Dog-friendly destinations are increasingly popular for holidaymakers and now more than ever with covid travel restrictions in place. A study from the National Tourist Board in 2017 showed that 40% of tourists visiting Britain chose to do so because they wanted to visit a destination where their pet could come too.
Dog-friendly destinations are not just a nice thing to have. They're important for many reasons, including health and safety concerns. A pet-friendly destination is one that allows you to bring your dog with you when you travel without the need for any special permission or documentation from authorities before leaving home. Pet-friendly destinations make it easier for owners who are travelling by themselves, as they can always count on their four-legged friend to be waiting for them at the end of each day.
The keyword here is "dog friendly". Of course, some people may think that bringing their dog on holiday with them would be a nightmare, but it doesn't have to be. There are plenty of places in the United Kingdom where dogs are welcome, from beaches to parks to restaurants. You can get some really good deals offseason and you will also save in kennel fees, not to mention you won't miss your furry friend.
Some pre-planning never goes amiss either, so please make sure your dog is microchipped in the unfortunate event they run off exploring! Check vaccinations are up to date and your good to go! Whilst out and about it's always good to make sure you have water to hand, keep your dog on a leash where necessary and always clean up after your dog/s. You can find some handy dog walking accessories here.
Please note - If your dogs quite old or suffers from some existing conditions, you can always put your mind at ease by researching vets in the local area prior to your departure.
Importance of a Dog-friendly Destination
A dog-friendly destination is not just a luxury, it's an essential part of any holiday for many people. The truth is that some destinations are more suited to dogs than others, and this means you should carefully consider where you go on your next trip. Dog-friendly destinations are so important because they help us to connect with our animal friends and get away from the stresses of everyday life. It's not just about having a place where we can bring our dogs, but also finding somewhere that is accepting of them too. Here are a number of dog-friendly holiday destinations in the UK you can consider for your next trip.
In no particular order:
Cornwall
Cornwall is among the top travel destinations in the UK and will certainly excite your four-legged friend. According to Skykes cottages over 13,000 dogs enjoyed a Cornish holiday in 2020, making it a top dog-friendly travel destination in the country. The area is great for your dog because of it’s subtropical climate, which means you can holiday in the area any time of the year, and with 130 beaches to choose from you're spoilt for choice. The majority of the destination's restaurants and beaches welcome dogs with open arms the whole year round. Only a few spots have some sort of restrictions or don’t allow dogs altogether, so it’s always a good idea to inquire before booking your holiday.
Although Cornwall is renowned for its beaches, whilst there you should definitely visit The Eden Project with your pooch. And that's not all, you can also get to learn about the intriguing history of the Bodman Jail built in 1779 by King George the III, enjoy a steam train ride, the Pendennis and Tintagel castles and many more sites all in the company of your dog.
North Devon
North Devon has a rugged coastline full of dramatic cliffs and rocky gloves to explore. You can find many dog-friendly cottages that come with an eclipsed garden. You and your four-legged friend will have the perfect place to call home after watching the sea and strolling along the sandy beaches. To experience the magic of North Devon, follow the Tarka trail through biking or by foot. The 180-mile trail will expose you to great views of wildlife, rivers and beaches. Click the link for a comprehensive list of dog-friendly beaches in North Devon: https://www.stayindevon.co.uk/handbook/dog-friendly-beaches-in-devon
Google Maps also is a great place to read reviews and keep up to date. https://www.google.com/maps/search/north+devon+dog+friendly
Yorkshire
Yorkshire is also known as Gods own country and makes for a lovely getaway. A comfortable cottage in Yorkshire should be good option you’re looking for a dog-friendly holiday. Of course, if you’re going to visit with family, you may want to consider booking a luxury lodge in Yorkshire. A morning hike in the famous Yorkshire Dales will expose you to the wild, windy countryside. You can enjoy all these activities in the company of your four-legged furry friend. To get a better insight you can watch lovely Watsons fourth birthday there.
North Wales & Snowdonia
North Wales & Snowdonia is one of the top dog-friendly destinations in the UK. The region played host to over 16,000 dogs in the year 2020 and the numbers can only increase in the coming years. The region has varied landscapes including lush green countryside, rolling hills, breathtaking mountain ranges, traditional villages to beautiful valleys. This is a dream location for families looking to holiday with their pets. You can climb the highest peak of Mount Snowden with your pet as long as your fitness permits.
If you’re looking for a different activity, Sygun Copper Mine is a great option. The mine stopped operating in the early 1900s and became an excellent tourist attraction. Enjoy your adventure by exploring the underground mines in the company of your dog. Of course, you’ll face several obstacles in the mine in the form of metal steps, but you should not have a problem navigating the terrain provided your dog is fit. Below are some additional links that you may find useful.
https://www.visitconwy.org.uk/explore/outdoors/great-orme-country-park
https://www.thebeachguide.co.uk/north-wales/clwyd/point-of-ayr-talacre.htm
https://www.greenwoodfamilypark.co.uk/
https://cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/dolbadarn-castle?lang=en%22
North York Moors & Coast
The North York Moors & Coast is one of such popular pet-friendly holiday locations in the UK. With over 60 per cent of properties in the area accepting pets, this is a region worth checking out. There are over 500 pet-friendly cottages and villas available in the area for booking at any given moment. Dog Friendly Britain's interactive map is well worth checking out for more details.
Cumbria & The Lake District
The Cumbria and Lake District areas fit the bill as one of the UK's most dog-friendly holiday destinations. This is a top destination for families looking for scenic views and great outdoors. With popular resorts like Keswick, Windermere and Ambleside on your side, you can enjoy the unusual countryside and discover hidden gems in pure bliss.
Norfolk Coast
Dogs are part of the family and many people would like to bring their furry friends with them on vacation. The problem is that not all hotels or restaurants welcome dogs, so it can be hard to find dog-friendly destinations. The Old Hunstanton is quite a village located in Norfolk. It’s a pet-friendly region with a coastline full of resorts near the seaside, all ideal for the family. This is a great area to holiday in the company of your dog. You can explore the tidal marshes and pinewood forests before returning to sample the delicious meals in your nearby cottage or resort.
Choosing to go on a holiday with your dog is one of the best decisions you can make. Your pet will be able to get exercise and enjoy the great outdoors, and you'll have someone by your side that's always happy to see you. These dog-friendly destinations are important because they allow people with pets to have some freedom in choosing where they want to travel. These places offer not only amazing outdoor spaces for dogs, but also plenty of local shops, restaurants, parks and other attractions worth checking out.
With some planning, going on holiday with your four-legged friend doesn't have to be complicated at all. Like all holidays it just requires some thought. Whilst writing this article we stumbled upon the following questions on Google search, so we thought we would help by giving some answers.
Is the UK dog-friendly?
The British are well known as a dog-friendly country. There are many animal lovers, communities and organizations committed to caring and protecting dogs. There are over 8 million dogs living in the UK, so it’s very common to come across dogs when you visit the attractive British countryside.
How can I fly with my dog?
Rules can vary depending on a given airline, but you can fly with your dog on the aeroplane. Your dog will likely fly in the cabin or cargo hold if it’s large enough.
Are dogs allowed on buses in the UK?
Most buses allow dogs but you have to inquire first before booking. Some buses companies may have restrictions when it comes to carrying dogs.