The 5 Most Dog-Friendly Staycation Destinations in The UK

One of the most compelling reasons to have a British staycation if you’re a dog owner is that you can take your furry friends with you instead of dealing with the stress and upset of leaving them behind.

Luckily, there are incredible pooch-friendly holiday destinations all over the UK. We’ve created a helpful guide full of our favourite destinations and the best outdoor activities for you and your four-legged friends, so you’ll have the best trip without wishing you’d set foot on a plane.

WHAT MAKES A DOG-FRIENDLY STAYCATION DESTINATION?

In short, the answer to ‘What makes a staycation dog friendly?’ is different for every dog and their owners. What makes a great destination for one might not necessarily suit the other – their personalities, wants, and needs are as varied as our own!

That means there’s no concise or definitive list that will tick off each requirement, but there are a few things we think the majority of dog owners will agree are important for a dog-friendly holiday:

1. DOGS ARE WELCOMED, NOT JUST TOLERATED

Nobody expects them to be given their own room key, but it’s nice to know your pet is thought of as part of the family, rather than just a mild inconvenience.

2. DOGS ARE ALLOWED A BIT OF FREEDOM ON THE PROPERTY

If a hotel or cottage is calling itself pet-friendly, it hopefully means any four-legged friends aren’t unnecessarily confined to one room. It’s understandable if hotel or property owners don’t want dogs on beds or in certain areas of restaurants, but if you’re taking your dog on holiday it’s understandable that you would want them by your side for most of your stay.

3. AN ENCLOSED GARDEN OR CLOSE TO SUITABLE WALKS

If you’re staying in a home or cottage, you’re likely going to want an enclosed garden, so you can quickly and conveniently let your dog go to the ‘bathroom’, or just let them spend any excess energy in a safely-confined space.

You may also be happy as long as there’s easy access to green spaces or scenic walks, especially for a hotel stay or city break.

4. DOG-FRIENDLY TIPS AVAILABLE

Being able to ask about the best route for an early-morning walk, the nearest vet in case of emergencies, and the nearest place to buy pet food all from one source is incredibly valuable to dog owners!

Whether it’s in the form of a leaflet left in the room, a knowledgeable receptionist, or a page on the property website, having someone who knows the area you’re staying in available to answer those all-important canine questions can take some stress and extra planning out of your stay.

BEST DOG-FRIENDLY STAYCATION DESTINATIONS AND ACTIVITIES

1. THE LAKE DISTRICT

The Lake District is known to be incredibly dog friendly and it’ll be just as unforgettable for owners, too! It’s an area of outstanding natural beauty with plenty of scenic countryside walks, dog-friendly pubs, and eateries that are sure to set tails wagging.

There are countless dog-friendly walks in the Lakes where they can run, fetch, and swim to their heart’s content while you take in the stunning scenery. There’s a route for all energy levels, whether you’d rather go on a moderate lakeside stroll or if you and your pooch want something slightly more challenging.

MODERATE WALKS WITH EATERIES IN THE LAKE DISTRICT

For a walk with a dramatic backdrop without needing to hike up steep fells, why not head to Derwentwater in Keswick? To fully appreciate the area’s beauty, we recommend the full circular, which takes you on a scenic 10-mile walk around the lake, beginning and ending at Keswick Launch.  If, however, you’d prefer something shorter, the Miles without Stiles walk to Friar’s Crag is a great alternative.

Dogs are welcome all year round and they’re sure to love exploring the ancient forest alongside you, paddling in the lake, and running along the shore. After you’ve worked up an appetite, you can head into the bustling town of nearby Keswick, where there are multiple dog-friendly pubs, cafés, and restaurants to enjoy including the aptly-named Dog & Gun and The Pheasant Inn.

CHALLENGING WALKS WITH EATERIES IN THE LAKE DISTRICT

If you’re after a bit of a hiking challenge that’s still dog-friendly, head up to Loughrigg Fell and Rydal Cave. This walk has it all – fells, lake views, swimming spots, and an impressive cave making it the perfect adventure to undertake on two legs or four paws.

From the top of the fell you’ll see breathtaking views of neighbouring mountains. If your dog is a big swimmer, they’ll appreciate a dip in Rydal Water before exploring Rydal Cave. The circular route starts and ends at the picturesque town of Ambleside, which is certainly worth a visit before or after your walk. You can grab a bite to eat at The Copper Pot, Kysty, and many more dog-friendly Ambleside eateries.

If you want to plan a few walks during your staycation, but don’t want them to be overly strenuous, you can discover 6 of the best beginner walks in the Lake District thanks to our handy guide.

2. ANGLESEY

With over 200 places to stay with furry friends, Anglesey is a very popular choice among dog owners. It also boasts several well-reviewed dog-friendly restaurants, where you can grab a bite after a day relaxing on the beach or exploring along the coast.

DOG-FRIENDLY BEACHES & EATERIES IN ANGLESEY

Anglesey has over 120 miles of rugged coastline and plenty of picturesque seaside towns, so it’s no wonder there are over 40 dog-friendly beaches to enjoy, whether you’d rather explore secluded coves or stroll along golden sands.

For the former, why not take a trip to Rhoscolyn Bay? You can explore hidden coves and breathtaking views along the Rhoscolyn Headland Walk with your pooch before heading to The White Eagle Pub for a drink or a bite to eat.

