We travel everywhere with our six dogs. Charlie the German Shepherd, Buster and Ember our Golden Retrievers, Simba and Max the Labradors, and Molly the French Bulldog have explored beaches in Cornwall, climbed fells in the Lake District, splashed through Scottish lochs, and tested more dog-friendly cottages than we can count.
Britain is one of the best countries in the world for holidaying with dogs. From dramatic coastlines to rolling countryside, welcoming pubs to cosy cottages, there's nowhere quite like the UK for a trip with your four-legged friend.
This guide covers everything you need to plan a brilliant dog-friendly holiday. We'll share our favourite destinations, the best types of accommodation, and practical tips we've learned from years on the road with our pack.
Why the UK is Perfect for Dog Holidays
The UK genuinely loves dogs. Unlike many European countries where dogs face restrictions in restaurants, beaches, and public spaces, Britain welcomes them almost everywhere.
Most pubs allow dogs. Many cafés have water bowls ready at the door. Beaches (outside peak summer months) let dogs run free. And the sheer variety of landscapes means you can find the perfect trip whether your dog loves swimming, hiking, or simply pottering around pretty villages.
We've visited France, Spain, and Italy with our dogs, and honestly, nowhere compares to the UK for ease and welcome. When we arrive at a British pub with six dogs, people smile and want to meet them. Try that in a Parisian café.
Best Dog-Friendly Destinations in the UK
After years of exploring with our pack, these are the destinations we keep returning to.
The Lake District
Our favourite destination for walking holidays. The Lake District offers everything from gentle lakeside strolls to challenging fell climbs. Keswick has been voted one of Britain's most dog-friendly towns, with most shops, pubs, and cafés welcoming dogs.
Best for: Walkers, water-loving dogs, scenic beauty
Highlights: Derwentwater, Buttermere lake circuit, Catbells, dog-friendly cruises on Windermere Lake Cruises and Ullswater Steamers
Our experience: We've stayed in over 25 cottages across the Lakes. Buster and Ember love swimming in Coniston Water, while Charlie prefers the gentler paths around Buttermere that suit his hip dysplasia.
Read our complete dog-friendly Lake District guide for accommodation, walks, and pub recommendations.
Cornwall
If your dog loves beaches, Cornwall is paradise. The county has more dog-friendly beaches than anywhere else in England, and the Cornish genuinely adore dogs. Towns like St Ives, Padstow, and Falmouth welcome four-legged visitors with open arms.
Best for: Beach lovers, coastal walks, surfing towns
Highlights: Harlyn Bay, Perranporth Beach, Polzeath, the South West Coast Path, Lost Gardens of Heligan (dogs welcome in grounds), The Cornish Arms in Padstow (Rick Stein's dog-friendly pub)
Our experience: Molly's not a strong swimmer, so we love the calmer beaches like Harlyn Bay where she can paddle safely. The boys go mad for the waves at Perranporth.
Discover more in our dog-friendly Cornwall guide.
Scotland
Scotland offers wild landscapes, empty beaches, and a warm welcome for dogs. The Highlands feel like the ends of the earth in the best possible way, and the right to roam means dogs can explore freely across open land.
Best for: Adventure seekers, remote escapes, dramatic scenery
Highlights: Isle of Skye, Cairngorms National Park, Loch Lomond, Edinburgh (voted most dog-friendly city by tails.com), Dumfries and Galloway
Our experience: Our Scottish trips feel like proper adventures. We've wild camped by lochs, explored castles, and found beaches where we didn't see another soul all day.
Plan your trip with our dog-friendly Scotland guide.
Yorkshire
Yorkshire combines rugged moorland, historic towns, and a coastline that rivals anywhere in Britain. The Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors offer endless walking, while seaside towns like Whitby and Robin Hood's Bay welcome dogs year-round.
Best for: Walking, history, fish and chips by the sea
Highlights: Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors, Whitby, Robin Hood's Bay, Malham Cove, Wood Hall Hotel & Spa near Wetherby (dog-friendly dining)
Our experience: We love the variety here. Morning walk on the moors, lunch at a country pub, afternoon on the beach at Robin Hood's Bay watching the dogs chase waves.
See our dog-friendly Yorkshire guide for the full picture.
Wales
Wales punches well above its weight for dog-friendly holidays. Snowdonia offers mountain adventures, Pembrokeshire has stunning coastal walks, and Anglesey boasts over 125 miles of coastal paths. The Welsh genuinely welcome dogs everywhere.
Best for: Mountains, beaches, quieter alternatives to England
Highlights: Snowdonia (Eryri National Park), Pembrokeshire Coast Path, Anglesey beaches, Brecon Beacons
Our experience: Wales feels less crowded than the Lake District or Cornwall, even in summer. We've found hidden beaches and quiet mountain paths that feel like discoveries.
