A guide to dog-friendly holidays

The UK has so much to offer, from the coastline to the countryside and everything in between. A huge benefit of a staycation, beside discovering hidden gems on our doorstep, is being able to take our four-legged friends with us.

Fancy booking a dog-friendly holiday with your pooch? Here’s everything you need to know and inspiration to help you decide where to go and what to do.

This includes:

• preparing your dog to go on holiday
• best dog-friendly holidays in the UK
• what to pack for your pooch
• dog-friendly accommodation
• dog-friendly places to visit
• dog-friendly beaches
• dog-friendly walks
• dog-friendly road trips
• travelling abroad with your dog
• tips to keep your dog happy on holiday.

Preparing your dog to go on holiday

If you’re planning to take you dog on holiday with you, it’s important to make sure that they are up to it. While some pups may have the time of their life, others may be better off left at home with a dog minder.

Not all dogs are used to travelling to new locations. Some may not even have experienced different environments such as the beach, pubs and restaurants yet. This will be stressful for dogs that can’t cope or are not prepared.

Start by assessing whether your pup will cope in the new environment. If they will, what type of holiday would best suit them?

Ask yourself questions such as:

1. Is your dog worried or overwhelmed by new experiences?
2. Does your dog cope well in crowds (to be expected at beach or holiday resort location)?
3. Is your dog fully relaxed (or at least able to cope) on long car trips?
4. Is your dog likely to come across many other dogs on their holiday (i.e. a walking holiday)? If so, are they comfortable around other dogs outside?

If you’re unsure or think your pet might struggle, you should contact an accredited behaviourist or trainer. They can assess the best behaviour or training plan to help your dog adapt and prepare for such a trip.

Puppies and young dogs that are still growing (up to 18 months in large breeds) shouldn’t over-exercise. If they do, this can be detrimental to their bone development. It’s important to research what is appropriate for your dog before you set off.

Some dogs may also have medical needs. Depending on what this is, it may mean that it's more sensible to leave them at home rather than take them with you. If in doubt, ask your vet if they think it would be a good idea to take your dog on holiday.

Best dog-friendly holidays in the UK

Where are you and your four-legged friend going? You need to ensure that your destination has plenty to offer both of you. This includes dog-friendly accommodation and restaurants as well as walks and attractions that allow your pup in.

While dogs being welcome is important, you want to ensure that the accommodation and attractions are beneficial to them too. Look for places that have lots of green space. This will be perfect for your dog to explore, stretch their legs and get sniffing.

Luckily, the UK has so much to offer, so you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Locations you might like to consider:  

1. New Forest  
2. Lake District  
3. Peak District  
4. Dorset  
5. Suffolk  
6. Norfolk  
7. Devon  
8. Cornwall  
9. Yorkshire  
10. Somerset  
11. Pembrokeshire  
12. Scottish Highlands  

Exploring the countryside and wandering along the coastline is the ideal way to spend a break with your dog. But don’t disregard sightseeing in a city either. If your pooch is comfortable in more urban areas, it’s perfect – especially for a dog-friendly weekend break.

But which city is the best for you and your dog, you ask?

Well, in 2021 Edinburgh was named the UK’s most dog-friendly tourist location. This was based on green spaces as well as pubs, restaurants and accommodation that allow dogs. 

Dog-friendly accommodation

The place you choose to stay with your dog may be dependent on which season your trip is in. In winter you might want to get a cosy cottage. While, if your trip is in summer, you may prefer to go glamping.

There’s plenty of dog-friendly accommodation to choose from, across:

• quirky accommodation  
• cottages  
• hotels / B&B 
• caravan or lodge in a holiday park  
• log cabins  
• glamping in a yurt.  

Top tip: You may like to ask your accommodation questions such as where is most appropriate to take your dog to the toilet, especially at night. That way you have a plan and know what to expect before you get there.

Need to know: The accommodation may charge a small amount to add a pooch to your booking. However, you are saving on pet sitting which is likely to be far more expensive.

Dog-friendly places to visit

Once you know where you are going and have chosen your accommodation, you need to start planning your itinerary. You may want to be slightly more organised with this when you have a dog with you so you are sure where will and won’t let them in.

Firstly, consider where you are going to be able to eat and drink. You can do this by searching for dog-friendly pubs, restaurants and cafes in your chosen destination. You may find that, even if they aren’t allowed inside, your pooch can join you at a table outside – which is perfect in the summer.

Not all dogs will be comfortable in this situation, especially if they haven’t been out to eat with you before. Teaching them to settle beforehand will help and take a toy or chew to keep them occupied. If they struggle to cope, then speak to a trainer or behaviourist for advice.

