Stanway House near Stow-on-the-Wold

Stanway House is a large eight-bedroom holiday home set on a working farm near Upper Swell, on the edge of the Cotswolds a short drive from Stow-on-the-Wold. It is a natural fit for a big group travelling with a dog: there is masses of space indoors, beautiful gardens and countryside walks that begin right at the property, so a dog can burn off energy without a car journey first.

What stands out is how set up the place is for dogs. Guests travelling with dogs have been pleasantly surprised to find dog poo bags provided among the welcome extras - a small touch, but a telling sign that four-legged guests are genuinely expected rather than merely tolerated. There is also a resident farm dog on site, which most visiting dogs and their owners take as a friendly bonus, though it is worth bearing in mind if your own dog is nervous around other animals.

The wider setting does the heavy lifting. Reviewers repeatedly mention the immediate, beautiful walks from the door and the well-kept gardens, both ideal for morning and evening strolls. The house itself is roomy and well equipped for large parties, with a good kitchen and outdoor areas, so a dog has plenty of room to settle indoors too. Parking is ample and the countryside location is quiet, though note that taxis can be tricky to arrange locally if you plan to leave the car behind.

Stanway House suits large families or friend groups with a sociable dog who will enjoy the farm setting, the gardens and the walks straight from the door. The pet feedback so far is small in number but very positive, so treat the paw rating as an encouraging early signal and confirm the current pet terms with the host when you book.