Seeking out the best dog-friendly holidays in the UK is becoming more popular amongst dog owners every year.
Sykes Holiday Cottages has had the pleasure of accommodating countless dogs, along with their owners, so far in 2023. And why not? We are a nation of dog lovers and want our holidays to be memorable experiences that every member of the family will love; including the four-legged ones.
Read on to find 10 ‘paw’some dog-friendly holidays in the UK for 2024…
1. North Wales & Snowdonia
Enjoying the top spot on this list of best UK holidays with dogs is North Wales. Offering a vast and varied landscape of lush countryside, imposing mountain ranges, rolling hills, pretty valleys and traditional villages, there is plenty of variety in a pet-friendly North Wales holiday.
Why dogs love it
Enjoy the very best of North Wales’ scenery by climbing to its highest peak, Mount Snowdon‘s summit, which impressively stands at 1085m. Snowdonia National Park welcomes dogs on a lead, as long as fitness permits, so your four-legged friend can accompany you on a trek up the magnificent mountain.
There are several different routes, with varying levels of difficulty, so you can make your choice depending on your capabilities. If the family is feeling fit and ready for the challenge of ascending the tricky terrain, you will be rewarded with some of the most spectacular, far-reaching views. Even if you don’t fancy the endurance test, there’s plenty to see and do whilst strolling through the national park itself.
For something a little different, how about heading underground? Sygun Copper Mine is a Victorian mine that has been out of use since the early 1900s.
It has been open as a tourist attraction for over 20 years and offers a fascinating day of adventure, exploring underground with your four-legged friend would certainly make for a day out with a difference. Just bear in mind that there are several metal steps to climb, which could prove tricky with larger dogs.
Begin your adventure in North Wales today!
2. Cumbria & The Lake District
The ideal destination for walkers and lovers of the great outdoors, Cumbria & the Lake District unsurprisingly features highly on our list of best holidays with dogs in the UK!
It is an extremely popular destination at any time of year with popular resorts like Windermere, Keswick and Ambleside. But, visiting some of the quieter destinations will offer you a different experience, either in the quaint countryside or uncovering hidden gems in peaceful bliss.
Why dogs love it
Cumbria has 20 fascinating English Heritage Sites that accept dogs, so you can explore several fascinating ruins, remains and fantastically preserved buildings. Some of these include Ambleside’s ancient Roman Fort, which dates back to the 2nd century; the public park and the remains of the 14th-century Penrith Castle.
Here, you can admire the impressive remains and medieval gems of Furness Abbey and 13th-century Brougham Castle, which sits along the banks of the pretty River Eamont.
Don’t forget to take advantage of the 16 beautiful bodies of water that encompass the Lake District, providing the perfect backdrop to a gentle afternoon stroll or a family picnic. Windermere is perhaps the most widely-known stretch of water, and the largest, here you can take a quaint boat tour and explore the area from a different perspective.
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, some of them are even considered the best dog-friendly walks in the Lake District.
After a day of exploring this spectacular region on a Lake District walk, what better way to relax and re-energise than a trip to a Lakeland pub? The Bridge Hotel and The Dog and Gun are a couple of local favourites.
Begin planning your dog-friendly getaway to Cumbria and the Lake District now!
3. North York Moors & Coast
Next up on our guide to the best dog-friendly holidays in the UK is the North York Moors & Coast. Recognised as one of the most accessible areas in the country for a getaway with your pooch, this region has increased in popularity of pet-friendly holidays over the past year. You can now take your pick of more than 1000 pet-friendly North York Moors holiday cottages!
Why dogs love it
North Yorkshire’s coastal resorts have been holidaymakers’ havens for centuries; Whitby and Scarborough are the quintessential traditional English seaside towns with many landmarks and attractions to admire.
Climb Whitby’s 199 Steps and visit the stunning Whitby Abbey, whilst in Scarborough, you’ll be spoilt for choice by an array of sandy beaches.
A holiday to this region offers the perfect mix of rural moorland and beautiful coastline, so you can enjoy the best of both worlds. No two walks will be the same, with plenty of varying backdrops to enjoy.
