Like many people, I hate saying goodbye to my poochies when I go on my travels.  Although I know they will be well looked after by my house sitter, it’s that look in their eyes that gets me every time. I am not alone which led me to look for some dog friendly holidays.

Did you know that a third of people (33%) have missed out on going on holiday because of their pet, with 41% feeling guilt when they do travel away. Shockingly, almost a fifth (19%) admit they regret having pets as it stops them from taking breaks and 37% agreed that they would take more trips away if they could take their pets with them. The British travel industry is losing out on up to an estimated £324 million a year by not catering to the 33% of Brits who said having a pet means they have missed out on going away.  This is based on new research from Mercure Hotels that also reveals that Brits would rather go away with a furry friend than a human pal!!

However, fear of leaving fur babies behind is a thing of the past as Mercure Hotels introduce an exclusive ‘Happy Tails’ package at selected dog friendly hotels around the country, where dogs will receive an exclusive gift when staying for a limited time only. Owners can book for their dogs to join them at 42 selected Mercure hotels for up to £15 per night, and a special snack will be delivered to canine visitors wanting to chow down. With plenty of wonderful retreats across the UK, there is a destination for every pet and owner including idyllic city breaks, spa hotels and country locations.

To launch the ‘Happy Tails’ package, Mercure Warwickshire Walton Hall Hotel & Spa is introducing an exclusive canine-cuisine menu designed by Head Pet Nutritionist at AniForte, Katrin Scholz. The specially designed dog menu features a range of on-trend and nutritionally balanced meals for pooch pals, including Salmon Sashimi and Beef Tartare, to ensure that pups are given delicious food choices which appeal to both owner and hound. The menu will be available at the hotel until 31^st October for just £7.50.

Delicious Doggy Menu

The research also exposed Brits are put in the doghouse when they leave their pets home alone as they feel sad (35%), guilty (41%) and even stressed (16%). In fact, 37% of Brits said they think daily about their pets missing them, but just 20% thought as often about our friends and family, and only 10% about work as regularly.

Those wanting to book and enjoy the pet friendly package with Mercure can view the full list of participating hotels at www.mercure.com . Please call ahead to the hotel to ensure that you and your furry friend aren’t left disappointed as the offer is available at participating hotels only. www.mercure.com

Also offering a lovey weekend Hall and Woodhouse has some dog-friendly country and seaside Inns across the South-West.

One of their stand-out treasures is The Smuggler’s Inn, outside Weymouth in Osmington Mills. Located on the Jurassic coast, famous for ITV’s recent TV hit, Broadchurch, it has stunning coastal views – just steps from a true natural wonder, and is ideal for dog walkers and those that enjoy the great outdoors. It’s also perfect for kids to go fossil hunting along the coastline, and for parents to marvel at a truly idyllic part of this famous World Heritage Site.  Doggy biscuits are offered to your four-legged friend on arrival. There is a cover charge of £5 per dog, per night.

http://smugglersinnosmingtonmills.co.uk/

In the opposite direction, located on the edge of the New Forest with views of the Isle of Wight and the Needles, is another classic, The Beach House. A Grade II listed Victorian mansion built in 1897, it has been carefully restored and features an oak-panelled interior, stained glass windows and vintage furniture. The Beach House has three dog-friendly rooms available and a separate breakfast area if you wish to dine together in the morning.

http://beachhousemilfordonsea.co.uk/

The jewel of Hall & Woodhouse’s countryside crown might be The Duchess of Cornwall  in Poundbury, Dorset. Opened in the autumn of 2016 by Prince Charles, Camilla and the Queen, in partnership with The Duchy of Cornwall as part of a unique town designed according to the architectural principles of Prince Charles. Though decorated in a two distinctive styles, both with a quintessential English approach, this new hotel offers modern luxury and an exquisite attention to detail at an affordable price. The Duchess of Cornwall has two dog-friendly rooms and ask that you bring your own bedding.

http://duchessofcornwall.co.uk/accommodation

So what can your poochies expect?  With dog snacks on arrival, soon to be rolled out is Doggy Ice Cream for those hot sunny days, Bottom Sniffer Beer for those four-legged friends to who want to chill by the bar and Pawsecco for the more refined pooch with a taste for bubbles.

Credit: Woof & Brew Shop

Please note that hotel has a limited number of dog-friendly rooms available, so they please ask when booking if these rooms are available.

Talland Bay Hotel in Cornwall is offering a quirky Wallace and Gromit Break!  This is something I must try when I am in that part of the UK. The offer includes one night’s accommodation with a cooked breakfast, a three-course dinner in The Brasserie for two people, a doggie treat on arrival and a blanket for your pooch to use during your stay and free overnight accommodation for your dog (Usually £12.50 per night).  Click on this link here for prices or call 01503 272667.

Talland Bay Hotel

Dogs and their owners are most welcome to share one of the 45 individual bedrooms at the half-timbered 15^th century Swan at Lavenham Hotel and Spa. On arrival the four star hotel has registration cards for both two and four-legged guests and once in their room thirsty dogs can have a drink from their own water bowl and chew on a tasty rawhide treat, both thoughtfully provided by The Swan to help them feel at home.

There’s also a new in-room doggie dinner menu sure to satisfy the appetite of even the hungriest pooch back from a long walk in the nearby countryside. Dishes include a Bowser Burger; Chow Down grilled free range chicken served with rice and Crunchy Crudité for dogs on a weight loss diet. There’s also a selection of sides to order including Pooch’s Pilaf and Crispy Pigs Ears.

And relax!

Check out my Instagram page Love2Eat2Travel to meet my dogs!