Wondering where to take your dog on holiday or what activities to try? We've compiled a list of the best types of dog-friendly holidays in the UK to give you plenty of travel inspiration! Time spent with your loved ones is what holidays are all about, and whether or not you can take your family pet along shouldn't even be in question.
Everyone in the family deserves a holiday they'll remember for a lifetime, and we have no doubt that your dog has plenty of ideas of what makes a great trip. So, we sent out our hounds to do an executive survey – well, they had a bit of a bark with their canine friends at the park – and this was the top 10 list of things that they would like on their ideal holiday:
Top 10 things dogs wish for on holiday
- Exciting places to go out exploring with the humans
- Dog walks and trails – not just long ones but interesting ones too!
- Lots of cuddles and fuss from friendly humans
- Picnic areas with lots of unattended food...
- The chance to make a few canine acquaintances
- Beaches to run across with the wind in their fur
- Log fires, wood burners and fluffy rugs for cosy evenings
- An enclosed garden that leads onto a beach or field
- An endless supply of biscuits to be fed by the human on demand
- No cats within a 100-mile radius unless agreed beforehand
Our expert panel of holidaying hounds in the office have carefully scrutinised this list and regret that endless biscuits and no cats, though popular choices, could not make it into the final edit. However, we have tried our best to come up with a selection of top dog holidays in the UK for you and your four-pawed pal to peruse and we hope one of these adventures gets the bark of approval – happy planning!
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Holidays for the water-loving hound
Many of our canine friends will agree that the best holidays for dogs by far include time spent on the beach and we've got a blog full of our favourite dog-friendly beaches in the UK to help with your travel plans. Long runs on summer evenings, splashing about in the surf, and brisk winter dog walks on secluded beaches with their favourite humans are all popular activities in our doggy survey.
Some of our canine participants mentioned that they would prefer to stay at a dog-friendly beach cottage, while others insisted on a waterside view, be it sea, harbour or river. If you do your research, you could find a holiday home with a nearby promenade where your pup can enjoy an evening stroll in their finery.
Discover a few of our top suggestions of where to stay for dog-friendly holidays on the beach, where you can stop for ice cream and people-watch while your playful pup can steal the end of the ice cream cone and dog watch. Heaven.
Where we'd recommend: the South West
The South West has to be our pick for water-loving hounds. With over 700 miles of coastline and some of the best beaches in the UK (if not in Europe), the counties that make up the South West have sandy shores, fossil-laden pebble ridges and rock formations that will leave you amazed.
Visit Devon for its world-famous beaches, Cornwall for its hidden coves and Dorset for the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Holidays for the historical hound
One dog’s kennel is another dog’s castle, and we know of several excellent dog-friendly castles you should check out on your travels.
Historical breaks provide some of the best holidays for dogs and their owners with lots of outdoor space and local legends to uncover while away. The UK has a long and complex history, and there are endless historical sites across our small island for you and your four-legged best friend to uncover during your break. Wherever you stay, there's sure to be a place of interest near you but look out for castles, National Trust properties and English Heritage sites before you go, to match your own interests.
Top tip: Many National Trust properties welcome dogs, and some even provide a lead if you forget yours at home. They are really dog friendly, often making sure pups have a shady spot in the car park and water for their bowls.
Unfortunately, there are some buildings at many historical sites where dogs are not permitted inside as they are full of beautiful furniture, paintings and carpets, but there are often miles of glorious grounds to explore and always an ancient ruined castle or fortress where you and your pup could wander between the spaces where rooms once stood. Head to one of the many beautiful dog-friendly National Trust properties we've spotted. Most of these historic houses have tearooms where Rex can lounge in the sun, but there are many that also allow well-behaved dogs inside to sample a taste of aristocracy from years gone by.
One delightful destination that is worth a visit in our book is Petworth Park in West Sussex, which has over 700 acres to roam around in, and then there is Croome in Worcestershire – they really love dogs there. For the cosmopolitan canine, head to Kingston Lacy in Dorset, an ornate Italian-style country house to explore. Lanhydrock in Cornwall is a late-Victorian estate which also offers outdoor seating and doggy biscuits which is much appreciated.
Meanwhile, a few fantastic English Heritage locations that welcome dogs include Scarborough Castle, Housesteads Roman Fort at Hadrian’s Wall and Beeston Castle.
Where we'd recommend: Somerset
It's pretty hard to suggest one region of the UK to visit if you have a history-loving hound. Being an island, we have been invaded countless times over the centuries meaning that there are numerous sites with nods to Roman, Anglo-Saxon and Norman cultures.
