The Ultimate Guide to Dog-Friendly Walking Holidays in the UK
Are you fed up with leaving your favourite four-legged friend behind when you go on holiday? We believe that real adventures are the ones that connect you to nature and yourself, and that experience is always better with your loyal companion by your side. If you’re looking for your next journey, we’ve shared some of our expert tips so you can feel confident about bringing your pooch along on a UK dog walking holiday!
In the UK, we have some fantastic dog-friendly places to explore, from walking beautiful stretches of coastline in Pembrokeshire to hiking wild trails in the Highlands of Scotland – you’re in for a treat!
While travelling with your dog can sometimes seem intimidating, with all the extra logistics to consider, we believe that with the right planning, it can only add more joy to your trip!
In this guide, we’ll explore everything from dog-friendly accommodation in the UK to ideal walking routes and top packing tips. Let’s dive into these pointers to help keep your pooch’s tail wagging on your dog-friendly UK walking holiday.
1. Choose dog-friendly accommodation
When you’re planning walking holidays with dogs, finding the right base is essential for a relaxed and comfortable trip. Here are some dog-friendly accommodation options in the UK that could work for you and your pooch:
Self-Catering Properties
There are lots of accommodation options to explore when planning dog-friendly walking holidays. Self-catering properties, particularly in rural areas, often allow dogs, and they offer that homely feel that can help your dog to feel more relaxed in its new environment. When choosing your home from home, be sure to check if there is a supplement to pay, this is often a small fee (and certainly less than a week in doggy day care!)
Hotels & Guesthouses
The number of dog-friendly hotels is on the rise in the UK. With so many people keen to bring their dogs away with them, everywhere from boutique guesthouses to five-star hotels are opening their doors to dogs. Some even go the extra mile with treats available on arrival for your furry pal. Accommodation search sites often allow you to select ‘dog-friendly’ as a category. This makes it easy to decipher where you’ll receive the warmest of welcomes.
If you’d like to have a helping hand in finding and booking dog-friendly accommodation in the UK, reach out to our team and start planning your bespoke UK adventure holiday today.
2. Find The Best UK Dog Walking Routes That Work for You (And Your Pooch!)
When choosing the best dog-friendly places to holiday in the UK, it is important to consider how your own needs match up with your dog’s. Things like the breed, fitness, age and experience of your dog are all important factors when deciding the routes you should choose to walk.
Here are some of the best places for dog walking holidays in the UK, including details on their routes:
Offa’s Dyke Path: If you want to challenge yourself in nature, the southern section of this historic path tracing the English-Welsh border offers windswept ridges and ancient woodlands. It’s perfect for a dog walking holiday focused on history and remote border landscapes.
Devon & Dorset Coast: For a more relaxed pace, consider dog-friendly getaways along the South West Coast Path. Beach paths and the sandy shores of Studland Bay are ideal for older dogs or a tranquil dog-friendly staycation.
The Gower Coast in Wales: If you want a holiday with dogs that feels adventurous without being overly demanding, this varied stretch of coastline is ideal. It combines wide beaches, cliff-top paths and quieter inland sections, giving dogs plenty of space to roam while you enjoy some of Wales’ most distinctive scenery. The route follows the Wales Coast Path past bays and headlands, with highlights including Three Cliffs Bay, the ruins of Pennard Castle, and the sweeping sands of Rhossili.
The Great Glen Way: Generally a more moderate option than some of Scotland’s long-distance trails, this route follows the Caledonian Canal and provides stunning views of Loch Ness. It’s a fantastic holiday with dogs for those who want a long-distance feel without constant steep ascents.
Comparison of Popular UK Dog-Friendly Walking Routes
Here’s an easy comparison table of popular dog-friendly walking routes in the UK to help you decide the best route for your four-legged friend:
| Route | Best For… | Difficulty | Typical Terrain |
| Offa’s Dyke Path | History lovers & active dogs | Challenging | Ridges, river valleys, and some stiles |
| Devon & Dorset | Beach lovers & slower pace pups | Easy to Moderate | Coastal paths, sandy beaches, rolling hills |
| Great Glen Way | Scenic views & moderate hiking | Moderate | Canal towpaths, forest tracks |
| Gower Coast | Coastal scenery & peaceful walking routes | Easy to Moderate | Cliff-top paths, sandy beaches, dunes, coastal trails |
3. Familiarise Yourself With Local Dog Walking Regulations
In the UK, a dog walking holiday could vary from crossing mountainous terrain, rambling along forestry trails or following sandy coastal paths. Some areas will have restrictions on access for dogs, usually indicated on signs or council websites.
Here are some things to consider before embarking on your UK dog walking holiday to ensure you’re acting within regulations and causing minimal environmental impact.
