Eddie PhilipsTravelling around the UK with your dog has never been easier. From coastal retreats and countryside hideaways to charming villages and pet-friendly cities, the UK is full of destinations where dogs are warmly welcomed. Whether you love beach walks, forest adventures, or luxurious dog-friendly hotels, there’s a perfect spot waiting for you.
This guide lists the top 50 dog holidays in the UK, each with a short description. Every location has been selected for its dog-friendly trails, pet-accepting accommodation, and overall travel experience.
Top 50 Dog Holidays in the UK
1. Lake District, Cumbria
The Lake District offers breathtaking lakeside walks, pet-friendly boat cruises, and hundreds of dog-friendly pubs. Dogs can enjoy spacious fell trails and scenic valleys, making it ideal for both active adventures and peaceful lakeside strolls.
2. Cornwall’s Dog-Friendly Beaches
Cornwall boasts iconic beaches like Watergate Bay and Perranporth that welcome dogs year-round. With coastal trails, dog-friendly cafés and cottages, and warm weather, it’s a top choice for beach-loving pets and owners.
3. Snowdonia National Park
Snowdonia delivers mountain adventures, forest walks, and beautiful lakes. Many trails are dog-friendly, with local inns and cabins offering pet-friendly stays. It’s perfect for energetic dogs who love rugged terrain.
4. Peak District, Derbyshire
With vast moorlands, limestone dales, and scenic villages, the Peak District is a dream for dog walkers. Enjoy gentle strolls or challenging hikes, then relax at dog-friendly pubs and lodges.
5. Northumberland Coast
Northumberland provides miles of clean, quiet beaches where dogs can run freely. Castles, nature reserves, and coastal villages welcome pets, creating a peaceful seaside holiday.
6. Scottish Highlands
The Highlands offer remote landscapes, open space, and dramatic mountain scenery. It’s perfect for dogs wanting off-lead exploration, with many hiking routes and lochside trails.
7. Yorkshire Dales
Rolling hills, stone villages, and waterfall walks make the Dales an unforgettable dog destination. Many farms, cottages, and tea rooms cater warmly to dogs and their owners.
8. Norfolk Broads
Explore riverside paths, wetlands, and dog-friendly boats on the Norfolk Broads. Peaceful scenery and slow-paced touring make it great for relaxed dog holidays.
9. Isle of Wight
This island is full of dog-friendly beaches, coastal trails, and welcoming cafés. The scenery ranges from dramatic cliffs to sandy shores, offering diverse walking experiences.
10. Devon Coast
Devon’s coastline features sandy dog-friendly beaches, cliff paths, and charming seaside towns. Many hotels and restaurants welcome pets, making it ideal for a coastal getaway.
11. Cotswolds
Quaint stone villages, rolling fields, and scenic trails define the Cotswolds. Luxury pet-friendly boutique hotels and pubs make it a comfortable countryside retreat.
12. Brecon Beacons, Wales
Open fields, peaceful trails, and stunning peaks make this a top choice for adventurous dogs. Many cottages and cabins welcome pets.
13. New Forest National Park
With wildlife, ancient woodlands, and miles of easy walking routes, the New Forest is perfect for relaxed dog holidays with plenty of nature.
14. Dorset Jurassic Coast
A UNESCO coastline offering dramatic cliffs and dog-friendly beaches. Fantastic for walkers, photographers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
15. Brighton & Hove
A lively seaside escape filled with dog-friendly cafés, beaches, parks, and independent shops. Ideal for city-meets-seaside holidays.
16. Scottish Borders
These peaceful landscapes offer quiet dog walks, forest trails, and pet-friendly villages ideal for slow-paced retreats.
17. Pembrokeshire Coast
Famous for its scenic coastal paths and sandy beaches, Pembrokeshire welcomes dogs in many cafés and inns. Perfect for long coastal adventures.
18. Stratford-upon-Avon
Known for riverside walks and historic streets, Stratford warmly welcomes dogs in several restaurants, pubs, and parklands.
19. Kent Coast
The Kent Coast offers seaside towns, castles, and countryside footpaths. Many beaches allow dogs, especially outside peak summer.
20. Isle of Skye
A dramatic landscape of mountains, waterfalls, and coastal trails makes Skye perfect for adventurous dogs and nature enthusiasts.
21. Whitby, North Yorkshire
Whitby offers sandy beaches, cliff walks, and dog-friendly pubs. Its charming atmosphere makes it a favourite among pet-loving travellers.
22. Bath & Somerset
Somerset provides countryside trails near historic Bath. Many inns, B&Bs, and rural retreats welcome dogs with open arms.
23. Black Mountains, Wales
Remote walking trails and peaceful scenery make the Black Mountains ideal for dogs who love quiet wilderness escapes.
