We’re a nation of dog lovers and increasingly that extends to our holiday plans too. This guide to the best dog-friendly holiday destinations in the UK will help you plan a getaway to get tails wagging. As well as coastal and countryside hot spots with walks aplenty, you’ll find dog-friendly cottage collections and tips to help you choose the perfect cottage for you and your canine companion:
Cornwall
Photo: Dogs in the Sea, Trelowarren Cottage in Cornwall
Long beaches with South West Coast Path walks and plenty of dog-friendly pubs make Cornwall one of the top spots for dog-friendly holidays in England. Most of Cornwall’s 300+ beaches are dog-friendly all year round (restrictions apply) with a great choice of dog-friendly cottages across its north and south coasts.
The Lake District
Photo: Paws up who wants to go on holiday? Tallentire Hall in Cumbria
If your dog (and you) love long walks, stretch your legs in the Lake District. As well as easy lakeside strolls and strenuous mountain treks, you’ll find dog-friendly lake cruises, plus cafes and pubs in popular spots such as Keswick and Windermere. Our Lake District collection includes dog-friendly properties with enclosed gardens, muddy-boot storage and nearby trails to help you enjoy the great outdoors.
Yorkshire Coast and Moors
Photo: A welcoming dog-friendly holiday, Kipling House Barn in Yorkshire
Big beaches at Scarborough, Whitby and Filey on Yorkshire’s coast offer plenty of space to throw a frisbee. Or stride through the heather-clad North York Moors or Yorkshire Dales before finding a cosy village pub. Discover dog-friendly properties across North Yorkshire and the Dales, perfect for exploring its wild landscape and coastline.
Devon and Dorset
Photo: Enjoy a stylish cottage break with your fluffy friend, Higher Wiscombe in Devon
Seaside strolls in coastal resorts, Jurassic Coast hikes, Dartmoor rambles and the South West Coast Path are ideal for dogs who love sea, sand and countryside. Or give paws a rest and hop aboard one of Dorset and Devon’s dog-friendly heritage railways, such as the Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat. Our dog-friendly cottages in Devon and Dorset range from coastal hideaways with enclosed gardens to rural barn conversions with hot tubs.
The Cotswolds and Heart of England
Photo: Lapping up the outdoors, Hop Pickers Rural Retreats in Worcestershire
The gently rolling countryside of the Cotswolds and south central England makes this one of the best dog-friendly holiday destinations in the UK for smaller and older pets. Picture-postcard towns with dog-welcoming pubs and miles of waymarked trails are perfect for a slower-paced break. Key visitor attractions such as Cotswold Wildlife Park also allow dogs (on a lead) in many outdoor areas. Afterwards, relax in a luxury Cotwolds cottage or converted barn with enclosed garden and real log fire.
Wales
Photo: A fireside chillout, Llanfendigaid Estate in Wales
Wales’ dog-friendly landscape includes Snowdonia’s mountains, Pembrokeshire’s beaches and coast path, and the green valleys and waterfalls of mid Wales. The Gower Peninsula is a popular destination for dog-owners, with huge peaceful beaches with year-round access – including Rhossili, a regular on many ‘best dog-friendly beaches’ lists. Wales also has plenty of of dog-friendly cottages and pubs to hole up in.
Scotland
Photo: Lush beach runs for the dogs, Wester Den in Scotland
What better way to discover Scotland’s Highlands, islands and big-sky landscapes than on foot with your faithful hound? South-west Scotland – known for the wild beauty and dark skies of Galloway Forest Park – is also home to Girvan on the Ayrshire coast, voted the most dog-friendly town in the UK in the DogFriendly Awards 2023. Choose from these Scottish properties, which make excellent bases for beach walks, lochside explorations and scenic drives.
Norfolk, Suffolk and the East Coast
Photo: Space for more than one, Gresham Hall Estate in Norfolk
Known for long, flat coast path walks across nature reserves and sand dunes – with dog-friendly pubs en route, Norfolk and Suffolk also make our list of the best dog-friendly holiday destinations in the UK. Holkham Beach is one great spot, with dogs welcome all year round. Whether you prefer a remote rural retreat with countryside walks from the door or a quaint village cottage near a pub, find your perfect dog-friendly base in the east of England.
Choosing the Right Dog-Friendly Destination for Your 2026 Break
Photo: Luckett Farm in Devon
Here are a few things to consider when deciding your dog-friendly destination:
- How fit is your dog? An energetic pup might love long beach rambles.Your loyal old hound could prefer gentle countryside strolls.
- Is your dog used to long drives? If not, keep travel time to a minimum.
- Are there any dog-friendly attractions? Do your research to find local pubs, restaurants and attractions that welcome dogs.
- What luxury cottage options are there? Use our filters to find dog-friendly cottages with popular features, such as enclosed gardens, swimming pools and hot tubs. Many have a “dogs accepted” policy. Others go the extra mile with a “dogs welcome” offer that includes a doggy welcome hamper, dog towels, throws and more.
Tips for Booking Stress-Free Dog-Friendly Breaks UK in 2026
Photo: Celebration Holiday Homes in Yorkshire
So you’ve chosen your ideal location from our round-up of the best dog-friendly holiday destinations in the UK? Here’s how to pick your perfect pet-friendly cottage:
- Consider the space – inside and outside. If your dog loves to run around outside, choose a cottage with secure outside space, an outside wash station and wipe-clean floors. Quieter pets might appreciate a cosy cottage with a log burner. Browse our dog-friendly collection to find the right space for your pet.
- Check dog policies and limits. Every cottage owner has their own guidelines to ensure a stress-free stay.
- Choose between “dogs accepted” and “dogs welcome” cottages. The latter go the extra mile to make pets comfortable. Check individual cottages for details of what is provided.
- Ask if there are dog-friendly cafes, pubs and attractions nearby. Cottage owners will share inside knowledge on local dog-friendly beaches, walks from the door and more.
Plan Your 2026 Dog-Friendly Break with Premier Cottages
Browse our cottage collection to find more than 450 dog-friendly four- and five-star holiday cottages. Many have luxury touches for you (such as pools and hot tubs), plus enclosed gardens and welcome packages (for your dog). Filter your search for “dogs welcome” properties that really roll out the red carpet for pets. You can also search by region or head to our UK-wide dog-friendly collection.