Dog-Friendly Lodges UK: The Complete Guide

There's something magical about staying in a log cabin or lodge with your dog. Waking to birdsong, stepping straight out onto a wooden deck surrounded by forest, and spending lazy evenings by a crackling wood burner while your dog dozes at your feet. Lodge holidays offer a uniquely immersive experience in nature that dogs instinctively love.

I've stayed in lodges across Britain with Charlie, Buster, Ember, Simba, Max and Molly, from remote Highland hideaways to forest cabins in the heart of England. The combination of comfortable, self-contained accommodation with immediate access to woodland walks creates the perfect escape. If you're planning your first dog-friendly holiday in the UK, a lodge break is an excellent place to start. This guide covers the best dog-friendly lodges the UK has to offer, from major providers to hidden gems.

Whether you're seeking a romantic retreat for two (plus dog), a family adventure in the forest, or a luxury escape with hot tub and stunning views, there's a dog-friendly lodge waiting to welcome you.

What Makes a Lodge Dog-Friendly?

The best dog-friendly lodges go beyond simply allowing dogs through the door. They're designed with canine guests in mind, offering features that make life easier for both you and your four-legged companion.

Essential Features

Easy-Clean Flooring Quality dog-friendly lodges have hard flooring throughout, typically laminate or wood-effect vinyl. This makes cleaning up muddy paw prints straightforward and ensures previous guests' dogs haven't left lasting reminders.

Enclosed Outside Space Many lodges feature enclosed decking areas where dogs can safely relax while you enjoy your morning coffee. Some have fully fenced gardens, though this is less common with lodge accommodation.

Direct Access to Walks The best lodge sites offer immediate access to walking trails, woodland paths or open countryside. This is often the main attraction of lodge holidays for dog owners.

Dog-Friendly Extras Look for lodges that provide water bowls, dog treats on arrival, information about local walks, and towels for drying wet dogs. Some even offer dog beds and feeding stations.

Practical Considerations

Ground Floor Access Single-storey lodges or those with ground floor bedrooms suit older dogs or those with mobility issues.

Distance from Reception Consider whether you want a lodge close to site facilities or in a more secluded spot. Dogs who bark may disturb neighbours in closely spaced lodges.

Site Rules Check whether dogs must be kept on leads on site, whether there are designated off-lead areas, and any breed or size restrictions.

Major Lodge Providers

Several major companies offer dog-friendly lodge holidays across multiple UK locations.

Forest Holidays

Forest Holidays operates 13 stunning locations across the UK, all offering dog-friendly cabins nestled within Forestry England and Forestry and Land Scotland woodland. Their commitment to dog owners is exceptional.

Locations:

• Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire
• Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
• Blackwood Forest, Hampshire
• Thorpe Forest, Norfolk
• Cropton, North Yorkshire
• Keldy, North Yorkshire
• Deerpark, Cornwall
• Strathyre, Scotland
• Ardgartan Argyll, Scotland
• Glentress Forest, Scottish Borders
• Beddgelert, Snowdonia

Dog-Friendly Features:

• Approximately half of all cabins are pet-friendly
• £15 per pet, per night
• Up to four pets welcome per cabin
• Enclosed decking on many cabins
• Dog treats available in the Forest Retreat shop
• Sir Woofchester's dog menu (treats, bowls, dog beer)
• Forest Rangers sometimes have their own dogs on site
• Direct access to forest trails from every cabin

Cabin Types: Forest Holidays offers various cabin grades, from cosy Hideaway cabins for couples to spacious Golden Oak cabins sleeping up to ten. Most include private hot tubs, and all dog-friendly options have practical flooring and outdoor space.

Why Dogs Love It: The forest setting is paradise for dogs. Miles of trails, interesting scents, and wildlife to spot (from a respectful distance) make every stay an adventure. The combination of luxury accommodation with genuine wilderness access is hard to beat.

Center Parcs

Center Parcs offers dog-friendly lodges at all five UK villages, though with more restrictions than some alternatives.

Locations:

• Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire
• Elveden Forest, Suffolk
• Longleat Forest, Wiltshire
• Whinfell Forest, Cumbria
• Woburn Forest, Bedfordshire

Dog-Friendly Features:

• Up to two dogs per lodge
• £69 to £99 per stay (depending on number of dogs)
• Dog-friendly lodges have laminate flooring and baths
• Designated dog exercise areas at each village
• Dogs welcome on forest trails (on lead)

Important Restrictions:

• Dogs must be on leads at all times outside lodges
• Dogs not permitted in most restaurants, shops or indoor facilities
• Dog exercise areas are relatively small
• Limited dog-friendly lodges available, book well ahead

Honest Assessment: Center Parcs can work for dog owners, but it's designed primarily for families without pets. The dog exercise areas are small, lead requirements throughout the village can feel restrictive, and dining options are limited. However, the forest walking is good, lodges are comfortable, and it offers activities for children that other lodge sites don't match.

