If you’re packing up the pooch and heading out for a staycation on these beautiful isles, then you’ll want to ensure you go somewhere that the whole group is going to love, including your furry friend. That’s why we’ve taken time to put together a list of some of our favourite dog-friendly holiday spots in the UK.
North Cornwall
Cornwall as a whole is a pretty perfect place to take dogs. But today we thought we’d focus on North Cornwall, and the many dog-friendly beaches it has to offer. This charming, windswept part of the UK has craggy coastlines and big, sprawling sandy beaches where your dogs can run to their heart’s content.
Rock is one of our favourite dog-friendly beaches in North Cornwall. Particularly great during low tide, when it links up with neighbouring Daymer Bay, Rock Beach is a giant stretch of sand backed by mountainous dunes where your pooch can run off and explore. Busy with other dog walkers in summer, come the off-season, you might just get a huge expanse to yourselves. Rock is also close to the amazing village of Padstow (pictured), which is home to a quaint harbour and some delightful places to eat and drink.
Another great dog-friendly beach in this part of Cornwall is Northcott Mouth, which is close to the popular Bude (Bude operates a dog ban during high season). Northcott Mouth is a National Trust owned beach that is peaceful and quiet and at times can feel like a secret cove thanks to its towering cliffs.
Other great dog-friendly beaches in North Cornwall include Porthilly Beach, Daymer Bay, Port Gaverne Beach, and Crantock Beach.
You may also wish to head inland and visit the dramatic scenery of Bodmin Moor. One of Cornwall’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Bodmin Moor is a stretch of remote granite moorland that is still grazed by moorland ponies. Dogs will love the giant, expansive space and the many walking trails, however, it is worth noting that by law, dogs must be kept on a short, fixed lead (no more than two metres long) between 1st March and 31st July. You should also keep them on a lead if you go near any livestock or wild animals.
Dog friendly Coolstays in North Cornwall
Anglesey
Anglesey is a beautiful island in North Wales that is connected to the mainland by a pair of bridges that cross the Menai Strait. The island is a real haven for dog owners, with 130 miles of beautiful coastline that has a footpath spanning its entire length. With some of Wales’s most eye catching scenery, Anglesey offers sweeping countryside, lovely beaches and views across the water to the spectacular Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park.
Rhosneigr is a picturesque village on the island’s east coast and has three fantastic stretches of beach. Traeth Llydan (Broad Beach) is one of the two main beaches and sits to the east of the village. It might be smaller than the nearby Treath Crigyll, but it still reaches over a mile long and is a truly fabulous stretch of golden sand, with rocky outcrops and low sand dunes. The beach is also popular for watersports, such as surfing, swimming, and kayaking, so there’s plenty for you to do as well as your canine companion.
If you’re visiting Anglesey, then you’ll want to make the trip to Beaumaris Castle, which is famous as the greatest castle that was never built. Not quite finished, this stunning, ancient ruin was the last of the royal strongholds created by Edward I in Wales. Explore the beautiful grounds with your dog in tow, who is even welcome on the ground floor levels of the site if on a lead.
Other great dog-friendly days out on Anglesey include the wonderful Newborough Forest, the uninhabited Puffin Island, and the beautiful beaches of Red Wharf Bay, Rhoscolyn Bay, and Cemlyn Bay.
Dogs are also welcome in one of the island’s best seafood restaurants, The Oystercatcher. Sitting behind the dunes of Traeth Llydan near Rhosneigr, dogs are welcome inside and on the fabulous outdoor terrace.
Dog-friendly Coolstays in Anglesey
North Norfolk
The Times recently named North Norfolk as "one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on earth". Now, that’s very high praise indeed, but seeing as this gorgeous part of the UK is home to incredible coastlines, miles of beaches and an astounding hinterland of rolling countryside, it’s pretty accurate. North Norfolk is also a bird watcher’s delight, being a great place to spot millions of overwintering bird species, with hotspots at Salthouse and Blakeney.
But it’s not just twitchers who will love it. Dog owners should also consider North Norfolk for their next staycation. We’ve already mentioned the spectacular coastlines on offer, and dog owners will love both Holkham Beach and Wells-next-the-Sea, which are often considered by many to be two of the best beaches the UK has to offer. Dogs are welcome on Holkham all year round, however, from 1st April to 31st August, there is a dogs-on-leads policy in the most vulnerable areas of the beach. This still leaves over 70% open to walking off lead under close control. Wells-next-the-Sea is also dog-friendly (there’s a small section that is dog-free) and the fab Wells Beach Café is a fantastic, dog-friendly spot to enjoy a drink and a bite to eat.
