Travelling with a Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are born travellers. Their friendly nature, adaptability, and enthusiasm for adventure make them ideal holiday companions. Add their famous love of water, and you have dogs who embrace coastal walks, lake swims, and river paddling with equal joy.

This guide shares everything we've learned from travelling the UK with Buster and Ember, our Golden Retrievers. From finding the best water-based destinations to managing their social nature in public spaces, here's how to create perfect holidays with these beloved dogs.

Understanding Golden Retriever Travel Needs

Exercise Requirements

Golden Retrievers need regular exercise but are generally adaptable to different activity levels.

Daily Exercise:

• 1.5-2 hours of activity
• Mix of walking, swimming, and play
• Happy with both active and relaxed days

Perfect Holiday Activities:

• Beach walks and swimming
• Lake and river adventures
• Woodland walks
• Gentle hiking
• Fetch games in open spaces

Flexibility: Unlike some breeds, Golden Retrievers adapt well to varying activity levels, making them excellent for mixed holidays with active and relaxed days.

The Water Factor

Golden Retrievers are water magnets. This defines ideal holiday destinations.

They Will Swim:

• In the sea
• In lakes and tarns
• In rivers and streams
• In puddles, if that's what's available

Plan Accordingly:

• Choose destinations with water access
• Carry towels (plural, they get very wet)
• Consider drying coats for car journeys
• Factor in drying time

Social Nature

Golden Retrievers are famously friendly, which has travel implications.

The Positives:

• Adapt easily to new environments
• Good with other dogs and people
• Welcome in most places
• Generally calm in public

Management Needed:

• May want to greet everyone
• Can be easily distracted by other dogs
• Need recall training for off-lead areas
• Enthusiasm sometimes overwhelming

Finding Accommodation

Breed Reputation Helps

Golden Retrievers benefit from positive breed perception.

Generally Welcomed:

• Most dog-friendly accommodation accepts them
• Staff often delighted to see them
• Rarely refused for breed reasons
• Positive associations with the breed

Size Consideration:

• Large dogs, so check weight limits
• Need space for movement
• Ground floor rooms easier for access

Accommodation That Works

Best Options:

• Cottages with enclosed gardens: Space to run, water bowls outside
• Lakeside accommodation: Access to swimming
• Coastal properties: Beach walks nearby
• Pubs with rooms: Social environment suits their nature

Features to Prioritise:

• Water access nearby (essential for Golden happiness)
• Outdoor space for drying off
• Hard floors (wet dogs and carpets don't mix)
• Enclosed areas for off-lead time
• Walking from doorstep

The Wet Dog Challenge

Golden Retrievers get wet. Frequently. Be prepared.

Accommodation Tips:

• Bring multiple towels
• Drying coat for after swimming
• Request ground floor (easier for wet entry)
• Inform accommodation about water activities
• Clean up water and mud promptly

Transport Considerations

Car Travel

Golden Retrievers generally travel well in cars.

Setup:

• Boot with dog guard (space to lie down)
• Or large crate
• Waterproof boot liner essential
• Towels for wet returns

Post-Swim Car Travel:

• Dry thoroughly before car entry
• Drying coat for longer journeys
• Waterproof boot liner saves upholstery
• Plan drying time before driving

Train Travel

Golden Retrievers make good train travellers.

Advantages:

• Calm, friendly nature suits public transport
• Generally well-received by other passengers
• Settles well during journeys

Practical Tips:

• Avoid immediately after swimming
• Bring water and treats
• Position comfortably on floor
• Their friendly nature may attract attention

Ferries

Most ferries welcome Golden Retrievers.

Considerations:

• Deck access for toilet breaks
• May want to explore (keep on lead)
• Friendly to other passengers and dogs
• Book pet cabins for longer crossings

Best Destinations for Golden Retrievers

Water-Focused Holidays

Lake District: Tarns, lakes, and swimming opportunities everywhere. Perhaps the perfect Golden Retriever destination. See our Lake District guide.

Cornwall: Beaches, coves, and sea swimming. Year-round access at many beaches. See our Cornwall guide.

Norfolk: Beaches, rivers, and Broads. Excellent water access throughout. See our Norfolk guide.

Scotland: Lochs, rivers, and coastal beauty. Endless swimming opportunities. See our Scotland guide.

Wales: Beaches, rivers, and lakes. Snowdonia offers mountain tarns. See our Wales guide.

Beach Holidays

Golden Retrievers excel at beach holidays.

Look For:

• Year-round dog-friendly beaches
• Sandy beaches for running
• Safe swimming conditions
• Freshwater rinse facilities nearby

Beach Tips:

• Rinse off salt water (prevents skin irritation)
• Check for strong currents
• Provide shade and fresh water
• Don't let them drink seawater

Managing Their Social Nature

In Public Spaces

Golden Retrievers want to be friends with everyone.