You also need to consider what activities you are going to do. There are many outdoor attractions that you’ll be able to take your pup to. However, indoor ones may need research so you know where they can and can’t go and can plan accordingly.

Dog-friendly beaches

Oh, (most) dogs do like to be beside the seaside. Whether they enjoy the feeling of soft sand on their paws while strolling along the water’s edge or jump straight in the sea, the beach is the perfect place to visit together.

To help, here’s some of the best dog-friendly beaches you could visit:

1. Holkham Beach, Norfolk 
2. Fistral Beach, Cornwall  
3. Saunton Sands, Devon  
4. Marloes Sands, Pembrokeshire  
5. Robin Hood’s Bay, Yorkshire  

Just make sure you’ve checked if dogs are allowed on the beach before you go. You’ll find some are closed to our four-legged friends, especially during the summer months. Some may also be closed or have restricted access in early winter as well during the seal pup season.

Top tips: Check that the sand isn't too hot before taking your dog for a walk. If you can walk on it comfortably barefoot then it should be ok for them too. On a hot day, only take your dog out in the morning and evening when it's cooler so that they don't overheat.

After being on the beach, rinse any sand off your dog's coat and paws with tap water to stop it from accumulating and causing irritation. Make sure your dog is comfortable with being handled before doing this.

Dogs shouldn't drink sea water as it can cause sickness and saltwater poisoning. Also keep a close eye on them to make sure they're not eating anything they shouldn't such as seaweed or plastic. Call the local vet if they do.

Dog-friendly walks   

While on holiday your dog gets to enjoy a new stroll (and all the good sniffing spots that come with it) while you explore your surroundings.

Here’s some beautiful walks you and your four-legged friend might like to go on:  

• Coniston Round, Lake District
• West Highland Way – starts just outside Glasgow and passes Loch Lomond and ends at the foot of Ben Nevis
• Cotswold Way National Trail
• Hayling Billy Trail, Hampshire
• Hadrian’s Wall Path 
• Norfolk Coast Path
• The Thames Path, Berkshire
• South Downs Way, Sussex.

Before you set off, make sure your dog walks nicely on the lead and doesn’t pull. This will make it far more enjoyable for both of you and you can enjoy taking in the scenery as you stroll.

Need to know: All dogs have their own limitations and will often want to walk or exercise for longer than is healthy for them. It’s up to you, as their owner, to know how much they can safely do. Speak to your vet if you’re unsure about what is suitable for your individual dog.

There may be livestock or other novel situations which you and your dog might encounter on your trip. So, check the countryside code before taking your dog to a new area.

Dog-friendly road trips

You may not be taking your passport or boarding a plane, but you need to get to your destination. If you’re travelling by car, why not consider a road trip? That way you can explore even more of the UK with your pooch.

Here’s a few of the UK’s most scenic and interesting road trips that you might like to consider.

1. The Atlantic Highway – England
2. The Cambrian Way – Wales
3. The Lake District Loop – England
4. Deeside Tourist Route – Scotland
5. North Coast 500 – Scotland
6. Causeway Coastal Route – Northern Ireland

When travelling by car, remember:

• make sure you have got them relaxed travelling in the car on short journeys before you set off on a long one
• don’t forget their seatbelt and harness or travel crate / boot guard - make sure they are familiar and comfortable with this before using one
• use a blanket or their bed to ensure they are as comfortable as possible
• plan in regular breaks so your pooch can stretch their legs and go to the toilet
• when you stop make sure you offer them water (and food, when necessary).

Before you set off, make sure you get your pup relaxed with travelling in the car.

If you don’t have a car or aren’t planning to use it, you can read our top tips for travelling on public transport to ensure both you and pooch are prepared for it.

If you think your dog may suffer from travel sickness, then speak to your vet for support and advice before setting off.

Tips to keep your dog happy on holiday

While it’s exciting for both of you, there’s a few things you need to consider when you have a dog with you on holiday.

1. Most dogs love routine. So, keep as close to theirs as possible by feeding them at the same time you would at home, for example.
2. Take their food and make sure their diet remains the same as it would back at home.
3. There’s lots to do and explore. But remember, dogs need 16 to 18 hours of rest or sleep per day, so make sure this is planned into your schedule.
4. Don’t leave them alone for too long. Most accommodation will allow you to leave them as long as you are still on the premises. Just make sure they are comfortable spending time alone.
5. Take comforts from home, such as a blanket they can snuggle up to.