However, we've decided to focus on a little more recent history and we've chosen Somerset where there are 19 National Trust properties to explore, from historic houses and abbeys (like Montacute House and Stoke-sub-Hamdon Priory) to gardens and countryside (such as Fyne Court and Glastonbury Tor).
Holidays for the sociable hound
Where better than on holiday to meet new friends? Your best friend will relish the opportunity to roll about on the grass, race across a sandy beach, and maybe just be a bit silly while meeting a few mutt mates. All that protecting the family at home is very demanding and your pup's holiday should be a stress-free zone.
Let your canine companion play at the local park, sniff the salty sea air on a coastal walk, and enjoy meeting lots of fellow dogs on their daily walks during your UK getaway.
And then there is the chance to walk along untrodden country lanes and explore big country parks where your pup can meet new squirrel friends and sniff out a range of other wildlife – although chances are the squirrels won't stick around to play!
Make the most of evenings out at dog-friendly country pubs where your canine companion may get to meet other dogs and owners who'll give them a good fuss. Some of the best places for UK dog holidays include beach houses, lakeside houses and country houses, which all offer a great base from which to meet lots of new chums who are also on holiday, and our cottages with enclosed gardens are perfect for those dogs on a playdate.
Where we'd recommend: Yorkshire
What is a national park if not just a huge country park to explore? That's why we've recommended Yorkshire, a county that plays host to three of England's ten national parks.
Quite often, the people who frequent these resplendent landscapes of meadows, rushing rivers and undulating hills love a walk with their canine companion, so we can think of few better places to be sociable than here. Visit the Yorkshire Dales, the North York Moors and the Peak District for doggy dates or discovering new friends.
Holidays for the hungry hound
We don't always want to cook on holiday so the chance to head to the local pub or restaurant is paramount during any break so you can truly relax. There are plenty of warm and cosy dog-friendly pubs across the whole country, no matter where you are, you're sure to find a good one. There are even pubs offering up water bowls and treats so your dog can enjoy refuelling as well.
Restaurants on the other hand can be a little trickier, so if you're planning a fancy dinner out, phone ahead to make sure your pup can join you. Many restaurants and hotels have a designated area especially for families with dogs so you can enjoy a special meal out with your doggo snoozing beneath the table. Here are a few of the most dog-friendly pubs and places to eat across the UK so you'll have no trouble finding a delightful eatery for dining out.
Searching for a light bite rather than a big evening meal out with the dog? If so, have a read through our guides on the UK’s most dog-friendly afternoon teas and the UK’s best super-dog-friendly cafés and find the pawfect eatery for you and your pup.
Lots of our cottages near pubs are close to very welcoming dog-friendly establishments, making it easy to stop off for a pint after a long walk or day full of adventure – of course, your faithful friend will be there to hoover up the crumbs from the crisps.
Where we'd recommend: Sussex and the Lake District
There aren't many things more frustrating for a dog owner than to see somewhere to eat that is right up your street, cuisine-wise, only to find out that you can't enter with your furry friend. Luckily, all across the UK, establishments are waking up to this and are welcoming dogs with open paws.
For a holiday with a hungry hound, we recommend Sussex, mainly due to the city of Brighton which regularly tops polls as the most dog-friendly city in the UK. Special mention should also go to the Lake District and Keswick in particular.
Holidays for the country hound
There is one thing that all dogs insist upon when going on holiday and that’s a few good long walks. In fact, the very best dog holidays include the chance for interesting walks. Whether you venture out on long windswept hikes over the Yorkshire Moors, breathe the salty sea air as you explore the Wales Coast Path, or enjoy gentle strolls through the local village or town centre, dogs love the outdoor life.
Many of our properties are in the middle of the countryside or in lovely little villages, many with brilliant walks on the doorstep of interesting National Trust routes or renowned national parks – there are mountains, rivers and all sorts of exciting places to go that both you and your canine companion will love! Just make sure to bring along water for the dog and a map in case you take a wrong turn or venture off the beaten track.
Your pup will be quite happy to flop on the carpet back at your holiday cottage and enjoy a quick snooze while you put your feet up with a good book or film. After all, you are on holiday to relax.
If you and your four-pawed friend are seeking a holiday far from the hustle and bustle of the world, we have a wealth of beautiful cottages hidden away in forests, hillsides and along the coast. Get inspired with a look at our blog offering up a few wonderful remote dog-friendly cottages found in our portfolio.
Where we'd recommend: the Cotswolds
There's certainly not a shortage of countryside in the UK; it is estimated that over 90% of the UK is a mixture of farmland and wildland. So, where to pick?
