The Best Dog Friendly Destinations in the UK

Nothing compares to taking in the stunning British countryside or quaint seaside towns while your four-legged companion trots contentedly beside you. In recent years, the UK has welcomed dog-friendly travel, making it simpler than ever to arrange a holiday without having to leave your cherished dog behind. The UK offers more dog-friendly holiday options than ever before, from quaint pubs with treats behind the bar to windswept beaches where dogs can run free.

So gather your tennis balls, grab the lead, and let’s discover some of the friendliest spots where you and your pet can create lifelong memories.

If you’re looking for a ton of amazing things to see and do, the beaches of Cornwall are the place to be. This stunning destination is one of the top dog-friendly holiday spots in the UK, with more than 300 miles of coastline and many beaches that allow dogs to roam free.

Head to Watergate Bay, near Newquay, where your four-legged friends can dig and splash in the golden sand for two miles. And, after your sandy adventure, the Watergate Bay Hotel welcomes guests with four legs with special amenities like dog washing stations, the perfect way to unwind after a day by the sea.

Porthkidney Beach is another excellent place to visit with your dog in Cornwall. Here, a huge stretch of sand that seems to go on forever at low tide can be found, great for those looking for more private locations. There are also amazing walking opportunities with breathtaking views along the South West Coast Path, which takes visitors around the perimeter of Cornwall.

Alongside the amazing things to see and do in Cornwall, this beautiful destination also offers a wide range of dog-friendly lodging options, including luxurious vacation cottages with hot tubs and family-friendly camping areas. So, if you’re ready for a relaxing seaside escape, this gorgeous part of the UK is the place to be.

With an endless playground of picturesque walking routes and water-filled adventures, the Lake District is arguably the best dog-friendly destination in the UK. It appears that this UNESCO World Heritage site was practically created with dogs in mind.

Keswick, which has been voted “Most Dog-Friendly Town” several times with good reason, stands out as a dog lover’s paradise. Dogs are truly welcomed here, not just tolerated. Even Keswick’s well-known Theatre by the Lake welcomes well-behaved dogs to performances, and the town offers an amazing array of dog-friendly lodging options.

There are also a ton of incredible trails to explore around the Lakes. This popular spot offers endless hiking opportunities throughout the towns and villages, providing more than enough places for you and your four-legged friend to get out and active. 

When choosing accommodation, the area offers everything from dog-friendly holiday cottages with enclosed gardens to hotels that provide doggy welcome packs complete with treats and recommended walking routes. There are also some amazing dog-friendly holiday cottages in Tenby, an excellent choice for those planning a relaxing break in this beautiful part of the Lakes.

From the windswept splendour of the North York Moors to the undulating hills of the Yorkshire Dales, Yorkshire offers a remarkable range of landscapes for dogs to explore.

Whitby is particularly noteworthy for being one of the UK’s dog-friendliest towns. Your four-legged friends are welcome on the beaches of this charming fishing port (the main beach is subject to seasonal restrictions), along the harbour, and even on the renowned 199 steps that lead up to the abbey ruins. This makes it an easy place to explore for those seeking a jam-packed break in the UK. 

For visitors planning to head out further afield during their time in Whitby, dogs are also welcome on several boat excursions. This provides an alternative viewpoint of the coastline, all while offering additional activities for you and your pup to enjoy.

One of the best things about Yorkshire is the varied landscapes. Alongside the lovely coastline, there are also countless opportunities for walking through breathtaking limestone landscapes in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. While gentler routes trace the path of rivers like the Wharfe through charming villages like Burnsall and Bolton Abbey, routes around Malham Cove and Gordale Scar offer breathtakingly dramatic scenery.

Yorkshire has a wide range of lodging options, from quaint cottages tucked away in peaceful villages to dog-friendly holiday parks. Therefore, wherever you choose to go in this stunning region of the UK, you will undoubtedly find a place to relax after days full of adventure.

Scotland’s Highlands and Islands provide an unmatched playground for dogs who enjoy exploring large, open areas. Experience adventure in its purest form in this land of expansive skies, old forests, breathtaking mountains, and immaculate beaches.

With its surreal scenery offering a sensory extravaganza, the Isle of Skye is a unique dog-friendly destination. Although leads are necessary in many places because of livestock, dogs are welcome in the Fairy Pools with their pristine waters, the breathtaking coastline surrounding Neist Point, and the eerie Quiraing rock formations.

For dogs who love swimming, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park provide wonderful options. While the surrounding forests and mountains offer a variety of walking environments, the many lochs provide safe places for water-loving breeds to splash around.

Dog owners find Scotland especially appealing because of its approach to access rights, also referred to as “the right to roam.” However, this comes with a responsibility to keep dogs under control, particularly around livestock and wildlife. This policy makes it easy for responsible dog owners to enjoy breathtaking mountain views on many of the jaw-dropping hiking trails around Scotland.

