Dog-Friendly Christmas Holidays UK

Christmas with your dog creates magical memories. Frosty morning walks, cosy evenings by log fires, and the joy of including your four-legged family member in festive celebrations. Planning a dog-friendly Christmas holiday requires advance booking and careful consideration, but the rewards are wonderful.

This guide covers everything you need to know about spending Christmas away from home with your dog.

Planning Ahead

Book Early

Dog-friendly Christmas accommodation is in high demand.

Timeline:

• 6+ months ahead: Best selection of properties
• 3-6 months: Good options still available
• 1-3 months: Limited choice, premium pricing
• Last minute: Very difficult to find dog-friendly options

Why So Early:

• Limited dog-friendly properties overall
• Everyone wants Christmas accommodation
• Dog rooms/cottages book first
• Premium season = high demand

What Books First

Highest Demand:

• Dog-friendly cottages with log fires
• Country house hotels accepting dogs
• Coastal properties
• Lake District and Cotswolds
• Properties allowing multiple dogs

Book Immediately When Found:

• Perfect properties don't wait
• Put down deposits
• Confirm dog policies in writing

Accommodation Options

Self-Catering Cottages

Why Cottages Work:

• Your own space for dog and family
• Cook Christmas dinner yourselves
• No restrictions on dog areas
• Flexibility throughout stay
• Cost-effective for groups

What to Look For:

• Log fire or wood burner (festive atmosphere)
• Enclosed garden (dark evening toilet breaks)
• Space for dog bed and supplies
• Good heating throughout
• Walking from doorstep

Christmas Extras: Some cottages offer:

• Christmas hampers
• Pre-decorated trees
• Festive welcome packs
• Log supplies included

Country House Hotels

Why Hotels Work:

• Full service (no cooking)
• Festive atmosphere provided
• Other guests to socialise with
• Special Christmas programmes
• Luxury experience

Considerations:

• Check where dogs can go during meals
• Restaurant policies on dogs
• Dog restrictions during festivities
• Often higher pricing

What to Ask:

• Can dog join Christmas dinner?
• Dog-friendly areas throughout day
• Dog sitting available if needed
• Other dogs likely to be present

Pubs with Rooms

Why Pubs Work:

• Festive atmosphere built-in
• Good food without self-catering
• Dogs usually welcome in bar areas
• Character and cosiness
• Often more relaxed policies

See our Pubs with Rooms guide.

Destinations for Christmas

Cosy Countryside

Cotswolds: Quintessential English Christmas. Honey-stone villages. Log fires. Gentle walks.

Yorkshire Dales: Traditional Christmas atmosphere. Snowy possibilities. Cosy pubs. See our Yorkshire guide.

Lake District: Dramatic winter scenery. Festive villages. Stunning walks. See our Lake District guide.

Peak District: Winter walking. Cosy villages. Traditional Christmas feel. See our Peak District guide.

Coastal Christmas

Cornwall: Mild winter weather. Empty beaches. Cosy harbours. See our Cornwall guide.

Northumberland: Dramatic winter coast. Castle backdrops. Very quiet. See our Northumberland guide.

Norfolk: Big skies. Empty beaches. Traditional coastal Christmas. See our Norfolk guide.

Scottish Christmas

Scottish Highlands: Snow possibilities. Dramatic scenery. Hogmanay traditions. See our Highlands guide.

Edinburgh: Festive city. Hogmanay celebrations. Dog-friendly culture. See our Edinburgh guide.

Christmas Day with Dogs

Practical Considerations

Morning Walk:

• Essential for dog welfare
• Builds appetite
• Burns energy before festivities
• Check weather and plan accordingly

During Dinner:

• Where will dog be?
• Stuffed Kong or long-lasting treat
• Quiet space if needed
• Avoid feeding Christmas food

Evening:

• Post-dinner walk
• Quiet time after excitement
• Normal routine where possible

Foods to Avoid

Dangerous to Dogs:

• Chocolate (toxic)
• Raisins and grapes (toxic)
• Onions and garlic (toxic)
• Cooked bones (splinter)
• Xylitol/artificial sweeteners (toxic)
• Alcohol (toxic)
• Rich fatty foods (pancreatitis risk)

Safe Treats:

• Plain cooked turkey (small amount)
• Plain vegetables
• Dog-specific Christmas treats
• Their normal food and treats

Managing Excitement

Christmas can be overwhelming for dogs.

