With dog ownership reaching an all-time high over the pandemic period, there are now lots more families searching for dog-friendly holiday ideas in the UK so their new furry family members can enjoy a break away too. 

But where are some great places to take your dog on holiday? We’ve got some suggestions that the whole family will enjoy.

The Lake District

If you’re keen to get out and about walking with your four-legged friend, you’ll be spoiled for choice in The Lake District. There are 16 stunning lakes to explore, perfect for gentle walks, challenging hikes and everything in between.

Ready to relax a little? Enjoy the lakes from a different perspective with a boat tour, many of which are dog-friendly, such as those on popular Windermere and Coniston Water. At the end of the day, you’ll be welcomed into one of the many dog-friendly pubs that can be found in the charming villages of Keswick, Ambleside and beyond.

Cornwall

A very accommodating county for dogs, aside from all the lovely country walks and beautiful beaches, there’s also lots of popular attractions that are dog-friendly.

Popular tourist destinations include the fascinating Eden Project (dogs on leads allowed in the outside areas), the beautiful Trebah Gardens on the Helford and the ancient castles of Pendennis in Falmouth, and Tintagel.

When it comes to the beaches, although there are some restrictions in place for dogs, depending on what time of year you visit, most beaches allow dogs either outside of the main hours, or on leads.

North Wales and Snowdonia

Ever wanted to trek up a mountain with your dog at your side? Mount Snowdon in the Snowdonia National Park awaits! There’s a number of different routes to reach the summit at 1085m, so you can choose one that matches the fitness and ability of your family.

In the wider area, you’ll find plenty of dog-friendly places to visit, such as the Conwy Water Gardens and the huge Point of Ayr beach with plenty of space to run free.

Yorkshire Dales

A wonderful walking holiday in the Yorkshire Dales will definitely get tails wagging, plus there are lots of lovely dog-friendly pubs to round off a day of exploring.

Visitors will also find 17 Miles without Stiles routes in the Dales, which are a collection of accessible walking routes suitable for all abilities and for wheelchair users, pushchairs and those with limited mobility. Popular routes include a walk around Malham Cove, the River Rawthey or Aysgarth Falls.

Devon

29 of the top attractions in Devon welcome dogs, so if you’re planning a holiday with the family you’ll have lots to choose from. Why not take a trip to the charming The Donkey Sanctuary or Miniature Pony Centre, or perhaps a visit to the Devon Railway Centre?

The grounds of both Powderham Castle and Castle Drogo are dog-friendly, as is the Killerton stately home. Of course, rolling countryside and two coastlines means you’ll also find plenty of local walks wherever you’re staying too.

Ready to get out there exploring with your four-legged friend? We’ve got lots of walking retreats booking now, many with just a £49 deposit to secure your place. Take a look at our retreats page to find out more.