Bluestone National Park Resort

Located in Pembrokeshire, Wales, Bluestone offers dog-friendly lodges in a stunning setting near the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

Dog-Friendly Features:

• Selected lodges welcome dogs
• Charges apply per pet
• Access to resort grounds and surrounding countryside
• Near some of Wales's best dog-friendly beaches

Darwin Escapes

Darwin Escapes operates several lodge parks across the UK with dog-friendly options.

Key Locations:

• Keswick Reach, Lake District
• Thanet Well, Lake District
• Hawkchurch Resort, Devon

Features:

• Many lodges include hot tubs
• Good locations near walking areas
• Varying policies by site, check before booking

Independent and Boutique Lodges

Beyond the major providers, hundreds of independent lodge sites offer dog-friendly accommodation, often with more character, flexibility and personal service than larger operators.

Outstanding Independent Options

The Sherwood Hideaway, Nottinghamshire Traditional lodges with hot tubs in woodland near Sherwood Forest. Pet-friendly lodges finished to the same standard as regular accommodation, with hard flooring and practical features. £40 per dog per week with maximum two dogs. Extensive walking from the doorstep through woodland trails and country parks. Note that they don't accept certain restricted breeds.

Flowery Dell Lodges, Yorkshire Dales Scandinavian-style pine lodges near Richmond in the Yorkshire Dales. Small, family-run site in a peaceful valley with direct access to Hudswell Woods, a National Trust property that's absolute heaven for dogs. South-facing enclosed balconies perfect for summer evenings, abundant wildlife including deer and foxes, and the River Swale nearby for swimming. Genuinely dog-focused, with detailed local pub and walk recommendations.

Windmill Lodges, Suffolk Pet-friendly log cabins surrounded by open countryside with coast, forest and heathland nearby. Wagtail and Woodpecker lodges have fully enclosed and gated deck areas for added security. £25 per dog with £100 security deposit. Direct access to footpath network leading to Framlingham and the windmill. Near dog-friendly beaches at Dunwich and Walberswick (year-round) and seasonal access at Aldeburgh and Southwold.

The Rowley Estates, Cumbria Award-winning luxury dog-friendly cabins and shepherds huts in the Eden Valley near the Lake District. Chosen as one of PetsPyjamas' top dog-friendly stays. Stunning fell views, access to Eden Valley walking and easy reach of Lake District highlights. Range from intimate retreats to larger properties for groups.

Loch Lomond Waterfront Lodges, Scotland Pet-friendly lodges with hot tubs overlooking Scotland's most famous loch. Walking trails through ancient woodland and along the loch shore. Perfect base for exploring both Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park and the wider Highlands.

Quantock Lodges, Somerset Seven luxurious eco lodges at the foot of the Quantock Hills, England's first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Sleeping two to ten guests with dog-friendly options. Access to wonderful walking across the hills and nearby Exmoor.

Delamere Forest Lodges, Cheshire Woodland lodges sleeping up to ten with hot tubs in the heart of Delamere Forest. Pet-friendly options available. Excellent walking through the forest and easy access to Chester and North Wales.

Kitty's View Country Lodges, Cumbria Hot tub lodges on a working farm with stunning views. Dog-friendly throughout with genuine countryside character. Ideal base for Lake District exploration.

What to Look For

When booking independent lodges, check:

• Clear pet policy (charges, number allowed, restrictions)
• Recent reviews mentioning dogs
• Photos showing flooring type and outdoor space
• Information about nearby walks
• Whether dogs can be left alone in the lodge
• Cleaning charges or deposits required

Best Regions for Dog-Friendly Lodges

Lake District

Few places match the Lake District for lodge holidays with dogs. Our complete guide to the dog-friendly Lake District covers everything from walks to pubs, but for lodges specifically, you'll find exceptional options with fell walking from the doorstep. The combination of England's highest mountains, stunning lakes and charming villages creates an irresistible destination for dog owners.

