Our favourite dog-friendly UK holidays

One of the great joys of slow travel lies in being able to take your four-legged family members along for the adventure! We’ve uncovered five of the best areas of the UK to explore with your dog.

Here, we take you on a whistle-stop tour of the best pet-friendly trips you can enjoy in the cooler months while keeping your carbon footprint down. Whether you’re travelling around the UK by train, bus or boat, pets are very welcome, as long as they’re on leads or in a travel cage. Going abroad, you can take a dog-friendly ferry to Europe, where you can then travel locally by train. If you want to know more about organising a trip like that, contact our concierge team who can help advise and build your pet-friendly holiday.

Sweeping Vistas in Scotland

Explore the Scottish Highlands & Islands with a week-long journey that follows the famous West Highland line through the Land of Lochs and the Trossachs National Park, past towering mountains including Scotland’s highest, Ben Nevis, and over remote heather moors with just a handful of buildings and nothing but nature for miles around: only the railway passes through, no roads were ever built. This is a land to linger in and explore widely by foot and paw; as you pass along the rails you’ll find tiny stations, hidden gateways to incredible walks or wonderful places to stop for a meal, and you’ll reach the Hebridean Islands, rich with wildlife, and each with their own local character - Skye, Mull, Staffa, Iona and Ulva. Freedom to Roam in Scotland means that visitors - two- and four-legged - have the right to walk almost anywhere, just stick to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and enjoy!

Chris J Walker

Dramatic Coastlines in Cornwall

Is the sea air calling to you? We’ve sussed out the very best of the far West of Cornwall, where you and your pooch can explore this ancient coast with its towering cliffs and hidden coves away from the crowds of the summer. You’ll find crisp turquoise bays, quaint seaside towns, and the wildest coastline in the South West. The pretty Cornish port of St Ives, or the surrounding countryside, make for a perfect base from which you can branch out along the South West Coast Path to visit seaside villages like Zennor, or catch the bus across to explore St Michael’s Mount from Penzance (given Covid, you’ll need to book ahead). Pack a frisbee and a ball and head down to the sand, and let your pets dip their paws in the cold water - or go for full submersion if that’s their style!

Brooding Moors in Yorkshire

Ramble the North York Moors and Coast over the course of a long weekend, taking in ancient market towns and pretty villages along the way, including York, Malton and Whitby. Dogs will particularly love charging through Dalby Forest’s 8,000 acres of woodland near the picture-perfect village of Thornton-le-Dale, where the clear skies are one of the best locations for stargazing in the country - you can even see the Milky Way. Walk or cycle south along the coast from Whitby, set your four-legged friends free and watch them sprint across the wide expanse of sand at Robin Hood’s Bay, then cosy up in our favourite dog-friendly cafe, The Cove.

Toa Heftiba

Rolling Hills in the South Downs

If catching a train makes your furry friend a little nervous, or if it’s your first adventure away and you’re travelling from near London, The South Downs is a great place to start as it’s just an hour train from Victoria. You’ll stay in the pretty market town of Lewes for 3 nights where you can explore stunning countryside with 360-degree views over the south coast and surrounding farmland before settling in for the evening in a classic country pub. The rolling downs and endless fields of crops are the perfect playground for your canine companion. If you fancy some time in the city, take a day trip to nearby Brighton to soak up the buzzing, arty atmosphere, and breathe in the salty sea air.

Fields and Hedgerows in the West Country

Last but not least, the sandstone houses, traditional pubs, and wide-open fields of the West Country. Stay in the historic Roman city of Bath, with its fantastic parks and restaurants - we’ll tell you our favourite dog-friendly places to eat and drink. Use it as a base to visit the nearby countryside which is home to striking country houses and gardens, ancient historic sites and charming market towns. If you could do with a few hours at Britain’s original thermae spa, for a relaxing massage or swim with a view in the rooftop pool, we’ll suggest doggy day care options who can watch your furry friend.

john crozier

Before you go, our top tips for travelling by train or coach with pets:

• Firstly - don’t forget their food! They’ll be happiest if you keep them on their regular routine and diet as much as possible.

• Keep them on the lead if you’re near sheep or cattle, and pack a familiar-smelling toy or blanket for them to play with on the train so you can sit back and enjoy the journey without constant interruptions for attention!

• If you’re unsure, check in with your local vet before you go.

Wherever you choose to venture, we’ll point you to our favourite walks and dog-friendly pubs en route, and handpick cosy places for you all to unwind after a day in the great outdoors.

Browse our full selection of dog-friendly trips here.