Dog Friendly Holidays UK: A Guide for Staycations with Your Dog

Planning a trip shouldn’t mean leaving your dog behind. The good news? Dog friendly holidays in the UK have never been easier or more accessible to everyone. Since getting a dog in 2022, I’ve loved finding fantastic dog friendly holidays all over the UK and making memories with my dog.

From cosy countryside cottages to boutique hotels that welcome muddy paws, the UK is packed with incredible places where both you and your dog can adventure AND relax. Whether you’re dreaming of coastal walks, pub lunches by the fire, or countryside escapes, this guide covers everything you need to plan the perfect dog friendly getaway.

In this guide, you’ll discover the best places to stay, top destinations, and practical tips to make travelling with your dog simple and stress-free.

From boutique hotel breaks, to walking holidays, to beach holidays – the UK has it all.

Why Choose A Dog Friendly UK Holiday?

Travelling within the UK with your dog is not only convenient, but often more enjoyable. You can get somewhere quick and easy for the weekend in a few hours or less, and be back for work on Monday morning. You’ll avoid the stress of flights and pet passports, and instead gain access to:

Scenic walking routes right on your doorstep
Dog friendly pubs, cafés, and attractions
Accommodation designed with dogs in mind
Flexible, short-break options

Plus, more hotels and cottages than ever now offer thoughtful extras like dog beds, treats, enclosed gardens, and even dog menus. Save the money you would have spent on a dog sitter and instead put it towards something you can enjoy together.

Best Dog Friendly Holiday Destinations in the UK

Fancy a trip to the Scottish Highliands?

The Cotswolds

Perfect for postcard-worthy villages and rolling countryside, the Cotswolds is ideal for relaxed walks and cosy stays. Expect honey-coloured cottages, scenic trails, and plenty of dog friendly pubs. If you’re really into long walks, you could tackle some (or all) of the Cotswold Way, a 164KM walk spanning the length of the Cotswolds. Expect beautiful scenery!

Yorkshire

From dramatic moorland to charming market towns, to rugged coastline – Yorkshire offers incredible variety. It’s a fantastic choice for exploring or relaxing. As a Yorkshire native myself, I can’t recommend it enough. My favourite spot in Yorkshire has to be Whitby.

The Lake District

A dream destination for active dogs and owners alike. Think mountains, lakes, and endless hiking opportunities—with many dog friendly inns along the way.

Cornwall & Devon

If your dog loves the beach, this is the place to be. Many beaches allow dogs year-round or outside peak hours, and there’s a huge range of coastal accommodation. There’s nothing better than seeing your dog with the zoomies on a nice empty beach, in my opinion.

Rutland & the Midlands

For quieter escapes, Rutland offers peaceful countryside, beautiful lakeside walks, and hidden gem hotels perfect for a relaxing break. Right in the heart of the UK, Rutland & the Midlands have lots of beautiful countryside to explore. If you’re staying in Rutland, a walk around Rutland Water and visits to beautiful towns like Oakham and Stamford make for a lovely weekend break with your dog.

Mid & North Wales

Wales has captured my heart over the last few years. It has so much diversity in landscape to enjoy. From beautiful coastline and beaches, breathtaking mountains and luscious forests. It feels like one of the quieter options on this list, and I’ve enjoyed many quiet breaks here to unplug and explore nature with my dog.

Scotland

For an unforgettable dog friendly holiday in the UK, you need to get to Scotland. Similar to Wales it has a breadth of amazing landscapes to explore. You won’t regret a trip through Glen Coe up to the highlands for adventure packed break. If you fancy a challenge why not hike Ben Nevis, the UK’s tallest mountain. Edinburgh is also a wonderfully dog friendly city to explore, if you’re more of a shopper than a hiker.

The Peak District

The Peak District was designated the UK’s first national park in 1951. It spans across 5 counties up the spine of England, it is easily reachable for a large majority of UK residents so is the perfect location for a quick break. It is full of dog friendly adventures and activities for you to try – from lakes & mountains, market towns, and amazing national trust and other stately home properties like Lyme Park and Chatsworth. This is the perfect break for lovers of Pride & Prejudice.

