If you are a pet owner like me, planning your next getaway with your furry friend can be a challenge. Unsure where to go and if it will accommodate you and your pet’s needs? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Once of the most common questions asked by pet owners is ‘Where are the best pet friendly travel destinations’
Whether you are planning a short weekend escape or a longer holiday travelling with your furry friend can be a rewarding experience. In this article we will answer your questions, provide some valuable tips and help make your holiday with your pet as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Top Pet friendly Travel Destinations in the UK
The Lake District
If you’ve not looked into the lakes before this is a first on your list. It is a haven for pet lovers, offering stunning landscapes beautiful lakes and hundreds of walking trails. If you fancy a bite to eat or an evening drink, the Lake District has a wealth of dog friendly pubs. Whether you call in for a quick pint after an afternoon walk or heading out for an evening meal you and your pet will be welcomed.
When we last checked over 3,000 listings were on booking.com labelled as pet friendly in the Lake District.
Cornwall
Cornwall, known for its picturesque beaches and charming villages is a perfect pet-friendly holiday destination. Whilst many holiday destinations can have pet restrictions especially on beaches, Cornwall goes against this trend. There is a whopping 150 beaches listed where dogs are allowed and an additional 73 where dogs are allowed but in restricted areas.
There are only 5 beaches in Cornwall pets are completely banned, so you are extremely unlucky if you find one of those. Look out for beaches such as Porthkidney Sands and Watergate Bay, they both allow dogs year-round. Enjoy the coastal paths and dine at the many pet-friendly pubs where you can relax with your companion by your side.
The Cotswolds
The Cotswolds, with its rolling hills and quaint villages is a fantastic destination for pet lovers and owners alike. It boasts numerous pet friendly attractions such as the stunning gardens at Hidcote and the open-air Cotswold Wildlife Park.
Whilst not quite as many places to stay as the lakes you still have over 1,000 places to choose to spend the night that are pet friendly.
Scottish Highlands
This is one of our favourite pet friendly travel destinations! We’ve spent many weeks either in our van or booked accommodation around Scotland and the Highlands. Its certainly a more rugged adventure but provides you with breathtaking scenery and a plethora of outdoor activities. The perfect getaway for the active family and pets.
Most B&Bs and self-catering accommodations are pet friendly ensuring you will always have a place to call home on your holiday. Better yet spend a night under the stars, as long as you are respectful and leave no trace you cant beat a weekend adventure wilding it with your furry pal.
Yorkshire Dales
With its expansive moors, valleys and charming market towns the Yorkshire Dales is a big hit for pet friendly holidayers. You have endless walking trails including the famous Pennine Way giving you plenty of options to tire them out ready for a cost night next to a fire in the pub.
You will find it hard to find a pub or café that doesn’t welcome pets, making it a great place to explore without leaving your pet behind.
Essential Tips for Traveling with Pets
Research and Plan Ahead
Before you set off on your journey research pet friendly accommodations and attractions in your chosen destination. As mentioned above most holiday sites like booking.com and Airbnb have filters when searching. However there are some pet dedicated websites like Dog Friendly Retreats and PetsPyjamas that offer comprehensive lists of pet-friendly hotels, cottages and more.
Pack the Essentials
Pets are creatures of comfort. Whilst they might love exploring, coming back to familiarity helps them unwind. Ensure you have all the necessary items for your pets comfort and safety. That includes their bed, food and water bowls, lead, medication If needed and poo bags! Don’t forget poo bags, nobody wants to see that left on the ground when walking these amazing places.
Lastly if they have a favourite toy or blanket that will help make them feel like they are at home.
Be Mindful of Local Rules
Different areas have varying rules about pets, usually places like beaches and parks. Make sure to check signs or read up ahead about what areas you can let them run free or need to be on the lead. Whilst this shouldn’t need repeating when in farmland areas make sure to be leashed at all times unless clear there is no cattle or farm animals around.
Keep Your Pet Comfortable
Travelling can be stressful for pets. Keep them calm by maintaining your normal routine as much as possible. Feeding and exercise around the normal times you would at home (Extra walks isn’t a bad thing). Giving them a safe space in your accommodation where they can go to decompress and relax is always a good idea.
On long journeys plan breaks and stops on the route to your destination.
Health and Identification
Make sure your pet it up-to date on vaccinations and has a microchip that is updated with all your current contact information. If your dog wears a collar, I would always recommend having your contact number on the tag. I would recommend you insure your pets anyway but if you are planning the more outdoorsy type holiday and your pet isn’t insured that is a must. With all the opportunities to have fun and run around comes the risk of injury.
Whilst we haven’t touched on it in this article when it comes to international travel make sure to research entry requirements for pets in that country, additional vaccinations and potential quarantine rules.
Pet- Friendly Activities and Dining
The UK has an abundance of amazing places to visit all of which have a wealth of pet-friendly activities that cater to both adventure seekers and those looking for a slower pace holiday. Many regions boast dog friendly boat tours, allowing you and your furry companion to explore the waterways together. In the Lake District, you can embark on a scenic cruise on Lake Windermere or Ullswater, where well-behaved dogs are welcomed aboard.
Hiking doesn’t require permission in most cases and we aren’t short of hiking trails in the UK. From the rugged paths of the Scottish Highlands to the gentle slopes of the Cotswolds, there’s a trail for every fitness level. Many national parks, including the Peak District and Snowdonia, are dog-friendly and offer designated areas where pets can roam freely off-leash.
To make finding these pet friendly places easier, apps like BringFido and DoggiePubs are invaluable resources. BringFido offers a comprehensive directory of pet-friendly accommodations, restaurants, and activities worldwide. It provides user reviews, pet policies, and booking options, making it a handy tool for planning your trip. DoggiePubs, on the other hand, focuses on UK pubs that welcome dogs, offering insights into facilities like dog-friendly gardens, available treats, and proximity to great walking routes.
Conclusion
Traveling with your pet can be an incredibly fulfilling experience, allowing you to explore new places without leaving your furry friend behind. By choosing the right destination and planning ahead, you can ensure a stress-free and enjoyable trip for both you and your pet. Whether you’re exploring the stunning landscapes of the Lake District or the sandy beaches of Cornwall, the UK offers countless pet friendly travel destinations for a memorable holiday.
