WHILE allowing household pets to stay is becoming more popular for some independent hotels and guest houses, some canny B&B owners are taking that one step further by inviting guests and their steeds to stay.

Dilton Court, near Westbury, was built as a dower house in 1841 and is situated on a 330-acre working farm, and is one of the places nationwide now welcoming riders and their horses. The farm itself is ideal for cantering through the surrounding countryside, and riders staying there can also leave their horses for the day in comfort and safety while they explore local attractions, take a trip into Roman Bath or even jump on the train at Westbury for a day out in the captial.

Ed Goldswain, MD of online booking specialist eviivo, commented: “While going on holiday is normally an exciting time, many people find it difficult to leave their animals behind.

“There are a wide variety of B&Bs all over the country which allow guests to stable their horses, so they can enjoy the beautiful countryside without having to leave their trusty steed at home.

“Many of our properties are set in some of the UK’s most stunning countryside, and what better way to enjoy that by trekking through the rolling hills on horseback.”