The 10 Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in Dorset
With over 88 miles of stunning coast, Dorset is a paradise for dog owners who want to enjoy sandy,...
by Rob Hayes / Pet Friendly
If going on holiday with your four-legged companion is a must-do, then why not consider booking a stay in one of these fantastic locations for dog-friendly holidays in the UK?
Here at Sykes, we understand how important it is to bring your beloved pooch on your next getaway. In fact, in 2025 alone, over 225,000 dogs have gone away with us! This is a trend that shows no sign of slowing down. We already have over 35,000 pets booked for their holidays in 2026, with dog bookings making up over 31% of 2026’s total bookings so far.
Recognising the need for the ultimate dog-friendly destinations, we’ve delved into our 2026 booking data to highlight the most popular dog-friendly holidays in the UK in the coming year.
From the sunny south coast to the northern tip of the British Isles, there’s no shortage of places to choose from when it comes to booking your next staycation with your pooch. So, whether you’re after a serene countryside escape or an unforgettable beach break, we’ve got you covered with this handy guide.
Keep scrolling to see the top 10 places to go for a dog-friendly holiday in the UK in 2026…
Making up a huge part of North East England, the county of Northumberland is easily one of the best places to go for dog-friendly holidays in the UK, seeing a massive increase in bookings over the past couple of years.
In fact, it’s the destination of choice for nearly 2,000 pet-friendly staycations so far for 2026… and it’s not hard to see why! With a vast national park and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty waiting to be explored, as well as its impressive coastline, there’s no shortage of places to discover and explore here.
Here, you’ll find the ancient remnants of Hadrian’s Wall, as well as impressive landmarks like Bamburgh Castle and natural wonders like Kielder Water and Forest Park that are perfect for exploring with your pets. Not only that, but many businesses here also allow dogs, including plenty of pubs.
With a coastline covering over 60 miles, here you’ll find loads of fantastic dog-friendly Northumberland beaches to visit, many of which offer unbeatable views across the rugged North Sea in popular locations like Alnmouth, Boulmer and Seahouses.
Further inland, you’ll also find the gigantic Northumberland National Park, which is great for long countryside walks, hiking, cycling and everything in-between. The eight Long Distance Trails that either start, finish or pass through the county take in the many facets of its expressive landscape, often on one trail. St. Oswald’s Way, for example, begins at the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, passes along the River Coquet, and also climbs the Simonside Hills, offering dogs and their owners a taste of each of these environments.
The Scottish Highlands and Islands takes the next spot on our list of dog-friendly destinations in the UK. With a vast and beautiful landscape to explore, we aren’t surprised!
The Scottish Highlands dominate the majority of Northern Scotland, stretching from the Highland Boundary all the way to the northern shores of the country. It is also home to some of Scotland’s best mountains and Munros, including Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the British Isles, and impressive lakes like Loch Lomond.
You won’t be short of idyllic walks and hikes here! It’s truly a place where you and your pooch can roam freely, enjoy the very best of Scotland’s natural beauty and experience the perfect dog-friendly UK holiday. The Highlands also ranked highly in our top destinations for a short break, so is one to consider if you’re looking for a long weekend or midweek getaway!
The Scottish Islands also boast their own unique appeal. With nearly 800 islands dotted around the western and northern coast, they’re best known for their untouched landscapes and for housing some of the best beaches in Scotland, many of which are completely dog-friendly.
Perfect for those of you looking to spend your next staycation somewhere remote and away from the typical crowds of tourists, these two regions are easy contenders for the best dog-friendly holiday destinations in the UK.
Found by the border with England, Southern Scotland is a wonderful place for dog-friendly holidays in the UK. Stretching from Berwick-upon-Tweed to the east all the way to Gretna in the west, it’s a region that’s often (and unfairly) overlooked by tourists heading further north. However, despite this fact, we’ve seen over 600 dog-friendly bookings for 2026.
Here, you’ll find wonderful towns like Kelso and Coldstream, as well as a host of historic castles that once stood as important military checkpoints during the Middle Ages. Lose yourself in Southern Scotland’s history with your pooch at your side.
If you’d rather lose yourself in nature, then you’re in luck. With rolling green hills, crags and lush forests weaving throughout the landscape, Southern Scotland is a top choice for those of you looking to stay somewhere rural with your four-legged friends.
Named after the 16 gorgeous lakes that stretch across this national park, the Lake District and the surrounding county of Cumbria are classic staycation hotspots, bringing in thousands of domestic and international tourists every year to experience its natural beauty. When it comes to 2026 bookings, it’s already the location of choice for over 3000 dog-friendly holidays!
Serving as an inspiration to some of Britain’s best writers and novelists, such as William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter, the region first became a popular holiday destination back in the 1840s, when crowds of tourists started arriving at the newly-built railway station in Bowness.
With 20 English Heritage Sites that accept dogs, you can explore several fascinating ruins, remains and fantastically preserved buildings, including Ambleside’s ancient Roman Fort, which dates back to the 2nd century, and the remains of the 14th-century Penrith Castle.