Explore more in our dog-friendly Wales guide.
Norfolk
If your dogs love wide open spaces and endless beaches, Norfolk delivers. The Norfolk Coast is one of the UK's finest stretches of shoreline, and the Norfolk Broads offer something different – dog-friendly boat hire for exploring the waterways.
Best for: Beaches, bird watching, boat trips, flat walking
Highlights: Holkham Beach, Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk Broads boat hire, Bacton Wood (280 acres of woodland paths)
Our experience: Holkham Beach is one of the most beautiful in Britain – miles of sand backed by pine forests. Even in summer, you can find space to let dogs run free.
Read our dog-friendly Norfolk guide.
Devon
Devon offers the best of both worlds – Exmoor and Dartmoor for wild walks, plus glorious beaches along both coasts. The county is famous for its cream teas, dog-friendly pubs, and welcoming atmosphere. The Mole Resort is a newer option offering dog-friendly resort-style breaks.
Best for: Moors, beaches, cream teas
Highlights: Dartmoor, Exmoor National Park, Woolacombe Beach, Croyde, South West Coast Path, Tehidy Woods (over 9 miles of wooded pathways)
Our experience: Dartmoor is magical with dogs. Wild ponies, granite tors, and proper wilderness feeling. Just keep dogs on leads around livestock.
More details in our dog-friendly Devon guide.
Other Destinations Worth Considering
Peak District – Over 100 dog-friendly pubs, brilliant walking including the Monsal Trail, The Limestone Way, and the Chatsworth Route. Bakewell is a lovely base town.
Cotswolds – Honey-coloured villages, rolling hills, and excellent pubs. Broadway Tower circular walk and Westonbirt Arboretum are highlights. Cotswold Wildlife Park unusually welcomes dogs on leads.
Northumberland – Dramatic castles, empty beaches, and fewer crowds than anywhere. Alnmouth Beach, Beadnell Bay, Embleton Bay, and Bamburgh Beach (half the restaurants here are dog-friendly) all welcome dogs year-round.
Dorset – The Jurassic Coast offers spectacular walking, and Golden Cap is the highest cliff on the south coast. Dogs love exploring the rock pools.
Suffolk – Similar to Norfolk but even quieter. Lovely beaches at Southwold and Aldeburgh, plus the charming town of Bury St Edmunds, voted Britain's Most Dog-Friendly Destination 2024 for its blue sticker scheme marking over 140 dog-friendly businesses including the cathedral.
Types of Dog-Friendly Accommodation
Finding the right place to stay makes or breaks a dog-friendly holiday. Here's what works for us with six dogs.
Dog-Friendly Cottages
Our go-to choice. Cottages give you space, privacy, a garden for the dogs, and no worrying about disturbing other guests. Self-catering means you can stick to your dogs' normal feeding routine.
Best for: Families, multiple dogs, longer stays, dogs who need routine
What to look for: Enclosed garden (non-negotiable for us), hard floors, ground floor bedroom options, walks from the door
Where to book:
- Canine Cottages – Specialists, every property genuinely dog-friendly
- Sally's Cottages – Part of same group, excellent filters
- Dog Friendly Cottages – Over 17,000 properties, best price guarantee
- Dog Friendly Retreats – Curated selection, some accept up to 9 dogs
- Sykes Holiday Cottages – Award-winning, huge selection
- National Trust Holidays – Over 300 unique properties, dogs go free
- holidaycottages.co.uk – Over 10,000 dog-friendly options
- Original Cottages – Good selection across England, Scotland, Wales
Browse All Cottage Booking Sites →
See our complete dog-friendly cottages UK guide and regional guides for Lake District cottages.
Dog-Friendly Hotels
Hotels work well for shorter breaks or when you want someone else to do the cooking. Many UK hotels now genuinely welcome dogs with beds, bowls, and treats in the room.
Best for: Short breaks, couples, those wanting hotel amenities
What to look for: Dog-friendly rooms (not all rooms may accept pets), any size or breed restrictions, where dogs can go in the hotel
Where to book:
- PetsPyjamas – Dogs travel free, 24/7 vet care included
- Hand Picked Hotels – Luxury properties with dog-friendly rooms
- Macdonald Hotels – Many properties welcome pets
- Tebay Services Hotel – Each dog-friendly room has bowls and Lily's Kitchen treats
Read our dog-friendly hotels UK guide for recommendations.
Dog-Friendly Lodges
Lodges offer a middle ground between cottages and camping. Many come with hot tubs – perfect for soaking tired muscles after a long walk while the dogs snooze inside.
