Sniffing out the best dog friendly holiday destinations in the UK
Where is the most dog friendly place in the UK?
Living in the UK, we are never too far from a good dog walk and are blessed with many dog-friendly holiday destinations in England, Scotland and Wales. Whether you and your pooch are partial to a bracing coastal walk, with views of the deep blue and blusters of revitalising sea air, or would rather take on a more strenuous hike in the rugged hills of Scotland or Wales, you are spoilt for choice with the choice of potential adventures to em'bark' on! As many of the holiday destinations in the UK are dog friendly, there’s no need to face those puppy dog eyes as you leave your dog behind.
So, wrap up warm, pack your pockets with your favourite treats (and some little black bags - just in case!) and get ready to create some unforgettable memories with your canine companion.
1. North Wales
North Wales is up there as one of the best dog friendly holiday destinations in the UK. Miles of wild rolling hills, dramatic mountains to conquer, coastal paths for those more leisurely walks and heavenly beaches, providing the 'pawfect' playground for endless games of fetch and other sandy shenanigans! For more energetic pooches, a walk up the soaring mount Snowdon is one to get their tales wagging and will tire out even the springiest of spaniels.
Where to eat
Generally, many of the cafes, restaurants and pubs tend to be dog friendly in North Wales. There are many eateries which will have no problem welcoming you and your pooch (they might even get a treat too!).
Where to sleep
Looking for somewhere truly memorable to rest your head? Our Llyn Peninsula retreat is situated in an ideal coastal spot, overlooking the captivating waters of Nefyn Bay and on the doorstep of awe-inspiring coastal walks, Porthdinllaen beach and just a short drive from Snowdonia.
You may be worried that if your dog comes along that on holiday, you may have to miss out on being able to visit some of the historic castles, grounds and other religious buildings which Scotland has to offer– however, this is not the case. Many organisations permit dogs to join in on the sightseeing too; for example National Trust Scotland and Historic Scotland. This means that discovering the delights of the likes of Melrose Abbey, Fort George or Dryburgh Abbey can still be done with your furry pal. So long as the Scottish Outdoor Access Code is adhered to, you have the right to walk pretty much anywhere in the Scottish Highlands!
There are terrains to suit every dog walking duo; from beaches, woodlands and lochs to mountains and lush countryside. Walking part of The Great Glen Way is a fantastic adventure to embark on with your pooch, it’s also simple to follow, relatively easy terrain and threads through many iconic destinations, such as the inky waters of Loch Ness.
Where to eat
If you are looking for somewhere dog-friendly to fuel up, The Grog & Gruel is a lovely little alehouse in Fort William. Walk through the doors to a warm Highland welcome, a quirky selection of ales and the warmth of a log-fire. You can also indulge in a choice of pies which will warm your soul; from their rich stag pie to a sumptious sweet potato pie.
Where to sleep
Our historic Canalside Cottages, nestled on the banks of the Caledonian Canal are the perfect base for exploring the Scottish Highlands with your furry explorer. Spend the day exploring and retreat to the toasty-comfort of a roaring log fire.
Christened ‘Gods Own Country’ by those on two legs, we’re sure your tail-waggers will approve of a holiday in the Yorkshire Dales. Yorkshire is home to five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, one of them being the beautiful Yorkshire Dales National Park. There is a distinctive landscape to Yorkshire which charms visitors with fairy-tale valleys and golden hills, which can best be explored by embarking on one of the criss-cross walking routes.
You can also expect true Yorkshire hospitality from many of the dining options. A day out to Aysgarth Falls in Leyburn is a great one for dogs that like to have a splash and a dip after walkies. Or there’s the bustling, historic market town of Richmond which provides the perfect set off point for embarking on an adventure with your eager explorer, with many walking routes being accessible from the town. There’s a variety of local pubs, cafes and coffee shops who will happily welcome your companion also!
Where to eat
The region of Yorkshire is renowned world-wide for being one of the best places to experience a ‘proper’ English pub. Many of those located near the dales walking routes are dog friendly and will allow well-behaved dogs to come in for a rest too! One of our favourite dog friendly pubs is the George & Dragon in Hudswell, near to Richmond. Voted CAMRA best pub of the year, they have an extensive ale and whisky menu and the most buttery pies to sink your teeth into!
Where to sleep
Looking for somewhere cosy for you and your fur ball to rest your legs (and their paws)? Our luxury dog-friendly lodges provide the perfect base camp for weary explorers. One of the beauties of the chillier season is the anticipation of returning to your log-fired lodges with flushed cheeks to get toasty in front of the fire while marvelling at the surrounding autumnal wonderland - the ideal end to a day of canine adventure!