Shipston-on-Stour is a charming market town in the North Cotswolds, renowned for its rich history, picturesque streets, and warm community spirit. On the River Stour, it makes the perfect base for a staycation with your four-legged friend. Whether you’re after scenic walks, cosy pubs, or dog-friendly attractions, this guide rounds up the best things to do in and around Shipston-on-Stour.
Shipston-on-Stour with Dogs
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Things To Do in Shipston on Stour
Shipston-on-Stour is more than just a stopping point – it’s a destination in its own right. With its welcoming community, historic charm, and dog-friendly attitude, it truly offers something for everyone.
Explore the Town Centre
The heart of Shipston is full of independent shops, making it a lovely spot for a leisurely stroll with your dog. You’ll find a mix of heritage buildings, quirky boutiques, and places perfect for browsing. Many local businesses welcome well-behaved pets, making shopping a family-friendly activity rather than one where the dog has to wait outside.
Enjoy Local Food and Drink
There are plenty of dog-friendly pubs, cafés, and restaurants where you can stop for a bite to eat or a refreshing drink. And, naturally, there are plenty of dog-friendly pubs in Shipston-on-Stour. Many establishments offer seasonal menus that highlight local produce, and some even provide treats or water bowls for your pet. If you’re staying in town, you’ll have no shortage of options within walking distance of your accommodation.
Shipston Food Festival
The Shipston Food Festival is a highlight in the local calendar. This lively event celebrates regional produce, artisanal makers, and community spirit. It’s the perfect opportunity to indulge in local flavours while your pup enjoys the lively atmosphere.
Markets and Events
Shipston regularly hosts a variety of community events, including farmers’ markets, live music, and seasonal fairs. They’re a great way to meet locals, sample regional food, and soak up the atmosphere. Most outdoor events are dog-friendly, making them ideal for including your pup in the day’s adventures.
Shipston Museum
For a dose of local history, pop into Shipston Museum. I’m not 100% if dogs are allowed inside. As it was so quiet when we visited, they did allow Ivan to come with us. It’s still worth a visit for the insight into the town’s fascinating past, from its origins as a sheep-washing centre to more modern stories. You’ll even learn about the time The Rolling Stones famously played in Shipston in their early days – a little rock ‘n’ roll heritage in the Cotswolds!
Cotswolds Distillery
The award-winning Cotswolds Distillery is a must-visit, where you can enjoy a tour or tasting. They make everything from gin to whisky and pre-mixed cocktails. And well-behaved dogs on leads are more than welcome in the shop and café!
Things To Do near Shipston on Stour
Shipston makes a fantastic base for exploring the wider Cotswolds. Just a short drive in any direction brings you to rolling countryside, chocolate-box villages, and dog-friendly attractions, so you’ll never be short of walks, history, and experiences to enjoy with your pup.
Scenic Walks in the North Cotswolds
Surrounded by rolling countryside, Shipston is an excellent starting point for dog walks. The area is criss-crossed with footpaths, so you can set off from your holiday home or accommodation and be in the fresh air within minutes. For longer routes, the Cotswold Way and other trails nearby offer breathtaking scenery and plenty of space for your dog to stretch their legs.
BookBeat – Soundtrack Your Dog Walks
If you love turning a simple dog walk into a mini adventure, BookBeat is the perfect companion. This audiobook app gives you access to over a million stories – from gripping thrillers to feel-good novels – all ready to stream straight to your phone.
Even better, there’s a 30-day free trial, so you can give it a proper go with no pressure. And if BookBeat isn’t the right fit for you? No problem at all – you can cancel your subscription whenever you like, making it a totally stress-free way to soundtrack your dog walks.
Chipping Campden
Chipping Campden is a quintessential Cotswolds town, full of historic charm, independent shops, and welcoming dog-friendly cafés and pubs. Stroll along the high street with your pup and soak up the heritage of this market town, known for its arts and crafts legacy.
Just a short walk or drive away is the National Trust’s Hidcote Manor Garden, one of England’s most celebrated Arts and Crafts gardens. Dogs are welcome on short, fixed leads in all areas except for the Manor house and Old Garden complex.
Bibury
Bibury is one of the prettiest villages in England and a dream spot for exploring with your dog. With honey-coloured cottages, riverside walks along the River Coln, and picture-perfect landmarks like Arlington Row, it feels like stepping into a postcard. Whether you’re wandering through the village lanes, visiting the Bibury Trout Farm, or relaxing in a dog-friendly pub, Bibury offers plenty of charm for both you and your four-legged friend – whatever the season.
