Travelling with a dog can make any trip more fun – every walk becomes an adventure, every pit stop a chance to meet someone new. Luckily, the UK has plenty of places that don’t just tolerate four-legged guests but truly welcome them.
From pooch-friendly beaches that stretch for miles to countryside pubs with bowls by the fire, there’s no shortage of options. Whether you’re after long hikes, sea swims, or lazy afternoons in the garden of a country inn, you’ll find somewhere both you and your furry companion can relax. Here are some of the best spots for a proper dog-friendly escape.
Cornwall’s Rugged Coastline
Cornwall always seems made for dogs. There’s space to run, sand to dig, and endless corners of coastline to sniff. Around Padstow and Perranporth, many beaches allow dogs year-round, which is rare. You’ll spot muddy spaniels joining surfers and locals grabbing post-walk pints in beach bars. Coastal trails weave between hidden coves, and inland, woodlands offer shade on warmer days.
Accommodation’s easy too because there are plenty of cottages, farm stays, and even boutique hotels that welcome dogs without fuss. It’s one of the best spots for dog-friendly holidays in the UK, not just because of its beaches, but because of its open-hearted attitude: dogs are welcome inside many cafés, pubs, and even fine restaurants. And when the weather turns – which it will – you’ll find fireplaces, towels by the door, and a slow pace that suits both walkers and wanderers.
North Norfolk’s Quiet Beaches
North Norfolk is made for long walks with a dog. The beaches here – wide, open, and beautifully unspoiled – run for miles from Holkham to Wells-next-the-Sea, where low tide reveals endless sand and shallow pools perfect for paddling paws. Even in summer, you’ll often find space to roam in peace, the only sounds are the wind, the sea, and the patter of paws on wet sand. The light turns everything soft and silvery in the evenings, and it’s easy to see why so many walkers come back year after year.
Villages like Burnham Market have charming old inns that welcome dogs without a second thought. Many of the beaches have car parks with outdoor taps for rinsing paws, and walking trails loop through pine forests just inland. It’s quiet, a bit weather-beaten, and refreshingly simple. No big resorts or theme parks, just coast, countryside, and plenty of open space. Perfect if your idea of a break involves wellies, sea air, and early nights.
The Lake District’s Walks and Water
If your dog’s happiest outdoors, the Lake District is ideal. There’s something about the mix of fresh air, wide lakes, and proper walking routes that appeals to both humans and hounds. Around Windermere, plenty of trails start right from the villages, and most of the boats on the lake allow dogs too. Even the higher fells, like Helvellyn or Catbells, have paths where you’ll meet other muddy pairs making their way up.
Towns like Keswick are famously dog-friendly – it’s not unusual to see bowls of water outside every shop door. Cafes don’t blink if a soggy Labrador flops under a table. Pubs serve hearty food with roaring fires and room for everyone. You get the sense that dogs are part of daily life here, not a novelty. It’s less about luxury and more about being outside all day, breathing easy.
The Scottish Highlands: Space to Roam
Head north, and everything changes – the air, the silence, the sense of scale. The Scottish Highlands are a paradise for dogs that love space. Around Glencoe and Loch Lomond, you’ll find wide glens and freshwater lochs where dogs can swim or chase sticks for hours. Accommodation ranges from small cabins to old inns with thick walls and warm breakfasts.
Many allow dogs, often with no extra charge. It’s remote, yes, but that’s the draw. The roads wind through wild country where sheep graze close to the verges and mountains rise straight from the lochs. You might not see another person for hours, just your dog bounding ahead on the trail. For anyone tired of crowds and car parks, this part of Scotland feels like stepping back in time, in the best way. Bring waterproofs, snacks, and patience for the weather. It’s worth it.
The Cotswolds: Gentle Countryside Charm
The Cotswolds have that calm, soft-edged feel you only get in the old English countryside. Villages with stone cottages, gentle hills, and fields that seem to go on forever. Dogs love it here because walks connect everything, one minute you’re by a stream, the next you’re outside a pub with fresh water bowls and the smell of roast dinners drifting through the air.
Around Broadway, Burford, and Stow-on-the-Wold, there’s a mix of dog-friendly B&Bs and classic country inns that don’t blink at muddy boots or paws. Walkers often follow the Cotswold Way, but even short loops near Chipping Campden or Snowshill are rewarding. It’s not dramatic like the Lakes or the Highlands, but it’s honest countryside: well-tended, full of life, and easy to explore. You’ll likely leave with tired legs, a happy dog, and a faint layer of mud on everything you own.
The Yorkshire Dales: Wild, Warm, and Welcoming
Few places welcome dogs as naturally as the Yorkshire Dales. It’s a landscape of open fields, dry-stone walls, and clear rivers where dogs can cool off after a long walk. Around Grassington or Malham, trails wind through farmland and limestone valleys that feel made for exploring with a four-legged friend. The pubs are proper ones too – no frills, just good ale, wood smoke, and a spot by the fire where dogs are always welcome.
It’s also the kind of place people put down roots. If you’ve ever dreamed of staying longer, you’ll even find beautiful lodges for sale in the Yorkshire Dales, tucked away near walking routes and open moors. Whether visiting or staying for good, the Dales keep things simple: good walks, kind people, and peace that stretches for miles. It’s the sort of landscape that stays under your skin long after you’ve gone home.
Is There Anywhere Better Than Home with Your Dog?
Travelling with a dog isn’t about finding the fanciest place or the best reviews. It’s about space to walk, welcoming locals, and somewhere warm at the end of the day. Whether it’s Cornwall’s windswept beaches, the Dales’ quiet lanes, or a cosy pub in the Cotswolds, the UK’s best dog-friendly spots all have one thing in common: dogs belong here, as naturally as people do.
No awkward glances, no fuss, just open doors, good walks, and time together. All you really need is a sturdy lead, a few treats, and the freedom to pause wherever the day takes you, be it a sandy beach, a hidden footpath, or a sunlit village square.