If going on holiday with your four-legged companion is a must-do, then why not consider booking a stay in one of these fantastic locations for dog-friendly holidays in the UK?
Here at Sykes, we understand how important it is to bring your beloved pooch on your next getaway. In fact, in 2024 alone, 265,000 dogs went on holiday with us! So we’ve delved into our 2025 bookings data so far to highlight the most popular dog-friendly holidays in the UK this year.
From the sunny south coast to the northern tip of the British Isles, there’s no shortage of places to choose from when it comes to booking your next staycation with your pooch. So, whether you’re after a serene countryside escape or an unforgettable beach break, we’ve got you covered with this handy guide.
Keep scrolling to see the top 10 places to go for a dog-friendly holiday in the UK in 2025…
Skip Ahead to:
• Scottish Highlands & Islands
• Southern Scotland
• Northumberland
• North Wales
• Cumbria & the Lake District
• Peak District
• North York Moors & Coast
• Central Scotland
• Cornwall
• Yorkshire Dales
The 10 Best Locations for Dog-Friendly Holidays in the UK
1. Scottish Highlands & Islands
The Scottish Highlands takes the top spot when it comes to the number of pet-friendly bookings per property in 2025. And with a vast and beautiful landscape to explore, we aren’t surprised!
The Scottish Highlands dominate the majority of Northern Scotland, stretching from the Highland Boundary all the way to the northern shores of the country. It is also home to some of Scotland’s best mountains and Munros, including Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the British Isles, and impressive lakes like Loch Lomond.
You won’t be short of idyllic walks and hikes here! It’s truly a place where you and your pooch can roam freely and enjoy the very best of Scotland’s natural beauty and experience the perfect dog-friendly UK holiday. The Highlands also ranks highly in our top destinations for a short break in 2025, so one to consider if you’re looking for a long weekend or midweek getaway!
The Scottish Islands also boast their own unique appeal. With nearly 800 islands dotted around the western and northern coast, they’re best known for their untouched landscapes and for housing some of the best beaches in Scotland, many of which are completely dog-friendly.
Perfect for those of you looking to spend your next staycation somewhere remote and away from the typical crowds of tourists, these two regions are easy contenders for the best dog-friendly holiday destinations in the UK.
2. Southern Scotland
Bound by the border with England, Southern Scotland is a wonderful place for dog-friendly holidays in the UK. Stretching from Berwick-upon-Tweed to the east, all the way to Gretna in the west, it’s a region that’s often (and unfairly) overlooked by tourists heading further north. However, despite this fact, we’ve seen almost a thousand dog-friendly bookings for 2025.
Here, you’ll find wonderful towns like Kelso and Coldstream, as well as a host of historic castles that once stood as important military checkpoints during the Middle Ages. With rolling green hills, crags and lush forests weaving throughout the landscape, Southern Scotland is a top choice for those of you looking to stay somewhere rural with your four-legged friends.
3. Northumberland
Making up a huge part of North East England, the county of Northumberland is easily one of the best places to go for dog-friendly holidays in the UK, seeing a massive increase in bookings over the past couple of years. In fact, it’s the destination of choice for over two thousand staycations so far in 2025 and it’s no wonder, with a national park and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty waiting to be explored!
Here, you’ll find the ancient remnants of Hadrian’s Wall, as well as impressive landmarks like Bamburgh Castle and natural wonders like Kielder Water and Forest Park that are perfect for exploring with your pets. Not only that, but many businesses here also allow dogs, including plenty of pubs.
With a coastline covering over 60 miles, here you’ll find loads of fantastic dog-friendly beaches to visit, many of which offer unbeatable views across the rugged North Sea, in popular locations like Alnmouth, Boulmer and Seahouses. Further inland, you’ll also find the gigantic Northumberland National Park, which is great for long countryside walks, hiking, cycling and everything in-between. The eight Long Distance Trails that either start, finish or pass through the county take in the many facets of its expressive landscape, often on one trail.
St. Oswald’s Way, for example, begins at the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, passes along the River Coquet, and also climbs the Simonside Hills, offering dogs and their owners a taste of each of these environments.
4. North Wales
Without a doubt, North Wales is a firm favourite when it comes to dog-friendly holidays in the UK and staycations in general. Being one of our top destinations for 2025, already drawing in over five thousand bookings, it’s not hard to see why this stunning region sees so many visitors flock here throughout the year.
