Dougal's Dog Blog. Entry 23: Cirencester Park, Gloucestershire

Move over Alderstead Heath, I have a new favourite site! And the Human That I Own rates it as his new Number One as well, so it's got to be good.

Cirencester Park, where do I start?

Well, the doggy field is as good a place as any. And you read that right, it's a 'field' and not some small afterthought squeezed in at the side of the site. It's plenty big enough for endless games of ball and a quick catch up with the other canines staying on site.

But that's not all.

Slap Bang Wallop next to the site is Cirencester Park, the lovely green space that gives the site its name. It's open from 8am till 5pm, and is a super mix of formal path on short grass, and informal paths through woodland. It's very slightly odd as it is so L-O-N-G and narrow, but it means that there are plenty of walkies opportunities.

But that's not all.

Walk through the park, about 20 minutes stroll from the site, and you reach the beautiful town of Cirencester. We both really, really, REALLY like Cirencester.

We found not one but TWO pubs that made this little doggy feel very welcome. One was called the Golden Cross. Lovely friendly bar maids, good quality food (albeit slightly spendy), a modern yet cosy feel to it, and a lovely snug with a roaring fire. It's the kind of place that is smart enough for a proper evening meal, yet informal enough to allow well-behaved dogs.  

The other dog friendly pub, just down the road from the Golden Cross, is called The Crown. Good food, good beer, and another open fire. Very slightly less formal (smart) than the Golden Cross.

As if all THAT isn't good enough, we spotted many cafes in the town that proudly displayed 'dogs welcome' in their windows. One of our favourites was the Swan Yard Cafe, just behind The Crown pub. We spied another dog-friendly cafe that backed onto the church (or is it a cathedral?) as well a sign welcoming dogs in a certain Seattle-based coffee chain cafe.

For the Humans who like a bit of retail, Cirencester is cram packed full of independent little shops selling all kinds of things.

For once in our lives, the Human That I Own and I both agree that we have yet to find a site to top Cirencester Park. Given the good doggy facilities, the expansive park next door, and the superb choice of quality dog-friendly eating and drinking establishments within walking distance, this site comes with a gold-plated 5 bones out of 5 rating. At the moment (October), the Autumn colours here are breathtaking. I cannot think of a better place for winter break to lift the off-season blues. See you there, canine pals!