Most affordable dog-friendly holiday destinations in the UK
Date published: 6 Feb 2026
Want to get away with your four-legged friend but don’t want to blow the year’s holiday budget? Well, we’ve crunched the numbers on average prices for a three-night cottage stay with dogs. And can now officially reveal the cheapest dog-friendly holiday destinations in the UK. County Armagh comes out on top, but read on to find out more dog-friendly holiday spots that won’t break the bank.
Top 10 cheap dog-friendly holiday destinations:
- County Armagh
- Caerphilly
- Rhondda Cynon Taf
- County Tyrone
- County Down
- East Ayrshire
- East Riding of Yorkshire
- North Ayrshire
- Newport
- Wrexham
County Armagh
County Armagh, in Northern Ireland, comes out on top for affordable dog-friendly breaks. Dog-friendly cottages are some of the cheapest around in this neck of the woods – averaging £246 for a three-night stay.
It’s a friendly, relaxed spot that feels proper Irish and not too touristy. Local restaurants and pubs in the region tend to be good value compared to other parts of Northern Ireland. And the city of Armagh is known for its beautiful Georgian buildings and not one, but two cathedrals. You and your dog can also head out into the surrounding countryside, exploring riverside paths and woodland.
Caerphilly
Next on the list is Caerphilly in South Wales. This quintessentially Welsh town is most famous for its massive medieval castle, which dogs are welcome to explore on ground level. The rolling hills and patchwork of trails are ideal for daily dog walks – the Taff Trail runs nearby, connecting you to miles of even more scenic footpaths.
You’re looking at an average of £265 for a dog-friendly cottage here. Plus, pub meals won’t set you back too much – you’ll find hearty portions of Welsh classics, stews and Sunday roasts for an affordable price.
Rhondda Cynon Taf
For dog owners, cheap holidays in Wales are easy to come by. Rhondda Cynon Taf is the second Welsh destination on the list, with pet-friendly stays coming in at around £280 for three nights. This region in South East Wales flies fairly under the radar, but that’s why it’s great for affordable breaks. With rugged valleys and dramatic waterfalls, it’s a dog walker’s dream.
One of the best spots to head is Dare Valley Country Park for its 500 acres of hiking trails, with plenty of off-lead areas. But even top attractions like Zip World Tower, in Aberdare, welcome dogs (although not on the zip lines, unfortunately!).
County Tyrone
Head back to Northern Ireland and you’ll find County Tyrone, where the countryside is the real star. Rolling hills, forest walks and lakeside paths are all on offer – perfect for long rambles with your dog. Places like Blessingbourne Estate even have woodland walks and farmland trails that are ideal for off-lead fun.
Tyrone is wonderfully relaxed and very rural – think fields, old stone walls and the sort of silence that makes it impossible not to switch off. Cheap dog-friendly cottages average around £290 for a three-night stay here. Village pubs and local cafes tend to be reasonably priced, and with a cottage as your base you can make simple breakfasts and packed lunches part of the plan.
County Down
Another Northern Irish beauty comes in at fifth place. County Down combines coastal walks, country parks and cute towns – a great combo for dog lovers. Crawfordsburn Country Park, with its forest trails and two beaches, is brilliant for dogs that like sand between their paws.
The vibe here is chilled but lively in the summer months, with locals and visitors alike making the most of outdoor life. The smaller towns and villages have cosy pubs and affordable eateries – perfect for post-walk drinks. And a dog-friendly stay averages £312 for three nights.
East Ayrshire
Jump up to Scotland and East Ayrshire delivers on rugged coastlines, some brilliant walks and cheap pet-friendly lodges. The average dog-friendly stay costs around £327 for three nights.
There’s a lot of free stuff to do, like forest walks and rugged hikes. Dean Castle Country Park, Loudoun Hill or the Cairn Table Loop are popular dog-walking spots and trails. And you’ll find welcoming Scottish pubs where dogs are greeted with a friendly nod at the door and the pint prices won’t leave you flinching.
East Riding of Yorkshire
The East Riding of Yorkshire is another great value pick, with stays averaging £331 for three nights. The towns and villages here are charming, with plenty of affordable eating options – pub grub, fish and chips, cosy tea rooms, anyone?
There’s a welcoming feel that’s unmistakably Yorkshire – a bit slower, a bit friendlier and full of character. From sandy strolls on Hornsea Beach to country paths and wide-open fields, the dog walks are top-notch, too.
North Ayrshire
Meanwhile over in North Ayrshire, in Scotland, the coastline and islands are the big draws. Dogs will love the miles of coastal paths and open spaces here. But that’s not the only appeal. You’re also looking at around £332 for a three-night dog-friendly stay in one of our cottages.
Old castles and ruins sprinkle the area, which are often free or affordable to visit. Plus, the local pubs and cafés have that relaxed Scottish feel – think hearty meals, cheap pints and outdoor seating where dogs are welcome.
Newport
In Newport, South Wales, you get the best of both worlds – city sights and easy access to the county borough’s countryside and coastal walks. Parks like Belle Vue and Beechwood Park are great for a leisurely wander, and the nearby wetlands offer scenic trails for pups and their people.
The city itself is affordable for meals and drinks, with plenty of cafes and pubs that won’t make your wallet weep. It’s perfect if you want a mix of culture, coast and countryside – all for an affordable £350 for three nights.
Wrexham
Last but by no means least is Wrexham in North Wales. Not only is it affordable to stay here, but it’s also one of the cheapest places in the UK for a pint, with prices around the £3 mark. Great news after a long walk with the dog, right?
There are green spaces like Tŷ Mawr Country Park and Alyn Waters where dogs can enjoy plenty of outdoor time. And the town itself has a friendly, welcoming vibe with plenty of pubs and cafes that make great pit stops.
There you have it – 10 of the most affordable dog-friendly holiday destinations in the UK. And completing the Top 20, you’ve got:
- Nottinghamshire
- Durham
- West Yorkshire
- County Antrim
- Bedfordshire
- Pembrokeshire
- South Yorkshire
- Angus
- Berkshire
- Wiltshire
So, now you’re in the know, start planning your cheap dog-friendly holiday today with Dog Friendly Cottages.
Meet the author
Annabel JacksonAnnabel loves exploring new parts of the UK with her family, including French bulldog, Albie. They’re regular visitors to North Wales and Norfolk, but have also made some paw-some memories in the Peak District, Cotswolds, Highlands and Cornwall.
