Whether you’re looking for a dog-friendly holiday cottage with a hot tub to kick back in, or a little seaside town where you and your pup can stroll along the beach, there are plenty of fantastic options for holidays with dogs in the UK. To help you make some unforgettable memories this summer, we’ve rounded up some of the best places to go on holiday with your dog, along with some tips and advice for vacationing pet parents.
Best Destinations for Holidays with Dogs
When choosing a holiday destination to go to with your dog, you want to make sure it’s perfect for both people and pups.
Walking holidays, seaside getaways and camping trips are all great choices, offering plenty of natural open spaces for dogs to explore, and beautiful scenery for the humans too.
For dogs who are comfortable in busier, more urban spaces, a weekend city break could be a great choice too, allowing you to do some sightseeing with your pooch by your side.
Be sure to check that there are dog-friendly restaurants, pubs and anything else you might want to visit nearby before you book somewhere.
City Breaks
In 2023, research into the number of dog-friendly pubs, restaurants, accommodation and walking trails in different UK cities found that Carlisle was the most dog-friendly city in the UK! According to Tripadviser, Carlisle has the highest number of dog-friendly hotels of anywhere in the UK, and there’s no shortage of stunning walks either.
Durham, Plymouth, Portsmouth, and Edinburgh also made the top 5, with Birmingham, Gloucester, London, Aberdeen and Manchester rounding off the top 10. Brighton is another great destination when it comes to dog-friendly cities, boasting scenic walking routes, plenty of dog-friendly businesses and hotels, and of course the seaside too.
Seaside Trips
North Yorkshire
The North Yorkshire coastline is lined with countless traditional seaside towns with beautiful sandy beaches, including Whitby and Scarborough. As well as enjoying the Scarborough rock pools and exploring the majesty of Whitby Abbey, there’s also plenty of rural moorland thrown into the mix.
Cornwall
Cornwall is situated in the south west which boasts a sub-tropical climate, meaning a holiday to Cornwall with your dog is more likely to offer warmer weather, regardless of the time of year. This is perfect for enjoying the 148 amazing beaches that welcome dogs all year round. Many of the top attractions of Cornwall also allow dogs in at least some capacity, including the Eden project, which permits dogs on leads in the outdoor areas.
Norfolk
Enjoy plenty of different scenic walks with your dog along the Norfolk Coast Path for some breathtaking views, or meander along the West Bank Path of the RSPB Titchwell Marsh. Plus, the golden sands of a whole array of dog-friendly beaches in Norfolk await, including Holkham Beach and Old Hunstanton Beach which welcome dogs all year round.
Countryside Getaways
North Wales
For glorious views of welsh mountain scenery, take a hike through Snowdonia National Park, which welcomes dogs on a lead. If your dog is particularly energetic and up for a bit of a challenge, you could even have them accompany you on a trek up the magnificent Mount Snowdon.
Cumbria and Lake District
If ruins and remains of historic buildings fascinate you, you’ll be pleased to know that Cumbria has no less than 20 dog-friendly English Heritage Sites that you can explore together. And don’t forget to visit some of the many beautiful bodies of water that make the Lake District so famous – there are even dog-friendly lake cruises available at Windermere.
Yorkshire Dales
For larger, less agile dogs who are too big to carry over stiles, accessible walking routes are key. There are 17 dog-friendly ‘Miles Without Stiles’ walking routes in the Yorkshire Dales, which are accessible to all, people and dogs alike. Plus, there are plenty of dog-friendly pubs to stop off in for a drink and a bite to eat inside the National Park.
Dog-friendly Festivals
Festivals can be great fun for dogs and owners alike, whether you head to a one that’s centred around dogs, like DogFest or Dog Lover’s Festival, or to a music festival that welcomes four-legged friends. Check out our extensive list of some of the best dog-friendly festivals in the UK.
Holidays Abroad with Dogs
While staycations are more suitable for the majority of dogs, some might be happy to go abroad. There are lots more considerations to take into account for holidays abroad with dogs, including the mode of transport you use to get there, relevant vaccinations, and Animal Health Certificates.
Are Holidays Stressful for Dogs?
While many dogs will have the time of their lives on holiday, others may find the change of environment and routine stressful. New places like restaurants, pubs and crowded beaches can be overwhelming for some dogs. Others might not be comfortable with lots of other dogs around, long car trips or new experiences.
You know your pup best, so consider their personality, age, and any medical needs they might have before deciding to take them on holiday with you. If you’re unsure, ask your vet or a qualified behaviourist for advice. It’s important to accept that some dogs will be happier at home with a dog-sitter they know and trust.
