What’s The Hare & Hounds Hotel like?
This grand country hotel dates back to the 18th Century and is located between the Westonbirt Arboretum and the royal gardens at Highgrove. It’s posh but not pretentious and the staff go out of their way to make you feel at home. The Hare and Hounds Hotel is part of the Cotswold Inns & Hotels group, which was acquired by Fullers in 2019.
How dog-friendly is The Hare & Hounds Hotel?
Very. Ernie had a dog bed, bowl and blanket waiting for him in the room and there were several poo bins dotted around the grounds. There was even an outdoor dog wash where you could hose down mucky pups!
Pets are not allowed in the Beaufort Restaurant, but you can dine with your dog in Jack Hare’s Bar. Staff will happily set you up a special table for breakfast in the mornings, too. Dogs are also welcome on the outdoor terrace, which is a popular spot with both guests and locals. There’s a nightly £20 charge for dogs to stay, plus £10 for any additional pets.
Tell me more about The Hare & Hounds Hotel
There are 42 rooms at the hotel, both in the main house and in a series of cottages in the grounds. We stayed in Silkwood Court and were very happy to call Room 61 – or Holly – home for the evening. The room was on the ground floor and even had a little bit of outdoor space, with a table and chairs for four.
The first thing we noticed when we walked in the room was the enormous bed. We also had a mini lounge area with a sofa and coffee table, framed by cool pencil drawings of hares and hounds. There were tea and coffee-making facilities, lots of storage and we were glad to have air conditioning too, as we visited on a warm day. The bathroom, which had a shower cubicle cleverly tucked behind the door, also contained complimentary Molton Brown toiletries.
We visited the hotel soon after the first coronavirus lockdown had lifted and several safety measures had been put in place to protect both guests and staff. Our room key and registration form were presented to us in a sealed envelope and there was a one-way system in place throughout the main building. Hand sanitisers were also dotted around the hotel and masks also had to be worn in public areas.
What’s the food like at The Hare & Hounds Hotel?
Really good – but you’d expect no less from a hotel with a 2AA Rosette restaurant! On the Monday we visited, the Beaufort Restaurant was fully booked but we dined in the less formal Jack Hare’s Bar.
The lovely staff were quick to bring out a bowl of water for Ernie and the service was slick and speedy. The hotel was offering a reduced menu because of the coronavirus but it still had something for everyone. We really enjoyed the food – especially the Laverstoke Park Farm mozzarella starter (pictured above). It is well worth getting up for breakfast too, which is served in the Beaufort Lounge.
Are there resident dogs at The Hare & Hounds Hotel?
No, but you’re sure to meet plenty of others here – especially if you visit during the summer months and enjoy a drink or bite to eat on the sunny outside terrace.
Where are the best dog walks near The Hare & Hounds Hotel?
If you don’t want to stray too far, the landscaped hotel grounds make for a lovely stroll. Guests are given a map at check-in and there’s even a woodland trail around the car park. It’s a lot nicer than it sounds!
Be sure to pencil in a visit to the Westonbirt Arboretum (pictured above). It’s just a mile from the hotel and, with more than 2,500 species of tree, is absolute heaven for dogs. They’re allowed off lead in Silk Wood and can enjoy on-lead walks in The Downs. The Old Arboretum is the only no-go zone for dog walkers but you certainly won’t feel hard done by as there is so much space you can explore. Adult tickets start from £8 – the prices change according to the season.
What Ernie loved about The Hare & Hounds Hotel
Exploring the lovely landscaped grounds, the fuss from staff, the sausage for breakfast
What I loved about The Hare & Hounds Hotel
The wonderfully grand building, the spacious rooms in the cottage-style accommodation (pictured above), the great service
How to book The Hare & Hounds Hotel
Rooms start from £120 including breakfast. Guests are also encouraged to add an extra £1 to their bill, which will be donated to a local children’s hospice. For more information or to book, call 01666 881000 or visit The Hare and Hounds Hotel website.