Training Focus:

• Solid recall even with distractions
• "Leave it" for approaching other dogs
• Controlled greetings
• Settling in busy environments

Practical Management:

• Lead in busy areas
• Allow controlled greetings where appropriate
• Be aware they may pull towards other dogs
• Practice calm behaviour around other people

With Other Dogs

Golden Retrievers are generally excellent with other dogs.

Benefits:

• Good for multi-dog holidays
• Usually welcome dog-to-dog interaction
• Rarely aggressive
• Play well with others

Considerations:

• Not all dogs want to play
• Keep controlled around nervous dogs
• Respect other owners' preferences
• Some dogs find their enthusiasm overwhelming

With People

Their friendly nature is usually an asset.

Advantages:

• Staff love them
• Other guests generally pleased
• Good ambassadors for dog ownership
• Children often delighted

Management:

• Don't let them jump up
• Control greetings
• Some people prefer not to interact
• Respect others' space

Health Considerations for Travel

Common Golden Retriever Health Issues

Joint Problems: Common in the breed. Consider:

• Appropriate walk lengths
• Avoid excessive jumping
• Supportive bedding
• Swimming is low-impact exercise

Ear Infections: Floppy ears trap moisture after swimming.

• Dry ears after every swim
• Carry ear cleaner
• Check daily during water-heavy holidays

Skin Issues:

• Rinse salt and sand after beach visits
• Watch for hot spots (common in wet coats)
• Dry thoroughly after swimming

Weight: Golden Retrievers love food and gain weight easily.

• Maintain normal feeding routine on holiday
• Don't overdo treats
• Extra exercise doesn't mean extra food

Swimming Safety

Safe Swimming:

• Check water quality and currents
• Avoid blue-green algae
• Don't let them swim to exhaustion
• Watch for cold water shock
• Some dogs don't recognise their limits

Practical Tips from Experience

What We've Learned with Buster and Ember

Planning:

• Water access is non-negotiable
• Factor in drying time to schedules
• Carry more towels than you think
• Choose accommodation with outdoor space

During Trips:

• Morning beach walks (quieter, cooler)
• Swimming tires them out effectively
• Evening they're contentedly tired
• Happy dogs make happy holidays

Best Discoveries:

• Lake District tarns are Golden Retriever paradise
• Coastal cottages work brilliantly
• They make friends wherever they go
• Water-based holidays suit them perfectly

Packing for Golden Retrievers

Essential Items:

• Multiple large towels
• Drying coat(s)
• Waterproof boot liner for car
• Usual food (no changes)
• Water bowl
• Ear cleaner
• Brush (they shed significantly)
• Freshwater for rinsing
• Long lead and standard lead

Nice to Have:

• Portable shower for beach rinsing
• Cooling mat for hot days
• Extra blanket for accommodation
• Fetch toys for beach

Activities Golden Retrievers Love

Water-Based

• Sea swimming
• Lake swimming
• River paddling
• Dock diving (if you can find it)
• Simply getting wet

Land-Based

• Fetch on beaches
• Woodland walks
• Moderate hiking
• Exploring new environments
• Meeting new dogs and people

Retriever-Specific

• Fetch games (their namesake activity)
• Swimming retrieves
• Scent games
• Training in new locations

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Golden Retrievers good travel dogs?

Excellent. Their adaptable, friendly nature suits travel well. They're welcomed almost everywhere and adapt to new environments easily.

How do I manage wet Golden Retrievers on holiday?

Carry multiple towels, use drying coats, choose accommodation with outdoor space, waterproof your car, and factor drying time into your schedule.

Do Golden Retrievers overheat easily?

Their thick coat means they can overheat. Ensure shade, avoid midday exercise in summer, and provide water access. Swimming helps them cool down.

What's the ideal holiday destination for Golden Retrievers?

Anywhere with water. The Lake District, Cornwall, Norfolk, and Scottish lochs all offer excellent swimming and walking combinations.

How do I manage their friendliness in public?

Training for controlled greetings, solid recall, and awareness that not everyone wants to interact. Their nature is an asset but needs management.

Do Golden Retrievers need special ear care on holiday?

Yes. Dry ears after every swim to prevent infections. Their floppy ears trap moisture. Carry ear cleaner for water-heavy trips.

Can Golden Retrievers cope with long walks?

Generally yes, though watch for joint issues common in the breed. Swimming provides excellent low-impact exercise.

Water, Walks, and Wonderful Adventures

Golden Retrievers bring joy to every holiday. Their enthusiasm for water, their friendly nature, and their adaptability make them ideal travel companions for adventures across the UK.

Ready to plan? Browse our destination guides for locations that match Golden Retriever love of water and walking.

Buster and Ember have swum in lakes from Cornwall to Scotland, made friends on countless beaches, and demonstrated that Golden Retrievers find happiness wherever there's water to splash in. Their joy is contagious.