Nothing quite matches bringing your dog with you on holiday. After all, dogs are part of the family, and their unconditional love and energy always brings that extra bit of entertainment to a trip. Just think of all those long walks along the beach, all those squirrels to be chased, and all those pub lunches with your furry friend curled up at your feet. What could be better?
Luckily, you don't have to travel far from home to experience a dog-friendly adventure! There are a huge variety of dog-friendly holiday locations available all over the UK, and several great companies will allow you to find and compare the best pet-friendly locations. For example:
- Canopy & Stars – dog friendly glamping locations in UK
- Dugs n Pubs – dog friendly guide to locations in Scotland
- Pets Pyjamas – dog-friendly travel locations (with free pet travel kit on every booking!)
However, we understand that having so many places to choose from can be hard, so we’ve narrowed it down to a few of the best holiday locations and lodgings for you and your dog. Don't forget to send us a postcard!
The Lake District, England
Famous for its lakes, forests and mountains, the Lake District is not only beautiful, but it has a great selection of dog-friendly places to stay. Of these, the Grasmere Hotel particularly stands out; a Victorian Country House hotel with a cosy, charming and dog-loving atmosphere set in the heart of the National Park.
With the River Rothay running close by and boundless hills and forest all around, the possibility for walks and sightseeing with your dog are endless. The hotel is also a few minutes away from Dove Cottage and the famous Grasmere gingerbread shop that claims to have the best gingerbread in the world!
Image credit: Gidzy on Flickr
Yorkshire, England
Not far from the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales is also one of the best places to take your dog on holiday, and The Devonshire Arms Hotel & Spa is a great example of why. Set in the middle of the Bolton Abbey Estate, you'll find outstanding green scenery all around and acres of off-road dog walking routes.
The Hotel also provides a dog ‘welcome pack’ upon arrival, which consists of treats, a bowl, blanket, towel and bags for waste. There is also a Doggie Treat menu, the option of a ‘pet concierge’ (caretaker), a dog wash area after walks and, for a supplementary fee, you can even get your dog their own four-poster bed! Total doggy deluxe.
Brighton, England
If your dog loves the coast then Brighton may be the best holiday for you. Just follow the beautiful shingle beach along the coach, and you can both visit a variety of amusement arcades, shops, pubs and stunning regency-era buildings all along the way!
If you want to stay in Brighton, The Oriental is one of the best examples of dog-friendly accommodation. Not only has it got some gorgeous funky décor, but, if you book through PetsPyjamas Travel, your dog will stay free and receive a free ‘Pet travel kit’ upon arrival! The Oriental also permits you to dine with your dog, and staff will inform you on a great variety of local dog-friendly areas.
Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland
If you fancy taking your beloved pup on a Scottish adventure, you may want to consider Dumfries and Galloway - a stunning lowland part of Scotland, with rocky and sandy coastline, lush green hills and forests, and an incredible diversity of wildlife.
There are also some beautiful castles to visit, such as Drumlanrig and Caerlaverock (the sole example of a three-cornered castle in Europe!) and several pet-friendly lodgings such as the Bed and Breakfast White Hill. Here they allow up to 3 dogs, will provide towels to dry them off post-walk, and will provide ample amounts of bedtime dog biscuits.
Image credit: Ian Maudlin on Flickr
Dunkeld, Scotland
Another great holiday experience in Scotland is to stay anywhere near the Hermitage in Dunkeld, a National Trust site famous for its incredible walks with your dog. You can see Salmon leaping in the River Braan and walk past the tallest trees you’ve ever seen! What’s more, the Hermitage walk ends at the famous Ossian’s Hall which overlooks the stunning Black Linn waterfall. Just think of all those new sights and smells!
Snowdonia, Wales
If you and your dog are more of the trekking type, holidaying in Snowdonia, Wales, may be the best option for you. Whilst the mountainous terrain is more challenging than your average stroll, even the tallest peak – Snowdon – is suitable for dogs of an average fitness, and they'll love the new adventure!
The majority of available accommodation within Snowdonia are dog-friendly, and each one uniquely charming. Some great homely examples include Garthfain and Bryn Llys Uchaf cottages, where you can snuggle in with your dog next to a fire after a long days walking.
Norfolk, England
With miles of pet-friendly sandy beaches, beautiful heathlands looking out to sea, and great parkland and woodland walks, it’s understandable why Norfolk claims to be one of the most dog-friendly locations in the UK. There is also a great quantity of dog friendly lodgings, and a great example of this is The Dabbling Duck in Great Massingham, Norfolk.
Close to the Norfolk beaches, you and your dog will love this traditional English village pub, renowned for its rustic feel and dog-loving atmosphere. From the moment you walk in you’ll see a giant map behind the bar showing all the local dog walking routes, and you’ll probably see an abundance of dogs too. They provide towels, dog beds, and even an additional fire-escape entrance for dogs that may have got a little over-excited in the mud or sea! A relaxed and homely country style pub, this is a perfect place to feel at ease whilst holidaying with your pooch.
London, England
Whilst the hustle and bustle of London may not be suited to all kinds of dogs, there is still an incredible amount of open parks and dog-friendly areas within the English Capital to explore. Of these, The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences in Mayfair is an exceptional example. A luxury hotel overlooking Green Park, this hotel swoons over pets rather than opposing them. In 2015, the hotel even paired up with designers Hiro and Wolf to launch a four-legged fashion show at the hotel, with guests being able to loan or buy items from the selection. So, if you’re one to pamper and dress-up your pooch, this may be a great location for you!
Image credit: Connie Ma on Flickr
Wherever you're going, make sure your dog is safe and secure en route with our range of lookouts and car seats. And, if you really feel like treating your lovely dog, bring along their favourite Cozy Cave for the journey!
So, will you be whisking your dog away on a 2017 adventure? We'd love to hear all about it, or even see pictures. Get in touch on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram using the hashtag #SnoozerUK.
Happy travels!