Wander through Kilburn Woods, exploring enchanting woodland and breath-taking views of the Vale of York. You can even explore the coast around Robin Hood’s Bay and appreciate the variety of flora and fauna, learning about the 900-year history of English Heritage-owned Helmsley Castle.
Plan your dog-friendly holiday to North Yorkshire now!
4. Yorkshire Dales
When it comes to the best dog holidays in the UK, the Yorkshire Dales is another must-see destination, enjoying fourth place in this list.
A stay at a Yorkshire Dales pet-friendly cottage will leave you spoilt for choice when it comes to scenic outdoor walking routes, admiring some of the UK’s finest rural landscape along the way.
Why dogs love it
Miles without Stiles is a collection of walking routes accessible to all abilities and suitable for wheelchair users, families with pushchairs and those with limited mobility.
There are 17 of these routes in the Yorkshire Dales, and each of them is dog-friendly.
Take the whole family and enjoy a relaxed walk around Malham Cove, Buckden, Aysgarth Falls, the River Rawthey and more. You are sure to stumble upon a number of fantastic Yorkshire Dale 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.
Begin your getaway to one of the best dog-friendly destinations today!
5. Cornwall
Cornwall is another of the most popular destinations for a UK break and it’s certainly sure to get your dog’s tail wagging. With over 1400 dog-friendly cottages, you’re sure to find you’re perfect holiday!
For that very reason, the county unsurprisingly features near the top of our list of best holidays with dogs in the UK, with a wealth of pet-friendly Cornish holiday cottages to choose from.
Why dogs love it
Not only does this part of the South West enjoy a sub-tropical climate, meaning comfortable weather conditions year-round, but Cornwall is also a very accommodating destination for pets, with lots of popular attractions suitable for bringing dogs.
There are countless amazing dog-friendly beaches in Cornwall. 148 welcome dogs year-round, while a further 73 have some seasonal restrictions in place but there are only seven beaches in the entirety of Cornwall that don’t allow dogs. Find out the specifics here.
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 121 beaches in pleasant conditions, out of peak season and likely away from busy crowds of tourists.
Many of Cornwall’s top attractions welcome dogs, so you can explore the best of the region with every member of the family without feeling any restrictions.
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.
Start your dog-friendly adventure in Cornwall today!
6. Peak District
Another region to have seen an increased number of pet-friendly holiday bookings is the Peak District which is up next on our best UK holidays for dogs list. With more than 300 cottages to choose from, there are plenty of opportunities for enjoying the picturesque countryside and iconic attractions.
With all this on offer, a pet-friendly cottage in the Peak District is a must for 2024!
Why dogs love it
If you fancy a pint of your favourite tipple, owners and pets alike will appreciate that there are more than 100 dog-friendly pubs in the Peak District area, perfect for a spot of lunch or a refreshing beverage after a long country walk exploring your lovely rural location.
Visit the national park for a great selection of dog-friendly Peak District walks; try the Monsal Trail between Chee Dale and Bakewell, and admire some stunning limestone dales along the way.
Wander the grounds of Chatsworth House, the stately home that has belonged to the Cavendish family since the 16th century, where dogs are welcome to wander the gardens, provided they are on a lead.
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.
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.
With more than 100 pubs welcoming dogs in the area, you will be sure to find a spot where the entire family can relax and unwind.
Plan you’re pet-friendly getaway to the Peak District!
7. Northumberland
Enjoying seventh place on this list is Northumberland. The county currently welcomes dogs in over 600 of its properties and is a region of growing popularity in 2023; with it’s natural beauty and stunning coast, it’s easy to see why!
A dog-friendly cottage in Northumberland offers you a base from which you can explore the beautiful Northumberland Coast AONB, Northumberland National Park and Kielder Forest Park; just to name a few locations!
Why dogs love it
Those who enjoy the challenge of long-distance outdoor pursuits will be spoilt for choice in Northumberland. Grab your four-legged friend and head out to explore the North East’s countryside, where you’ll be greeted by ever-changing scenery and unique walking experiences.
Northumberland’s long-distance trails can be separated into lots of smaller (more sizeable routes) and often can be intersected by numerous shorter paths.