If it’s golden sands you’re after, Traeth Llydan (Broad Beach) in the village of Rhosneigr is a popular dog-friendly beach with over a mile of warm, gold-coloured sand backed by large dunes, making it the perfect place to walk your canine companion. The nearby Y Morfa pub offers a dog-friendly place for a refreshing drink, or if you’re peckish you can head to Y Glan-Neigr & Sarisa Indian Kitchen.

3. THE PEAK DISTRICT

Spanning 555 square miles, the Peak District National Park covers most of Derbyshire and also extends into Staffordshire, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, and South and West Yorkshire. Plenty of people have enjoyed a trip here with their dogs because of the countless pup-friendly walks and accompanying breathtaking views.

MODERATE WALK & EATERIES IN THE PEAK DISTRICT

If you want an easy walk without sacrificing the Peaks’ stunning views, the Great Longstone Walk might be ideal. The walk offers a gentle climb up Longstone Edge, where you can enjoy sweeping views over the White Peak from a once-threatened limestone ridge before you and your furry companion descend to Little Longstone and enjoy even more breathtaking sights over Monsal Head.

At the end of your walk, you’ll be greeted by the Packhorse Inn. You can stop for a quick drink there or keep walking to Great Longstone where you and your pooch can be fed and watered at The Crispin or The White Lion.

CHALLENGING WALK & EATERIES IN THE PEAK DISTRICT

Put your climbing skills to the test at The Roaches. The rocky ridge is not only picturesque, it’s also steeped in legend. There’s a pool at the top that’s home to a mythical mermaid, while the mossy chasm of Lud’s Church is like stepping into a fantasy world.

If you’re lucky enough to climb up on a clear day, you’ll also be able to see Mount Snowdon in Wales. It’s the perfect climb for energetic dog walkers and you’ll be glad to hear you’re never far from a pub or café, such as The Lazy Trout and the Cafe at Green Pavilion.

4. CORNWALL

The sights, sounds, and smells that accompany Cornwall’s walking trails, beaches, and selection of dog-friendly eateries will ensure that you and your four-legged friend have a wonderful trip. As with the other choices on our list, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to walks, with terrain for all breeds and walking abilities.

DOG-FRIENDLY BEACHES & EATERIES IN CORNWALL:

Often considered North Cornwall’s go-to beach, Trebarwith has it all. Beautiful golden sand, multiple rock pools, and good surf. When the tide retreats, the beach grows into an expanse of sand backed by high cliffs with deep caves. You and your dog can spend hours exploring before heading to the Port William for a well-earned drink or seaside meal.

TRAILS WITH EATERIES IN CORNWALL

Cardinham Woods in central Cornwall features stream-side paths and stunning viewpoints with no restrictions for dogs other than to keep them in sight due to the surrounding farmland. There are four fantastic marked walking trails with varying difficulty to choose from – rest assured each trail will take you deep into the woods and offer picturesque views.

You’ll find the beautiful Woods Cafe hidden in the heart of the woods, which is very dog friendly and offers plenty of outdoor seating for any muddy paws! Or, if you find yourself in the quaint valley town of Bodmin, why not grab a drink at The Hole in the Wall? Before it was a pub, it was a debtors’ prison between 1749 and 1779, where food would be passed through (you guessed it) a hole in the wall.

5. ARGYLL & BUTE

Argyll and Bute is an ideal location for a dog-friendly holiday in Scotland, with its iconic wildlife, incredible scenery, and breathtaking beaches. To help you plan out your day and ensure you and your furry friend make the most of every moment in the Scottish Highlands, we’ve included walks for both the casual dog walker and the seasoned hiker.

MODERATE WALKS WITH EATERIES IN ARGYLL & BUTE

The Inveraray Forest Circuit Walk allows you to experience the entire town of Inveraray around a single 6-mile circuit. On your way around, you can wander the ancestral estate and gardens of Inveraray Castle and discover lush forest trails.

The walk will take you around two hours, but it’s considered easy to moderate – perfect for a stroll with the dogs. The final stretch of the walk takes you parallel to Loch Fyne and back into the centre of Inveraray, where you can choose from charming local pubs and restaurants like The Cottage Restaurant.

CHALLENGING WALKS WITH EATERIES IN ARGYLL & BUTE

Puck’s Glen is a shorter but steeper walk, with the trail winding along a Victorian walkway and up the dramatic rocky gorge. Dogs are welcome all year round, but it’s recommended that they stay on a lead due to the unprotected drops.

Enjoy the bewitching scenery of the glen, which is named after a mischievous sprite from Shakespeare’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ and is said to have a playful spirit of its own. It’s not hard to believe that enchanted creatures are hiding in the shadows of this magical landscape, thanks to its rushing waterfalls, bubbling pools, hanging moss, tumbled stones, and shady ferns.

If you head to Dunoon after leaving the otherworldly glen, you’ll find the Swallow Cafe, which is much loved by both locals and first-time visitors.

BOOK YOUR DOG-FRIENDLY HOLIDAY IN THE LAKES WITH DAFFODIL HOTEL

No matter where you end up, we’re sure you and your furry friend will love any of these incredible destinations.If you decide the Lakes is the pet-friendly holiday destination for you, why not stay with us at The Daffodil Hotel & Spa? You can wake up to incredible lake or valley views with your pup by your side.

You don’t have to go far for fine dining either – you can bring your dog down to the lobby bar and relax with a cocktail while you choose from our extensive menu. When it comes to scenic walks, there’s nothing quite like Grasmere.

If you’re after comfort with a touch of luxury from your staycation, but don’t want to leave your dog behind, book a room with us and we’ll make sure you have the best dog-friendly holiday possible.