From the serene waterways of the Broads to the untamed beaches of the north coast, Norfolk offers a remarkably diverse landscape for dogs to explore. It has earned a spot among the top dog-friendly vacation spots in the UK thanks to its expansive open areas and many establishments’ laid-back dog policies.

The coastline deserves special mention, with beaches like Holkham offering miles of golden sand backed by pine forests. This spectacular beach has featured in films and remained refreshingly uncommercial, giving dogs and their owners space to breathe and play. Nearby Wells-next-the-Sea also welcomes dogs on part of its beach year-round, with its colourful beach huts providing a photogenic backdrop to your dog’s seaside antics.

The Norfolk Broads offer an alternative playground to coastal adventures. Your four-legged companion can accompany you on a tranquil exploration of these historic waterways, as many boating companies allow dogs on their rented craft. Imagine your dog happily watching the world from the deck while you cruise leisurely through reed-lined channels.

For hot summer days when beaches might be too exposed, the old woodlands of locations like Thetford Forest provide cool walking paths. So, whether you’re looking for jam-packed days brimming with adventure or would prefer to explore at a more leisurely, laid-back pace, there’s something for all when visiting Norfolk.

For both dogs and their owners, the Cotswolds provide a distinctly English experience with its honey-colored stone villages, undulating hills, and historic woodland trails. For those looking for scenic beauty at a slower pace, this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty offers a more refined dog-friendly holiday spot in the UK.

There are plenty of walking options in the Cotswolds, which is what makes it particularly appealing for dog owners. The 102-mile Cotswold Way has some amazing day-hikeable sections, and many of the path’s sections have dog-friendly pubs that are ideal for stopping for refreshments. You can also combine cultural exploration with your dog’s exercise by taking circular routes around picturesque places like Broadway, Stow-on-the-Wold, and Bourton-on-the-Water.

When it comes to restaurants that welcome dogs, the Cotswolds excel. Traditional pubs with floors made of flagstone and polished ceilings frequently embrace muddy paws, while high-end restaurants are realising more and more that their patrons prefer to eat with their four-legged friends. This allows for more than enough places for you and your pup to relax and unwind after a long day of exploring together.

As England’s first national park, the Peak District offers an established network of walking routes suitable for dogs of all abilities. The contrast between the rugged Dark Peak with its dramatic gritstone edges and the gentler limestone landscapes of the White Peak ensures variety for multiple visits.

For adventurous dogs, scrambling along the top of Stanage Edge provides an exhilarating experience with far-reaching views, while the more sedate paths around Dovedale offer accessible walking alongside the picturesque River Dove. The Monsal Trail, a former railway line converted to a traffic-free path, provides a level route suitable for older dogs or those needing easier terrain.

Several attractions within the Peak District also welcome dogs, including the grounds of historic houses like Haddon Hall and sections of the Chatsworth House estate. For rainy days, the Crich Tramway Village allows dogs on their vintage trams, providing an unusual shared experience. 

With so much to see and do, it comes as no surprise that the Peak District continues to attract those travelling with their canine companions in tow.

A successful dog-friendly holiday requires slightly more planning than travelling without pets, but the extra effort pays dividends in shared experiences and the avoidance of kennel fees.

Research stands as the cornerstone of good planning. In addition to locating lodging that allows dogs, look into nearby walking trails, beaches (and any seasonal closures), and dog-friendly restaurants and attractions. Dog-friendly travel websites can be very helpful, and user reviews frequently reveal how hospitable a place is.

Packing for your dog should include comfort items that will help them adjust to a new environment, in addition to necessities like food, bowls, and medication. The transfer to holiday lodging can be made easier with their own bed, favourite toys, and maybe a piece of clothing that smells like you.

When you arrive at your destination, gradually acclimate your dog to the new surroundings. After the journey, unwind with a local walk, which will aid in their adjustment and make the new place seem like a positive experience.

The UK’s increasing number of dog-friendly establishments is a welcome acknowledgement that many people feel that their holidays aren’t complete without their furry friends. The UK offers an amazing variety of experiences to enjoy together, from the serene woodland walks to the exhilarating coastal adventures, from the wild beauty of the Scottish Highlands to the gentle charm of the Cotswolds.

The experience becomes more seamless as more businesses realise how important it is to accommodate dog owners. Dogs are no longer restricted to subpar lodging or a small selection of restaurants, and travelling with them frequently improves rather than limits your experience of a place. 

So, if you’re ready to embark on your next adventure with your best friend by your side, you’re sure to find more than enough places for you and your canine companion to enjoy together. 

If you’re an avid explorer looking for your next voyage, you’re in the right place. Backpacker Boy offers an array of extensive travel guides across the globe. These resources are packed with information, ensuring you make the most out of your next adventure with everything you need to know in mind.