Top Options:

• Forest Holidays Keldy (North Yorkshire edge, near Cropton Forest)
• Darwin Escapes Keswick Reach (near Bassenthwaite Lake)
• Darwin Escapes Thanet Well (near Ullswater)
• Lake District Lodge Holidays (various locations)
• Numerous independent sites around Windermere and Keswick

Why Dogs Love It: Endless walking possibilities from gentle lakeside strolls to challenging fell climbs. Lakes and tarns provide swimming opportunities, dog-friendly pubs welcome weary walkers, and the dramatic scenery changes with every season. The only challenge is choosing which adventure to tackle each day.

Best Walks Nearby: Catbells, Loughrigg Fell, Tarn Hows circular, and countless lakeside paths offer variety for every fitness level. Many routes start directly from lodge sites.

Scotland

For wilderness experiences unmatched elsewhere in the UK, head north. Scottish lodges combine ancient forests, dramatic lochs and mountain scenery for genuinely wild holidays. Read our full dog-friendly Scotland guide for comprehensive coverage of the best destinations, walks and accommodation across the Highlands, Islands and Lowlands.

Top Options:

• Forest Holidays Strathyre (Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park)
• Forest Holidays Ardgartan Argyll (shores of Loch Long)
• Forest Holidays Glentress (Scottish Borders, mountain biking capital)
• Loch Ness Lodges (near Inverness)
• Loch Lomond Waterfront Lodges
• Castlewigg Lodges, Newton Stewart
• Numerous Highland hideaways across the Highlands and Islands

Why Dogs Love It: Scotland's right to roam means unparalleled access to wild places. Dogs can explore forest, loch shore, mountain and coast, all within reach of most lodge locations. The quieter human population means more space and less stress for nervous dogs.

Best Walks Nearby: Ben Lomond, Glen Coe, the West Highland Way, and countless forest trails. Beaches on the west coast offer year-round freedom.

Yorkshire

Yorkshire combines moors, dales and coast with excellent lodge accommodation, making it one of England's most versatile dog-friendly destinations. The variety of landscapes within a relatively compact area makes it ideal for varied daily adventures. Our dog-friendly Yorkshire guide covers the best walks, beaches and places to stay across God's Own Country.

Top Options:

• Forest Holidays Cropton (edge of North York Moors)
• Flowery Dell Lodges (Yorkshire Dales near Richmond)
• Robin Hood's Bay area lodges (coastal)
• Numerous sites throughout the Dales and Moors

Why Dogs Love It: The North York Moors offer heather-clad expanses with relatively few restrictions. The Yorkshire Dales provide riverside walks and limestone scenery. The coast offers beaches at Robin Hood's Bay, Whitby and beyond. Traditional dog-friendly pubs serve excellent food throughout the region.

Wales

Welsh lodges offer mountains, beaches and forests, often all within easy reach of each other. The dramatic landscapes and quieter feel compared to English destinations make Wales increasingly popular with dog owners seeking space and adventure. For comprehensive coverage including the best beaches and walks, see our dog-friendly Wales guide.

Top Options:

• Forest Holidays Beddgelert (heart of Snowdonia National Park)
• Bluestone National Park Resort (Pembrokeshire)
• Numerous sites throughout Snowdonia, mid-Wales and Pembrokeshire
• Log cabin sites in the Brecon Beacons

Why Dogs Love It: Snowdonia's mountains provide challenging walks with stunning rewards. Pembrokeshire's beaches offer year-round dog access on many stretches. The vast Cambrian Mountains in mid-Wales see few tourists and offer genuine wilderness. The Welsh welcome extends warmly to dogs, with most pubs and cafes happy to see four-legged visitors.

Best Walks Nearby: The Snowdon ranger paths (dogs allowed on most routes), Pembrokeshire Coast Path sections, and the Brecon Beacons ridgewalks offer world-class hiking.

Southwest England

The Southwest offers coastal lodges with beach access and moorland adventures nearby. Both Cornwall and Devon welcome dogs warmly, with year-round beaches, traditional pubs and stunning coastal paths. Our dedicated guides cover the best of each county in detail.

Top Options:

• Forest Holidays Deerpark (near Liskeard, Cornwall)
• Darwin Escapes Hawkchurch (Devon countryside)
• Numerous coastal sites in North Cornwall and North Devon
• Dartmoor and Exmoor edge lodges

Why Dogs Love It: Year-round dog-friendly beaches dot both coastlines. Dartmoor and Exmoor provide open moorland walking where dogs can run freely. The South West Coast Path offers 630 miles of coastal walking. Milder weather extends the outdoor season well into autumn and starts early in spring.

