The 6 Best Dog-Friendly Holiday Destinations in the UK
There’s nothing quite like loading up the car, grabbing the leash and heading off for an adventure with your dog in the back seat. The UK’s full of places that welcome dogs as warmly as they do people.
Whether you fancy muddy walks, sea air or somewhere peaceful to just switch off, there’s a corner of Britain that feels made for you and your furry friend. Here are six of the best places for dog-friendly holidays in the UK, each with its own charm and plenty of room to roam.
The Cotswolds
With its honey-coloured stone cottages and gentle rolling hills, the Cotswolds feels like stepping into a storybook – only with better pubs. Dogs are treated like locals here, welcomed into tearooms, inns, and even a few boutique shops. You’ll find endless footpaths threading through meadows and pretty villages such as Broadway, Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold.
After a long walk, settle beside a roaring fire and tuck into a hearty home-cooked meal while your pup dozes happily at your feet. Many holiday homes in the region provide thoughtful touches like enclosed gardens, dog beds, and welcome treats. There’s something deeply relaxing about the Cotswolds – the kind of place that invites slower mornings, longer lunches, and gentle strolls at sunset. For a countryside break with style and charm, it’s hard to top this beautiful corner of the UK.
The Lake District
Few destinations can compare to the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Lake District. Here, mountains meet water in one of England’s most beloved national parks, and dogs are part of the adventure. Whether it’s paddling in Derwentwater, hiking Catbells, or rambling through Grasmere’s woods, there’s no shortage of places to explore together. Many lakeside hotels and cabins now cater specifically for pets, offering everything from dog-friendly dining to dedicated wash stations after muddy walks.
Even the local ferries welcome four-legged passengers, so you can hop between lakes without leaving anyone behind. The Lake District isn’t just stunning – it’s wonderfully inclusive. You’ll find warm hospitality everywhere, from rustic pubs with crackling fires to luxury stays with private gardens overlooking mirror-still waters. For dog lovers, it’s hard to find a more rewarding escape.
Cornwall
Cornwall’s dramatic coastline and laid-back charm make it an irresistible destination for beach-loving dogs. Picture golden sands stretching for miles, wild cliffs dropping into turquoise seas, and seaside cafés where water bowls are always full. Many beaches are dog-friendly year-round, like Perranporth, Watergate Bay, and Gwithian, and the South West Coast Path offers breathtaking walks that’ll tire out even the most energetic pups.
Accommodation options are plentiful, from luxury sea-view lodges to snug fisherman’s cottages tucked into hidden coves. What really stands out here is the easygoing vibe – locals genuinely love dogs, and it shows. After a day on the sand, grab fish and chips, watch the sunset, and feel utterly content. Cornwall captures that simple joy of holidaying by the sea, with your best friend by your side.
The Yorkshire Dales
If your dog loves open fields and endless trails, the Yorkshire Dales will feel like paradise. Picture winding footpaths through heather-clad hills, limestone cliffs rising above rivers, and cosy country inns where muddy paws are more than welcome. This is walking country at its finest – a playground for both humans and hounds.
Many cottages and converted barns here cater specifically to pets, offering fenced gardens and outdoor taps for a quick rinse after a long tramp. For anyone dreaming of staying longer, there are even premium lodges for sale in the Yorkshire Dales – gorgeous homes with postcard views. From Malham Cove to Aysgarth Falls, every path feels like an invitation to explore. It’s no wonder the Dales remain a favourite for dog-friendly holidays in the UK – vast, unspoilt and just a little wild.
The Scottish Highlands
If you crave wide-open wilderness, the Scottish Highlands deliver in spectacular style. Vast glens, shimmering lochs, and misty peaks create an untamed playground that adventurous dogs adore. There’s a unique sense of peace here; just you, your companion, and endless horizons. Many Highland lodges and bothies welcome pets, with roaring fires, drying rooms, and direct access to walking trails right from the doorstep.
You can wander the shores of Loch Ness, hike parts of the Great Glen Way, or simply breathe in the clean, pine-scented air. Even remote spots like Torridon and Glencoe have dog-friendly stays and hearty pubs for well-earned rest. The Highlands are raw, beautiful, and deeply calming – perfect for those who find joy in solitude, scenery, and shared adventure. Once you visit, you’ll understand why so many never want to leave.
Snowdonia (Eryri)
If you and your dog love the great outdoors, Snowdonia (Eryri) is pure heaven. Majestic peaks, shimmering lakes, and deep green valleys create a landscape that feels both wild and welcoming. Trails weave through forests, along rivers, and up to breathtaking viewpoints – there’s always another corner to explore.
Around Beddgelert, the trails follow the river before climbing into quiet woodland, damp with pine and moss. Further north, the peaks of Eryri National Park rise dramatically, grey and craggy, the kind that make you stop mid-stride just to take them in.
Walks here range from slow rambles to steep scrambles, and each one ends the same way – tired legs, muddy boots, and a cosy pub fire. Most inns and cottages welcome dogs without fuss; some even keep a jar of biscuits behind the bar.
Summary
Finding destinations that truly welcome dogs can transform an ordinary trip into something unforgettable. Whether it’s the rugged peace of the Highlands, the charm of the Cotswolds, or the windswept beauty of Cornwall, every region brings something special. The Yorkshire Dales remain a classic for long walks and fresh air, while the Lake District never fails to inspire adventure. Wherever you go, you’ll find warmth, scenery, and the kind of hospitality that makes both you and your four-legged friend feel right at home. These really are the best dog-friendly holiday destinations in the UK – tail-wagging approved.