Beaches
Many of the best UK holidays for dogs involve the coast, but some beaches have seasonal restrictions. Look out for signs of restrictions, as some beaches do not allow dogs during high season or at all. With careful choice, you could be watching your dog run free whilst you feel the sand beneath your toes at Rhosneigr on Anglesey or paddle together in the waves at Penzance in Cornwall.
Trails
Dog-friendly walking holidays will allow you to explore amazing trails that pass through varying terrain. But you should practice responsible dog ownership at all times, taking particular care on private land, farmland and around livestock. If you are unsure, you can find more information by looking at the information in The Countryside Code.
Open Access Land & Nesting Birds
When exploring moorlands or forests, remember that on “Open Access” land, you are legally required to keep your dog on a short lead between 1 March and 31 July. This protects ground-nesting birds during their breeding season.
Bag it and Bin it
No matter where your UK dog walks take you, from remote woodland to busy pavements, it is a legal requirement to pick up after your dog. Leaving waste behind can harm local livestock and wildlife through parasites, so always carry enough bags and use dedicated bins. Whatever you do, though, don’t bag it and then leave it behind!
4. Top Packing Tips for UK Walking Holidays with Dogs
Making sure you are well-equipped is the key to the best UK dog holidays. Take into consideration how you are travelling and make sure you have enough space to bring the extra things your dog might need.
Depending on your level of adventure, your kit list might change, but here are our non-negotiables to ensure you’re ready for dog friendly uk break:
- Familiar Food: Bring enough of their usual food so you don’t end up having to give them something unfamiliar
- Hydration: A portable water bowl is a must for any holiday with dogs
- Rest: A familiar bed or mat helps them settle into new dog-friendly retreats
- Safety: A collar with an up-to-date tag and a sturdy lead
- Cleanliness: Plenty of poop bags and towels for those inevitable muddy paws!
5. Think About Transport: Enjoying Dog Holidays in the UK Stress-Free
There are a multitude of ways to enjoy a dog friendly walking holiday. You might choose a linear walking route like Offa’s Dyke Path where you can use a mixture of public transport to return to the start point. Here’s a breakdown of some transport options for your dog-friendly UK break.
Rail: Your Window to the Wild
Trains are a fantastic way to reach UK dog walking routes. Most companies, including Transport for Wales, allow up to two dogs to travel free, provided they are on a lead and off the seats – meaning there are endless possibilities for you and your pooch! For long journeys like Offa’s Dyke Path, remember to plan station breaks so your pup can stretch their legs.
Local Bus: Explore Like a Local
Local buses are perfect for reaching remote dog-friendly getaways. While policies vary, most regional providers in areas like Devon & Dorset welcome dogs at the driver’s discretion.
Taxi & Transfers: Lighten Your Load
Taxi companies based on popular walking routes will often be happy to transfer your luggage between your accommodations. This means you don’t have to worry about having an extra heavy back with all those extra doggy necessities.
Luggage Transfers
If you’re arranging your dog-friendly walking holiday with an operator like Adventure Tours UK, we’ll manage all the logistics for you. This includes daily luggage transfers, so you won’t need to worry about carrying anything more than a day pack. Just remember to advise of any additional luggage requirements for your dog, as every item counts, whether it’s an extra bag for dog food and towels, or you need a training crate or dog bed to be transported.
Ready To Plan Your UK Dog Walking Adventure?
The UK is a treasure trove of outdoor adventures, and with so many walking routes to choose from, it’s the ideal destination for a getaway with your pooch! Whether you’re looking for a weekend break to recharge or a longer journey through the wild spaces of the UK, we can design a trip that’s perfectly suited to you and your dog. If you’re feeling inspired to hit the trails with your four-legged friend, send us an enquiry, and we’d be delighted to help!
FAQs on Dog-Friendly Walking Holidays in the UK
What are the best dog-friendly UK holidays for beach lovers?
Devon, Dorset and Cornwall are world-renowned for their coastal paths and are perfect for dog-friendly retreats in the UK.
Are rail tours a good option for a dog friendly staycation?
Absolutely! We love rail travel because it’s a responsible way to reach the wild spaces of the UK. Most train companies, including ScotRail, allow up to two dogs to travel for free, making them perfect for the best dog-friendly holidays in the UK without needing a car.
What essential gear do I need for dog friendly UK breaks?
Beyond the basics, you should pack a collapsible water bowl, a spare lead and a portable first aid kit that includes tick removal tools. If you’re tackling UK dog walks in unpredictable weather, consider a lightweight waterproof coat to keep your dog warm and dry, depending on its breed.
Where can I go on holiday with my dog in the UK if they are not great off-lead?
Many of the best dog-friendly places to holiday in the UK, such as the Devon & Dorset coast or the Offa’s Dyke Path, have sections where leads are mandatory due to livestock or nesting birds. Using a longline lead is a great way to give them freedom while staying responsible and safe.
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