This message will not appear again for another 24 hours

Cheltenham Animal Shelter chosen as charity of the year

Posted: Tue, 14th Mar 2023

It doesn’t matter the shape, size, colour or breed. Whether it’s a pure pedigree or an adorable mutt. Here at Bolthole Retreats, we are without a shadow of a doubt, a company of animal lovers. It was therefore a very easy decision to support Cheltenham Animal Shelter, as our charity of choice for 2023.

Established in 1926, this charity provides a vital, local service rescuing and re-homing unwanted and abandoned stray dogs, cats and smaller animals found across Gloucestershire. In addition, they work with the Gloucestershire Constabulary to take in rescue dogs. They also offer re-homing services for pets whose owners are now sadly unable to care for them. Part of their work sees them running education and outreach projects in the local community.

As with many charities, there is no official funding available to them and they rely solely on donations to cover their running costs. To help, the shelter offers cat and dog boarding, a grooming parlour and a day creche. This barely makes a dent in the annual running costs and every penny the Cheltenham Animal Shelter receives through donations is crucial.

Our portfolio of properties includes many wonderful dog-friendly holiday retreats right across the Cotswolds. This means the most important member of the family can come too. As part of our fundraising efforts, we now offer the option to add a charitable donation, of up to £10, to Cheltenham Animal Shelter when you book. The proceeds go to the charity to help them continue the valuable work they do.

Below are a few of our favourite dog-friendly retreats. Each one is unique and what they offer varies, however, these all have large or enclosed gardens and wonderful walks from the door.

Little Coach House

Near Oxford

Sleeps four and welcomes two dogs

This dog-friendly escape has plenty of character and personality. Guests also have use of the lovely farmhouse gardens including a croquet lawn and orchard, which leads to the countryside beyond.

Quarry Lodge

Forest of Dean

Sleeps six and welcomes two dogs

Secluded amongst the woods in the Forest of Dean near Lydney, Quarry Lodge is the ultimate rural retreat. The enclosed garden is a safe space for dogs and the side gate takes you into the wilderness of the forest. Trails include walking routes around the lake.

The Old Barn

Crawley, near Witney

Sleeps six and welcomes two dogs

Surrounded by lawns to the side and rear with rolling farmland beyond, water meadows and the Wychwood Forest Project on your doorstep, this is a wonderful dog-friendly escape in the Cotswolds.

Corn Close

Aston Magna

Sleeps six and welcomes two dogs

Set deep in the countryside with a magical two-acre garden to explore and tangle of footpaths beyond. Corn Close offers a delightfully rural stay that the whole family will adore.

Priory Cottage

Charlbury

Sleeps eight and welcomes one dog

This gorgeous Cotswold stone cottage has a fabulous walled garden to the rear making it completely safe for your favourite pet. Set in the beautiful Evenlode Valley, Charlbury is surrounded by wonderful countryside walks in all directions.