24. Isle of Mull
Mull is known for its beaches, wildlife watching, and spacious landscapes perfect for dogs. Many accommodations allow pets.
25. Forest of Dean
Woodland paths, wildlife trails, and cosy log cabins create the perfect dog-friendly forest getaway.
26. Sherwood Forest
Historic woodland, Robin Hood-themed trails, and dog-friendly cabins make this a fun and atmospheric holiday choice.
27. Glencoe, Scotland
Glencoe’s dramatic valleys and mountains offer jaw-dropping scenery. Dogs can explore quiet trails and enjoy peaceful nature.
28. Belfast & Northern Ireland Coast
Featuring the Giant’s Causeway, cliff paths, and dog-friendly beaches, Northern Ireland is perfect for scenic coastal breaks.
29. Outer Hebrides
The islands offer vast empty beaches, wildlife, and serenity. A dream for off-lead freedom and peaceful stays.
30. Malvern Hills
Panoramic hill views and easy walking routes make Malvern perfect for relaxed dog adventures with plenty of nature.
31. Cambridge
Walk along the River Cam and explore surrounding villages. Many cafés and parks are dog-friendly.
32. Bristol
Bristol offers urban fun with green parks, harbourside walks, and dog-friendly cafés and pubs.
33. Windsor Great Park
A huge open green space offering long walking routes, lakeside paths, and scenic woodland areas.
34. Salisbury & Wiltshire
Wiltshire’s countryside and historic sites provide a peaceful dog-friendly destination with charming villages and rural inns.
35. Oxfordshire Villages
Cosy pubs, riverside walks, and peaceful trails make Oxfordshire a great countryside holiday spot.
36. Isle of Arran
Arran mixes mountains, beaches, and forests in one compact island. Many accommodations are dog-friendly.
37. Lincolnshire Wolds
Quiet countryside landscapes, walking trails, and pet-friendly cottages make this a calm holiday retreat.
38. South Downs National Park
Rolling green hills and scenic open trails make it one of the South’s best dog-walking destinations.
39. Exmoor National Park
Woodlands, moorlands, and coastal cliffs give Exmoor incredible variety. Dogs will love the open space.
40. Anglesey
Anglesey is packed with dog-friendly beaches, coastal paths, and wildlife spots perfect for explorers.
41. Llandudno
A seaside holiday favourite with promenades, beaches, and dog-friendly dining options.
42. Portsmouth & Southsea
Historic attractions, pebbly beaches, and coastal walks make this a dog-friendly urban escape.
43. Hampshire Countryside
Rural walks, tranquil landscapes, and cosy dog-friendly inns define Hampshire’s countryside.
44. York & Surroundings
York offers riverside walks, parks, and dog-friendly cafés. Its charming atmosphere suits relaxed holidays.
45. St Ives, Cornwall
St Ives has stunning beaches, art galleries, and coastal trails. Many accommodations and cafés welcome dogs.
46. Chester & Cheshire
Chester’s Roman walls, riverside paths, and green spaces make it great for dog-friendly city breaks.
47. Liverpool Coastline
Formby Beach and nearby parks provide excellent dog-walking opportunities. Ideal for coastal urban breaks.
48. Newcastle & Tyneside
A lively city paired with dog-friendly beaches, parks, and coastal trails stretching towards Northumberland.
49. Reading & Thames Valley
The Thames offers scenic riverside paths perfect for dog walks, plus dog-friendly pubs and cafés.
50. Cardiff & South Wales Coast
Cardiff’s parks and the surrounding coastline offer great walking routes and plenty of dog-friendly dining options.
Why the UK Is One of the Best Dog-Friendly Travel Destinations
The UK stands out as a world-class dog-friendly travel location because of its huge variety of landscapes, pet-forward hospitality culture, and extensive rights of way for walkers. With thousands of miles of coastal paths, national parks, rolling countryside, and rural villages, dogs have the freedom to explore both on and off lead.
Hotels, B&Bs, cottages, pubs, cafés, and even tourist attractions increasingly cater to dogs with treats, water bowls, dog menus, enclosed gardens, and pet-friendly rooms. Many beaches offer year-round access, while national parks provide endless opportunities for hiking and outdoor recreation. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both, the UK has something for every dog owner.
Conclusion
With thousands of dog-friendly spaces, the UK is one of the best places to explore with your furry companion. Whether you prefer rugged mountains, sandy beaches, peaceful rivers, or charming market towns, there’s a location on this list for every type of dog and owner. From the dramatic Scottish Highlands to the sunny beaches of Cornwall, these destinations deliver unforgettable adventures, comfortable pet-friendly stays, and stress-free travel experiences.
Your next dog holiday is just a destination away — pack the treats, secure the lead, and enjoy the UK’s most welcoming dog-friendly escapes.