We've decided upon the Cotswolds because there is not only a plethora of spellbinding countryside to amble through at your leisure, but the scenic surroundings are punctuated by chocolate-box villages that you and your pup will adore strolling through. You can grab a selfie at one of the most photographed spots in the UK at Castle Combe, have a paddle in the low river at Bourton-on-the-Water or take a stroll up to Broadway Tower.
Holidays for the mountainous hound
Your pup might not be a mountain rescue search dog who climbs the Pennines for a living, like some of the dogs in our Canine Critics Wall of Fame. They may not be a canine pioneer like Rupee, who travelled up Mount Everest with his owner. However, that doesn't mean that they can't enjoy a good, old-fashioned mountain hike whilst on holiday.
The UK is an amazing place to explore if you have a mountain-loving mutt, with impressive peaks found in England, Scotland and Wales. Head up Scafell Pike and Skiddaw in the Lake District National Park, before taking it up a notch and turning your attention to Snowdon/ Yr Wyddfa in Snowdonia/ Eryri National Park. If you want to raise the bar, there are 282 Munros in Scotland to bag, with Ben Nevis being the tallest and most well-known.
Of course, when scaling such heights, it's important to be aware of what your dog can cope with. You don't have to reach the summit – just enjoy being out with your best pal. We've put together a great collection of top tips for hiking with your dog and if you do manage to get to the mountain's zenith, make sure you capture the moment with your hiking hound.
Undoubtedly, you'll need to travel if you're going to visit one or more of these impressive mountains. Make sure you read our tips on travelling with your dogs and which dog-friendly motorway service stations to stop off at when your four-pawed pal needs to stretch his legs.
Where we'd recommend: the Highlands
If we're talking decent areas for mountains in the UK, there are a few good options as outlined above. However, the Highlands of Scotland hold a special place in our collective heart for mountain walks with the dog.
There is, of course, Ben Nevis and the multiple routes that branch off it including the mountain track and the Halfway Lochan View trail. There are other trails to explore that, though not necessarily mountain routes, are not to be missed whilst in the region. These include the Old Man of Storr Circular, Coire Gabhail (the lost Valley) and the Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye.
Holidays for the high-end hound
Is your dog a little more discerning than the usual canine? Do they strive to experience the finer things in life? If this is the case, then they may want to holiday at one of our dog-friendly luxury retreats. Everyone needs a bit of 5-start treatment now and again and we have elegant properties in spades across the UK where your pooch can rest and relax amongst exquisite furnishings and beautiful gardens.
It has to be said though that for some high-end hounds, a cottage stay just isn't going to cut the mustard, and therefore you need something just a little bit extra special. That's where our dog-friendly castles to stay in enter the fray. Feel like a king or queen in one of our fortresses, complete with large open fires and plenty of room to strut around regally.
Now that you've sorted out where you're going to stay for the night, it's time to arrange some refined and sophisticated activities for your pups and you. If Fido thinks that the castle he is staying in is grand, wait until he explores one of the many dog-friendly castles with no restrictions dotted throughout the UK. Learn how pooches of the past may have lived at these paw-inspiring attractions.
Stately homes abound throughout the UK with the Southern England counties of Norfolk, Suffolk, Surrey and Sussex having at least 685 historic country houses between them. Dogs are always allowed inside the halls and country houses but the grounds are often splendid and viewing the properties from the outside is a sight to behold in itself.
Where we'd recommend: Norfolk
For country estates and stately homes, you really can't beat the county of Norfolk. With places like Blickling Hall, Felbrigg Hall, Sandringham, Holkham and Houghton to visit, you'll be spoilt for choice for gorgeous parkland.
Norfolk alone has 264 recognised historic halls and manor houses, by far beating the county with the next highest number (Suffolk, 187), so you'll know you'll be in pup paradise on your holidays here. Eight of Norfolk's historic mansions even featured on a list of England's thousand best houses by BBC broadcaster and Guardian columnist, Simon Jenkins.
Holidays for every hound
While there are many places that are reluctant to take dogs, we not only welcome dogs into our holiday cottages, we understand that there are all kinds of pups and families who have a whole range of tastes when it comes to choosing how to holiday with the hound.
If you're still not quite sure what kind of holiday you and the pup are after, worry not as we have a choice of thousands of dog-friendly holiday cottages – you'll soon put together a fantastic holiday with your dogs in the UK. Paw your way through our collection to find the ideal holiday property in the countryside, in the city or on the coast for you and your pack.
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.