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2026 may be the perfect year to plan your first staycation, and the great news is that by staying in the UK, your four-legged friend is welcome to tag along with you!
But what is the best UK dog holiday? From the vast Northumberland coastline and countryside to the golden beaches of Cornwall, we’ve pulled together a guide to all our favourite pet-friendly holiday destinations.
Packed with travel tips and things to do when you get there, all you’ll have to worry about is choosing between a dog-friendly coastal cottage by the sea or an idyllic countryside dog-friendly hotel room!
Contents:
Where are the best dog-friendly holidays in the UK?
Recommended essentials for your dog-friendly holiday from Groomers
Where are the best dog friendly holidays in the UK?
The UK is a dog-loving nation, and with staycations becoming increasingly popular every year, the good news is that you can take your dog pretty much anywhere!
Check ahead for dog-friendly hotels, restaurants, cottages and attractions before travelling to guarantee you don’t get caught short on arrival.
Here’s our round-up of the most popular UK destinations to travel to with your dog and some dog-friendly things to do when you get there!
1. Northumberland
Northumberland is a popular dog-friendly holiday destination, stretching across the north of England with its beautiful sea views, coastline and long-distance trails stretching towards Cumbria in the west.
Perfect for outdoors lovers, it has eight long-distance trails that pass right through the county and can be broken down into much smaller routes for dogs (and people!) of all ages and abilities.
Full of scenic variety, from walks through the hills to strolls along the coast, your dog has many places to explore!
Top dog-friendly attractions in Northumberland:
Alnwick Castle
Used as Hogwarts in the famous Harry Potter films, Alnwick Castle is a popular destination for fans of the franchise.
Although only assistance dogs are permitted inside the grounds of Alnwick Castle, there are many stunning dog-friendly walks in and around Alnwick, including the pastures just across the river from the castle.
Bamburgh Castle
If you’re looking for somewhere for your dog to enjoy, you may prefer to visit Bamburgh Castle, which has dog-friendly grounds and provides a breathtaking backdrop to beautiful Bamburgh beach. Stretching across 2.5 kilometres, it’s the perfect picturesque location for a dog-friendly holiday!
2. The Lake District
The Lake District in the North West of England is popular because of its stunning scenery, expansive lakes and English Heritage sites.
Places like Amble, Keswick and Windermere are incredibly busy during the summer. If you travel with your dog, you may consider visiting some of the area’s quieter destinations or hitting those hotspots outside peak season.
The Lake District has many dog-friendly English Heritage sites and pubs, so the whole family can enjoy a rest and a nice meal after a busy day of exploring.
Top dog-friendly attractions in the Lake District:
Lake Windermere Cruise and surrounding attractions
Aside from all of the amazing walking opportunities, well-behaved dogs are also allowed to cruise around Lake Windermere, travelling for free on all cruises! There are also many top spots, including cafés and restaurants around the lake, where dogs are welcome too, so you and the whole family can enjoy a relaxing drink and a bite to eat as part of your adventure!
Ravenglass and Eskdale steam railway
There’s plenty to do in the Lake District and Eskdale is the perfect place if you like historic locations, local food, visiting waterfalls, or simply hitting the trails.
The Ravenglass and Eskdale steam railway allows you to travel around the area easily, and dogs can travel all day on the railway for £3. Or, if you’re a frequent visitor, why not invest in an annual pass? Your dog will get a stylish bandana on its first visit, and £2 of the ticket proceeds go to the popular dog-rehoming charity, Dog’s Trust!
English Heritage Sites
Looking for some culture? Why not take your dog to one of the Lake District’s many dog-friendly English Heritage sites? From priories to castles and everything in between, you’ll be spoilt for choice with this range of stunning locations.
3. North York Moors
With expansive stretches of nature, from beautiful moorlands to stunning coastlines, it’s no wonder that the North York Moors National Park is a favoured destination for dog-friendly holidays (and has hundreds of dog-friendly cottages to choose from!).
Visit seaside towns by walking the sandy beaches of Scarborough and exploring the ruins of Whitby Abbey (then share your famous Whitby fish and chips with your furry friend). Then, stop off at the grounds of Helmsley Castle to learn more about its 900-year-old history.
Top dog-friendly attractions in the North Yorkshire Moors:
Whitby, Helmsley and Robin Hood’s Bay
We’ve already mentioned the ruins of Whitby Abbey and Helmsley Castle (where dogs are welcome in the grounds, shop and museum!), but why not visit Robin Hood’s Bay? A great mix of winding cobbled streets, coastline, fossil-finding and fishing boats make it the perfect destination for the whole family.
4. The Yorkshire Dales
If you love picturesque countryside walks, fell-running, exploring and being outdoors, the Yorkshire Dales in North Yorkshire is your dog-friendly holiday!
Nineteen of the walking routes in the Yorkshire Dales are referred to as miles without stiles. They are accessible to all, including those with limited mobility, perfect for a family-friendly day out!