Windermere and its neighbouring lake still serve as one of the most popular and recognisable areas in the national park, providing the perfect backdrop to a gentle afternoon stroll, family picnic or quaint boat tour. You can enjoy a similar experience at Coniston Water, where dogs can join the lake cruise free of charge. Be sure to try to visit as many of these unique bodies of water as you can, including Derwentwater, Bassenthwaite Lake, and Buttermere.
Keswick was ranked the most dog-friendly town in the UK for three consecutive years by the Kennel Club, so you’re unlikely to find a place that doesn’t accept your four-legged friends here. Not only that, but with natural landmarks and mountains like Scafell Pike waiting for you to explore, you’re bound to have a wonderful time exploring all of the dog-friendly walks in the Lake District.
Without a doubt, North Wales is a firm favourite for dog-friendly holidays in the UK and staycations in general. Already drawing nearly 4000 bookings, it’s not hard to see why this stunning region attracts so many visitors throughout the year.
Along its central coastlines, seaside towns like Prestatyn and Llandudno still remain popular today after becoming fashionable holiday hotspots in the late Victorian era. Slightly further west, you’ll find the amazing Snowdonia National Park (Eryri), which welcomes dogs on a lead, as long as fitness permits, so your four-legged friend can accompany you on a trek up the magnificent Mount Snowdon, North Wales’ highest peak.
Not only that, there is the enchanting Isle of Anglesey, where there’s no shortage of wonderful places to explore. Many pubs, cafés, and restaurants are also very dog-friendly here, and you’re unlikely to find a place that won’t accept them.
Although the latter operates restrictions on many of its beaches for dog walkers, both Anglesey and Snowdonia boast tonnes of walking trails, coastal paths and wide-open areas where you and your pooch can roam free and enjoy the best of the region’s natural beauty.
For the best places to go walking with your pooch, take a look at this guide covering the best dog-friendly beaches in Wales.
With its golden beaches, dramatic cliffs and miles of winding coast path, Cornwall is a dog lover’s dream. Whether you’re exploring quiet coves or clifftop trails, there’s plenty of space for four-legged friends to stretch their legs.
One of the most popular dog-friendly spots here is Perranporth Beach, where dogs are welcome all year round. It’s a vast, sandy expanse that offers a proper runaround for even the most energetic pups. After a long stroll, you’ll also find plenty of pubs and cafés nearby that offer a warm welcome and a bowl of water.
If you fancy something a little different, the South West Coast Path offers breathtaking views and scenic walks linking charming harbour towns like Padstow, Polperro and St Ives, many of which are home to pet-friendly eateries and dog-welcoming shops. With so much to see and do and plenty of dog-friendly Cornish beaches, Cornwall makes for the ultimate coastal escape with your canine companion.
Cornwall is one of the UK’s most dog-friendly destinations, and with over 300 beaches, miles of scenic trails and countless welcoming pubs and cafés, it’s easy to see why. Dogs can roam freely on many of the region’s beaches throughout the year, with places like Perranporth, Daymer Bay and Constantine Bay proving to be firm favourites among owners and pups alike.
If you’re after a proper walk, then the South West Coast Path offers plenty of dog-friendly stretches, from clifftop walks around Bedruthan Steps to gentler strolls near Fowey and Polruan. For countryside lovers, Bodmin Moor provides vast open landscapes and quiet trails to explore, where your four-legged friend can really stretch their legs.
After a long day of exploring, you’ll be pleased to find that many of Cornwall’s traditional pubs are more than happy to welcome dogs, often with water bowls, dog treats and cosy fires to curl up next to. With so many dog-friendly things to see and do, it’s no surprise Cornwall is such a hit with furry companions!
Whether you’re walking across Dartmoor or paddling along the shore at Saunton Sands, Devon is packed with spots where dogs can run free and owners can relax. It’s a brilliant destination for a dog-friendly escape, offering a good mix of coast, countryside and everything in between.
On the north coast, the likes of Woolacombe, Croyde and Saunton Sands offer long, dog-friendly stretches of beach that are ideal for seaside strolls and splash-abouts. Further south, towns like Salcombe and Dartmouth are full of dog-welcoming pubs, cafés and attractions, including ferry rides across the estuary.
For inland adventures, Dartmoor National Park is the place to go. With its wide-open moorland, granite tors and quiet wooded valleys, it’s a brilliant place for dogs to explore off-lead. With plenty of walks, beaches and places to eat and drink, Devon really does tick every box for pet-friendly breaks.
Devon is an absolute treat for dogs, thanks to its blend of coast and countryside. Its beaches are among the most dog-welcoming in the UK, with places like Saunton Sands, Beesands and Westward Ho! offering year-round access. Whether your pooch enjoys running along golden sands or splashing in shallow surf, they’ll be in their element with these dog-friendly beaches in Devon.
Away from the beach, there’s loads of scope for adventure in Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks. Both are criss-crossed with walking trails, riverside paths and dog-friendly pubs – making them perfect for longer, off-the-lead rambles.
Back in the towns and villages, you’ll find many of Devon’s attractions, cafés and even boat trips are happy to accommodate dogs. Whether you’re heading out for a moorland hike or a coastal pub lunch, Devon makes life easy for owners and brilliant for dogs.
