Dog-friendly hotels and paw-fect promenades on the Isle of Wight

The first boutique hotel in Cowes, North House is a stylish treat of a townhouse that will appeal to you as much as your pooch. Dogs are pampered here, with their own treats and a snug bed as standard, and organic food and bowls also available.

Rooms at North House are as cosy as they come. Some have working fireplaces, some have sea views, but all are cleverly designed with a mix of classic and contemporary style. Sea blue is a favourite colour across the hotel, providing a backdrop for time honoured staples such as Chesterfield sofas and thick chunks of marble on the bar. Make sure you try the Mermaid’s Gin if you pull up a stool here, it’s an Isle of Wight classic.

Outside the hotel is just as chic, with beachy striped deck chairs on the terrace, and loungers and wicker chairs lined up alongside a heated swimming pool. Oysters and champagne are on offer in the Oyster Store restaurant, a final touch of class for what is one of the most stylish dog friendly hotels in the Isle of Wight.

It’s just a short walk into the pretty Cowes town from North House. Dog walks are the perfect excuse to check out the ancient winding streets, ask at reception for the Boat Trail map, it’ll take you along some of the oldest streets in Cowes.

I get proper old-school glam seaside vibes from The Royal. This pet friendly Isle of Wight hotel can be found in prestigious Ventnor. It sits way above the resort with spectacular views of the bay, and it’s surrounded by its own subtropical microclimate gardens.

Built in the 1830s, The Royal Hotel makes me think of ladies in petticoats lunching, men in top-hats and dogs in tow… the Geranium Terrace is the perfect spot for some of this period drama daydreaming, it’s covered in climbing pink flowers and has an iron veranda worthy of Downton. You can even take afternoon tea here – now that’s definitely some high society vibes.

As for dogs, they are very welcome in the hotel’s Classic and Garden View rooms. The Royal can provide water and dog bowls, and you might even find them sneaking a sausage to your dog at breakfast time.

Your dog will delight in the amount of outdoor space at this hotel. You can head to the coast to walk to Bonchurch and Steephill, or you can cross the road to the hotel’s glorious cliffside Riviera Terrace, the perfect place for watching the waves and catching that sea breeze.

A townhouse transformed into a modern marvel, The George is one of the most sophisticated dog friendly hotels in the Isle of Wight. Hailing from the 17th century, it’s filled with original features from its grand staircase to its roaring fires and wood-panelled lounge.

Rooms at The George have been designed beautifully, many of them offer views across the sea or the Solent and all boast big beds, crisp white linen and little harbour style touches such as shells and boat models. Timeless design features such as toile fabrics and antique furniture give the place a first-class feel; it is certainly a comfortable space for both you and your dog.

Sitting along the coast in Yarmouth, squished between an ancient castle and the pier, The George is the perfect spot for a weekend of wandering with your dog – you can even walk right onto the shingle beach from the hotel lawn. You can easily head into the local town from here, it’s a quaint, historical place with cobbled streets, shops, galleries and cafes.

It’s all about the cosy home from home feel at One Holyrood, one of the Isle of Wight’s most comfortable dog friendly hotels. As soon as you walk into this place you get a sense of calm, with squishy sofas and homemade cakes found downstairs in the tearooms, and an arty creative vibe found in each of the bedrooms.

Set in an old listed building, this hotel has unique rooms that are individually designed, and you can expect all the character and quirks that come from an ancient build, from its sloping ceilings to its wooden beams. There’s also original artwork on the walls by local artist Mike, who works at his studio on site – this is definitely a creative hub full of artistic spirit.

The small size of One Holyrood is part of its charm, although that does mean it’s better suited to smaller dogs rather than larger ones. That said, it is a great option if you have a small, well behaved terrier or similar. Dogs will be made to feel very welcome here, with pet bowls provided should you need them. There’s also a lovely courtyard garden, which is a great spot for tea and cake. Make sure you have a wander around the bustling surrounding town of Newport while staying here too.

You couldn’t wish for a closer seaside spot than at the Seaview Hotel. Set in a pretty village, this historic hotel is packed with charm and nautical-inspired decor. Rooms are homely, each decorated differently and they’re spread across the hotel’s collection of buildings, one of which includes an old bank.

Dogs are welcome in your room and in the bar, where you can enjoy a great menu of modern Brit dishes and locally sourced seafood such as lobster and crab. Your pooch will be made to feel very welcome, and you might even find some treats in the bedroom when you check in. The dog friendly rooms open out onto the ground floor, so you can easily pop out for walks when needed.

Stay here and the beautiful beach is right on your doorstep, it’s a great area for experiencing a traditional, quaint and quiet side of the Isle of Wight. You can walk to Ryde in about half an hour from the hotel along the front, or you can fall onto Priory Bay and Seagrove within a couple of minutes.

Make sure you chat to Philippa at breakfast, she has been serving breakfast at the Seaview for over 20 years, and is a fountain of knowledge for all those Isle of Wight secrets.