Festive breaks: Cracking canine Christmas getaways with your dog

For most of us Christmas Day just wouldn’t be the same without our pampered pooches there to celebrate with us. And this is why we’ve spent the best part of a day sourcing fabulous Christmas canine getaways for you and your furry best mate.

They’re all UK based and don’t just allow dogs, but positively welcome them. Additional treats, cuddles, the softest of dog beds - it’s all right here for doggy daft lovers to indulge their four-legged other half:

Trigony Hotel and Spa, Dumfries.

This former country manor in Scotland comes with its own doggie hosts - Roxy the Retriever, Lola the Yorkie Pug and Kit the Dachshund. As a result your own canine companion will feel at home right away. You’ll find your room complete with dog bed, bowl, towel and treats (well, you get the chocolate on the pillow - why shouldn’t your wee pal get a mini-bone on his? And then there’s the free dog sausage at breakfast… In the hotel you’ll also find a map for dog-friendly trails. And, in this beautiful and remote part of the country - part of the Southern Upland Way you’re definitely spoiled for choice.

Grosvenor Arms Hotel, Dorset.

Two things really stand out for us (or rather our mutt) at this beautiful countryside getaway. The first is you can enjoy your five course Christmas lunch with the fur ball sitting alongside you in the hotel’s bar or conservatory (provided he or she knows not to pinch the odd pig in blanket etc from your plate). But hopefully the fact, he or she even gets his own Doggie Delights menu will put an end to that particular problem... The second delight this former Medieval coaching inn has to offer is its location. Sitting on the edge of Cranborne Chase your pooch only has to look out the bedroom window to believe instantly that all his Christmases have come at once. With an abundance of countryside trails to explore, badgers to sniff out, fox poo to roll in etc he or she will be in love with the landscape.

Devonshire Arms Hotel and Spa, Yorkshire.

Not only will you have a fourposter bed at this 17th century former coaching inn - but your dog will have too. In fact, his may even be fancier than yours. Yes, they really do supply doggie four-posters at the Devonshire Arms in Yorkshire. Another huge plus of coming here at Christmas is that if you’ve had one too many on occasion you can always contact the pet concierge service. They will then happily take his four-legged Majesty for an exhausting run Heathcliff-style among the wild and windy Yorkshire Moors. Meanwhile your gratefulness will no know bounds when you realise there is even a hotel dog washing station where the staff will to get all the muck off him before delivering him to your room. And once he’s had a nap Fido can go and relax with the other pampered pooches in the Dog Lounge. Could life as a canine be any better?

The Grove Ferry Inn, Kent.

Let’s face it, there’s nothing a dog likes more after a hard day’s bounding over fields and chasing rabbits, than a refreshing pint at his local. And ok, the Grove Ferry Inn in Kent may not be your dog’s local but, yes, ladies and gents - this beautiful dog-friendly ivy-covered inn in Canterbury really does sell dog beer. It’s not on draft admittedly, but it is doggie palatable and from what we’ve seen, enjoyable too! It’s cosy indoors and outside there happens to be a little garden in which to snuffle around in. At least that way he’ll have something interesting to do when your pub conversation starts to get a bit boring and repetitive. And once the smells are sussed out your four-legged pal can go and check out the mini farm, housing chickens, pigs and pheasant.This picturesque former lavender farm is also just a hop, skip and jump away (if you’re feeling that way inclined) from the stunning Stodmarsh Nature Reserve.

The Milestone Hotel, Kensington.

Now, if you and your favourite pet fancy a luxury city break instead of all that serene countryside stuff, then head to one of London’s posher areas and the Milestone Hotel. It’s all money and grandeur here and your fur ball will just love being fussed over. Watch his face as he delves into the special pooch hamper in your bedroom. In it he’ll find both a toy and a treat, as well as a special Milestone doggy tag. There’s an in-house dog menu and fresh mineral water. He or she can even choose to bed down for the night on a duvet, cushion, floor mat - whichever is most comfortable. Dog sitting, grooming and walking is provided while there’s also a Pet Sleeping sign to put on the door to alert the maid you and he are having a little more than 40 winks.

Egerton House Hotel, Knightsbridge.

Sticking with the posh London resorts, this gorgeous little boutique hotel in one of the capital’s best shopping and entertainment spots is dog heaven. Why? Well, let’s just say it happens to have that ‘special’ touch. This time it’s in the form of an embroidered pet towel just for Fido. He’ll also find his own bowl, a selection of trendy toys to get his teeth into and treats galore. Dog grooming and babysitting is available too. But the best bit this Central London hotel has to offer is the special Doggie Afternoon Tea Service. Yes, really. You and he can sit together and tuck into your own personal delights in the dining room. You’ll have sandwiches and cake, he may to prefer to choose some inviting tripe strips, a handful of dried pilchards and then round it off with a substantial and very chewable pigs ear. Who knows? It’s all there anyhow…

(Article source: Pets 4 Homes)