After all, what’s a trip to the beach without a canine companion splashing beside you, or a long walk through the countryside without a furry family member to spur you on?
With this in mind, you’ll find that many of our proprties across the UK are, in fact, dog-friendly cottages, to make sure you don’t have to leave anyone important at home.
Here you’ll find our specially curated list of the best places to go on holiday with a dog in the UK. They’ll give you paws for thought…
The North East is a fantastic destination to explore with dogs. With plenty of large and hidden beaches to enjoy, you won’t have to battle for space with the usual seaside crowds.
Chief among Northumberland’s draws for dogs is, of course, Bamburgh Castle Beach. Not only will it offer fantastic views for the humans among you, but dogs are also welcome year-round. This means your companion will have miles of sand to race through and plenty of coastline to freely paddle in.
Many of the castle ruins will also be open to dogs, just be sure to keep tabs on the latest developments, as dog-friendly statuses can change.
No-one need be left behind on your next visit to Norfolk. This is because there are a number of beaches that welcome guests with four paws, too.
There’s also plenty of variety on offer, when it comes to terrain. For great dog walks on golden sand you can head to Old Hunstanton Beach all year, while there are several shingle beach options, too, although you may be restricted to the summer months.
Many of the beaches in Norfolk border nature reserves with nesting birds at specific times so, just make sure to double check which beaches are open to pups. However, with so much choice, you’re bound to find somewhere to stretch their legs.
North Yorkshire is a county of dog lovers. Well, it must be, as there are so many places that you can take a canine for a long stroll.
With hundreds of miles to spare in the North York Moors National Park, this means there’s room for everyone. Officially recommended dog walking routes include tracks and paths in Dalby Forest, the woodland waterfall at Falling Foss, and more forest scenery in Newtondale.
While, elsewhere in North Yorkshire, the Nidd Gorge near Knaresborough is a popular pick due to areas where dogs can go off-lead and even enjoy a dip in parts of the river.
We said North Yorkshire was a great spot for dog lovers. The coastal area here covers a substantial amount of space, too. Flamborough Head’s easy walking trail and famous lighthouses are a particular highlight, and you can also left your dog off the leash at nearby North Landing, as long as you stay away from the cliff edge.
In addition, beautiful Brunswick Bay is open to canines all year, and Whitby offers more than sand and sea for four-legged friends, with a range of parks, becks and riversides that are ripe for exploration. You can also walk from here all the way to the stunning Robin Hood’s Bay. Just make sure to check dogs are welcome in the summer months.
If you wish to visit the most popular beaches in Cornwall with the dogs, you may want to venture there outside the summer months. However, if you want to soak up the sun with your pooch, simply keep away from the crowds.
Very few beaches ban dogs all year but Looe is among the few that do. Other well-known destinations such as Fistral Beach, Port Isaac, Tintagel and the Bedruthen Steps, are among your best bets.
It’s always worth making sure during the summer months but, despite it’s reputation as a holidaymaker hotspot, Cornwall has plenty of time for canines. Even the most famous beaches and coastal areas, such as Kynance Cove and Porthcurno, will only have seasonal bans.
You won’t be short of walks in Snowdonia. This beloved area of Wales is famous for its mountains, lakes and woodland, and dogs will adore the scenery and fresh air just as much as you.
While it wouldn’t be wise to scale the heights of Snowdon with your dog in tow, the Welsh destination still offers ample opportunity for strolls and treks of all levels. Due to the livestock in the region, it’s requested that dogs are to be kept on leads in most National Trust hotspots, such as Carneddau and Glyderau – Wales’ oldest National Nature Reserve – but they can still have plenty of fun.
The View Scottish Borders Cottages simply couldn’t be left off the list. As well as walks, there are a number of attractions, such as stately homes and grounds, here that are happy to have dogs on leads.
Paxton House has been noted for its animal hospitality in the past, by providing a dedicated dog-friendly area, while the impressive Floors Castle also admits those who possess four paws, in its gardens.
Dogs have the right to roam in Scotland too, so well-trodden walks like the Berwickshire Coastal Path will not be a problem, and you’re bound to come across a few pubs that are happy to play host to pups, too.
The Lake District was made for leisurely walks with dogs, so it’s no surprise that furry group members have plenty of choice here.
Among the best known is Derwentwater and Cat Bells that, despite the name, will provide an excellent circuit for stretching canine legs.
Aside from the paths and routes around lakes and tarns, which are ideal for dog walks, while trails around Ullswater and Aira Force offer the ideal blend of woodland, lake and waterfall.
Acres of green space, woodland and rivers, make The Cotswolds – which cover a large expanse of countryside and many a quaint pub – ideal for dogs.
As one of the most popular walking getaways for humans in the UK, it’s a perfect fit for pups, too. Don your walking boots, slip on your Gillet and head out with the hounds to explore the Cotswold Way – you’re sure to fit in.
Sites such as Broadway Tower and the market town of Chipping Campden will suit dogs down to the ground.
If you have any questions about any of our cottages or if you’d like some help with your booking, you are very welcome to get in touch with us.
We are always happy to help and go out of our way to tailor your perfect UK holiday.
