5 Pet-Friendly Activities for a Fun-filled Holiday

Have you noticed that, increasingly, people are bringing their pets along when they travel? Dog friendly holiday spaces are becoming easier to find, because it’s understandable that no one wants to leave a furry family member behind. Bringing your pet along on a family holiday strengthens your bond, and makes your trip more fun. Here, we will take a look at some of the best pet-friendly activities for the perfect holiday.

Dog-Friendly Beach Days

There’s nothing quite as joyous as spending time with your dogs on a beach. Watching them run in the sand, play in the surf, and generally enjoy themselves, and maybe playing a fun game of fetch or joining you for a leisurely walk is extremely rewarding. The UK is home to plenty of dog friendly beaches, including:

• The Scottish beaches of Balnakeil Beach, Durness, Westport Beach, Argyll, Nairn Beach, Cramond Beach, near Edinburgh, and Calgary Beach, Isle of Mull.
• North Cornwall beaches, including Fistral Beach, where dogs are welcome to swim and explore, and St Newlyn East, which features dog friendly beaches and hiking trails.
• South Cornwall beaches, which are calmer than North Cornwall beaches and offer plenty of dog friendly options, including Trevaunance Cove, Gwithian Beach, Sandymouth, and Holywell Bay.
• Devon is home to 76 dog-friendly beaches, including the beautiful Babbacombe Beach and loads of beaches in the South Hams.
• North Wales, where none of the beaches on the gorgeous Llyn Peninsula ban dogs, and 23 allow them without restrictions.

Hiking Adventures

What dog does not enjoy a walk? And what is hiking but an elevated walk, in a scenic, natural location? If there is one thing that is abundant in the UK, it is pet-friendly hiking trails and parks. Cheshire may be the most pet-friendly area of all, with local businesses welcoming dogs and abundant trails to explore together. You can also have amazing outdoor adventures with your canine companions in the Yorkshire Dales, and all along our scenic coastlines. In Scotland, you will find dog-friendly mountains, lochs, woodlands, and glens. Wherever your travels take you, remember to bring water, leashes, and waste bags along, and respect other hikers and adventurers along the way.

Pet-Friendly Accommodations

Wherever you travel with your pets, you will need to find accommodations that welcome them. Pet friendly hotels, vacation rentals and campgrounds are available throughout the UK, and Together Travel offers dog-friendly lodgings in North and South Cornwall, North and South Devon, North Norfolk, Chester, Yorkshire, Dorset, North Highlands, and North Wales. Make sure you let us know when you plan to bring along a companion animal, and take care to plan for emergencies. Some other tips for bringing your pet to your holiday accommodations:

• Schedule grooming beforehand, so you will not have to travel with a stinky pooch.
• Pinpoint the nearest veterinary clinic, in case of accident or illness.
• Make sure you are familiar with the property’s pet policies before you go.
• Bring along everything your pet will need, from food, dishes, and bedding to leashes, waste bags, crates, meds, toys, and treats.
• Plan for separation anxiety, and do not leave your dog alone in a holiday cottage or hotel.

Exploring Dog-Friendly Attractions

Many of the same attractions you would visit without a dog are actually dog friendly, including parks, botanical gardens, and pet-friendly wineries and breweries. It is wonderful to take your dog out to these places, because it helps them gain socialisation and make new friends. Make sure you check the policies before assuming you can bring your dog, and ask about entry fees, leash requirements, and any pet-friendly amenities. Locations across the UK are dog-friendly, including places you would expect, like dog parks, and others you would not, like some of the golf courses in Scotland and certain theme parks across the UK. In fact, there are so many dog friendly outings that we do not have space to list them here. There are gardens, castles, and National Trust properties with no dog restrictions, and even boats and trains that welcome dogs. There are even dog-friendly festivals like the Woofstock Festival in South Devon, Dogstival in Hampshire, and Dogs Unleashed, at various locations across the UK, if you want to spend time with your dog in the festival scene.

Dining with Your Pet

There are an astonishing number of pet-friendly restaurants and cafes in the UK, and you are almost always going to be able to find a pet friendly pub, especially in rural areas where walkers are likely to stop in. In London alone, there are abundant options, including The Three Stags, Greenwich Tavern, Donostia, and Smith and Whistle. In Cheshire, you are likely to find a dog bed in front of the fireplace at the local pub, and special puppy menu at a restaurant. In fact, across the UK, you will find more restaurants that we can possibly list here, so you might want to check in with BringFido.com for recommendations when you travel.

Remember, when dining with your dog, to use proper etiquette and dine responsibly. Contact the restaurant ahead of time to make sure you understand their pet policies, and ask about the best times to bring your dog along. If you do not think your dog will be well-behaved, do not bring the dog. Exercising your pooch ahead of your meal will help him or her to use up some of that friendly, excited dog energy, and it will also make cleaning up a mess much less likely. Keep your dog on a leash during the meal, and sit somewhere slightly away from other patrons. Do not allow your dog to sit on a chair or eat from your plate. Finally, and it should probably go without saying, clean up any mess your dog might make during your meal.

Plan the Perfect Pet-Friendly Family Holiday with Together Travel

When you are ready to plan a pet-friendly family holiday, making lasting memories with your furry family members,  Together Travel Co. is here to bring your holiday dreams to life. Whether you want to ramble the countryside, visit interesting attractions, or enjoy local culture and cuisine with your canine friend, you will find the perfect dog friendly accommodations through Together Travel, designed with your comfort in mind. All across the UK, we have luxurious, comfortable, dog-friendly properties located wherever you want to be. Find out how we can make your trip amazing by contacting our expert concierge team at +44(0)1625 416430 or emailing us for more information.