UK: Dog Friendly Guide

Hey fellow dog lovers!

As a proud dog mom to two four-legged adventurers myself, I know exactly what it means to want to share the joys of travel with your furry baby. That's why I've sniffed out all the paw-some places across the UK where tails are wagging and muddy paws are welcome.

Forget leaving your beloved companion behind – the UK is an incredible destination for dog-friendly adventures! From epic hikes across rolling hills to cosy pub lunches by a crackling fire, and from sandy beach strolls to exploring historic sites (with plenty of sniffing opportunities, of course!), this guide is packed with insider tips and fantastic locations to make your UK travels with your dog truly unforgettable.

So, grab your lead, pack some treats, and get ready to explore the best of the UK, side-by-side with your canine companion. 

Essential Tips for Dog-Friendly UK Travel

• Accommodation is Key
  • Book in Advance: Dog-friendly accommodations are popular, especially during peak seasons.
  • Check the Fine Print: Confirm pet policies regarding size, breed, additional fees, and where dogs are allowed on the property (rooms, common areas, dining).
  • Consider Self-Catering: Cottages and holiday lets often provide more space and freedom for you and your dog. Websites like Canine Cottages & Paws & Stay specialise in dog-friendly stays, however, you will always find dog-friendly accommodation on websites like Sykes Cottages (subject to availability). We can recommend a fabulous cottage nestled in the North York Moors, which is pet-friendly and sleeps up to 6 people. Please click here for the advert on Sykes Cottages.
• Transportation with Your Pup
  • Public Transport: Policies vary. Generally, well-behaved dogs on leads are permitted on trains and buses, sometimes with a small fee. Check individual operator guidelines (e.g. National Rail, local bus companies).
  • Cars are Convenient: For maximum flexibility, travelling by car is ideal. Ensure your dog is safely restrained with a harness or in a carrier. Plan regular breaks for exercise and bathroom needs.
• Dining Out
  • Look for "Dog-Friendly" Signage: Many pubs, cafes, and even some restaurants now welcome well-behaved dogs, often in outdoor areas or designated sections. Websites like DoggiePubs can help you find these spots.
  • Call Ahead: If you're unsure, always phone the establishment to confirm their dog policy.
  • Be Considerate: Keep your dog on a lead, ensure they are clean and dry, and avoid disruptive behaviour.
• Respect Local Rules
  • Keep Your Dog on a Lead: Unless in designated off-lead areas, always keep your dog on a lead, especially in rural areas where livestock or wildlife may be present.
  • Clean Up After Your Dog: Always carry poop bags and dispose of waste responsibly.
  • Be Aware of Wildlife & Livestock: Keep a close eye on your dog in the countryside and be prepared to put them on a lead if you encounter animals.
• Health and Safety
  • Carry Essential Supplies: Pack food, water, bowls, poop bags, first-aid kit for your dog, and any necessary medications.
  • Know Local Vet Information: In case of emergency, have the contact details of a local vet in the area you are visiting.
  • Check for Specific Risks: Be aware of potential hazards like blue-green algae in lakes or specific plant dangers in certain areas.

