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,...
Want to enjoy a relaxing getaway this year without the added stress of paying kennel fees? A UK staycation is the perfect chance for taking your pets on holiday and with Sykes Holiday Cottages, pets go free at more than 8000 properties!
Whether you’re interested in beaches, mountains or the countryside, you’ll find it in the UK. The ability to bring our furry pals along is a major perk of a staycation, right up there with finding hidden gems just outside your door.
Plan the paw-fect trip with our ultimate guide to taking pets on holiday in the UK…
Pet-friendly Holidays
Pet-friendly Beaches
Pet-friendly Walks
Pet-friendly Pubs
Pet-friendly Cottages
Pet Packing Guide
FAQs
You and your four-legged friend can enjoy so many pet-friendly destinations in the UK. In this guide, we’ve compiled all of our favourite pet-friendly holiday destinations, from the rural moorland of North Yorkshire to the golden beaches of Cornwall.
1. Scottish Highlands & Islands
4. North Wales
5. Cumbria & The Lake District
9. Cornwall
10. Yorkshire Dales
There are several dog-friendly beaches to choose from, ranging from the coast of Dorset to the Scottish Highlands. Visit one of these fantastic dog-friendly beaches and look forward to watching your dog majestically sprint along the dunes or swim in the surf. Below is a summary of our 10 best dog-friendly beaches in the UK!
1. Bossiney Cove, near Tintagel, Cornwall
2. Runswick Bay Beach, Saltburn-by-the-Sea, North Yorkshire
3. Horsey Gap, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk
4. Compton Bay, Freshwater, Isle of Wight
5. Barafundle Bay, Stackpole, Pembrokeshire
6. Durdle Door Beach, Lulworth, Dorset
7. Morar Beach, near Morar, Fort William, Scottish Highlands
8. North Sands, Salcombe, Devon
9. Murlough Beach, near Newcastle, County Down, Northern Ireland
10. Haverigg Beach, near Barrow-in-Furness, Lake District
There are wonderful dog walks all around the UK, from the towering mountains of Wales to the midden gems of South West England. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of some of the top dog-friendly walking paths.
1. Pen-y-Ghent and Hull Pot Circular
2. Catbells via Allerdale Ramble
3. Grasmere and Helm Crag Circular
5. Connemara and Diamond Hill Loop
6. Janet’s Foss, Gordale Scar and Malham Cove
7. Conic Hill
9. Sugar Loaf Mountain: Wales Walk
There’s no need to leave your pup back on your holiday let with all of these amazing pet-friendly pubs and restaurants throughout the UK. Check out some of the most popular dog-friendly pubs and eateries below.
1. Dog-friendly Pubs in Northumberland
2. Dog-friendly Pubs in Keswick
4. Dog-friendly Pubs in Exeter
5. Dog-friendly Pubs in Llandudno
6. Dog-friendly pubs in Cornwall
7. Dog-friendly Pubs in Dorset
8. Dog-friendly Restaurants in Cornwall
9. Pet-friendly cafés in the Lake District
It’s no surprise that dog-friendly holidays are one of the most popular types of holidays at Sykes. We believe that no family member should be left behind, especially not our faithful four-legged friends!
Because of this, pets go free at more than 8000 properties! Choose from thousands of dog-friendly holiday homes, including dog-friendly log cabins, dog-friendly coastal cottages and luxury dog-friendly cottages.
Check out a few of our favourites below…
The first dog is welcome free of charge in this contemporary home, while the second may be added for just £25 per week. Two dog beds and two dog dishes are provided for your pet’s comfort and convenience.
With this cottage, you can bring the whole family along. Up to six dogs are welcome at Tyn Y Gorlan, and horses can stay there as well for an additional fee and by prior agreement.
Sit back and relax on the terrace as you take in the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, the islands of Abersoch and St. Tudwal, and the stunning Llŷn Peninsula.
With a doggy welcome pack included, Number 17 Bell Cottage can accommodate up to two pets. There’s also an enclosed patio for pets to run free and an outdoor dog-washing area!
Here’s a glimpse of our guide to the perfect dog-friendly holiday. You can download and print off your own packing checklist to help you prepare for your next dog-friendly getaway.
You need to gather items like their papers and medications. In addition, you will need to find a safe place for them to travel in, in addition to all of their bedding, blankets, towels, toys, food, and treats.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to have a current immunisation record, a permanent microchip, and, if necessary, a rabies shot.
According to The Highway Code… “When in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves if you stop quickly. A seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars.”
Other tips include
Some pets hate travelling and some haven’t been to the beach, bars, or restaurants. Start by measuring your pup’s adaptability and finding out what makes them stressed.
Questions to ask yourself include…
If you’re unsure, a behaviourist or trainer can evaluate your dog to determine the best training plan and behaviour for the trip.
Even if your pet performs well in a crate at home or on short journeys, they may act out on longer trips. At least a month before travel, you can gradually introduce the crate to them in different ways.
Ask neighbours, friends, or family to overnight board your dog. Make sure it’s somewhere new. If they seem terrified or anxious in their new surroundings, continue boarding them to show them that new settings are ok.
Despite many local councils enforced restrictions on walking dogs on beaches, there’s still plenty of places you can take your dog for a stroll by the sea during your holiday. In fact, many beaches only operate seasonal restrictions, typically between April/May and the end of September.
However, many don’t exercise a full ban on dog-walking, with many having designated zones where your pooch is allowed to wander freely. So, if you’re planning your next break during this time, we’d highly recommend checking ahead to see what the exact restrictions are.
I'm Courtney and I joined the marketing team in February 2020! I love all things writing and travel and my favourite UK holiday de...
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