Dog-Friendly Holidays on a Budget

Dog holidays don't have to be expensive. The UK offers countless affordable options for adventurous dog owners, from budget-friendly camping to off-peak cottage deals. With smart planning, you can enjoy memorable breaks without straining your finances.

This guide covers everything you need to know about affordable dog-friendly holidays.

Why Budget Holidays Work

The Reality

What Dogs Care About:

• Being with you
• New places to explore
• Walks and adventures
• Routine and comfort

What Dogs Don't Care About:

• How much accommodation cost
• Whether it's luxury or basic
• Instagram-worthy settings
• Expensive activities

The Opportunity

Budget-Friendly Advantages:

• More frequent holidays possible
• Longer trips affordable
• Less financial stress
• Focus on experiences over luxury

Budget Accommodation Options

Camping

Most Affordable Option:

Costs:

• Pitch fees: £15-30 per night typically
• Dog fees: Often free or £2-5

Why It Works:

• Cheapest accommodation
• Dogs love outdoor life
• Great for active holidays
• Flexibility and freedom

What You Need:

• Tent and sleeping gear
• Camping equipment
• Willingness to embrace outdoors

See our Camping guide.

Holiday Parks (Off-Peak)

Budget-Friendly Option:

Savings:

• Off-peak prices significantly lower
• Midweek cheaper than weekends
• Last-minute deals available
• Own-brand parks cheaper than premium

What You Get:

• Self-catering accommodation
• On-site facilities
• Often enclosed gardens
• Entertainment available

Basic Cottages

Self-Catering Savings:

Budget Tips:

• Smaller properties cheaper
• Less popular areas better value
• Older/simpler cottages affordable
• Further from tourist hotspots

What Matters:

• Enclosed garden (essential)
• Walking access
• Basic facilities sufficient

Hostels

Some Accept Dogs:

• YHA hostels (some dog-friendly)
• Independent hostels (varies)
• Check specific policies

House Sitting

Free Accommodation:

• Websites connect owners and sitters
• Often includes pet care responsibilities
• Destination flexibility limited
• Plan ahead required

Affordable Destinations

Best Value Regions

Welsh Countryside:

• Excellent value accommodation
• Outstanding walking
• Quieter than England
• Less tourist premium

Northern England:

• Yorkshire great value
• Northumberland affordable
• Peak District competitive
• Lancashire coast budget-friendly

Scottish Borders:

• Often overlooked
• Beautiful countryside
• Good value throughout
• Quiet and peaceful

Lincolnshire Coast:

• Affordable seaside
• Good beaches
• Less fashionable = cheaper
• Traditional resorts

East Anglia Interior:

• Suffolk/Norfolk countryside
• Cheaper than coast
• Pretty villages
• Good walking

Avoiding Premium Prices

More Expensive:

• Lake District
• Cornwall (peak season)
• Cotswolds
• Popular coastal resorts

Budget Alternative Approach:

• Visit in off-peak season
• Stay on edges of popular areas
• Choose less fashionable villages
• Accept simpler accommodation

Timing for Savings

Off-Peak Travel

Cheapest Times:

• January (except New Year)
• February (except half term)
• November
• Weekdays throughout year

Shoulder Season:

• Early May
• Late September
• Early October
• Good weather possible, lower prices

Avoiding Peak Premiums

Most Expensive:

• School summer holidays
• Easter week
• Christmas/New Year
• Bank holiday weekends
• Half terms

Price Difference: Peak can be 2-3 times more expensive than off-peak.

Last-Minute Deals

Finding Bargains:

• Cancellations create deals
• Flexibility required on destination
• Check cottage websites regularly
• Midweek gaps often reduced

Risks:

• Dog-friendly options book first
• Less choice
• May not get preferred destination

Free and Cheap Activities

Free Dog Activities

Walking: All the best dog activities are free:

• Beach walks
• Countryside footpaths
• Mountain hiking
• Forest trails
• Coastal paths

Swimming:

• Lakes and rivers
• Beaches
• Natural water (free)

Exploring:

• Village wandering
• Town exploring
• Market visiting
• People watching

Low-Cost Activities

Cheap Dog-Friendly Options:

• National Trust car parks (membership pays back)
• Forestry England sites (parking fee only)
• Country parks (often free or low parking)
• Public parks and commons

National Trust/English Heritage

Membership Value:

• Annual fee covers year of visits
• Parking included at NT sites
• Gardens and grounds dog-friendly
• Pays back quickly with regular use

Saving on Food

Self-Catering

Biggest Savings:

Cooking In:

• Shopping at local supermarkets
• Preparing own meals
• Picnic lunches on walks
• BBQs at accommodation

Savings: Eating out costs 3-5 times more than cooking.

