On a Saturday morning in the Lake District, you might feel like you’re at a countryside Crufts. The footpaths in the region are busy with various dog breeds like spaniels, labradors, golden retrievers, and even the popular cockapoo. They can be seen walking alongside their owners up hills or through forested trails, with their tongues out, tails wagging, and noses ready to sniff anything that comes their way.
The Lake District is often touted as the dog-friendly capital of the UK, and for good reason. It’s hard to find a pub in Cumbria that doesn’t have a jar of treats on the bar. But there are many other places across the UK that cater to dog owners for their holidays.
Having traveled around the UK and Ireland for my dog-friendly travel book over the past three years, I have discovered some of the most and least dog-friendly destinations. I particularly love Northumberland for its wide open beaches, Lincoln for its dog-friendly cathedral, and Shetland for its peacefulness (though it’s important to be mindful of ground-nesting birds in the spring and summer).
Wherever you go in the UK, you’ll find excellent dog-loving campsites, pet-friendly cottages, and hotels that provide amenities for both you and your furry companion. Here are 20 of the best places to stay:
1. Sunnyside, Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire
2. Brucefield estate, Forestmill, Clackmannanshire
3. Bracken Hide hotel, Portree, Isle of Skye
4. Argaty Cottage, Doune, Perthshire
5. Skylark cabin, Ilfracombe, Devon
6. McLaughlin’s cabin, Market Drayton, Shropshire
7. Vineyard Cottage, East Ruston, Norfolk
8. Pheasant Inn, Tattenhall, Cheshire
9. Bamburgh Castle Inn, Seahouses, Northumberland
10. Low Mill Guest House, Bainbridge, Yorkshire Dales
These accommodations offer various amenities, including enclosed gardens, dog crates, beds, and even special menus for dogs. Whether you’re looking for beachside walks, woodland adventures, or scenic countryside views, these places cater to both you and your furry friend’s needs.
So go ahead and plan your next dog-friendly holiday and enjoy the best of what the UK has to offer!