Best in show for pet-friendly holidays, dog travel experts PetsPyjamas have been delighting furry friends and their owners since 2014, with truly-welcoming petaways at more than 4,000 hotels, cottages, country houses and B&Bs in the UK and abroad. Revealed at the 'tail end' of 2019 in the PetsPyjamas Dog-Friendly Travel Awards, here are the 15 extra special properties that are set to be hottest places to visit with a furry friend in 2020.

1. Best in Show – Widbrook Grange, Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire: an idyllic country farmhouse retreat with a grade II listed Georgian building and 11 acres of beautiful gardens, Widbrook Grange won for their overall pet friendliness. Dogs can join their owner for meals in the bar, snug or conservatory area and for a special celebration, Widbrook offers doggy soirees in their Farmhouse complete with party hats, bandanas, pupcakes and birthday cakes.

2. Most Instagrammable - Bovey Castle & Spa, Dartmoor, Devon: after predicting Instagram adventures to be a key dog-friendly travel trend of 2019, PetsPyjamas award Bovey Castle for their Insta-factor. Perfect for pup posers, this elegant yet unfussy luxury hotel sits in an awe-inspiring rural backdrop, so a dog can play King of the Castle or be the envy of their social media pals when they join their owner in the Cathedral room for afternoon tea.

3. Pet-friendly Spa Getaway - The Lygon Arms, Broadway, Worcestershire: receiving top spot to enjoy calm with your canine in tow. A fantastic, upscale location to explore the Cotswolds, dogs can enjoy sleeping off their walk on their in-room bed, while owners can further unwind in the hotel's luxe spa featuring a 13m indoor pool, steam room and extensive treatments menu.

4. Best Resident Dog - St Valery, Alnmouth, Northumberland: Roxy scoops this year's award for her excellent hosting skills at this delightful boutique B&B located near the coast. An intimate property with just four rooms, Roxy makes furry visitors feel at home with her company, homemade treats, bowls, bed and towels.

5. Best for Walkies - Ballathie Country House & Hotel Estate, Stanley, Perth & Kinross: 900 acres of private countryside estate and close proximity to Aviemore and St Andrews for days out are what put this location at the top of the walkies charts. When it comes to post-walk rest, guests can do it in style in this four-star country hotel full of traditional opulence and warm Scottish hospitality.

6. Chicest Canine Stay – Lakes By Yoo Estate, Lechlade, Gloucestershire: a private woodland retreat in the Cotswolds favoured by the likes of Kate Moss, PetsPyjamas were dazzled by the décor that draws on the talents of world-renowned designers such as Philip Starck. Choose from four dog-friendly properties, all set within an estate covering 850 acres of wilderness, forest and lakeside.

7. Best for Pet Perks - The Fish Hotel, Broadway, Worcestershire: nestled within the 400-acre Farncombe Estate, The Fish is a back-to-nature bolthole with a little touch of luxury that offers both style and comfort for both pets and people. A dog's needs have been careful considered with beds, bowls, towels, treats and a wash station available for their use – there's even an agility course.

8. Best New Dogs on the Block - St Micheals Resort, Falmouth, Cornwall: judges were impressed by the hotel's enviable beachside south-facing location, locally-inspired décor and their warm welcome to dogs. Attentive staff will go the extra mile to ensure a pet feels right at home, with dogs allowed to join owners at mealtimes in their lounges and bar. A dog guide, treats and bowls are also provided.

9. Heavenly Hound Hideaways – The Rowley Estates, Penrith: boasting five dog-friendly properties, this stunning estate is top for two and four-legged travellers seeking adventure and luxury. Expect welcome hampers, beautiful interiors, roaring fires and beautiful views, as well as days exploring the idyllic Eden Valley or the luscious hills of the Lake District.

10. Best Dog-friendly Europe - Hotel Plaza Elysees, Paris: recognised as the top spot for overseas doggy travel, this downtown Paris location secured their title with its cosy atmosphere, beautiful décor and close proximity to much of the city's top tourist attractions such as the Champs Elysees and the Arc de Triomphe. Resident Poodle Bella also provides her local knowledge for walks.

11. Best Gourmet Stay - Holbeck Ghyll, Windermere, Lake District: with a restaurant focussed on seasonal menus using the freshest produce and flavours from the local area paired with wine flights, this location received top dog status for their award-winning food. While well-walked dogs nap in the room, owners can enjoy a meal over heart-stopping views of the Lake District and Cumbria.

12. Grrreat for Groups – Wilderness, Sibton, Suffolk: a top location to stage a takeover with friends, family and doggies. With five dog-friendly properties, sleeping from two to 12 people, everyone will have a place to suit. Come together to enjoy 5,000-acre estate of rolling parklands, woodlands, lakes and landscaped gardens, or dine over a feast cooked up by the resident chef.

13. Fido's Family Favourites - Woolley Grange, Woolley Green, Wiltshire: claiming the top spot for all members of the family, this beautiful Jacobean manor house is ideal for visiting Bath and Longleat. Dogs will adore the grounds for off-lead roaming and for humans, there's indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a luxurious spa, play areas and even a pet-listening service for a humans-only meals!

14. Best for 5 Paw Luxe – Beaverbrook, Leatherhead, Surrey: the epitome of English country charm and comfort, Beaverbrook was recognised at this year's winner for those who demand the finest things in life. Situated amongst the beautiful Surrey Hills, guests are made to feel as though they have stepped inside their own private home – with the trappings of an award-winning spa, luxurious rooms, amazing food and 400 acres of course!

15. Dog-friendly Pubs with Rooms - The Bell in Ticehurst, East Sussex: this characterful pub achieved their winning status as an ideal retreat for those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Guests can choose from beautiful bedrooms adjoined to the pub or opt for the luxurious lodges, with enclosed patio and fire pits. The top-notch pub menu also impressed the judge.

Judged in line with the PetsPyjamas' gold-standard of dog-friendliness, the awards were judged as follows - dog-loving atmosphere and staff at all times; three or more dog-friendly rooms available to book; four-legged access to some of the property's communal areas and the ability to dine with their owners – special pet menu is a bonus; dog facilities and provisions such as a bed, bowls and treats in the hotel room or cottage; and nearby dog-friendly attractions such as a fabulous doggy walks or a dog-friendly beach.

Co-founder of PetsPyjamas, Denise Elphick comments on the awards: “The hospitality industry is wide awake to the value of the pet pound, with more properties than ever now accepting pets. For PetsPyjamas simply accepting is not enough, our partners must be truly welcoming with extras to make a tail wag. Our annual dog-friendly travel awards give recognition to those properties that excel, and we're thrilled to have added some new awards such as Most Instagrammable, which reflect some of the key pet travel trends we predicted to be big in 2019.”

PetsPyjamas holidays offers something for every breed, personality and budget, with exceptional dog-friendly packages you won't find anywhere else. Dogs stay free, guests receive access to 24:7 Vet Advice Line PawSquad for the duration of their stay and all breaks are bookable by the PetsPyjamas' free expert Pet Concierge team.

See all the winners HERE and for the latest in dog-friendly holidays, visit PetsPyjamas.com.  

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