Dog-Friendly Places to Stay in Hertfordshire

What the nine dog-friendly stays look like

BritStays lists nine pet-friendly places to stay in Hertfordshire. They fall into two camps: seven hotels and two camping sites. That split shapes your trip more than anything else. If you want a straightforward room with somewhere to eat, the hotels cover several towns across the county. If you'd rather wake up outdoors with your dog, there are two camping options, and both lean towards families.

The facilities are reassuringly consistent across the nine:

• Eight list WiFi.
• Eight list parking.
• Eight list disabled access.
• Six are near a train station.
• Six have a restaurant.
• Five have a bar.
• Three offer takeaway food.

So most will suit you whether you arrive by car or by train, or need step-free arrangements.

Hotels: practical bases across the county

Most of the hotels are Travelodges, spread across different towns:

• Travelodge Harlow
• Travelodge Letchworth Garden City
• Travelodges in Borehamwood, Hemel Hempstead and Watford

These are the dependable choice for a no-fuss overnight stop or a base for a few days of walks and visits.

The Borehamwood, Hemel Hempstead and Letchworth Garden City branches list a bar, restaurant and takeaway food. That's handy when you have a tired dog and don't fancy hunting for somewhere to eat in the evening. Travelodge Harlow and the Watford Travelodge both list a restaurant and disabled access.

For something with more individual character, there are two independent options. Hertford House Hotel in Hertford lists a bar, restaurant and disabled access. Aubrey Park Hotel lists WiFi and parking. Couples looking for a quieter break with a dog may prefer one of these to a chain. Either way, check exactly what each hotel means by pet friendly before you book, because dog policies vary a great deal from one place to the next.

Camping: the family option

Home Farm Glamping and the Hertford Camping & Caravanning Club Site both list a playground, toilets and disabled access. If you're travelling with children as well as a dog, these are the obvious picks. The children get space to burn off energy, and your dog gets a more outdoor feel than a hotel room.

A restaurant isn't among the facilities listed for either site, so plan your meals in advance. Pack everything your dog needs for nights outside:

• Bedding
• Old towels for muddy paws
• A lead for moving around the site
• A secure tether

Coast or countryside?

All nine stays are inland, so think of this as a towns-and-countryside trip rather than a seaside one. In practice, choose by base:

• Simple overnight hops or a car-free trip: the hotels, since six of the nine stays sit near a train station.
• A slower, outdoor break with the family: the two camping sites.
• Couples: Hertford House Hotel or Aubrey Park Hotel for a more individual stay, or any of the Travelodges if budget and convenience matter most.

Things to do once you're there

Hertfordshire's heritage is the main draw. Dog access at attractions is a separate question from dog access at your accommodation, so check each one before you set off.

• Shaw's Corner is a National Trust property, a good choice if you enjoy historic houses and gardens.
• Hertford Castle Gate House pairs naturally with a stay at Hertford House Hotel.
• Stately homes listed in the county include Moor Park, Childwickbury Manor, Old Gorhambury House, The Frythe, Marden Hill House and Savay Farm. Not every stately home is open to the public, so confirm visitor access first.
• Harlow Museum & Walled Gardens is worth a look if you're based in that part of the county.
• For families, H2O Rampage Aqua Park is in Hertfordshire. You'll need to arrange care for your dog while you're there.
• Further afield, Oak Farm Animal Park in Buckinghamshire is an option. Places with animals often restrict dogs, so ask before you go.

When and how to book

With only nine pet-friendly stays, your choice narrows quickly if you need a particular town, and narrower still if you want one of the two camping sites. Book as early as you reasonably can, especially for weekends and school holidays.

Before you pay, ask each stay directly:

• Is there a charge for dogs, and is it per night or per stay?
• How many dogs are allowed, and are there size limits?
• Can your dog be left alone in the room or unit, and for how long?
• Are dogs restricted to certain rooms, pitches or areas?
• For camping, what are the site rules on leads and exercise areas?

Get the answers in writing, and keep a copy of your booking confirmation handy when you arrive.