Explore the rural English countryside, take in the fresh air and relax!
Top dog-friendly attractions in the Yorkshire Dales:
The Wensleydale Railway
The Wensleydale Railway is dog-friendly, so why not take yours with you for the ride of its life?
Travel through market towns and the rural countryside and spot famous TV locations such as the Finghall Lane station buildings used in the Yorkshire Vet and All Creatures Great and Small!
Malham Cove and Aysgarth Falls
Or, if you want to explore, why not visit the limestone cliff at Malham Cove or the stunning walks around Aysgarth Falls?
5. The Peak District
The Peak District, nestled between Manchester and Sheffield, boasts stunning views along its hiking trails and campsites. With more than 100 dog-friendly pubs, it’s the perfect place for a long hike followed by a spot of lunch or a relaxing afternoon with a beer.
Top dog-friendly attractions in the Peak District:
Peak District National Park and Chatsworth House
Choose one of the many walking routes of the Peak District National Park. Hike the Monsal Trail for stunning views, then take the family, including the dog, to Chatsworth House and explore the gardens before finishing with a bite to eat and a pint of real ale at the Castle Inn.
6. Cornwall
Visit the South West Coast of the UK to the farthest point and arrive at Cornwall, the perfect destination for your UK dog-friendly beach holiday. Cornwall boasts a subtropical climate, with temperatures of at least 10 degrees for 7 months of the year, guaranteeing at least some nice weather whilst you visit.
Not only that, but many of Cornwall’s stunning beaches are dog-friendly, with 150 welcoming dogs all year round and 73 having some seasonal restrictions.
It’s a little-known fact that there are only 5 beaches in total in Cornwall which prohibit dogs, making it the perfect dog-friendly holiday destination.
If you are visiting popular places such as St Ives, it’s worth researching which of their beaches have restrictions.
Consider that Cornwall is a popular tourist destination in summer, so it may be worth visiting outside of the summer months if your dog is nervous.
Top dog-friendly attractions in Cornwall:
Cornwall’s main attractions are dog-friendly, making having an action-packed holiday with the whole family easy.
Eden Project
Visit the Eden Project, a global garden of plants from the Mediterranean to South Africa and California. Dogs aren’t allowed indoors but can explore the outdoor sections with you, as long as they’re kept on their lead.
Cornish Seal Sanctuary
How about a stop-off at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary? Let your dog befriend all the seals while it wanders around with you!
Then, finish your trip by exploring Land’s End and walking its stunning coastal trails.
7. South Wales and Pembrokeshire
If you’re looking for a reason to visit South Wales, Rhossili Bay is it. Dog-friendly, it’s Wales’ number one beach, part of Swansea’s Gower Peninsula, an area full of natural beauty.
With three miles of coastline to explore, take in the sights and have fun with the whole family.
Top dog-friendly attractions:
As well as exploring Rhossili Bay, you may also like Barafundle Bay with its crisp blue waters and surrounding cliffs.
It’s a half-mile walk to this little beach from the nearest car park, so the dog has plenty of opportunity for a decent leg stretch. And it’s dog-friendly all year round!
How can I travel safely with my dog?
Whether you plan on travelling to your destination by car or rail, you’ll need to pack essentials for your dog to help them with the journey.
Here are our top tips for dog-friendly travel to help make your dog’s holiday a total success:-
- Take your dog’s bedding and blankets for the journey. Your pup will have a comfortable place to sleep and feel relaxed as their bed will carry all the familiar scents of home.
- If travelling on a train, consider a pet carrier for smaller dogs and be sure to keep larger dogs under control.
- Ensure your pet is microchipped and wearing an ID tag, just in case it wanders off.
- Take dog food with you, especially if it’s a specific brand that could be hard to get hold of. Whilst travelling, feed your dog at the same intervals you would feed it at home.
- Travel with lots of water, as dogs can easily get dehydrated, particularly in a car. Ensure your dog has plenty of water and air, and never leave your dog locked in a car.
- Take a travel water bottle for when you’re out hiking with your dog, and always pack collapsible bowls in case your dog-friendly accommodation doesn’t supply feeding equipment.
- For their health and wellbeing, make sure their flea, tick and worming treatment is fully up to date, and travel with their vaccine records and pet insurance documents in case of any mishaps or emergencies during your holiday. Pack a tick twister just as a precaution, in case you need to eliminate any pesky parasites.
- Pack towels, a grooming brush to care for their coat, and a cool mat if travelling to a warm destination.
- Pack treats and toys to keep your dog happy and relaxed and to guarantee smooth travel to and from your location!
Recommended essential products for your dog-friendly holiday from Groomers:
Shop health and wellbeing at Groomers before your next trip away
Shop our health and wellbeing range for all the last-minute essentials you might need for your travels. From nail clippers to calming sprays, you’ll find products suited to caring for your dog while travelling.
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