Along its central coastlines, seaside towns like Prestatyn and Llandudno still remain popular today after becoming fashionable holiday hotspots in the late Victorian era. Slightly further west, you’ll find the amazing Snowdonia National Park (Eryri), which welcomes dogs on a lead, as long as fitness permits, so your four-legged friend can accompany you on a trek up the magnificent Mount Snowdon, North Wales’ highest peak. Not only that, there is the enchanting Isle of Anglesey, where there’s no shortage of wonderful places to explore. Many pubs, cafés and restaurants are also very dog-friendly here and you’re unlikely to find somewhere that won’t accept them.
Although the latter operates restrictions on many of its beaches for dog walkers, both Anglesey and Snowdonia boast tonnes of walking trails, coastal paths and wide-open areas where you and your pooch can roam free and enjoy the best of the region’s natural beauty.
For the best places to go walking with your pooch, take a look at this guide covering the best dog-friendly beaches in Wales »
5. Cumbria & the Lake District
Named after the 16 gorgeous lakes that stretch across this gorgeous national park, the Lake District and the surrounding county of Cumbria are classic staycation hotspots, bringing in thousands of domestic and international tourists every year to experience its natural beauty. In 2025, it’s already the location of choice for over four thousand dog-friendly holidays!
Serving as an inspiration to some of Britain’s best writers and novelists, such as William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter, the region first became a popular holiday destination back in the 1840s, when crowds of tourists starting arriving at the newly-build railway station in Bowness. And with 20 English Heritage Sites that accept dogs, you can explore several fascinating ruins, remains and fantastically preserved buildings, including Ambleside’s ancient Roman Fort, which dates back to the 2nd century, and the remains of the 14th-century Penrith Castle.
Today, Windermere and its neighbouring lake still serve as one of the most popular and recognisable areas in the national park, providing the perfect backdrop to a gentle afternoon stroll, family picnic or quaint boat tour. You can enjoy a similar experience at Coniston Water, where dogs can join the lake cruise free of charge. Be sure to try and visit as many of these unique bodies of water as you can, including Derwentwater, Bassenthwaite Lake, and Buttermere.
Keswick was ranked the most dog-friendly town in the UK for three consecutive years by the Kennel Club, so you’re unlikely to find a place that doesn’t accept your four-legged friends here. Not only that, but with natural landmarks and mountains like Scafell Pike waiting for you to explore, you’re bound to have a wonderful time with your dogs whilst staying here.
For more inspiration, take a look at these fantastic dog walks in the Lake District »
6. Peak District
Making up most of the heart of England, the Peak District was the first designated national park in the UK and spans the counties of Derbyshire, Cheshire, Staffordshire and Yorkshire. Noted for its wild uplands, craggy hills and idyllic villages like Bakewell, Eyam and Hathersage, it’s a place that’s also steeped in a rich history, being the region where the first factories sprang up and ignited the Industrial Revolution.
With thousands of visitors and holidaymakers flocking here every year, the Peak District is a fantastic place to go for dog-friendly holidays in the UK as it boasts no shortage of dog-friendly walks and hiking trails, like the Monsal Trail between Chee Dale and Bakewell, where you can admire some stunning limestone dales along the way. In fact, some of the region’s best landmarks and attractions are also dog-friendly, which includes the ever-popular Chatsworth House estate!
Take the challenge of walking Kinder Scout and admire some fascinating points of interest along the way, including Mermaid’s Pool and Pym’s Chair, and for something unique, try a scenic Peak District waterfall walk.
You can even try a pub walk, guaranteeing a refreshing a delish end to your stroll! Whatever walking pursuit you decide to embark upon, there is no better way to conclude the adventure than with a refreshing beverage or a hearty, traditional meal by a roaring log fire. There are more than 100 dog-friendly pubs in the Peak District area, so you’ll be spoilt for choice!
7. North York Moors & the Yorkshire Coast
Found in the stunning county of North Yorkshire, the North York Moors is one of the largest national parks in the country and a fantastic place for dog-friendly holidays in the UK.
Just as the name suggests, it’s a place that’s best known for its hilly moorlands and rural charm. Covering over 500 square miles, it’s a great place to consider staying if you’re looking to unplug from everyday life for some well-needed peace and tranquility.
At the eastern edge of the national park you’ll find the Yorkshire Coast, another brilliant location for dog-friendly holidays in the UK. Lined with bustling and historic resorts that have been holidaymakers’ havens for centuries, including Bridlington, Scarborough, Whitby and Robin Hood’s Bay, it’s an area known for its dramatic coastal cliffs, award-winning beaches and some of the best fish and chips anywhere in the country. Many of this region’s beaches are also completely dog-friendly, with only a handful operating seasonal restrictions.
