The Herald - The Herald Magazine
A dog-friendly dream destination
KERRI-ANN ROPER
WE are about to dine on an exquisite meal in a picture-perfect restaurant. It’s definitely not the type of place you’d normally expect to find any four-legged, furry guests. But our third – and VIP – dinner guest, Puck, a two-year-old Pomchi, has snuggled down on a lush bed in the corner next to the dinner table and is awaiting his own gourmet meal of chicken and rice.
And the dog-friendly pampering doesn’t end there. At least, not at The Eastbury Hotel. Situated in the picturesque town of Sherborne, Dorset, the Georgian period listed townhouse oozes elegance from every corner.
Owner Peter de Savary says it best by describing it as the “perfect stress-free destination to unwind and relax”. And I think my dog, Puck, agrees wholeheartedly.
When we’re shown around the 26-room property, Puck trots along to explore with us. It’s a treat to see a hotel embracing dogs at every turn. We stay in one of five luxury garden suites launched in 2019 (known as the Victorian Garden Potting Sheds) that are external to the main hotel.
The elegant room aside, it’s the welcome for Puck that is impressive. Waiting in the room is a comfortable dog bed (definitely a king size in his books) adorned with a rope toy and bag of treats, as well as a welcome letter addressed to Puck.
A food and water bowl are laid out neatly, along with a collapsible water bowl, which you can take with you on walks should you need. There’s a small, private outside area that’s perfect for him to explore, while providing some open space. And rooms are spread far enough apart, so you won’t be bothered if anyone else’s pooch decides to get chatty.
There’s a marked difference between a hotel being dog-tolerant and dog-friendly, and The Eastbury Hotel definitely falls into the latter category. Understandably, there are some areas that are not all access for his paws – the spa, for example. Otherwise, it’s a treat to walk around a hotel and not feel like anyone is objecting to furry friends.
The garden (exquisitely tended to) and outside areas have bins and poo bags dotted around in just the right places.
It’s no wonder the hotel has just been announced as the overall winner of this year’s PetsPyjamas Dog-Friendly
Travel Awards, which celebrate the UK’s dog-welcoming travel industry.
And a quick browse on PetsPyjamas, the UK’s leading dog-friendly holiday company, will have you finding more pet-friendly gems all over the country in seconds.
If, like me, you find a holiday isn’t an enjoyable one without your animal at your side, then it’s a holiday game changer. Sophistication is something the two AA Rosette restaurant Seasons can pride itself on. Executive chef Matthew Street, a former MasterChef Professionals contestant, has crafted an impressive feast using local produce.
As the restaurant name implies, the menu is adapted to the seasons and also includes a top-end tasting menu. There’s also a menu of the day, and the restaurant is happy for guests to mix and match between the two.
The dining experience definitely ticks the memorable box. You can order a chicken and rice dinner for your pooch to enjoy alongside you, and Puck tucks into his with gusto.
You can also have doggie meals (and human ones) delivered to your room if you would prefer a night in.
There’s plenty of exploring to do beyond the hotel’s comforts too. And one of the hotel’s strengths must be its easy access to the Dorset countryside. The town itself is a quick walk from the hotel and you’ll find there’s plenty to explore –from a scrumptious deli called The Pear Tree, to Saxon cathedral Sherborne Abbey.
But it’s undoubtedly the surrounding countryside that beckons, especially if you’re a dog owner. The area is a walker’s dream, and there’s a handy booklet in each hotel room recommending dog walks.
Sherborne Walks’ Paul Birbeck takes us on a morning amble to the nearby Sherborne Castle and Gardens.
The castle is owned by the Wingfield Digby Family. Built by Sir Walter Raleigh in the late 1500s, with gardens landscaped by Capability Brown, it is a slice of heaven.
Walking guide Paul is a fount of knowledge about the surrounding area
and castle, and visiting the castle gardens is like walking into a sensory paradise. After a walk, there’s no better place to soothe your walking legs than at the hotel spa, which guests can book for exclusive use for an hour slot.
As far as dog-friendly breaks go, my furry friend gives this one a solid paws up.