The UK is full of some great places to visit with your faithful friend, but the chances are, there will be a whole heap of adventures that you have yet to uncover. Here at Canine Cottages, we know that your canine companion is just as much part of the family as anyone else, and a holiday without them, simply isn't a holiday. They won’t want to miss out on the chance to fetch sticks, play ball or have some canine capers a little further from home and sniff out some brand-new walkies.
So, throw Fido a bone and settle down to have a good paw through our guides to various fabulous dog-friendly destinations all over the UK. Then pack a lead and set off to explore some brand-new locations with your pup.
With dog-friendly locations across England, Scotland and Wales, read our guides and you'll not be caught short. And if you want to start searching for your perfect pet-friendly abode right away, have a look at our collection of nearly 10,000 cottages by tapping the button below.
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England's top dog-friendly locations
With ten out of the UK's 15 national parks, England is a wonderful country to explore with the whole pack. Incredible coves beg for paw prints in the sand, whilst dense woodland invites you to play a game of fetch. Keep scrolling to find some of the best counties for visiting with your dogs.
Northumberland
With some of the country's best coast and countryside to roam, you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to outdoor adventures with your pup. Add to this attractions such as dog-friendly castles and National Trust sites, and you'll be in doggy heaven up north. Visit fantastic Northumberland towns such as Bamburgh, Alnwick and Seahouses.
Lake District
The Lake District is, without a doubt, doggy heaven when it comes to a holiday – and humans are sure to have a pretty good time too. With mirror-glass lakes and walks sprinkled liberally with woodland, valleys, hills and waterfalls, there’s a trail for every type of dog to enjoy. Stay by the water in Coniston, Bassenthwaite and Windermere.
Yorkshire
Locally known as 'God's Own Country', here at Canine Cottages, we like to think of it as 'Dog's Own Country'. Encompassing three of England's famed national parks, there are plenty of mesmeric sights to see on a stroll with your hounds and lots of bustling coastal towns to visit including Gothic Whitby, fabulous Filey and the seaside resort of Scarborough.
Peak District
This is one of the best places in the UK for you and your canine companion to head to if you love the outdoor life. The Peak District is brimming with spectacular scenery and a web of paths and trails for you to happily spend the day wandering. Whatever the age or agility of your pup, the choice of w-a-l-k-i-e-s is endless. Visit spots like Matlock, Buxton and Bakewell.
Norfolk
If your pup loves waterside walkies, then Norfolk is the place for you. With 125 miles of Broads to discover and coastal hot spots such as Wells-next-the-Sea and Great Yarmouth, there's plenty for water-loving hounds. Check out the inland offerings too, with Felbrigg Hall, Holt Country Park and the North Norfolk Railway all welcoming your furry best friend.
Suffolk
Just as renowned coastally as Norfolk, Suffolk has some incredible seaside destinations to stop at with Fido. The most easterly town in the UK, Lowestoft, has a lovely, sandy, dog-friendly beach, and Felixstowe has a flat promenade and seafront gardens just behind. Further inland, you can dig into a little history at Sutton Hoo or hunt for UFOs at Rendleshem Woods.
Cotswolds
With country parks aplenty along with iconic landmarks and beauty spots, your pup will truly thank you for taking a trip to the tranquil Cotswolds. Run for miles in glorious countryside, meander gently along waterways or enjoy a doggy day out at one of the many dog-friendly attractions – your pup can even hop aboard a steam train. Highlights include Bourton-on-the-Water and Cheltenham.
Somerset
Somerset is a land full of rolling hills and wonderfully dramatic gorges that will satisfy your need for adventure whilst simultaneously fulfilling your pup's need for full days of exercise. Visit Burnham-on-Sea, a seaside town with plenty of dog-friendly eateries, or head to Glastonbury, a friendly town famous for being full of history, magic and dog-friendly shops and eateries.
Dorset
If Fido loves fossil hunting and goes barking mad for belemnites, then a trip to the Jurassic Coast in Dorset is a must. Head to Durdle Door near Lulworth Cove to see the famous sea arch, or bound towards Lyme Regis to find ammonites and the like. If your pup likes to keep his paws dry, try visiting the National Trust's Corfe Castle, the Cerne Abbas Giant or Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens
Devon
Devon is an amazing place for a UK holiday and an even more perfect location if you have your canine companion(s) in tow. The fabulous beaches on both the north and south coast are pawfect for sandcastle-bombers, wave-jumpers and pebble-strollers alike, and when you get tired of the coastline (as if!), grab a lead and with your pup at your heels, you can choose from myriad countryside strolls or moorland hikes. Highlights include Woolacombe, Salcombe and Clovelly.
Cornwall
Once you’ve spent time in this stunning South West county, you’ll wonder just how the woof you’ve never been here before … and you certainly won’t want to go home. With mile upon mile of gorgeous coastline, hidden coves and fantastic walks, it can be hard to choose exactly where to start. Sniff out the very best things to do, places to eat, and cottages to sleep in on a Cornish break with your four-pawed friend. Hot spots include Padstow, Fowey, and St Ives with its numerous dog-friendly beaches.
New Forest
Known for its wonderous outdoor spaces, including dense woodland, beautiful beaches and charming villages, the New Forest is a destination you and your dog will instantly fall in love with. Visit this national park and go on cliff-top adventures, spotting wild ponies as you go. Stop off at locations such as Milford-on-Sea for a lovely pebble beach, Beaulieu for a quintessentially pretty English village, and the 'Capital of the New Forest', Lyndhurst.