Snowshill Manor
Snowshill Manor is one of the Cotswolds’ most unusual National Trust properties, renowned not for its grand interiors but for the extraordinary collection of curiosities amassed by its former owner, Charles Wade. From Samurai armour to musical instruments and toys, every room is filled with fascinating treasures. While dogs can’t enter the house itself, the gardens and surrounding countryside make for a lovely day out.
Cotswolds Lavender
Cotswolds Lavender is a family-run farm near Snowshill that bursts into vibrant colour each summer when over 70 acres of lavender fields come into bloom. From late June to early August, the rolling hills are transformed into a sea of purple, with rows of fragrant flowers stretching as far as the eye can see. It’s a magical place for a leisurely dog walk (with pups kept on leads), offering plenty of space to wander and soak up the scenery.
Beyond the fields, the farm shop offers lavender-inspired goodies, including essential oils, soaps, and even culinary treats like lavender shortbread, allowing you to take a little piece of the experience home. It’s one of the Cotswolds’ most photogenic seasonal attractions and a must-visit if you’re in the area with your four-legged friend.
Stow-on-the-Wold
Just a short drive away, Stow-on-the-Wold is another lively market town with independent shops, antiques, and dog-friendly cafés. There are also plenty of walking routes leading out into the surrounding countryside, so you and your pup can enjoy both the town’s heritage charm and the fresh Cotswolds air. Make sure you seek out the infamous Tolkien Door at St Edward’s Church, sample the Cotswolds Chocolate Company and drink in the Porch House Inn, the oldest pub in Britain.
Bourton-on-the-Water
Bourton-on-the-Water, often called the “Venice of the Cotswolds,” is a lovely spot to explore with your dog. Stroll along the River Windrush, let your pup paddle in the shallow streams, and wander over the pretty stone bridges. Many of the village’s cafés and pubs welcome dogs. You can also visit the Cotswolds Motoring Museum, where well-behaved dogs on leads are allowed to join you as you step back in time through classic cars and motoring memorabilia.
Chipping Norton
Chipping Norton is another bustling Cotswolds market town that’s perfect for a dog-friendly visit. Wander the charming streets with your pup, pop into independent shops, or enjoy a drink in one of the town’s welcoming dog-friendly cafés and pubs. A highlight is the nearby Diddly Squat Farm Shop, made famous on Clarkson’s Farm, where you can pick up local produce, artisanal treats, and even handmade goodies.
Hawkstone Brewery
The Hawkstone Arms is a must-visit in the Cotswolds for dog owners who love great drinks, tasty food, and a relaxed atmosphere. Set in the heart of Hawkstone Brewery, it offers a welcoming beer garden where your pup can snooze under the table while you enjoy top-notch brews like Hawkstone Lager or Hedgerow Cider. With street food vendors serving indulgent burgers and occasional live music, it’s the perfect spot to spend an afternoon or evening. You can also explore brewery tours, pick up bottles to take home, or order online.
Castleton House
Castleton House is a stunning historic property set in beautiful Cotswolds parkland, offering a peaceful retreat for visitors and their dogs. While pets aren’t allowed inside the house itself, dogs are very welcome on leads in the surrounding parkland, forecourt, and stable yard, where they can enjoy gentle walks and explore the open spaces. With its impressive architecture, serene gardens, and plenty of fresh air, it makes for a perfect leisurely afternoon out.
The Slaughters
The Slaughters – Upper and Lower Slaughter – are two picture-perfect Cotswolds villages ideal for exploring with your dog. With quiet lanes, historic stone cottages, and gentle riverside paths, they offer a peaceful escape from busier tourist spots. Dogs can happily wander along the River Eye, explore the village greens, and enjoy the tranquil countryside surroundings, making The Slaughters a charming and relaxing destination for a dog-friendly stroll.
Dog Friendly Accommodation in Shipston-on-Stour
If you know when you’d like to travel, try to book as soon as possible. Prices rise the closer you get to the travel date and are usually displayed per room rather than per person. However, there is a vast array of options to accommodate all budgets, from camping to holiday cottages and hotels.
Travelling with your Dog
FunnyFuzzy is a brand that offers stylish and practical accessories for travelling with pets, focusing on comfort, safety, and convenience. Their product range includes cosy pet carriers and cushioned car seat covers designed to make journeys more enjoyable for pets and their owners. These accessories often feature durable materials, easy-to-clean fabrics, and thoughtful design elements like secure fastenings and ventilation to ensure pets are comfortable and safe on the go.
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