Found in the stunning county of North Yorkshire, the North York Moors is one of the largest national parks in the country and a fantastic place for dog-friendly holidays in the UK.
As the name suggests, it’s best known for its hilly moorlands and rural charm. Covering over 500 square miles, it’s a great place to consider staying if you’re looking to unplug from everyday life for some well-needed peace and tranquillity.
At the eastern edge of the national park, you’ll find the Yorkshire Coast, another brilliant location for dog-friendly holidays in the UK.
Lined with bustling and historic resorts that have been holidaymakers’ havens for centuries, including Bridlington, Scarborough, Whitby and Robin Hood’s Bay, it’s an area known for its dramatic coastal cliffs, some of the best dog-friendly beaches in the UK and some of the best fish and chips anywhere in the country.
Not only that, but many of this region’s beaches are also completely dog-friendly, with only a handful operating seasonal restrictions.
There are countless wonderful attractions for you and your pooch to experience here; climb Whitby’s 199 Steps and visit the stunning Whitby Abbey, wander through Kilburn Woods exploring enchanting woodland and breath-taking views of the Vale of York, discover a variety of flora and fauna along the coast at Robin Hood’s Bay, and learn about the 900-year history of English Heritage-owned Helmsley Castle.
Also known as the “Scottish Midlands” and the “Central Belt”, Central Scotland is home to the country’s two largest cities, Glasgow and the capital city of Edinburgh. Whilst being a popular location for city breaks, staying in the countryside in-between these two cities is a wonderful idea for your next pet-friendly break.
Once the industrial heart of the country, this region is where you’ll find a host of small towns and villages that make for great places to go for dog-friendly holidays in the UK, as well as a host of country parks where you can roam free with your four-legged friends.
Some of the best dog-friendly walks in the region include Lomond Hills Regional Park, which boasts 65 square kilometres of rolling countryside; Kelvingrove Park, a unique Victorian-style park in Glasgow; and the Fife Coastal Path, which offers spectacular coastal views, beaches and fishing villages to explore.
Not only that but there’s also a host of interesting dog-friendly attractions and landmarks to explore here, including Stirling Old Town Jail, the impressive Kelpies monument and the historic Linlithgow Palace.
The perfect place to go for a rural escape with your four-legged friend, the stunning Yorkshire Dales makes for a fantastic place to get away for dog-friendly holidays in the UK.
Found mostly within the county of North Yorkshire but also covering parts of both Lancashire and Cumbria, it’s a place that’s noted for its picturesque villages, rolling hills and the magnificent Wensleydale Valley that runs through the heart of the region.
Dotted with historic structures like Middleham Castle and Bolton Abbey, as well as a host of natural wonders like Aysgarth Falls and Semerwater, it’s a place where you and your pooch can get away from the stresses of everyday life for some much-needed rest and relaxation!
There are 17 Miles without Stiles walking routes, accessible to all abilities, that are dog-friendly, including around Malham Cove, Buckden and the River Rawthey. You are sure to stumble upon a number of fantastic Yorkshire Dales walks on your next visit with your beloved pet.
Don’t forget about the dog-friendly pubs in the national park! These are the perfect place for a post-walk sit-down with your furry friend. Why not venture to The Kings Arms in Askrigg after wandering along the Gunnerside Gill and Kisdon Force trail nearby? Alternatively, stop in The Red Lion for a pint after exploring one of the many Skipton trails.
All findings in this article are based on Sykes Holiday Cottages’ internal booking data.
We analysed pet-inclusive bookings for calendar years 2025 and 2026, using data available as of 23rd October 2025. This included reviewing the total number of pets taken on holiday and calculating the percentage of overall bookings that included pets.
To identify the most dog-friendly regions, we calculated the bookings per property using the number of pet-inclusive bookings per region and the number of properties that accept pets in each region. This allowed us to highlight areas with both high demand and strong availability of dog-friendly accommodation.
We know how important it is to bring your beloved dog on holiday with you! So we’ve pulled together a list of properties accepting pets for free. Browse the collection and book your next adventure today!
Feeling inspired to book your next getaway? Then check out this selection of dog-friendly cottages in the UK, with over 13,000 properties you’re sure to find your perfect holiday! Be sure to read our list of the best dog-friendly places to eat, as well as our Pet Packing Guide and Pet-Friendly Travel Guide, ahead of your adventure.
by Rob Hayes / Pet Friendly
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I'm Rob and I joined the Sykes team in February 2024. I am a passionate writer and have always enjoyed holidays in the UK, especia...
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Great roundup of dog-friendly holidays in the UK for 2025! It’s so important to find destinations where our furry friends are truly welcome, and this list has some fantastic options. I especially love the idea of exploring coastal trails and countryside retreats with my pup. Do you have any recommendations for dog-friendly accommodations or activities in these areas? Looking forward to planning our next adventure
A great list of dog friendly holidays! My boy loves trips to Wales
As someone with an active dog, I really appreciate the inclusion of locations like the Brecon Beacons. A holiday that combines outdoor adventures with dog-friendly stays sounds like the perfect getaway.