Naturally you want to spend your wintery days out in the company of your pooch. But sometimes, it can be challenging to find somewhere to have a restorative drink and some comfort food with your little buddies in tow after a ramble.

Luckily for those staying in our dog-friendly cottages at Combermere Abbey, we are very fortunate to have an abundance of locally owned, ‘pooch perfect’ pubs around us that are perfect for a pit stop after a walk around the Cheshire plains or Shropshire countryside.

Here are our ‘Famous Five’ of the best pubs with dog-walking routes in Cheshire and Shropshire, which is definitely one to bookmark for next time you come to stay in our cottages, or indeed if you’re planning to visit us for one of our Bluebell Walks in the spring!

One – The Swan at Marbury

The Swan at Marbury is afamily run rural pub just 7 miles from the Combermere Abbey estate. This charming pub welcomes all dogs with open arms, allowing their owners to dine in  its cosy surroundings and of course, giving them  a little doggy treat too. The pub sits next to the stunning Marbury Lake and has a lovely circular walk to enjoy either before or  after your hearty meal.

The venue also offers a monthly dog walking event that anyone is free to join. You and your pooch can join the locals and their pets to explore more of the Cheshire countryside and maybe even make a friend or a few!

Two – The Combermere Arms

Of course, our close neighbours The Combermere Arms are always going to feature on our doggy-friendly pub list. Only a short distance from the top of the drive, this village gastro-pub welcomes dogs and Pia and Greg and their staff at The Combermere Arms will welcome your pooch with a bowl of water and a treat. They are famous for their cask beers and freshly home cooked food.

The pub has some beautiful surroundings for a walk, and even carry leaflets with ideal walking treks for you and your pooch to venture which includes The Combermere Arms and Burleydam three-mile circular that starts and ends right at the pub’s front door! Perfect…

Three – The Pheasant Inn

Located in a peaceful corner of rural Cheshire, 15 miles from Combermere is The Pheasant Inn. This lovely venue offers breathtaking panoramic views across the county and is located on the renowned Sandstone Trail. Not only is this 300-year-old pub in a prime location for walkers, but the team also goes above and beyond to cater for four-legged patrons. Furry friends are welcome throughout the building, so your little buddy will be able to socialise with other four-legged guests while you take in the views and have a relaxing drink or two.

Being located pretty much on the trail means you and your dog can explore the rolling hills of the Cheshire countryside for miles on end. With many routes to choose from (ranging from easy, to challenging!), it’s a breath-taking destination to visit time and time again.

Four – The Cholmondeley Arms

The Cholmondeley Arms (an award-winning gin pub no less!) is just 8 miles from the estate and welcomes well-behaved doggies in all areas of the pub, as well as the garden and terrace. Originally a school house, its transformation has created a centre for locals and visitors as well. It is famous for its offer of over 350 different gins as well as menus featuring local produce.

If you and your pooch are up for a challenge, why not try out the popular Bickerton Hills trail which is just over 5km? It delivers some stunning views and on clear days you can see across to Liverpool and Ellesmere Port. Then stroll back and sit comfortably at the bar and enjoy an ale or two alongside side your canine friend, who you can even treat to the jar of biscuits and bottled dog beer.

The Cholmondeley Arms is actually renowned for its dog-friendliness and has been featured in the Sawday’s Dog Friendly Pub Guide as well as The Good Dog Pub Guide. In 2018, they were listed in The Independent Britain’s Top 50 Dog Friendly Pubs 2018 and Sunday Telegraph’s Britain’s 25 most Dog Friendly Pubs too.

Five – The Shroppie Fly

Finally, there’s the Shroppie Fly, a small pub with BIG ambitions nestled on the canal in beautiful Audlem. The family run establishment has just been featured in Condé Nast Traveller as an innovative UK restaurant worth travelling for – which we think is very well deserved! Located just five miles from us here, this innovative canalside pub welcomes ALL guests (four legged or otherwise) to dine on their locally produced cuisine, while watching the narrow boats drift by.

If you’re looking for a magnificent walk that stops right by the pub, try the Canal, and Hankelow Mill trek, which boasts views of glistening fishing lakes and the winding River Weaver. The perfect trail for you and your pet on a spring or summer’s day!

Now that you’re equipped with all the dog-friendly pub knowledge you could ever need, why not book a stay in one of our holiday cottages? It’s the perfect way to celebrate #WalkYourDogMonth! Enjoy a well-deserved getaway treat for you and your pet and explore all that the area has to offer and you can also expect a pooch pack waiting for them on arrival too.