Best for: Couples, small families, those wanting modern amenities
What to look for: Decking areas (often enclosed), proximity to walks, whether hot tubs are fenced for dog safety
Where to book:
- Sykes Holiday Cottages – Large selection of pet-friendly lodges
- Forest Holidays – Woodland locations perfect for dogs
- Hoseasons – Good range of dog-friendly lodge parks
More in our dog-friendly lodges UK guide.
Dog-Friendly Glamping
From shepherd's huts to safari tents, glamping lets you get close to nature without sacrificing comfort. Many glamping sites are on farms or in woodland, perfect for dogs who love exploring.
Best for: Adventure seekers, couples, unique experiences
Types available: Shepherd's huts, yurts, safari tents, treehouses, geodomes, gypsy caravans, converted vehicles
Where to book:
- Canopy & Stars – Curated unique stays
- Coolstays – Over 1,500 dog-friendly properties including quirky options
- Quality Unearthed – Glamping specialists
- Castle Guards Farm Retreat – Luxury pods near Lake District, some with hot tubs
Explore options in our dog-friendly glamping UK guide.
Dog-Friendly Pubs with Rooms
Combine accommodation with great food and you've got a winning formula. Many country pubs offer comfortable rooms and genuinely welcome dogs throughout the building.
Best for: Foodies, those wanting convenience, couples
What to look for: Whether dogs allowed in restaurant area or bar only, any restrictions on room access
Where to find them: The Good Pub Guide, Sawday's, individual pub websites
Planning Your Dog-Friendly Holiday
When to Go
Peak season (July-August, school holidays)
- Pros: Best weather, longest days
- Cons: Higher prices, busier beaches, some beach restrictions for dogs
- Our tip: Book months ahead, research beach rules carefully
Shoulder season (May-June, September-October)
- Pros: Good weather, fewer crowds, most beaches allow dogs
- Cons: Bank holidays can still be busy
- Our tip: Our favourite time to travel – September especially is glorious
Off-peak (November-April)
- Pros: Lowest prices, empty beaches, cosy cottage vibes
- Cons: Shorter days, colder weather, some attractions closed
- Our tip: We love winter breaks – warming up by the fire after a brisk walk is unbeatable
Booking Tips
Book early for peak dates – The best dog-friendly properties get snapped up 3-6 months ahead for summer and Christmas.
Check the details – Not all "dog-friendly" means the same thing. Ask about enclosed gardens, number of dogs allowed, any breed restrictions.
Read recent reviews – Look for reviews mentioning dogs specifically. They'll tell you how welcome you'll really be.
Factor in dog fees – Most cottages charge £20-50 per dog per stay. With six dogs, this adds up quickly for us.
Consider location – Walks from the door saves time and hassle. Check what's accessible without driving.
What to Pack
After years of travelling with six dogs, we've got packing down to a science. Essentials include:
- Dog beds (we bring theirs from home for familiar smell)
- Food, treats, and bowls
- Leads, harnesses, long lines for beaches
- Poo bags (always more than you think)
- Towels for wet dogs (at least two per dog)
- First aid kit
- Vaccination records and microchip details
- Throws to protect furniture
- Cooling mat for Molly (French Bulldogs overheat easily)
- Joint supplements for Charlie (hip dysplasia)
Get our complete checklist in the dog travel essentials guide.
Travelling with Your Dog
By car – Most practical for multiple dogs. Plan regular stops (every 2-3 hours), never leave dogs in parked cars, secure dogs with harness, crate, or boot guard.
By train – Dogs travel free on most UK trains. Must be kept on a lead, may need to sit on floor during busy times. Direct trains run from London to Newquay making Cornwall accessible without a car.
By ferry – Essential for Scottish islands or Ireland. Book early as kennel spaces are limited on some routes.
Our complete travelling with dogs UK guide covers everything in detail.
Dog-Friendly Activities
Beaches
Britain has over 10,000 miles of coastline, and plenty welcomes dogs. Rules vary by beach and season – many popular beaches restrict dogs May-September, while others allow them year-round.
Our favourite year-round dog beaches include:
- Holkham Beach, Norfolk
- Harlyn Bay, Cornwall
- Bamburgh Beach, Northumberland
- Rhossili Bay, Wales
- Luskentyre, Harris (Scotland)
See our complete dog-friendly beaches UK guide.
Walking
The UK is a walker's paradise. From coastal paths to mountain trails, there's something for every fitness level. Dogs must be on leads around livestock – particularly important during lambing season (March-May).