Best Walks Nearby: Bodmin Moor, Dartmoor tors, Exmoor valleys, and countless coastal sections. Many beaches remain dog-friendly even in summer.

Central England and Peak District

Forest lodges in the heart of England offer easy access from anywhere in the country, making them perfect for shorter breaks. The Peak District sits within easy reach of several excellent lodge sites, combining dramatic landscapes with convenient access from northern cities.

Top Options:

• Forest Holidays Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire
• Forest Holidays Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
• Forest Holidays Blackwood Forest, Hampshire
• The Sherwood Hideaway, Nottinghamshire
• Forest of Dean independent lodges
• Peak District edge lodges near Bakewell and Buxton

Why Dogs Love It: Ancient woodland full of interesting scents and wildlife. Easy access from major cities means less travel time and more exploring time. Good facilities on site with walking trails directly from cabin doors. The Forest of Dean and Sherwood Forest both offer extensive waymarked trails suitable for all abilities. The Peak District adds dramatic moorland and limestone dales within easy driving distance.

Best Walks Nearby: Sherwood Forest trails including the Major Oak, Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail, New Forest walks from Blackwood Forest location, and Peak District highlights like Dovedale and Mam Tor.

Norfolk and Suffolk

East Anglia offers a different lodge experience with forests, heathland and coast. For comprehensive coverage of the region, see our dog-friendly Norfolk guide.

Top Options:

• Forest Holidays Thorpe Forest, Norfolk
• Windmill Lodges, Suffolk
• Various Broads-adjacent sites

Why Dogs Love It: Year-round dog-friendly beaches at Holkham, Wells and along the Suffolk coast. The Norfolk Broads offer waterside walks. Thetford Forest provides extensive woodland exploration. Quieter than western destinations, with wide open skies and excellent birdwatching.

Lodges with Hot Tubs

Combining a dog-friendly lodge with a private hot tub creates the ultimate relaxing break. After a long walk through forest or over fells, soak tired muscles in steaming water while your dog dozes contentedly on the deck beside you. It's become one of the most requested features for dog-friendly accommodation.

Best Options

Forest Holidays Most cabin grades include private hot tubs as standard. Golden Oak cabins offer the most luxurious experience with larger tubs, premium outdoor furniture and often superior positioning within the forest. Even their Silver Birch cabins include excellent hot tub facilities. The combination of hot tub, forest setting and dog-friendly policy is hard to beat.

Canopy and Stars A curated collection of unique dog-friendly cabins with hot tubs, hand-picked for character and quality. Options range from woodland hideaways to coastal retreats, with an emphasis on sustainability and individual design. Each property is personally inspected. Expect to find one-of-a-kind stays rather than standardised accommodation.

Boutique Luxury Retreats Hand-picked luxury dog-friendly lodges with hot tubs across the UK, from the Forest of Dean to the Scottish Highlands and Cotswolds countryside. Focus on exceptional quality and unique properties.

Lodges With Hot Tubs Specialist booking site focusing specifically on hot tub accommodation. Good filtering options to find dog-friendly properties with hot tubs in specific regions. Wide range from budget to luxury.

Sykes Holiday Cottages Large portfolio including many dog-friendly lodges with hot tubs. Good search functionality and regular special offers. Properties throughout the UK.

Hot Tub Tips with Dogs

• Never let dogs in the hot tub as the chemicals are harmful to them
• Ensure decking is enclosed if your dog might be tempted to jump in
• Supervise dogs around hot tubs at all times, especially curious puppies
• Some lodges provide covers to use when dogs are on deck
• Hot water from the tub can make decking slippery, take care
• Keep the area around the hot tub clear of dog toys to prevent tripping
• Consider timing: use the tub when your dog is tired and content to rest nearby

Why Hot Tubs Work So Well

The rhythm of a lodge holiday with a hot tub suits dogs perfectly. Morning walk through the forest, afternoon relaxation (dogs sleep while you soak), evening stroll, then cosy time by the log burner. The hot tub adds a luxury element without requiring you to leave your dog or interrupt the natural flow of your break together.

Price Guide

Lodge prices vary significantly based on location, season, size and facilities.

Budget Lodges (£300 to £600 per week)

Basic but comfortable lodges, often older or in less sought-after locations. May lack hot tubs. Good value for short breaks.

Examples:

• Off-peak midweek breaks at independent sites
• Older lodges at holiday parks
• Basic cabins without hot tubs

Mid-Range Lodges (£600 to £1,200 per week)

Quality accommodation with good facilities, often including hot tubs. Most Forest Holidays Silver Birch cabins fall in this range.

