Dog-Friendly Stays at The Old Crown Coaching Inn
- Sebastiaan Evans
- Apr 3
- 5 min read
The Old Crown Coaching Inn is entirely dog-friendly. Your dog is welcome in every room, in the pub, in the courtyard, and on all of the walks that surround us. However, The Ballroom is reserved for two legged creatures only.
We do not have a handful of designated pet rooms tucked away at the back. We are a country pub that welcomes dogs because that is what country pubs do.
A small cleaning charge is included for overnight stays with dogs. Other than that, your dog is treated as a guest, not a concession. We know that for many of our visitors, the dog is the reason for the trip. The countryside around Faringdon is some of the best dog-walking country in southern England, and The Old Crown is the perfect base to explore it from.
What We Offer Dog Owners
All rooms welcome dogs: You do not need to request a specific 'pet room'. Every room at The Old Crown accepts dogs. Book whichever room suits you and your dog comes too
Dog-friendly pub: Dogs are welcome in the pub. This is a proper country local, and dogs are part of the furniture. Expect to find other dogs here, especially on weekends
The courtyard: In warmer months, the courtyard is an ideal spot for a drink with your dog beside you. Sheltered and relaxed
Water bowls: Water bowls are available in the pub and courtyard
Free parking: Park for free and head straight out on a walk from the inn, or drive to a nearby trailhead
Cleaning charge: A small cleaning charge is added to your stay to cover the extra housekeeping. No deposit, no damage waiver, no fuss.
Dog-Friendly Walks from The Old Crown
This is the real reason to bring your dog to Faringdon. The countryside around The Old Crown offers miles of footpaths, riverside trails, and open downland where your dog can run, swim, and explore. Here are the best walks, all within 15 minutes of the front door.
Faringdon Folly and Town Walk
Distance: 2 miles (3 km). Easy. Starts from the front door.
Walk through Faringdon's market square and up to the Folly Tower through hilltop woodland. Dogs can be off-lead in the Folly grounds (though be aware of other walkers). This is the perfect pre-breakfast or after-dinner walk.
Badbury Hill and Coleshill
Distance: 5 miles (8 km). Easy to moderate. 10 minutes by car.
National Trust woodland carpeted with bluebells in spring. Mostly off-lead walking through quiet beech woods. The circular route takes in Badbury Hill and the pretty village of Coleshill. Stop at the Radnor Arms for lunch (also dog-friendly in the bar).
Thames Path: Tadpole Bridge to Lechlade
Distance: 8 miles (13 km). Easy and flat. 10 to 15 minutes by car to the start.
One of the finest riverside walks in England. Flat meadow paths alongside the Thames with plenty of opportunities for your dog to swim. Keep dogs on leads near livestock (common in the water meadows, especially spring and summer). Finish at The Trout Inn, Tadpole Bridge, which also welcomes dogs.
Swimming spots: The Thames is shallow and gentle along this stretch. Most dogs take to it naturally.
Great Coxwell Barn and Farmland
Distance: 3 miles (5 km). Easy. 5 minutes by car.
A short loop from the 13th-century barn through surrounding farmland. Quieter than the Thames Path and good for dogs who prefer open fields to riverside. Dogs should be on leads near the barn (National Trust site) and through any fields with livestock.
Uffington White Horse and the Ridgeway
Distance: 6 miles (10 km). Moderate. 15 minutes by car.
Open chalk downland with panoramic views. Dogs love the wide open spaces of the Ridgeway. This is exposed walking, so take water for you and your dog, especially in summer. Mostly off-lead away from livestock. The descent to Dragon Hill and The Manger is exciting for adventurous dogs.
Dining with Your Dog
Your dog is welcome in the pub at The Old Crown while you eat and drink. The pub serves the full menu, so you do not miss out on anything by dining with your dog beside you rather than in the restaurant.
For lunch during a walk, these nearby pubs are also dog-friendly:
The Trout Inn, Tadpole Bridge: Dogs welcome in the bar and garden. Riverside setting. 10 minutes from Faringdon
The Radnor Arms, Coleshill: Dogs welcome in the bar. Next to Badbury Hill walks. 10 minutes from Faringdon
The Lamb Inn, Buckland: Dogs welcome. Quiet village pub. 10 minutes from Faringdon
The Fox and Hounds, Uffington: Dogs welcome. At the foot of the White Horse. 15 minutes from Faringdon
Practical Information for Dog Owners
Nearest Veterinary Practice
Elms vet is a 3 minute walk away.
Pet Shops and Supplies
If you have forgotten anything or run out of dog food, there's a Tesco, Waitrose and Aldi all within a 10 minute walk or 2 minute drive
Dog Waste
Please clean up after your dog in the town, on walks, and in the pub courtyard. Bags are available at the hotel. Faringdon has dog waste bins throughout the town centre.
Lead and Livestock Guidance
Much of the countryside around Faringdon is working farmland. Dogs should be kept on leads in any field containing livestock, especially during lambing season (March to May). The Thames Path meadows often have cattle grazing in summer. On open downland (the Ridgeway, Uffington) and in woodland (Badbury Hill), dogs can usually be off-lead, but always be aware of your surroundings.
A Dog-Friendly Weekend at The Old Crown
Friday evening: Arrive and settle in. Walk your dog around the market square and up to the Folly Tower (20 minutes). Return to the pub for dinner with your dog at your feet
Saturday morning: Breakfast at The Old Crown, then drive to the Thames Path at Tadpole Bridge (10 minutes). Walk the riverside path with your dog. Most dogs love the shallow Thames for a paddle. Lunch at The Trout Inn (dog-friendly)
Saturday afternoon: Drive to Badbury Hill (10 minutes). An hour of woodland walking. Back to The Old Crown for a rest, a drink in the courtyard, and dinner
Sunday morning: A final walk to Great Coxwell Barn (5 minutes by car). Explore the field paths around the barn, then back for breakfast and checkout
Three days, four different walks, and a dog that sleeps the entire car journey home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Old Crown dog-friendly?
Yes, entirely. All rooms welcome dogs, and dogs are welcome in the pub and courtyard. A small cleaning charge is included for overnight stays.
How many dogs can I bring?
We welcome up to two dogs per room. If you are travelling with more than two dogs, please call us to discuss arrangements.
Is there a charge for bringing a dog?
A small cleaning charge is added to your stay to cover the additional housekeeping required.
Are dogs allowed in the restaurant?
Dogs are welcome in the pub, where the full menu is served, but not in the main restaurant. Dogs are welcome throughout the ground floor.
Where can I walk my dog near Faringdon?
Faringdon is surrounded by excellent dog-walking country. The Folly Tower walk starts from our front door (2 miles). Badbury Hill offers woodland walks (10 minutes by car). The Thames Path provides flat riverside walking with swimming spots (10 to 15 minutes). The Uffington White Horse has open chalk downland (15 minutes). See our Walking Holidays page for full details.
Are the nearby walks dog-friendly?
Yes. All of the walks in our walking guide are suitable for dogs. Keep your dog on a lead near livestock (common in the Thames Valley meadows) and at National Trust sites. Most woodland and downland paths allow off-lead walking.
Where is the nearest vet to The Old Crown?
Elms vets are just down the road.
Can I leave my dog in the room while I go out?
We ask that dogs are not left unattended in rooms for extended periods. If you need to go somewhere dog-free for a short time, please let reception know