Paw-Some Places to Visit Across the UK

England

• The Lake District National Park: A paradise for walking with your dog, offering stunning scenery, numerous dog-friendly trails (check specific route guidelines, especially during lambing season), and even some lake cruises that welcome dogs (e.g. Windermere Lake Cruises). Many pubs and cafes in the Lake District are also dog-friendly.
• Cornwall: Known for its stunning coastline and many dog-friendly beaches (check seasonal restrictions). Enjoy coastal walks, explore charming fishing villages, and find plenty of dog-friendly cafes and attractions like the Eden Project (dogs welcome in outdoor areas). Newquay is highlighted as a particularly dog-friendly destination. For our travel tips for Cornwall, please click here.
• The Peak District National Park: Offers diverse landscapes for walks, from gentle strolls to challenging hikes. Many campsites and accommodations here welcome dogs.
• Northumberland: Explore dramatic castles like Bamburgh Castle (dogs welcome on leads in grounds), vast open spaces, and dog-friendly beaches along the stunning coastline.
• Yorkshire: From the North York Moors National Park and the Yorkshire Dales National Park offering fantastic walking opportunities to dog-friendly attractions like Whitby Abbey and the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. For our page on Whitby, please click here.
• Devon & Dorset: Explore the rugged beauty of Dartmoor National Park and the Jurassic Coast, with many dog-friendly beaches and walking trails. Woolacombe Beach and Durdle Door are popular choices.
• National Trust & English Heritage Properties: Many National Trust & English Heritage sites welcome dogs in their outdoor areas, including gardens, parkland, and some castle grounds (e.g. Fountains Abbey, Polesden Lacey, Dunstanburgh Castle). Look for the pawprint symbol!
• Forestry England Woodlands: Enjoy miles of woodland walks in areas like the New Forest, Sherwood Forest, and Grizedale Forest, often with designated dog-friendly trails.

Scotland

• The Scottish Highlands: Offers breathtaking scenery and endless opportunities for hiking with your dog. Be mindful of livestock and adhere to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
• Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park: Explore lochs, mountains, and forests with your canine companion. Consider a dog-friendly boat trip on Loch Lomond.
• The Isle of Skye: A wild and stunning island with numerous dog-friendly trails and dramatic landscapes.
• Edinburgh: Surprisingly dog-friendly, with many parks and green spaces, as well as pubs and cafes that welcome dogs.
• Boat Trips to Staffa: Some boat tours to see the famous basalt columns and puffins welcome dogs.

Wales

• Snowdonia National Park (Eryri): Offers challenging hikes and beautiful scenery. Be aware of specific trail restrictions and livestock.
• Pembrokeshire Coast National Park: Explore stunning coastal paths and many dog-friendly beaches like Rhossili Bay and Newport Sands.
• Brecon Beacons National Park: Enjoy diverse landscapes for walking with your dog.
• Gower Peninsula: Renowned for its beautiful and largely dog-friendly beaches.

Northern Ireland

• Northern Ireland's Mountain Ranges: Offer breathtaking scenery and endless opportunities for hiking with your dog (e.g., the Mourne Mountains). Be mindful of livestock and adhere to local guidelines. 
• Loughs and National Parks: Explore the shores and trails of areas like Lough Neagh and Northern Ireland's National Parks with your canine companion. Consider dog-friendly boat trips on larger loughs. 
• The Rugged Coastline: A wild and stunning coastline (e.g. the Causeway Coast) with numerous dog-friendly trails and dramatic landscapes. 
• Cities with Green Spaces: Surprisingly dog-friendly cities like Belfast offer many parks and green spaces, as well as welcoming pubs and cafes. 
• Wildlife Boat Tours: Some boat tours to see Northern Ireland's coastal wildlife (e.g. around the Copeland Islands) welcome dogs.

Specific Dog-Friendly Experiences

• Dog-Friendly Train Rides: Enjoy scenic journeys on heritage railways like the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway (Lake District).
• Dog-Friendly Boat Trips: Explore lakes and coastlines with your dog on designated pet-friendly cruises.
• Dog-Friendly Castles & Historic Sites: Many ruins and grounds of historic sites welcome dogs on leads, offering fascinating explorations for both of you.
• Dog-Friendly Gardens & Arboretums: Wander through beautiful outdoor spaces like Westonbirt Arboretum and the gardens of some National Trust properties.
• Dog-Friendly Cinemas: Keep an eye out for occasional dog-friendly screenings at some cinema chains.
• Dog-Friendly Ferris Wheel: A unique experience in Stratford-upon-Avon where small to medium-sized well-behaved dogs are sometimes allowed on the Stratford Big Wheel.

Last Updated: 19 May '25