Top Tips for Holidays with Dogs
Now you’ve picked your dream destination, here are a few tips for making sure your holiday with your dog runs nice and smoothly.
1.Never leave your dog in a caravan, even just for a few minutes. Just like cars, caravans can heat up extremely quickly, creating an unbearable environment for a dog. It can even be fatal.
2. If you’re driving to your holiday destination, make sure your dog is comfortable, regularly hydrated, and suitably restrained in accordance with the law. Some dogs suffer from travel sickness, which can make car journeys very difficult and uncomfortable. Since the majority of travel sickness in dogs is caused by anxiety, Adaptil calming chews and collars can help to alleviate it. Read more about travel sickness in dogs and how to combat it here.
3. Make sure you’re up-to-date with all your dog’s flea, tick and worming treatment and their vaccinations. Different areas may have higher rates of certain diseases, so it’s important to protect your dog.
4. Check your dog’s microchip and tag information is all up-to-date. In an unfamiliar location, if your dog runs off or gets lost, it would be much harder to find them again if your details were wrong on their microchip. Make sure you include a mobile number, as landline numbers are no use on holiday!
5. Make a note of the number and address of the nearest emergency vet practice in your holiday spot, just in case something happens. It’s always best to be prepared.
6. Check that your accommodation is dog friendly, and let them know that you’re bringing your dog. Even if your accommodation is dog friendly, they may have some rules you’ll need to follow, so double check those before booking. For example, some places might not allow dogs upstairs, which could be a problem if your dog is only comfortable sleeping near you. It’s also a good idea to ask your accommodation where it is best to take your dog to the toilet, especially at night.
7. Ask your accommodation if they provide anything for their canine guests. If they do, you might be able to save on some packing if your hotel already has dog bowls and a bed for example.
8. Check the local beaches are open to dogs. Some might be dog-friendly over the winter but have restrictions in place during the summer months, so it’s best to check before you go if seaside fun was intended to be a big part of your trip.
9. When heading to the beach, always check the temperature of sand before letting your dog run on it. You can do this by putting the back of your hand against it for 7 seconds – if it’s too hot for you, it could burn your dog’s paws. This also applies to pavements.
10. If you plan on taking your dog with you on hikes, know your dog’s limitations. While many dogs will love a good long walk, make sure it’s manageable for your dog. They need a lot more rest than humans do, requiring around 12-14 hours sleep a day. It’s also worth factoring in the possibility of getting lost which might accidentally extend your walk. Plus, check your route for things like stiles and make sure your dog will be able to navigate them.
11. Stick to routine as much as you can, particularly if you have an anxious dog. Stick to the same food and meal times, and try to walk your dog at roughly the same time you usually would too.
12. Have a back-up plan for if the temperature is too high. When on holiday with dogs in the summer, you’ll need to be prepared to stay inside if it’s too hot for your pup. If possible, you could arrange a rotation of family members to stay behind with the dog each day if it’s too hot for your dog to go out, or look into other activities that won’t risk your dog developing heatstroke.
13. Support your dog’s digestion. Tummy trouble while on holiday is never pleasant, so it’s a good idea to be prepared just in case. Diarrhoea is common in dogs, especially when travelling. It can be triggered by many things, including anxiety around travel, changes to routine or environment, a sudden change in diet, or even just having more treats than normal. Logic Firm is an easy-to-use digestive supplement designed to help quickly restore normal digestive function and firm stools. This palatable formula can be given straight to your dog on it’s own or added to their food. If your dog has diarrhoea while on holiday, it’s best to seek veterinary advice.
Packing Checklist for Holidays with Dogs
We know you won’t want to forget anything important when you go on holiday, so we’ve put together a handy checklist of all the things you need to pack for your pup.
- Their usual food and a food bowl
- Water bowl (and water for the journey)
- Treats
- Any medication they need (if they are on any)
- Bedding and blankets
- Dog toys
- Lead, harness, collar and tag
- Poo bags
- Dog towels
- Dog shampoo
- Cooling mat, coat and/or toys for hot weather
- Dog-friendly sun cream
- Details of the nearest emergency vet and insurance details
- Dog first aid kit
Wrapping Up
We never want to leave our furry friends behind if we can help it, and bringing them away with us saves on the costs of pet-sitters too. As long as your pup is happy and comfortable with the new experiences that being away from home bring, holidays with dogs can create truly magical memories. Be sure to follow our tips and advice for smooth sailing on your travels, and we hope we’ve inspired you with some of our suggestions for some of the perfect places to go on holiday with your dog.