Last updated: February 2026
Why finding the right dog-friendly hotel matters
Travelling with your dog should be one of life's great pleasures. No kennel stress, no guilt, just your best friend beside you exploring somewhere new. But the reality of dog-friendly accommodation can be a mixed bag. Some hotels slap a "dog-friendly" label on their website and then charge you a fortune for the privilege of keeping your dog in the smallest room at the back of the building. Others genuinely welcome dogs and make the whole experience enjoyable for everyone.
Essex might not be the first county people think of for a dog-friendly getaway, but it should be. Rolling countryside, quiet coastline, ancient woodland, and a growing number of places to stay that properly welcome four-legged guests. Whether you are visiting from elsewhere or you are a local looking for a staycation (because sometimes you just want someone else to make the bed), here are our picks.
Channels Hotel, Little Waltham
Channels Hotel is a 15th Century Tudor farmhouse about ten minutes from Chelmsford, set in beautiful grounds. It has that rare combination of historic character and modern comfort. The rooms are well-appointed, the setting is peaceful, and dogs are welcomed.
What makes Channels stand out is the surrounding countryside. You are close to some excellent walks, the grounds themselves are lovely for a morning stroll, and the whole atmosphere is relaxed enough that travelling with a dog feels natural rather than like an inconvenience.
The restaurant is worth a visit too. Good food, pleasant service, and the kind of setting that feels like a treat without being stuffy. If you want a proper Essex countryside experience with your dog, Channels is hard to beat.
Holiday Inn, Colchester
For a more straightforward, reliable option, the Holiday Inn in Colchester offers dog-friendly rooms at a reasonable price point. The charge is around fifteen pounds per dog per night, which is fair by hotel standards.
The rooms are what you would expect from a Holiday Inn: clean, comfortable, and well-equipped. Nothing fancy, but nothing to complain about either. The location is useful if you are visiting Colchester for the day, exploring the North Essex countryside, or heading to the coast.
One practical advantage of chain hotels is consistency. You know what you are getting, the booking process is straightforward, and they are generally well set up for handling dogs. If your priority is a hassle-free night with your dog, this does the job well.
Wivenhoe House, near Colchester
Wivenhoe House is an 18th Century four-star hotel set in the grounds of the University of Essex, overlooking Wivenhoe Park. The building is beautiful, the grounds are expansive, and the nearby village of Wivenhoe is one of the prettiest in Essex.
The quayside village of Wivenhoe is perfect for a post-breakfast walk with your dog. Wander down to the river, explore the quiet streets, and enjoy a village that has managed to keep its character despite being so close to Colchester. The hotel itself offers a high standard of accommodation, and the restaurant serves food that would hold its own anywhere in the county.
Bonnie, a Springer Spaniel we know through our dog parks, stayed here with her owners last autumn. She apparently spent the entire evening sprawled across the hotel room bed looking extremely pleased with herself. Some dogs just know when they have landed somewhere good.
Delta Hotels by Marriott, Colchester
The Delta Hotels by Marriott in Colchester is about ten minutes from Colchester Zoo, which makes it a popular choice for families. Dog-friendly rooms are available, and the hotel is modern, clean, and well-run.
Like the Holiday Inn, the appeal here is reliability and convenience rather than boutique charm. The rooms are comfortable, the facilities are good, and the staff are experienced with dog-owning guests. If you are combining a Colchester visit with your dog and want a solid base, this works well.
The surrounding area offers decent walking opportunities too, and you are well placed to explore both the town and the Essex countryside.
Toppesfield Hall
If you want something a bit special, Toppesfield Hall offers dog-friendly lodges that sleep up to six people. Each lodge comes with its own hot tub and secure garden. Yes, a secure garden. For anyone who has ever tried to relax at holiday accommodation while worrying about whether their dog is going to escape, that secure garden is worth its weight in gold.
The lodges are set in the Essex countryside between Chelmsford and Colchester, surrounded by farmland and woodland. It feels properly rural without being inaccessible. The lodges themselves are well-finished, with modern kitchens, comfortable living spaces, and that crucial outdoor area where your dog can potter about safely.