Examples:

• Forest Holidays Silver Birch cabins
• Quality independent lodges with hot tubs
• Peak season at mid-range sites

Luxury Lodges (£1,200 to £2,500+ per week)

Premium accommodation with exceptional facilities, locations and service. Golden Oak cabins, boutique retreats and exclusive hideaways.

Examples:

• Forest Holidays Golden Oak cabins
• Luxury independent lodges
• Exclusive use properties
• Peak season at premium locations

Pet Charges

Additional charges for dogs vary widely:

• Forest Holidays: £15 per pet, per night
• Center Parcs: £69 to £99 per stay
• Independent sites: £20 to £50 per dog per week typical
• Some sites charge nothing extra for dogs

Booking Tips

Book Early

Dog-friendly lodges are in high demand. For school holidays and peak periods, book as far ahead as possible. Forest Holidays releases dates around 18 months in advance.

Check the Details

Before booking, confirm:

• Exact pet charges
• Maximum number of dogs allowed
• Any breed or size restrictions
• Whether dogs can be left alone
• Lead requirements on site
• Nearby walking options

Consider the Season

Spring and Autumn Often the best times for lodge breaks with dogs. Quieter sites, pleasant walking weather, and mid-range prices.

Summer Peak prices and busiest sites. Hot weather can limit walking and make hot tub use less appealing.

Winter Atmospheric but check heating arrangements. Shorter days limit walking time. Off-peak prices.

Read Reviews

Look for recent reviews specifically mentioning dogs. Check comments about:

• Cleanliness (dog hair from previous guests)
• Quality of nearby walks
• Whether site feels genuinely dog-friendly
• Any issues with noise or neighbours

What to Pack

Essentials

• Dog bed or blanket (lodges may provide, but familiar bedding helps dogs settle)
• Food and water bowls
• Enough food for your stay
• Lead and collar with ID tag
• Waste bags
• Towels for drying wet dogs
• First aid kit

Useful Extras

• Waterproof dog coat
• Boot liner or car seat cover
• Portable water bottle for walks
• Treats
• Favourite toy
• Lint roller for furniture

FAQs

Book Your Stay

Ready to find the perfect dog-friendly lodge for your next adventure? We've partnered with trusted booking platforms to help you find availability across the UK's best lodge sites.

Book Your Dog-Friendly Lodge

Our booking page brings together lodges from Forest Holidays, independent sites and boutique retreats, all verified as genuinely dog-friendly. Filter by region, number of dogs, hot tub availability and more to find your ideal cabin in the woods.

Final Thoughts

Lodge holidays represent the perfect format for dog-friendly breaks. The combination of comfortable, self-contained accommodation with immediate access to nature creates an experience dogs instinctively love. Whether you choose a major provider like Forest Holidays or discover an independent gem, the magic of waking in a woodland cabin with your dog is hard to beat.

Charlie, Buster, Ember, Simba, Max and Molly have shared countless lodge breaks with us, from misty Scottish mornings to balmy Cornish evenings. The simple pleasures of forest walks, log burner evenings and deck-side relaxation never diminish. Each stay creates memories we treasure.

Choose your location, pack the essentials, and let the forest welcome you both.

Here's to many more lodge adventures together.

Charlie, Buster, Ember, Simba, Max, Molly and Luke

Continue Planning Your Trip

If lodges aren't quite what you're looking for, we have guides covering every type of dog-friendly accommodation. For something more traditional, our dog-friendly cottages guide covers the best self-catering properties across the UK. Prefer something more unusual? Our glamping guide features safari tents, yurts and shepherds huts that welcome dogs.

For accommodation with character and a good meal included, explore our guide to dog-friendly pubs with rooms. And if you prefer the flexibility of a hotel, our dog-friendly hotels guide covers chains and independents across the country.

Planning walks during your stay? Our dog-friendly walks guide covers the best routes across Britain, while our dog-friendly beaches guide helps you find year-round coastal access. For days out, our dog-friendly attractions guide covers everything from steam railways to stately homes.

And when you need somewhere to eat, our dog-friendly restaurants and cafes guide ensures you'll always find a warm welcome.

Regional Guides: Explore our in-depth destination guides for the Lake District, Scotland, Yorkshire, Wales, Cornwall, Devon, Peak District, Norfolk and the Cotswolds.

Lodge policies and prices change regularly. Always verify current pet policies, charges and availability directly with providers before booking. This guide is based on research and personal experience but should not replace checking with individual sites.