Dog-Friendly Glamping UK: The Complete Guide

Glamping changed how we think about outdoor holidays. No more compromising between comfort and nature. No more choosing between adventure and warmth. And crucially for dog owners, no more leaving your four-legged companion behind. Dog-friendly glamping combines the best of outdoor living with the welcome our dogs deserve.

This guide covers everything about glamping with your dog in the UK. From cosy shepherd's huts to spacious safari tents, from woodland pods to beachside bell tents, I'll help you find the perfect glamping experience for you and your dog.

Why Glamping with Your Dog

Glamping suits dogs in ways that traditional accommodation often doesn't. Understanding why helps you appreciate what makes these stays special.

Outdoor access starts at your door. Step out of your shepherd's hut onto grass, with walks beginning immediately. No corridors, no lifts, no waiting for the right moment. Your dog's needs integrate naturally into the day.

Space and freedom exceed what hotels provide. Private decking, gardens, or meadows give dogs room to move without venturing far. Many glamping sites sit on working farms or in woodland where exploration feels natural.

The lifestyle fits dogs. Early morning strolls. Lazy afternoons on decking. Evening meals cooked outside. The rhythm of glamping matches what dogs want from holidays.

Hosts understand dogs. Glamping site owners often have dogs themselves. They've designed spaces with four-legged guests in mind. The welcome tends to be genuine rather than grudging.

Locations prioritise nature. Glamping sites cluster in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, national parks, and countryside. The places that work for glamping also work brilliantly for dogs.

Types of Dog-Friendly Glamping

Shepherd's Huts

The quintessential British glamping experience. Traditional shepherd's huts have been reimagined with wood burners, proper beds, and often en-suite bathrooms. The compact design suits couples perfectly.

Why dogs love them:

• Ground-level access (no stairs)
• Typically include private outdoor space
• Rural locations with immediate walk access
• Cosy interiors where dogs can settle

What to expect:

• Double bed (sometimes with clever storage)
• Wood burner or efficient heating
• Small kitchen area
• Shower room in better examples
• Private decking with seating
• Hot tubs at premium properties

Best for: Romantic breaks for couples with one dog.

Safari Tents

Spacious canvas structures inspired by African safari camps. Safari tents provide multiple bedrooms, proper kitchens, and living areas. They suit families and groups.

Why dogs love them:

• Space to move inside
• Often include verandas
• Canvas sides mean dogs hear everything (they love this)
• Typically set in meadows or woodland

What to expect:

• Multiple bedrooms (2-4 typically)
• Full kitchen facilities
• Living/dining area
• Veranda with outdoor furniture
• Some include hot tubs
• Often wood burner heated

Best for: Families or groups with dogs.

Glamping Pods

Modern pods range from basic camping alternatives to luxury accommodation. The best include en-suite facilities, kitchens, and private hot tubs.

Why dogs love them:

• Secure, enclosed spaces
• Ground-level throughout
• Often clustered in dog-friendly sites
• Usually include outdoor space

What to expect:

• Varies enormously by type
• Basic pods: beds and electric points
• Luxury pods: full en-suite, kitchen, heating
• Premium pods: hot tubs, decking, views

Best for: Variable depending on pod specification.

Yurts

Traditional Mongolian structures adapted for British glamping. Yurts provide circular living spaces with central heating and often surprising luxury.

Why dogs love them:

• Open floor plans
• Canvas construction (interesting smells)
• Rural settings
• Usually include outdoor fire pits

What to expect:

• Circular living space
• Central wood burner
• Proper beds
• Kitchen facilities vary
• Bathrooms typically separate
• Fire pit often included

Best for: Those seeking authentic outdoor experience with comfort.

Bell Tents

Simpler canvas structures popular for summer glamping. Bell tents provide the camping experience with more comfort than traditional tents.

Why dogs love them:

• Ground-level sleeping
• Canvas sides (interesting)
• Usually set in meadows
• Outdoor-focused stays

What to expect:

• Central pole structure
• Beds or mattresses on floor
• Basic furnishings
• Shared or separate facilities
• Typically summer only

Best for: Summer glamping on a budget.

Treehouses

Elevated structures offering unique experiences. Dog suitability varies significantly by design.

Why some dogs struggle:

• Stairs or ladders required
• Heights may concern some dogs
• Narrow walkways
• Limited outdoor access

When they work:

• Ground-floor outdoor areas included
• Gentle ramps rather than steep stairs
• Confident, agile dogs
• Dogs comfortable with heights

Best for: Adventurous dogs with confident owners.