For families with dogs, or groups of friends who want to bring their dogs along, Toppesfield Hall is one of the best options in Essex. The hot tub after a long walk is particularly welcome in the colder months.
What to expect from pricing
Dog-friendly accommodation in the Chelmsford area starts from around thirty-one pounds per night for budget options, rising to well over a hundred pounds for boutique and four-star stays. Most hotels charge a supplementary fee per dog per night, typically between ten and twenty-five pounds. Some places include the dog fee in the room rate, so always check what is and is not included when booking.
Generally, you get what you pay for. Budget options are functional but basic. Mid-range hotels offer comfort and convenience. At the higher end, places like Channels and Wivenhoe House offer an experience that is genuinely enjoyable, not just adequate.
Practical tips for staying in hotels with your dog
A few things we have learned from years of travelling with dogs (and from hearing hundreds of stories from customers at our day care):
- Book early. Dog-friendly rooms are often limited in number, and they fill up fast during school holidays and bank holiday weekends.
- Bring familiar bedding. A blanket or bed from home gives your dog a familiar scent in an unfamiliar place, which helps them settle.
- Exercise before check-in. A well-exercised dog is a calm dog. A long walk before arriving at the hotel makes the evening much more relaxed for everyone.
- Pack for your dog. Food, bowls, lead, waste bags, any medication, a favourite toy. Hotels will not have these things.
- Do not leave your dog alone in the room for long periods. Some hotels have policies about this, and a stressed dog in an unfamiliar room can bark, scratch, or become anxious. If you need to pop out for dinner, see if the restaurant is dog-friendly or arrange cover.
- Check the cancellation policy. Dog-friendly bookings sometimes have different cancellation terms. Read the fine print.
Alternatives to hotels
If hotels are not your thing, Essex has plenty of other dog-friendly accommodation options. Holiday cottages, lodges, glamping sites, and Airbnbs often offer more space and flexibility for dog owners. Websites like Canine Cottages and Dog Friendly Cottages specialise in this area and can be a good starting point for your search.
For longer stays, self-catering accommodation can be more practical, giving you space for your dog's bed, feeding station, and general paraphernalia. And you avoid the "will they charge me for that scratch on the furniture" anxiety that can come with hotel stays.
Camping and glamping are increasingly popular with dog owners too, particularly in the warmer months. Several sites across Essex welcome dogs, and the outdoor setting means your dog is in their element from the moment you arrive. Bell tents, shepherd's huts, and yurts offer a compromise between proper camping and indoor comfort, and many come with their own outdoor areas where your dog can relax.
Whichever type of accommodation you choose, the key is to plan ahead. Dog-friendly options are more limited than standard rooms, and the best ones get booked up months in advance, especially for summer weekends and school holidays. A bit of forward planning means you get your first choice rather than scrambling for whatever is left.
If you need dog care while you are away
Sometimes you are travelling for a reason that means you cannot bring your dog along. In those cases, it is worth knowing your options. Our dog boarding page can help you find trusted local options, and our dog sitting directory connects you with vetted professionals across Essex.
If you are planning a longer trip with your dog, we have a separate guide covering car travel, ferry crossings, and everything else you need to know.
Key takeaways
- Essex has genuine variety in dog-friendly accommodation, from 15th Century farmhouses to modern lodges with secure gardens.
- Prices start from around thirty-one pounds per night in the Chelmsford area, with most hotels charging a supplementary fee per dog.
- Book early, bring familiar bedding, and exercise your dog before check-in for the smoothest experience.
- Toppesfield Hall's secure gardens are a standout feature for dog owners who want to properly relax.
Making the most of your Essex stay? Book a session at one of our private dog fields for a safe, enclosed space where your dog can run free.
Written by the Wagtails team, qualified dog professionals based in Rettendon, Essex. We run 5-star licensed day care and three private dog parks, and we work with a network of trusted trainers, walkers, and groomers across the county.