The wider Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is an outstanding mix of tidal marshes, creeks and fabulous pine woods, meaning you can head ever-so-slightly inland and explore a lot of beautiful and varied scenery.
Dog friendly Coolstays in North Norfolk.
The Cotswolds
What is there to say about The Cotswolds that hasn’t already been said? Glorious countryside stretches out across almost 800 square miles, featuring ancient woods, picturesque lakes and sprawling hills, and dogs will love all of it.
You can bring your canine companions with you and stroll amidst this marvellous scenery or head into a historic town or quaint village for a pint in a cosy, dog-friendly pub as your pooch stretches out on the carpet in front of a log burning fireplace. Picture-postcard high streets are aplenty in The Cotswolds, so be sure to head into the towns and villages and experience the independent shops, cracking pubs, and lovely restaurants on offer.
When it comes to filling your days, dog-friendly attractions in The Cotswolds include the magnificent Blenheim Palace, the beautiful Batsford Arboretum, and the marvellous Broadway Tower.
Dog friendly Coolstays in The Cotswolds.
The Chiltern Hills
The Chiltern Hills is a true gem that’s just a short hop from London. This relatively undiscovered Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is home to some quintessentially British countryside that offers something for everyone - including your dog!
Explore winding pathways that take you through hidden villages, chalk hillsides, flower-filled woodlands, and pretty rivers, all with your dog by your side.
Dog lovers will adore the Chess Valley, which offers delightful walks along the banks of the river Chess. This pretty chalk stream offers clear shallow waters where your dog can cool off in the summer sunshine as you wander the 10-mile Chess Valley Walk trail that mostly follows the river.
With spectacular views across the Oxfordshire Vale, the Aston Rowant National Nature Reserve is another great day out for you and your dog. Home to some easy access trails you can explore woods and downland at your own pace, or venture off the beaten track and be treated with some delightfully peaceful spots where red kites circle overhead.
Dog friendly Coolstays in The Chilterns.
The Lake District
The Lake District features in so many of these lists. The UK’s largest National Park and World Heritage Site, the Lake District, in Cumbria, is not only home to England’s highest mountain and deepest lake, but it’s also a walking, hiking, and dog owner’s paradise. Add to this thriving communities and beautiful market towns and you’ve got one of this nation’s best holiday destinations.
If you’re looking to take the dog for a scenic walk you should consider the route that takes you around the shoreline of Derwentwater, a lake close to the fantastic town of Keswick. The 10 mile route takes you on a beautiful circuit of the lake.
If you want to take in sweeping views then you should also consider heading up Dodd Fell, one of the Lake District’s highest fells. The walk takes you and your canine companion through the enchanting Dodd Wood, which is home to some wonderful red squirrels and an array of other wildlife. The walk can be challenging at points, though the path is nice and easy to follow and offers spectacular views of Derwentwater, Bassenthwaite, and the surrounding countryside.
Other lovely days out in the Lake District for dog owners include the fantastic dog-friendly Windermere lake cruise, the Lingholm Estate, Lowther Castle, and the The Lakeside and Haverthwaite Steam Railway.
Dog friendly Coolstays in the Lake District.
The Scottish Highlands
Rugged, spectacular walks are aplenty in The Highlands. We’d argue that not even the majesty of the Lake District can compete with this outstanding, inspiring place nestled in the very north of the British Isles. And if you do venture up into the Highlands with your pooch, then you’ll not be left wanting.
The Highlands is home to the incredible Cairngorms National Park with its high peaks and sprawling mountain range, as well as some marvellous islands, and a number of scenic lochs, including the world famous Loch Ness. And if it’s walks you want, The Highlands has lots to offer.
Why not climb Ben Macdui, the second highest mountain in Britain? You can approach the mountain from Speyside, crossing the vast Cairngorm plateau. This walk will take you through a rolling arctic wilderness that might require some good navigating on your part, but it’s certainly well worth the effort.
You may also wish to try the trail to the Fyrish Monument that takes you through pine woods offering wonderful views of the Cromarty Firth area. This outback trail is near Alness and can be challenging, but is yet again worth the exertion.
If grand, spectacular bodies of water are your thing, then be sure to take your pooch with you to Loch Morlich. Enjoy a coastal stroll to the highest beach in the UK, which is home to some truly memorable walks along an award-winning beach.
Finally, Glen Affric offers one of the northern Highland’s most outstanding walks through a peaceful, rural haven. Add to this the fact that it takes you past Plodda Falls, a high waterfall that’s a true sight to behold, and you’ve got a great day out for the whole family.
Dog-friendly Coolstays in the Scottish Highlands