This results in a massive amount of variety and the opportunity to experience the same area from many different perspectives.The eight Long Distance Trails that either start, finish or pass through the county of Northumberland 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.
There are also an array of beautiful Northumberland beaches, many of which welcome dogs while offering unbeatable views across the rugged North Sea! There is no better place for your pooch to play.
Begin your dog-friendly UK holiday in Northumberland today!
8. East Anglia
East Anglia is next on our guide to the best dog-friendly holidays in the UK. A popular choice for a break with a pooch, East Anglia boasts access to a wonderful mix of stunning coastlines, and beautiful Norfolk beaches, as well as rolling countryside and bustling cities.
Why dogs love it
There are a host of fantastic dog-friendly beaches in Norfolk to explore, including the golden sands of Old Hunstanton Beach and Holkham Beach, which are both dog-friendly all year round.
The Norfolk Coast Path provides a selection of wonderful dog-friendly walks along the Norfolk coast, while RSPB Titchwell Marsh allows you to observe a diverse range of wildlife in a unique and protected setting.
Hop on a riverboat with your pet to see the Norfolk Broads in style or take a ride on the Bure Valley Railway to observe the best of East Anglia’s countryside. You can also discover the 243-hectare Royal Park that surrounds the magnificent Sandringham Estate, one of the royal residences of the late Queen Elizabeth II, and visit the walled garden of the 18th-century Holkham Hall estate.
Secure your dog-friendly break in East Anglia now!
9. Heart of England
It’s no wonder the rural epicentre of the UK is popular amongst dog lovers; there is so much magnificent terrain to explore with your pet, including the undulating countryside of the Malvern Hills AONB and the breath-taking Shropshire Hills AONB.
Why dogs love it
The Heart of England encompasses the counties that border England and Wales, Shropshire and Herefordshire, as well as Worcestershire and Gloucestershire, which are surrounded by picturesque countryside and idyllic towns and villages.
Hop on a dog-friendly train journey along the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway, while nearby the unique Painswick Rococo Garden provides a wonderful backdrop for an afternoon dog walk.
Hertfordshire offers a wealth of park and country walks for pets, including trails that pass through the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the popular town of Hemel Hempstead.
Ludlow Castle provides several dog-friendly walking trails, including the grounds of the castle itself, while Brown Clee is one of Shropshire’s most popular attractions, boasting panoramic countryside views at its peak.
Explore the enchanting woodland of Eyemore Woods in the Severn Valley, while the Worcester Canal Walk takes in some of the best sites along the River Severn.
If a countryside dog walk is just your cup of tea, then the Heart of England could be the ideal place for your next dog walking holiday.
Begin your adventures in the Heart of England today!
10. South Wales
Last but not least on this list is South Wales, a region that boasts over 500 dog-friendly cottages.
Home to the Brecon Beacons National Park, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, and, of course, a wealth of glorious dog-friendly Welsh beaches, it’s unsurprising that this delightful region features on our guide to the best dog-friendly holidays in the UK!
Why dogs love it
South Wales is home to Wales’ number one beach, Rhossili Bay. Regularly featured amongst the best beaches in Europe lists, Rhossili Bay is a dog-friendly beach in a fantastic location that the whole family will love.
Part of Swansea’s Gower Peninsula, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Rhossili Bay has three miles of glorious coastline to explore. The coast encompasses the iconic landmark of Worms Head, given its name due to its serpent-like shape.
Perfect for a spot of fetch, a run along the sand, or perhaps a steady walk, complete with a magnificent view, there is something for everyone to appreciate at Rhossili Bay. You can also choose from endless Pembrokeshire beaches which boast far-reaching views across the Atlantic.
With so many places to visit in South Wales for the whole family, it is no surprise to see this part of Wales on our top UK holiday destinations guide!
Don’t wait! Plan your South Wales getaway now.
Feeling inspired by our guide to the best dog-friendly holidays in the UK? Then book a getaway from this collection of dog-friendly properties. Don’t forget to download our Pet Packing Guide and use our UK Travel Guide to plan your adventure!