The top 10 dog Friendly Holidays in the UK

Free Spirit uncovers the top dog friendly holidays in the UK for singles and families, plus an array of luxury and quirky accommodation you can stay in.

Posted Wednesday, 16 October 2024 | Topic: Travel Inspiration | Type: Dog Friendly Holidays, Family Holidays, UK Holidays

A dog and his human on holiday at the beach

When you go on a family holiday, does that family include at least one four-legged furry member? Then we have a guide to picking the best dog friendly holidays.

These usually involve a bit of outdoor activity – may be daily guided walks for you and the whole family. You could even design your own self-guided walking trail based on your (and your dog’s) level of stamina. Either way, a dog friendly holiday is a great staycation option for any time of the year. Plus, they’re a great wellness holiday option.

Just choose your favourite accommodation that welcomes canine guests in a lovely location and set out on foot to explore parts of the UK you wouldn’t normally get to see.

Luxury holidays with hot tubs in Yorkshire

A cosy cottage with a hot tub is the ideal dog-friendly holiday for couples who want a rural and relaxing break. If you are taking all the family, a luxury lodge in Yorkshire will be suitable, situated in a charming countryside location or near a small town. Either way, enjoy an early morning hike over the famous Yorkshire Dales to see the sunrise and admire the wild, windswept countryside, before taking a dip in your hot tub.

UK hot tub retreat

A Dog Friendly cottage in The New Forest 

There are many dog-friendly cottages in the New Forest because the area is famous for its walks across the healthy land and hidden bridleways. Discover woodlands, wildlife, and a changeable coastline on the edge of the forest, while you stay in a stylish self-catering cottage. Or, find a hidden gem in the heart of the woodland and welcome the wildlife on your doorstep. At the end of a long walk, find yourself at a traditional pub to enjoy a hearty roast – the best way to enjoy a break in the New Forest.

A happy dog on a walk in the New Forest, one place to go for dog friendly holidays.

Dog Friendly caravan holidays in the Lake District

Caravan holidays that allow dogs are plentiful across the Lake District. There are many destinations to choose from within the 912 square miles of natural beauty. Source a dog friendly static caravan and go fishing or pick a luxurious caravan holiday with a hot tub to relax. Beatrix Potter’s homeland is ideal to explore, among the 16 lakes and rugged fell mountains. Or challenge yourself to climb one of the Lake Districts’ diverse climbing routes.

Red camper van ready for a holiday

Dog Friendly coastal cottages in North Devon

North Devon‘s rugged coastline is full of rocky coves and dramatic cliffs to explore. Find a dog friendly holiday cottage, with a large enclosed garden. You and your dog will have somewhere to rest after a long day of watching wild seas and scurrying along sandy beaches. To see all the faces of North Devon, you could follow the Tarka Trail on foot or by bike. Originally a disused railway line, the 180-mile trail will show you the best wildlife, river views, and beaches.

The Devon coast line on a sunny day

Self-catering holidays in Cornwall

Self-catering accommodation for dogs is easy to find in Cornwall. For a start, there are miles of dog-friendly beaches. One of the most popular is Fistral beach, near the surfer’s paradise in Newquay. Cornwall is also home to Bodmin Moor, a granite moorland full of cascading waterfalls, pools, woods, and the river Taw – plenty for everyone to explore and sure to keep your dog’s mind and body energised.

A fluffy dog on the beach in Cornwall during its dog friendly holidays!

Dog Friendly accommodation on the Norfolk coast

A dog friendly cottage in the quiet village of Old Hunstanton offers you a gateway to the best of Norfolk. An old settlement, Hunstanton has a coastline that offers a traditional seaside resort for all the family. It even has its own lighthouse. There are pinewood forests and tidal marshes to discover, before tucking into a Cromer crab with bread and butter – a distinctive dish to Norfolk.

A couple enjoying the sunshine on a UK beach

Remote Scottish Holidays

A Scottish holiday with your dog is best enjoyed hiking across Scotland’s vivid landscapes. Walking boots at the ready! Explore the low-level route around Loch en Eilein and stop for a picnic. Or give yourself more time. Trek along an established footpath, on the Scottish National Trail. Said to be the “Best of Scotland” hiking trail, it runs the length of Scotland.

The rural Scottish highlands

Quirky accommodation in Herefordshire

For something a little bit different, find a dog friendly treehouse. Hidden in Herefordshire escape the hustle and bustle of life and pretend you are a true woodsman. Collect firewood for a roaring fire that evening then head out with your dog to stroll along one of the many crisscrossed paths throughout the Bromyard Downs and Bringsty Common. To get more active, try the Cider Cycle route or go swimming at Bodenham Lake.

Quirky tree house accommodation in the UK perfect for dog friendly holidays.

Dog Friendly holiday cottages for Christmas on the Isle of Wight

A large dog friendly holiday cottage is the perfect choice for dog-loving families. Plus, a luxury, Christmas break can be found on every corner of the UK. Escape to the Isle of Wight and cosy up by the fire, after a Boxing Day walk across the hills. A walk on Boxing Day with your dog is also a great way to burn off those minced pies and excess slices of cold turkey.

A sleepy puppy ready for Christmas during a dog friendly holiday
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Dog Friendly holidays for singles

Singles holidays with dogs are becoming a popular choice of holiday because more people have the need to go “off-grid”, after a busy few months. Going alone means you can also make a choice of dog friendly accommodation perfectly suited just to you and your best friend. Find a quaint country cottage half a mile from a traditional pub in Wales or join a guided group walk and stay in a dog-friendly hotel.

Whichever dog friendly holiday you choose, for a staycation in summer, winter or fall, remember to pack Free Spirit’s UK travel insurance! With up to £10,000 specific cover in place for UK trips and holidays, Free Spirit can provide you with the confidence to travel.

Find out why we believe Free Spirit UK travel insurance is the best on the market!

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