Cabins and Lodges

Permanent structures providing hotel-quality accommodation in rural settings. The line between glamping and self-catering blurs here.

Why dogs love them:

• Proper insulation (year-round comfort)
• Often include enclosed gardens
• Full facilities inside
• Premium locations

What to expect:

• Full kitchen and bathroom
• Central heating
• Multiple bedrooms possible
• Private outdoor space
• Hot tubs commonly available

Best for: Those wanting glamping location with cottage comfort.

Finding Dog-Friendly Glamping

Specialist Platforms

Several platforms specialise in dog-friendly glamping:

Canopy & Stars - Curated collection of unique properties with strong dog-friendly filtering.

Glamping Hub - Wide selection with pet-friendly search options.

Pitchup - Covers glamping alongside camping, good filtering tools.

Cool Camping - Editorial-led selection including dog-friendly options.

What to Check When Booking

Dog policy specifics:

• Number of dogs allowed
• Size or breed restrictions
• Charges per dog per night
• Whether dogs can be left alone

Accommodation suitability:

• Ground-level access or stairs
• Outdoor space provided
• Fencing or containment
• Interior flooring type

Location benefits:

• Walks from the door
• Nearest dog-friendly beaches
• Local pubs welcoming dogs
• Livestock on site (may require leads)

Questions to Ask

Before booking, clarify:

• "Is the outdoor space fully enclosed?"
• "Can dogs go on furniture/beds?"
• "Are there other dogs on site?"
• "Where are the nearest walks?"
• "Is there livestock to consider?"
• "Can dogs be left alone briefly?"

Best Regions for Dog-Friendly Glamping

Cornwall

Cornwall's glamping scene has exploded, with dog-friendly options throughout:

• Safari tents near beaches
• Shepherd's huts in farmland
• Pods with hot tubs
• Yurts in woodland

Highlights: Beach access, coastal walks, cream tea stops.

Lake District

The Lake District suits glamping perfectly:

• Mountain views from every accommodation type
• Immediate fell walking access
• Cosy retreats after wet days
• Year-round appeal

Highlights: Fell walking, lake swimming, cosy pubs.

Wales

Wales offers excellent value and stunning locations:

• Snowdonia mountain settings
• Pembrokeshire coastal glamping
• Brecon Beacons wilderness
• Generally lower prices than England

Highlights: Mountains, beaches, castles, quieter than English equivalents.

Scotland

Scotland's glamping often comes with wilderness:

• Highland lodges and pods
• Loch-side shepherd's huts
• Island glamping
• Right to Roam enhancing walks

Highlights: Dramatic scenery, space, genuine wilderness.

Yorkshire

Yorkshire combines accessibility with countryside:

• Dales glamping with valley views
• Moors settings for wild walking
• Coast options near beaches
• Good pub infrastructure

Highlights: Walking variety, traditional pubs, value.

Cotswolds

The Cotswolds offer gentle countryside glamping:

• Safari tents in meadows
• Shepherd's huts on farms
• Village access
• Excellent pubs nearby

Highlights: Pretty villages, gentle walks, foodie scene.

Glamping with Dogs: Practical Tips

Packing for Glamping

Beyond standard dog travel items:

• Towels: Multiple, for wet walks and muddy paws
• Blanket or throw: Protect glamping furniture
• Torch: Evening toilet trips
• Long line: For secure outdoor time
• Portable water bowl: For walks
• Treats: Settling into new environments
• Familiar bedding: Helps dogs relax

Managing Different Accommodation Types

Canvas structures (yurts, bell tents, safari tents):

• Dogs may react to external sounds more
• Peg guy ropes securely (dogs trip on them)
• Consider groundsheet cleanliness
• Canvas holds smells (positive and negative)

Shepherd's huts:

• Steps may challenge some dogs
• Space is limited for large dogs
• Wood burners need management around dogs
• Decking gets slippery when wet

Pods:

• Check step access
• Confirm internal space for your dog's size
• Outdoor space varies significantly
• Hot tub safety if dogs are curious

Hot Tub Safety with Dogs

Many glamping properties include hot tubs. Consider:

• Dogs shouldn't enter hot tubs (chemical/heat risks)
• Curious dogs may fall in
• Covers should be used when unattended
• Some dogs find bubbling water alarming
• Train dogs to stay back if necessary

Evening Routine

Glamping evenings require consideration:

• Toilet trip before settling for night
• Secure dogs if using fire pits
• Check surrounding area is safe in darkness
• Provide familiar bedding for settling
• Consider where dog will sleep

Weather Considerations

Glamping exposes you (and dogs) to weather more than buildings:

• Rain: Wet dogs in small spaces challenging
• Heat: Canvas structures get hot; ensure shade access
• Cold: Check heating adequate for your dog
• Wind: Canvas can be noisy; may disturb nervous dogs

Dog-Friendly Glamping with Hot Tubs

Hot tubs have become almost expected in premium glamping. Dog owners need to balance enjoyment with safety.