Help Them Cope:

• Quiet space to retreat
• Normal routine where possible
• Don't force participation
• Watch for stress signs
• Breaks from activity

Festive Activities

Dog-Friendly Christmas Events

What to Look For:

• Santa Paws events
• Dog-friendly Christmas markets (outdoor)
• Christmas walks organised by groups
• Festive charity dog walks

Check in Advance:

• Many events welcome dogs
• Some specifically for dogs
• Others may be too crowded

Festive Walks

Christmas Day:

• Often the quietest day
• Empty beaches and countryside
• Special atmosphere
• Family tradition

Boxing Day:

• Traditional walking day
• May be busier
• Organised walks often available
• Pub lunches a tradition

Photography

Christmas creates wonderful photo opportunities:

• Festive backdrops
• Winter light
• Dog in Christmas setting
• Family memories

Travelling Over Christmas

Road Travel

Considerations:

• Heavy traffic certain days
• Weather conditions
• Service station availability
• Journey time allowance

Best Travel Days:

• Avoid 23rd December (very busy)
• Christmas Eve morning usually okay
• Avoid 27th December (extremely busy)
• Check traffic reports

Train Travel

Christmas Train Services:

• Reduced timetables Christmas Eve
• No trains Christmas Day
• Limited Boxing Day
• Disruption common

Plan Ahead:

• Book in advance
• Check specific train company schedules
• Have backup plans

New Year Considerations

Fireworks Warning

Many dogs fear fireworks.

If Staying Away:

• Research local firework displays
• Choose remote locations if dog fearful
• Keep dog secure at midnight
• Consider medication (discuss with vet)
• Provide safe space

Best Locations:

• Remote countryside
• Properties away from villages
• Scotland (Hogmanay celebrations vary)
• Anywhere away from public displays

New Year Walks

1st January:

• Often beautiful walking day
• Quiet countryside
• Fresh start atmosphere
• Blow away cobwebs

Practical Planning

What to Pack

Festive Extras:

• Dog Christmas stocking/gifts
• Festive collar or bandana (optional)
• Long-lasting treats for quiet time
• Dog's own bed (familiarity)

Standard Essentials:

• Usual food (don't change over Christmas)
• Medications
• Towels (winter wet)
• Waterproof coat
• Lead and collar with ID
• Torch (dark evenings)

Vet Access

Before You Go:

• Emergency vet numbers at destination
• Your vet's holiday cover details
• Pet insurance documents
• Any necessary medications

Many Vets Closed:

• Christmas Day
• Boxing Day
• Limited opening between Christmas and New Year
• Know emergency options

Accommodation Checklist

Questions to Ask

Before Booking:

• Is the property definitely dog-friendly over Christmas?
• Any additional charges for dogs at Christmas?
• What time can we check in Christmas Eve?
• Can we stay through to January if desired?
• Is heating adequate for winter?
• Is there an enclosed garden?
• Where are the nearest walks?

Dog Policies:

• How many dogs allowed?
• Any size or breed restrictions?
• Where can dogs go in property?
• Any rules for Christmas Day?

Making It Special

For Your Dog

Gifts:

• New toy
• Special treats
• New bed or blanket
• Dog-specific advent calendar

Experiences:

• Special walks in new places
• Quality time together
• New destinations to explore
• Adventure memories

For You

Embrace:

• Morning walks as tradition
• Cosy evenings together
• Including dog in celebrations
• Creating memories

Accept:

• Some compromises necessary
• Flexibility required
• Dog's needs alongside human celebrations
• That's what dog ownership means

Frequently Asked Questions

How early should I book Christmas accommodation?

6+ months ahead for best selection. 3-6 months for good options. Last minute is very difficult.

Can dogs stay in hotels over Christmas?

Some accept dogs, but check policies carefully. Restrictions during festive meals common. Book well ahead.

What do I do with my dog during Christmas dinner?

Stuffed Kong or long-lasting treat. Quiet space to rest. Some venues allow dogs. Check in advance.

Is it safe to give my dog Christmas dinner scraps?

Very limited, if at all. Turkey meat (plain, no bones) is usually fine in small amounts. Avoid everything else.

What about fireworks on New Year's Eve?

Choose remote locations if your dog is fearful. Keep secure at midnight. Consider discussing medication with vet.

Do I need to book a Christmas walk?

No booking needed for public walks. Check any organised events in advance.

Christmas Magic with Your Dog

A dog-friendly Christmas holiday creates wonderful memories. The key is planning ahead, choosing the right accommodation, and including your dog in celebrations while keeping them safe and comfortable.

Book early, embrace the festive spirit, and enjoy a magical Christmas with your four-legged family member.

Luke spends Christmas with Charlie, Buster, Ember, Simba, Max, and Molly. Frosty morning walks, cosy cottage evenings, and the joy of having the whole pack together makes Christmas complete.