Smart Eating Out

Budget Pub Meals:

• Lunch often cheaper than dinner
• Smaller portions available
• Sharing dishes
• Drink water

Fish and Chips: Traditional, affordable, dog-friendly areas to eat.

Picnics: Buy supplies, eat outdoors with views.

Dog Food

Bring Your Own:

• Buy before trip (often cheaper)
• Don't buy tourist-area pet food
• Bring treats from home
• Avoid running out and panic buying

Transport Savings

Car Travel

Fuel Efficiency:

• Plan efficient routes
• Combine destinations
• Avoid unnecessary driving
• Local walks reduce driving

Avoiding Costs

Free Parking:

• On-street parking (where permitted)
• Free car parks (research ahead)
• Avoid pay-and-display where possible

Train Offers:

• Advance booking cheaper
• Dogs travel free
• Railcards save money
• Off-peak cheaper

Budget Planning

Setting a Budget

Categories:

• Accommodation (biggest cost usually)
• Travel/fuel
• Food
• Activities
• Dog supplies
• Emergency fund

Tracking Spending

On Holiday:

• Daily budget
• Track against plan
• Adjust as needed
• Avoid overspending early

Prioritising

What Matters Most:

• Decide priorities
• Spend on what matters
• Save on what doesn't
• Quality experiences over luxury accommodation

Money-Saving Tips

Accommodation

1. Book off-peak
2. Choose less popular areas
3. Accept simpler accommodation
4. Book direct (sometimes cheaper)
5. Look for last-minute deals
6. Consider camping
7. Stay longer (weekly rates often better value)
8. Travel midweek

Activities

1. Focus on free activities (walking!)
2. Research free attractions
3. Check dog-friendly policies before paying entry
4. Pack picnics
5. Bring entertainment (balls, toys)
6. Explore rather than pay for activities

Food

1. Self-cater as much as possible
2. Shop at budget supermarkets
3. Bring staples from home
4. Lunch out, cook dinner (or vice versa)
5. Look for early-bird offers
6. Drink tap water

General

1. Travel with others (share costs)
2. Bring everything you need (avoid buying on holiday)
3. Research free parking
4. Use membership cards
5. Look for deals and offers
6. Be flexible on destination

Budget Holiday Ideas

Camping Weekend

Cost Breakdown:

• Campsite: £20-30 per night
• Food: £30-40 for weekend
• Fuel: Variable
• Activities: Free (walking)
• Total: £80-100 for weekend

Off-Peak Cottage Week

Cost Breakdown:

• Basic cottage: £300-400 per week
• Food (self-catering): £80-100
• Fuel: Variable
• Activities: Mostly free
• Total: £400-500 for week

Day Trips

Cheapest Option:

• No accommodation cost
• Fuel only
• Pack picnic
• Free activities
• Total: £20-40 per day

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the cheapest dog-friendly accommodation?

Camping is cheapest. Basic holiday parks and simple cottages also affordable, especially off-peak.

When are the cheapest times to travel?

January, February (not half term), November. Weekdays cheaper than weekends throughout year.

Are there free dog-friendly activities?

Most are free! Walking, beaches, swimming in natural water, exploring towns and villages.

How can I save on food?

Self-cater. Cook your own meals. Pack picnics. Shop at budget supermarkets.

Is it worth joining National Trust for one holiday?

If visiting multiple NT properties, membership can pay back quickly. Gardens and grounds dog-friendly.

Can budget holidays still be good holidays?

Absolutely. Dogs don't care about luxury. Walking, adventures, and time together matter most.

Adventures on Any Budget

Dog-friendly holidays don't require big spending. With smart planning, affordable accommodation, and focus on free activities, you can enjoy wonderful breaks whatever your budget.

The best memories come from adventures together, not money spent.

Luke has enjoyed budget holidays with Charlie, Buster, Ember, Simba, Max, and Molly. The pack has discovered that camping trips, off-peak cottages, and long walks deliver just as much joy as expensive getaways.