway is dog-friendly so Rex can come too!
5. Dog-friendly Cycle Trail
For dogs who love running beside as you go cycling, the Family Cycle Trail at the Cannop Cycle Centre is a brilliant way to spend the afternoon or morning. You can hire bikes at the Cannop Cycle Centre so if you can’t bring your bikes with you, you can still enjoy a fabulous bike ride.
With so many incredible places to take your dog on a trip to the Forest of the Dean, as @PetsatHome says “Make sure your dog is snug and comfortable when out on your winter walks”. Snuffles might already have ten winter coats, but one more couldn’t possibly hurt, could it?
Get in touch with The Wyndham to book your next dog-friendly weekend away.