Best Hot Tub Glamping for Dogs

Properties combining hot tubs with:

• Secure, enclosed outdoor areas
• Space for dogs away from tub
• Good drainage (wet dogs, wet owners)
• Views from the tub

Safety Measures

• Use covers whenever tub unattended
• Train dogs to stay away from tub edge
• Rinse dogs if they do get in (chemicals)
• Don't leave dogs alone with accessible tub
• Consider nervous dogs who may dislike bubbling sounds

Budget Glamping with Dogs

Dog-friendly glamping needn't break the bank:

Ways to Save

• Book off-peak: Prices drop dramatically outside school holidays
• Choose bell tents: Simpler canvas structures cost less
• Try pods: Basic pods offer affordable entry
• Look north: Wales, Yorkshire, Scotland often cheaper than Cornwall
• Midweek stays: Many sites discount Monday-Thursday
• Last-minute deals: Empty glamping accommodation gets discounted

Budget-Friendly Options

• Basic camping pods with dogs
• Bell tents on farm campsites
• Simple shepherd's huts without hot tubs
• Yurts with shared facilities

Luxury Dog-Friendly Glamping

For special occasions or treating yourselves:

Features to Look For

• Private hot tub
• Wood-fired heating
• Luxury bedding
• Fully equipped kitchen
• Enclosed private garden
• Spectacular views
• Concierge services

Premium Operators

• Canopy & Stars: Curated luxury collection
• Lovat Parks: Premium safari tents and huts
• Quality Unearthed: High-end unusual stays

Glamping vs Other Accommodation

Glamping vs Cottages

Glamping vs Camping

Glamping vs Hotels

Frequently Asked Questions

Are dogs allowed in all glamping accommodation?

No. Always check before booking. Many glamping sites welcome dogs, but policies vary by property.

Can I take multiple dogs glamping?

Depends on the property. Many allow two dogs. Larger accommodations may accept more. Check when booking.

Do dogs need to be on leads at glamping sites?

Usually yes in communal areas. Private outdoor space at your accommodation typically allows off-lead time.

Can dogs sleep on glamping beds?

Policies vary. Some allow it, others request dogs sleep on floors. Bring bedding regardless.

Is glamping suitable for large dogs? Shepherd's huts may feel cramped. Safari tents, lodges, and larger pods suit big dogs better.

What if my dog damages glamping furniture?

You'll typically be liable. Bring throws to protect furniture. Consider whether your dog has destructive tendencies.

Are glamping sites near good walks?

Usually yes, that's partly the point. Check specific locations before booking.

Can I leave my dog alone in glamping accommodation?

Policies vary. Many allow brief periods. Canvas structures make noise issues more likely.

Is glamping suitable for anxious dogs?

Depends on the dog. New environments challenge some. Familiar bedding and calm owners help. Canvas noises may disturb nervous dogs.

What's the best type of glamping for dogs?

Shepherd's huts suit most dogs well: ground-level, cosy, typically with good outdoor space. Safari tents work for families.

Start Your Glamping Adventure

Dog-friendly glamping combines outdoor adventure with genuine comfort. The variety of accommodation types means something suits every dog and owner. From budget bell tents to luxury lodges with hot tubs, the options have never been better.

The locations prioritise nature, placing you in the landscapes dogs love most. Walking starts at your door. The lifestyle matches what dogs want from holidays.

For other accommodation options, explore our guides to dog-friendly cottages, holiday parks, and camping. Each offers different experiences, but glamping's combination of comfort and outdoor connection makes it ideal for dog owners seeking something special.

Find your perfect glamping spot. Pack the dog bed and treats. Then step out onto that decking, breathe the fresh air, and enjoy a holiday where your dog is as welcome as you are.

Luke explores the UK with Charlie (German Shepherd), Buster and Ember (Golden Retrievers), Simba and Max (Labradors), and Molly (French Bulldog). This six-dog pack has tested beaches, trails, pubs, and cottages throughout Britain, providing the genuine experience behind every guide on this site.