Types of Dog Friendly Accommodation

There are plenty of different accomodation options for dog friendly holidays in the UK available these days. No matter your preferences or budget, I’ve found it incredibly easy to find places to stay overnight with my dog. Here are some suggestions for different accommodation types you can consider.

One of the Glade Huts at the Tawny Hotel

Dog Friendly Hotels

Ideal if you want a more luxurious, hassle-free stay. Many now cater specifically to dogs with extras like welcome hampers and designated walking areas. I love staying at a hotel with my dog when I want a relaxing and easy trip. No need to pack your own bedding, or worrying about doing a food shop when you arrive (like in self catered accommodation). You can just turn up, enjoy your stay, and check out when you are ready. However, you have less space to relax in when you only have a hotel room, and often don’t have direct access to green space for your dog to do their business.

Dog Friendly Cottages

Perfect for space, privacy, and flexibility—especially if your dog needs room to roam. You can easily find dog friendly cottages through sites like Airbnb or Booking.com. A cottage gives you more space than a hotel room, and you can book one with an enclosed garden so your dog has more freedom too. A self catered cottage will be more suitable for dogs who are anxious and want quiet – you won’t be disturbed by other guests, like in a hotel.

Dog Friendly Lodges & Cabins

A great middle ground between hotels and cottages, often located in scenic, rural settings with added perks like hot tubs. This is easily becoming my favourite type of dog friendly holiday in the UK. Usually big enough to contain multiple bedrooms, amlounge area, and outdoor seating – you can settle in for a longer stay. Many cabin sites have great on site facilities like a pool, shop, and cafe. My favourite website to book a lodge or cabin is Hoseasons.co.uk

Camping

Camping is an amazing way to spend time with your dog in the great outdoors. For many, they love the freedom of being completely in control. Choose where to pitch your tent or caravan, from campsites all over the UK. Bringing all your own bedding, furnishings and equipment can remove any stress from your dog causing damage to a rented property. Camping is very budget friendly – once you have all the equipment you need, you can use it as many times as you want.

What to Look for in Dog Friendly Places to Stay

Not all dog friendly stays are created equal, so it’s worth checking:

Number and size of dogs allowed
Additional fees per stay
Access to outdoor space or enclosed gardens
Nearby walking routes
House rules (e.g. dogs on furniture)

These details can make a big difference to how relaxing your trip actually feels.

Tips for a Stress-Free Dog Friendly Holiday

A little preparation goes a long way when travelling with your dog:

Pack familiar items like their bed or blanket
Bring towels for muddy paws
Research local vets and emergency contacts
Check beach or park restrictions in advance
Plan dog friendly stops if travelling long distances

Keeping your dog’s routine as consistent as possible will help them settle quickly into a new environment.

When is the Best Time for a Dog Friendly Holiday in the UK?

Each season in the UK offers something different. So it depends on what type of holiday you would like! As with any UK holiday, be prepared for unpredictable weather. You could have a heatwave in Spring, and rain all summer.

Spring: Best for fewer crowds and nice temperatures.
Summer: Best for beaches (check dog restrictions)
Autumn: Stunning scenery and quieter destinations.
Winter: Cosy breaks with fireside pubs and peaceful walks

If your dog prefers quieter environments, avoiding peak school holiday periods can make a big difference.

Final Thoughts: Planning Your Perfect Dog Friendly Holiday UK

A dog friendly holiday in the UK isn’t just about finding somewhere that allows pets—it’s about choosing places where your dog is genuinely welcomed and you can both relax.

With so many incredible destinations and accommodations across the UK, you’re never short of options. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a longer break, travelling with your dog can make the experience even more memorable.

Start exploring the guides above to find your perfect stay—and get ready to make some unforgettable memories with your four-legged companion.

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