Climb Whitby’s 199 Steps and visit the stunning Whitby Abbey, wander through Kilburn Woods, exploring enchanting woodland and breath-taking views of the Vale of York, discover a variety of flora and fauna along the coast at Robin Hood’s Bay, and learn about the 900-year history of English Heritage-owned Helmsley Castle.
8. Central Scotland
Also known as the “Scottish Midlands” and the “Central Belt”, Central Scotland is home to the country’s two largest cities, Glasgow and the capital city of Edinburgh. Whilst being a popular location for city breaks, staying in the countryside in-between these two cities can be a wonderful idea for your next pet-friendly break.
Once the industrial heart of the country, this region is where you’ll find a host of small towns and villages that make for great places to go for dog-friendly holidays in the UK, as well as a host of country parks where you can roam free with your four-legged friends. Some of the best dog-friendly walks in the region include Lomond Hills Regional Park, which boasts 65 square kilometres of rolling countryside; Kelvingrove Park, a unique Victorian-style park in Glasgow; and the Fife Coastal Path, which offers spectacular coastal views, beaches and fishing villages to explore.
Not only that, but there’s also a host of interesting dog-friendly attractions and landmarks to explore here too, including Stirling Old Town Jail, the impressive Kelpies monument and the historic Linlithgow Palace.
9. Cornwall
Found in the South West of England bordering Devon is the beautiful county of Cornwall, a long-time favourite for dog-friendly holidays in the UK. With its sub-tropical climate offering comfortable weather conditions year-round, plus a 400-mile coastline that wraps around Land’s End and the Lizard Peninsula, it’s no surprise that more than 4000 dog-friendly holidays have already been booked here for 2025.
You’ll find some of the most highly-rated beaches in the country, many of which are dog-friendly beaches, as well as tonnes of idyllic coastal towns and miles of unspoilt countryside to enjoy and explore. Along the county’s northern coastline, towns and villages like Newquay, Padstow, Polzeath and St Ives are amongst some of the most popular staycation hotspots. Whilst many of these places operate seasonal restrictions for dog walkers on their beaches, many businesses and attractions are completely dog-friendly (including lots of places to eat), and certain beaches also have designated areas for you and your pooch to go for a walkabout.
Head to the Eden Project for an unforgettable experience (dogs on leads are allowed in the outdoor areas), and learn about the fascinating history of Bodmin Jail, which was built for King George III in 1779. Or, take a ride on a steam train along the Bodmin & Wenford Railway, explore the grounds of the iconic Tintagel and Pendennis castles, wander the 200 acres of the Lost Gardens of Heligan, plus much more.
Cornwall is also the perfect out-of-season destination, with temperatures staying above 10 degrees Celsius for at least seven months of the year (which are the conditions required for a sub-tropical climate classification). This means you can enjoy a stroll at a choice of over 100 beaches in pleasant conditions, out of peak season and likely away from busy crowds of tourists.
For more ideas on what to get up to here, have a look at these things to do in Cornwall with dogs.
10. Yorkshire Dales
The perfect place to go for a rural escape with your four-legged friend, the stunning Yorkshire Dales makes for a fantastic place to get away for dog-friendly holidays in the UK.
Found mostly within the county of North Yorkshire but also covering parts of both Lancashire and Cumbria, it’s a place that’s noted for its picturesque villages, rolling hills and the magnificent Wensleydale Valley that runs through the heart of the region.
Dotted with historic structures like Middleham Castle and Bolton Abbey, as well as a host of natural wonders like Aysgarth Falls and Semerwater, it’s a place where you and your pooch can get away from the stresses of everyday life for some much-needed rest and relaxation!
There are 17 Miles without Stiles walking routes, accessible to all abilities, that are dog-friendly, including around Malham Cove, Buckden and the River Rawthey. You are sure to stumble upon a number of fantastic Yorkshire Dales walks on your next visit with your beloved pet.
Don’t forget about the dog-friendly pubs in the national park! These make for the perfect place for a post-walk sit-down with your furry friend. Why not venture to The Kings Arms in Askrigg after wandering along the Gunnerside Gill and Kisdon Force trail nearby? Alternatively, stop in The Red Lion for a pint after exploring one of the many Skipton trails.
If you’re looking for even more places to go on holiday with your pooch, why not stay near one of these wonderful dog-friendly UK beaches? On the other hand, if you’ve already decided on a destination and you’re looking for places to go with your pooch, check out this list of the best dog-friendly places to eat! Don’t forget to download our Pet Packing Guide and use our Pet-Friendly Travel Guide to plan your adventure!