Sussex
Sussex is the ideal place for you and your canine chum to discover a new leash of life. And for those urban dogs used to city life, it’s just a couple of hours from London, so you’ll be able to enjoy the coast and countryside in next to no time – great if you get the travel itch (and not fleas) somewhat unexpectedly! Choose cliff-top walkies near Eastbourne, woodland strolls near Lewes or open spaces with magnificent views where you can dash about to your heart’s content.
Isle of Wight
Get away on an island holiday with your pup by your side. Even though you'll still technically be within the UK, the Isle of Wight receives high amounts of sunshine, making it a great destination for two-legged and four-legged getaways. With over 25 beaches, you could spend nearly a month here, visiting one a day. Visit the coastal hot spots of Bembridge, Shanklin and Ventnor and have a splashing good time, leaving only pawprints when you leave.
Wales' top dog-friendly locations
Mountains and Caribbean-like beaches await you and your pup on a dog-friendly trip to Wales. Whether you want to scale the heights of Snowdon or meander around the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, you'll find plenty to keep you and your wet-nosed friend active throughout your stay.
Anglesey
Separated from the mainland by bridges suspended over the Menai Strait, the Isle of Anglesey is home to a number of superb dog-friendly activities for you and your pal to enjoy. This island in North Wales features an incredible coastal path within a National Landscape, beautiful dog-friendly beaches such as Silver Bay Beach, and historic days out at places like Beaumaris Castle.
Snowdonia/Eryri
Even if you don't have a Bernese mountain dog, you'll still want to hit the heights in Snowdonia/Eryri with your canine companion in tow. Climb Snowdon along the Llanberis Path, which is generally considered the easiest route, and take in the outstanding panoramic views. Back closer to sea level, leave paw prints in the sand at the beaches of Barmouth and Harlech, or enjoy a walk and a history lesson in Beddgelert.
Llyn Peninsula
As you'd expect with a peninsula, there is plenty of coastline to explore with your dog, with dog-friendly beaches almost encircling the headland. Enjoy zoomies on Llanbedrog Beach, Porthor and Porthdinllaen, just a few examples of the protected National Trust sands on offer. The Pilgrim’s Path to Bardsey, the village of Morfa Nefyn and the aptly named Porthmadog in Tremadog Bay make interesting days out on the Llyn Peninsula.
Pembrokeshire
A land made for dogs, Pembrokeshire is perfect for adventures on land and sea. It's here that you'll find the UK's only dedicated coastal national park, boasting dog-friendly beaches at Freshwater East, Broad Haven and the Caribbean-like Barafundle Bay. Head to a castle or two, or take a boat trip out to Caldey Island to get a dose of monastic history. If the family is in tow as well, you can try out numerous activities at dog-friendly Heatherton World of Activities. And don't forget the coastal hotspots of Tenby and Saundersfoot with no less than six beaches between them.
Brecon Beacons/Bannau Brycheiniog
Enjoy a holiday in South Wales and find a wealth of dog-friendly places to visit in the Brecon Beacons. You'll be spoilt for choice when you explore the historic outings, flower-rich hay meadows and a plethora of eateries that welcome four paws. Visit the National Botanic Garden of Wales or cruise along the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal before going underground at the Dan Yr Ogof Showcaves and stretching your legs and Fido's at Craig Y Nos Country Park.
Gower
The UK's very first National Landscape, Gower is a great locale for holidaying with your canine companion. With pup-friendly beaches, woodland walks and coastal paths aplenty, there's no end to the fun to be had on this gorgeous peninsula. Visit one of South Wales' best beaches, Rhossili Bay, and look out at Worm's Head as the dog plays on the beach. Or sniff out the ancient turrets at Oystermouth Castle and become the king of the castle – wooftastic!
Scotland's top dog-friendly locations
Breathe in the mesmerising landscapes of Scotland and enjoy a holiday that you and your scruffy one won't soon forget. Take a dip in a famous loch, learn some fascinating history at one of the many castles, or just treat yourself to serene and remote beaches along with coastal trails that will get tails wagging.
Dumfries and Galloway
Venture to the Southern Uplands and spend some time in a scenic wonderland that's as well equipped for those on four legs as it is for those on two. Step back in time at one of the filming locations for TV's Outlander when you spend a day at Drumlanrig Castle, or let your pup lead the way on a woodland walk through Galloway Forest Park. Alternatively, hit up some of the sandy shores the region is well known for, including Sandyhills Bay, Southerness Beach, and Rockcliffe Beach with its tidal causeway.
The Highlands
The Highlands of Scotland are jam-packed with activities for your furry friends to enjoy. This could be scampering across beaches and enjoying refreshing dips in the sea at Sango Bay and Morar Beach, or heading out on dog-friendly walks in nature reserves or the Cairngorm National Park. There are all manner of pet-friendly attractions too so read our guide and find out more.
West coast of Scotland
Discover loch-side walks at the UK's fourth-largest national park; discover magical forests and towering mountains as your four-pawed friend leads you across the landscape. The untamed beaches will drop your jaw so why not follow your pup into the sea for a refreshing dip before finding a dog-friendly place to eat and warm up by a roaring wood burner?
Ready to lead the way?
So there it is. Just a brief sniff at some of the fabulous UK destinations which are great for a holiday with the whole pack. We can’t wait to welcome you with open paws to places where you and your pup will leave no stick un-fetched, no ball un-chased and no corner un-sniffed. It’s time to get planning to treat your family and four-pawed pal(s) to a UK staycation they'll remember. Don't ruff it, book with Canine Cottages.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.