Last summer we stayed at the Old Dairy at Rowley Farm in Worcester. As a reactive dog parent, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to find suitable places to stay that are canine-reactive friendly, especially when you have a dog reactive dog like Loki. It can be frustrating to search for accommodation that not only allows dogs, but also understand the unique needs of reactive dogs.
Finding reactive dog suitable holidays
In my experience, it takes some time and effort to find the perfect reactive dog friendly holiday accommodation, but it’s worth it in the end. When you find a place like Rowley Farm where the hosts genuinely care about their guests and canine companions, whether reactive or not, it makes all the difference in creating a memorable and stress-free experience.
Our stay was in the Old Dairy, a beautifully warm, cosy, and inviting barn that immediately made us feel at home. The attention to detail in the decor was stunning, and the comfortable furnishings made for a truly relaxing stay. The welcome pack that greeted us was a lovely touch, the delicious fudge and pressed pear juice from the farm were a real highlight. Loki was especially pleased with the dog biscuits provided of course! It’s always a pleasure to see a host who takes the time to ensure that their guests, and their dogs, feel welcome and pampered. Plush ‘Teddy blankets’ are also provided to cover and protect the sofa and bed from any straying dog hairs if your pup is a sofa-surfer and super-shedder like Loki, which I thought was a really nice touch!
They also provide dog crates on arrangement should you need one!
Gardens & Hot Tub
We were pleased to discover that there was a beautiful communal garden that was designated as a dog-free zone. This communal space also separates the other accommodation so that any visiting dogs won’t see each other, as the communal garden is large and a no-dog zone between them. If your dog is reactive to people, it should be noted that there may be people using that communal space and therefore they may be heard and seen between the slats of the fence. However, there wasn’t anyone using it during our stay.
There is also access to a dog paddock that you can use too (this changes location depending on grazing).
We were delighted to also have our own private and secure garden providing a secluded and peaceful retreat. The wood fired Hikki hot tub was an absolute dream, for a relaxing and rejuvenating experience under the stars. It was the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring the stunning countryside and the perfect spot to sip on some of the delicious cider from our welcome pack while soaking all worries away under the stars.
Surrounding Walks & Muddy Paws Dog Wash
The surrounding walks were breathtaking, and it’s easy to see why Loki loved them so much. With picturesque views at every turn, it was impossible not to feel a sense of peace and tranquillity while exploring the stunning local countryside. One of the things that impressed us the most during our stay was the outdoor muddy paws dog wash. This was a lifesaver after long walks with Loki, and we used it several times during our stay. The dog shampoo provided smelt incredible, and we loved that there was peanut butter and a lick-mat for dogs too! We didn’t use it, as Loki's not a peanut lover, but it was great to see that the hosts had gone the extra mile to ensure that doggy guests felt welcome, pampered and comfortable!
Summary
Overall, I cannot recommend our stay at Rowley Farm enough. It’s clear that the owners put a lot of love and care into creating a beautiful and welcoming space for their guests, and we couldn’t have asked for a more perfect place to relax and unwind The Old Dairy is a true gem, and the starlit wood-fired hot tub is an experience that will stay with us long after our stay has ended.
Local Dog friendly dining
During our stay at Rowley Farm, we also had the pleasure of visiting the Riverside Inn, which is just a stone’s throw away. The best part was that it was also dog-friendly, so we could bring Loki along with us. We started with drinks outside, enjoying the stunning views of the river while sipping on some delicious local cider. The atmosphere was relaxed and inviting, and we were made to feel welcome right away.
The food was also fantastic, and we were impressed with the range of options available. The staff was friendly and attentive, and it was clear that they went out of their way to make our experience a pleasant one.
We were delighted that it was so close to Rowley Farm. It was a great way to explore the local area while enjoying some delicious food and drinks in a dog-friendly environment. We highly recommend checking it out if you’re staying at Rowley.