Cotswold Lavender
To me dogs are part of the family. Ruby and Lottie join us as often as they can on walks, visiting attractions, pubs and on holiday. This is why I feel it is important to celebrate the places which allow dogs to visit. By visiting these places we not only support their business but encourage more places to welcome dogs and their owners. In the past the UK has not been particularly dog friendly with dogs not allowed at attractions, turned away from pubs (or only allowed outside) and difficulty finding dog friendly accommodation. Fortunatley this is starting to change and I am hoping to support more dog friendly business by showcasing them on my blog so dog owners can find recommendations to dog friendly places around the Cotswolds and beyond.
Last year, in the days before Coronavirus, on a lovely summers day my mum, dogs and myself took an impromptu trip to Cotswolds Lavender Farm in Snowshill. Dogs where welcomed with open arms and for £8.00 (£4.00 per adult) we could spend as long as we wanted wandering around their lavender and wildflower fields with the dogs, taking in the scent, smells and as many pictures as you can take.
The main variety of lavender which they grow is Hidcote which was cultivated in 1910 by Major Lawrence Johntson just 10 miles away at Hidcote Manor near Chipping Campden. Now owned by the National Trust the gardens are open to visitors throughout the year. Find out more here. Hidcote Lavender has a beautiful deep colour which contrasts so well with the cotswold surroundings however they are also experimenting with different types and colours of lavender as well as adding areas of wildflowers which are also harvested. In addition to the field you can also visit the distillery where the lavender oil is distilled from the flowers. The scent in here was heaven for lavender lovers like myself.
Hidcote Lavender 
Different Lavender Varieties 
Wildflowers 
Bees’s enjoying the flowers
Once you have explored the field then a trip to the onsite cafe is a must. Lavender is in almost every product from cakes to the tea. I chose a pot of lavender tea and a generous slice of lavender shortbread. The weather was nice enough to sit outside and with plenty of shady spots for dogs they soon settled down for a nap after their wander around the field. Perhaps the lavender was having a calming affect on them.
After the tea rooms you can have a wander around the shop where you can take home some lavender souvenirs to remember your trip buy. I brought some lavender oil and some lavender tea bags to take home.
Cotswold Lavender is defiantly worth a visit if your looking for a day trip or visiting the Cotswolds with your dogs in the summer. If you wanted to go exploring further, Broadway and Broadway Tower are only a short trip away. Snowshill Manor is also nearby but as a National Trust Property dogs are not allowed in the house.
Cotswold Lavender is now open for business over the summer. There are changes from last year with the shop, cafe and distillery closed this year but you can take your own picnic. Drinks and ice-creams are also available in the fields so its a full outdoor experience. Before visiting also ensure that you check the website because the lavender has to be harvested in full flower, normally towards the end of July. Prices are £4.00 for adults £2.00 for children and dogs are free so make the most of the lavender whilst you can and visit soon.
If you know of any other dog friendly places to visit then let me know. If your planning on visiting the Lake District then check out my dog friendly visit to Allan Bank for more ideas of places to go with you pooch.
