The Ultimate Guide for Taking Pets on Holiday UK

Want to enjoy a relaxing getaway this year without the added stress of paying kennel fees? A UK staycation is the perfect chance for taking your pets on holiday and with Sykes Holiday Cottages, pets go free at more than 8000 properties!

Whether you’re interested in beaches, mountains or the countryside, you’ll find it in the UK. The ability to bring our furry pals along is a major perk of a staycation, right up there with finding hidden gems just outside your door.

Plan the paw-fect trip with our ultimate guide to taking pets on holiday in the UK…

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Jump to…

Pet-friendly Holidays
Pet-friendly Beaches
Pet-friendly Walks
Pet-friendly Pubs
Pet-friendly Cottages
Pet Packing Guide
FAQs

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Pet-friendly Holiday Destinations in the UK

You and your four-legged friend can enjoy so many pet-friendly destinations in the UK. In this guide, we’ve compiled all of our favourite pet-friendly holiday destinations, from the rural moorland of North Yorkshire to the golden beaches of Cornwall.

1. North Wales & Snowdonia

2. North York Moors & Coast

3. Cumbria & The Lake District

4. Cornwall

5. Peak District

6. Yorkshire Dales

7. East Anglia

8. Heart of England

9. Northumberland

10. South Wales

Top 10 dog-friendly destinations 2024

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Top 10 Pet-friendly Beaches

There are several dog-friendly beaches to choose from, ranging from the coast of Dorset to the Scottish Highlands. Visit one of these fantastic dog-friendly beaches and look forward to watching your dog majestically sprint along the dunes or swim in the surf. Below is a summary of our 10 best dog-friendly beaches in the UK!

1. Bossiney Cove, near Tintagel, Cornwall

2. Runswick Bay Beach, Saltburn-by-the-Sea, North Yorkshire

3. Horsey Gap, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk

4. Compton Bay, Freshwater, Isle of Wight

5. Barafundle Bay, Stackpole, Pembrokeshire

6. Durdle Door Beach, Lulworth, Dorset

7. Morar Beach, near Morar, Fort William, Scottish Highlands

8. North Sands, Salcombe, Devon

9. Murlough Beach, near Newcastle, County Down, Northern Ireland

10. Haverigg Beach, near Barrow-in-Furness, Lake District

Top 10 dog-friendly beaches UK

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Pet-friendly Walks

There are wonderful dog walks all around the UK, from the towering mountains of Wales to the midden gems of South West England. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of some of the top dog-friendly walking paths.

1. Pen-y-Ghent and Hull Pot Circular

2. Catbells via Allerdale Ramble

3. Grasmere and Helm Crag Circular

4. Rydal Water Walk

5. Connemara and Diamond Hill Loop

6. Janet’s Foss, Gordale Scar and Malham Cove

7. Conic Hill

8. Llyn Idwal Circular

9. Sugar Loaf Mountain: Wales Walk

10. Three Shires Head Walk

Discover more dog-friendly UK walks

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Pet-friendly Pubs & Restaurants

There’s no need to leave your pup back on your holiday let with all of these amazing pet-friendly pubs and restaurants throughout the UK. Check out some of the most popular dog-friendly pubs and eateries below.

1. Dog-friendly Pubs in Northumberland

2. Dog-friendly Pubs in Keswick

3. Dog-friendly Pubs in York

4. Dog-friendly Pubs in Exeter

5. Dog-friendly Pubs in Llandudno

6. Dog-friendly pubs in Cornwall

7. Dog-friendly Pubs in Dorset

8. Dog-friendly Restaurants in Cornwall

9. Pet-friendly cafés in the Lake District

Discover more UK dog-friendly places to eat

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Best Pet-friendly Cottages

It’s no surprise that dog-friendly holidays are one of the most popular types of holidays at Sykes. We believe that no family member should be left behind, especially not our faithful four-legged friends!

Because of this, pets go free at more than 8000 properties! Choose from thousands of dog-friendly holiday homes, including dog-friendly log cabins, dog-friendly coastal cottages and luxury dog-friendly cottages.

Check out a few of our favourites below…

Idlewild, 2 Wheal Turnavore

The first dog is welcome free of charge in this contemporary home, while the second may be added for just £25 per week. Two dog beds and two dog dishes are provided for your pet’s comfort and convenience.

Tyn Y Gorlan

With this cottage, you can bring the whole family along. Up to six dogs are welcome at Tyn Y Gorlan, and horses can stay there as well for an additional fee and by prior agreement.

Sit back and relax on the terrace as you take in the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, the islands of Abersoch and St. Tudwal, and the stunning Llŷn Peninsula.

Number 17 Bell Cottage

With a doggy welcome pack included, Number 17 Bell Cottage can accommodate up to two pets. There’s also an enclosed patio for pets to run free and an outdoor dog-washing area!

Search all pets go free properties

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Pet Packing Guide

Here’s a glimpse of our guide to the perfect dog-friendly holiday. You can download and print off your own packing checklist to help you prepare for your next dog-friendly getaway.

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FAQs

What do I need to bring for my pet on a UK staycation?

You need to gather items like their papers and medications. In addition, you will need to find a safe place for them to travel in, in addition to all of their bedding, blankets, towels, toys, food, and treats.

Additionally, it’s a good idea to have a current immunisation record, a permanent microchip, and, if necessary, a rabies shot.

How should I transport my dog in the car?

According to The Highway Code… “When in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves if you stop quickly. A seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars.”

Other tips include

• Bringing water so your pet can stay cool in the summer heat
• Taking frequent breaks during long journeys to allow your pet to stretch their legs, rehydrate, and go to the toilet
• If your pet is car sick, talk to your vet who can prescribe travel medication
• Don’t let your pet put its head out of the window
• Leave two hours after feeding before travelling in the car

How do I prepare my dog for a trip?

Some pets hate travelling and some haven’t been to the beach, bars, or restaurants. Start by measuring your pup’s adaptability and finding out what makes them stressed.

Questions to ask yourself include…

1. What kind of holiday would they like?
2. Is your dog anxious or overwhelmed?
3. Can your dog handle beach or resort crowds?
4. Is your dog comfortable on car rides?
5. On a walking excursion, would your dog encounter many other dogs? Do they like other dogs?

If you’re unsure, a behaviourist or trainer can evaluate your dog to determine the best training plan and behaviour for the trip.

How do I know if my pet is ready for a holiday?

Even if your pet performs well in a crate at home or on short journeys, they may act out on longer trips. At least a month before travel, you can gradually introduce the crate to them in different ways.

Ask neighbours, friends, or family to overnight board your dog. Make sure it’s somewhere new. If they seem terrified or anxious in their new surroundings, continue boarding them to show them that new settings are ok.

What about Pet-Friendly Beaches?

Despite many local councils enforced restrictions on walking dogs on beaches, there’s still plenty of places you can take your dog for a stroll by the sea during your holiday. In fact, many beaches only operate seasonal restrictions, typically between April/May and the end of September.

However, many don’t exercise a full ban on dog-walking, with many having designated zones where your pooch is allowed to wander freely. So, if you’re planning your next break during this time, we’d highly recommend checking ahead to see what the exact restrictions are.

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