Best walking destinations:
- Lake District – From gentle lake walks to challenging fells
- Scotland – Wild landscapes and the right to roam
- Cornwall and Devon – The South West Coast Path
- Yorkshire – Dales and Moors
- Wales – Snowdonia and Pembrokeshire
- Peak District – Monsal Trail, Chatsworth grounds
Attractions
Many UK attractions welcome dogs, particularly outdoor ones:
- National Trust properties – Most grounds are dog-friendly, dogs welcome at Allan Bank even muddy
- English Heritage sites – Many welcome dogs in outdoor areas
- Steam railways – Eskdale to Ravenglass Railway welcomes dogs
- Boat trips – Windermere Lake Cruises, Ullswater Steamers, Steam Yacht Gondola on Coniston
- Muncaster Castle – Dogs welcome in grounds with seating area for falconry displays
- Cotswold Wildlife Park – Unusually welcomes dogs on leads
Always check individual attraction policies before visiting.
Tips from Our Experience
After countless trips with six dogs, here's what we've learned:
Start with shorter trips – If your dog hasn't holidayed before, try a weekend away first before committing to a full week.
Let dogs settle in – We always give our pack time to sniff around new accommodation before heading out. It helps them relax.
Keep routines – Feed at normal times, maintain regular walk schedules where possible. Dogs thrive on routine.
Have backup plans – British weather changes fast. Know indoor options if your planned walk gets rained off.
Carry water – Dogs can't always drink from streams (blue-green algae is a risk in summer). Bring fresh water and a collapsible bowl.
Respect other visitors – Not everyone loves dogs. Keep yours under control, clean up after them, and don't let them approach people uninvited.
Know your dog's limits – Charlie can't manage steep climbs anymore. Molly overheats easily. Plan activities that work for all your dogs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most dog-friendly place in the UK?
The Lake District consistently ranks as Britain's most dog-friendly destination. Keswick and Edinburgh have both won awards for welcoming dogs, while Cornwall leads for dog-friendly beaches. Bury St Edmunds was named Britain's Most Dog-Friendly Destination 2024 for its blue sticker scheme marking over 140 dog-friendly businesses. Lymington in Hampshire has the most dog-friendly hikes with 169 trails.
Can I take my dog anywhere in the UK?
Dogs are welcome in most outdoor spaces, many pubs, cafés, and shops, and on public transport. Restrictions apply at some beaches (especially in summer), most food shops, Lake District Wildlife Park, and certain attractions. Always check individual venue policies.
Do I need to keep my dog on a lead?
Dogs must be on leads around livestock and on roads. Many beaches, parks, and countryside areas allow off-lead walking, but you must have your dog under control at all times. During bird nesting season (March-July), some coastal areas require leads.
How much does a dog-friendly holiday cost?
Accommodation varies widely – from £300-500 per week for a basic cottage to £2,000+ for luxury properties. Most places charge £20-50 per dog. Budget for food, activities, and potential vet fees. Pet insurance is worth considering for peace of mind.
What if my dog is anxious in new places?
Bring familiar items from home – their bed, favourite toys, usual food. Stick to normal routines as much as possible. Consider a pheromone diffuser for the car journey. Start with quieter destinations rather than busy tourist hotspots.
Are there any breeds restricted from dog-friendly accommodation?
Some insurers restrict certain breeds, which affects what accommodation can accept. Breeds sometimes restricted include Pit Bull types, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro. Most mainstream breeds have no issues, but always check if you have a restricted breed.
Final Thoughts
Britain truly is one of the best places in the world for a holiday with your dog. The variety of landscapes, the welcoming attitude, and the sheer number of dog-friendly options mean you'll never run out of adventures to share.
We've made unforgettable memories with Charlie, Buster, Ember, Simba, Max, and Molly across this brilliant country. From wild Scottish beaches to cosy Lake District pubs, every trip brings new discoveries and happy, tired dogs at the end of each day.
The key is planning ahead – finding the right accommodation, researching dog-friendly beaches and walks, and knowing your dogs' needs and limits.
We hope this guide helps you plan your perfect dog-friendly holiday. If you've got questions or want specific recommendations, get in touch through our contact page. We love helping fellow dog owners discover new places.
Happy travels!
Luke, Charlie, Buster, Ember, Simba, Max & Molly
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Related Guides
Destinations:
- Dog-Friendly Lake District
- Dog-Friendly Cornwall
- Dog-Friendly Yorkshire
- Dog-Friendly Scotland
- Dog-Friendly Wales
- Dog-Friendly Norfolk
- Dog-Friendly Devon
Accommodation:
- Dog-Friendly Cottages UK
- Dog-Friendly Cottages Lake District
- Dog-Friendly Hotels UK
- Dog-Friendly Lodges UK
- Dog-Friendly Glamping UK
Planning:
This guide is based on our personal experiences travelling across the UK with our six dogs. We only recommend places we'd happily return to.
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