The Best Dog-Friendly Holidays in the UK

“If you want to explore more of the UK with the whole family – including the four-legged members of the household – then rest assured that there are many places to choose from. Take a look at our favourite dog-friendly UK holiday destinations.

The Lake District
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Photo by Mitchell Orr on Unsplash

The Lake District’s Keswick may have won the the Kennel Club’s most dog-friendly town award, but warm canine hospitality can be found throughout this part of the UK. You’ll find a range of dog-friendly Lake District hotels, and dogs can join in on many activities – even on cruises around Lake Windermere! Hike the Cat Bells path, stop by Lowther Castle or enjoy the sculpture trail at Grizedale Forest. For water-loving pups, the Tarn Hows is a must-visit, where owners can spot resident red squirrels while dogs take a dip.

Belfast
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Northern Ireland is very welcoming towards dogs, and visitors should expect nothing less in Belfast. This city even hosts dog-friendly food tours, where pooches get treats and owners sample local delicacies. And while there are many Belfast establishments that allow canines, the Dirty Onion pub goes a step further by arranging doggy social events. When your dog needs to stretch its legs, take a stroll at the Botanic Gardens, Cave Hill or Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park.

The Cotswolds
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The Cotswolds provides the ultimate blend of village sightseeing and open countryside. Bourton-on-the-Water leads the way with pooch-friendly attractions, where dogs are allowed at the Model Village, Dragonfly Maze and Birdland. To witness the natural beauty of this area and to let your pet roam leash-free, head to Broadway Tower for spectacular views that extend into Wales on a clear day.

Brecon Beacons
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The Brecon Beacons region is the perfect option for those seeking a holiday that is family- and dog-friendly, with some Welsh flavour thrown into the mix. There is a wealth of dog-friendly Brecon Beacons accommodation on offer, as well as attractions that will keep the kids and pooches entertained. Visit the caves and dinosaur park of the National Showcaves Centre for Wales, step back into history at Carreg Cennen Castle or discover 800 acres of open space at Dinefwr Park.

Edinburgh
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Photo by Micaela Parente on Unsplash

Scotland’s capital is one of the finest places to bring furry friends, and you can find dog-friendly Edinburgh hotels right in the city centre. Dogs can visit Calton Hill and Summerhall Art Centre, but the very best thing to do in Edinburgh is to climb up Arthur’s Seat, where you and your pup can see stunning views of the surrounding scenery. Edinburgh adores dogs so much that you can simply look out for ‘Dugs Welcome’ stickers (‘dugs’ being the local pronunciation), which can be found outside shops and restaurants.

Cornwall
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Cornwall is, quite frankly, a dog’s dream. The majority of Cornwall’s green spaces and attractions allow dogs, including the Eden Project, the Lost Gardens of Heligan, and Minack Theatre. Canines can also join their families on the Bodmin and Wenford Railway steam train. But Cornwall is particularly suited to outdoor enthusiasts and, after a full day traversing the trails at the Lizard peninsula, end the day at one of Cornwall’s dog-friendly pubs, such as the famous Jamaica Inn on Bodmin Moor.

Snowdonia
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What could beat a climb up the highest mountain in Wales with your best friend right by your side? Not much – that’s why Mount Snowdon is endlessly popular with hikers and dogs alike. However, do some research beforehand as not all routes are equally suitable, especially when hiking with smaller breeds. Snowdonia National Park has many other walking trails and it’s a great base for seeing more of North Wales, including the dog-friendly sites of Conwy Water Gardens and Valle Crucis Abbey.

Loch Lomond
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Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is home to mountains, waterfalls, and glens, making it one of the most beautiful places in Scotland. Some of our favourite things to do with our canine friends include visiting Inchmahome Priory, exploring Argyll Forest Park and hopping on a Loch Lomond boat cruise. But it doesn’t get more dog-friendly than Balloch Castle Country Park, which has over 200 acres of gardens and nature trails. Afterwards, stop by Dug Café, which has an additional menu just for dogs.

Fermanagh Lakelands
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Photo by K. Mitch Hodge on Unsplash

Northern Ireland’s Fermanagh Lakelands is a watery wonderland filled with historic sites and tranquil landscapes – and hounds who love swimming will be in their element. Venture over to Florence Court, Castle Coole or Blessingbourne, or while away an afternoon in the picturesque island town of Enniskillen. For a memorable walk, head to the aptly named Big Dog Forest or climb up to the Lough Navar viewpoint to witness Lough Erne in all its glory.

The Peak District
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The Peak District is a walker’s paradise, offering everything from forest treks to riverside rambles. Head to the dog-friendly Monsal Trail, which is completely free of traffic and sheep. Canine companions are also allowed at the historical sites of Chatsworth House, Peveril Castle and Treak Cliff Cavern. When you need to take a pause, the Peak District’s dog-friendly countryside pubs have beer gardens for hot summer afternoons and cosy fireplaces for the winter months.

Whatever you and your pup want to do, there’s a dog-friendly location for everyone in the United Kingdom!”