Our Dog-friendly Stay At The Fat Pheasant Shepherd Huts
Last summer we had a wonderful dog-friendly stay in the North Oxfordshire countryside at Fat Pheasants Shepherd Huts. If your idea of a peaceful weekend includes expansive views of beautiful fields, freedom to roam, firepits and deck chairs then you should add this place to your travel list.
Set on a working farm in the village of Shotteswell there are three shepherds’ huts, each one in its own patch of land. We spent the night in Huxley, the newest of the bunch, and it has everything you might need to relax, unwind, and have a very comfortable off-grid stay in the countryside.
The hut itself is configured in a way that makes the most of the space. At one end you’ll find a neat little en-suite with a flushing toilet and compact shower, ideal for freshening up after a long walk. In the central space, there’s a wood-burning fire and a kitchenette area with a sink, gas hob, fridge and all the utensils you could possibly need. Finally, with beautiful panoramic views of the farm, is the king-sized bed. A gorgeous place to lay with a cup of coffee whilst watching the morning rise, or snuggle down to gaze at the stars on a clear night.
The space surrounding the hut has been thoughtfully designed for outdoor living. With deck chairs to lounge on, a fantastic firepit to toast marshmallows or do a full English fry up, and a bubblegum pink bathtub on the decking. It’s rare to find a place this close to London that feels so secluded and private and completely surrounded by nature.
We were so impressed with this place, plus our host Jo was super helpful and on hand to help us and advise on local pubs, walks and other activities.
The dog-friendly checklist
Is there a dog bed? No, you’ll need to take your own with you on this trip.
Do they have dog bowls? There is a big water bowl outside but you’ll need to take one for food.
Do dogs need to be kept on leads? There is quite a bit of wildlife in the fields so if you’re dog has a high prey drive it’s a good idea to take a long line, otherwise, there are no rules about dogs being on a lead.
Are there good walks nearby? Yes, there are plenty of great places to explore. Each of the huts has an OS map with recommended walks (including distances to pubs). They also have a designated dog playing field on site if you’re looking for a totally enclosed place to play.
Take a look at their website here, and watch our recap reel here.
