The UK’s top 10 dog-friendly holiday destinations
Date published: 9 Oct 2025
Looking for the ultimutt dog-friendly holiday? You’re not alone. More and more dog owners are choosing staycations where their four-legged friends can join in on the fun. But with so many counties offering great walking trails, beaches and cosy cottages, it can be tough to know where to go.
That’s why we’ve crunched the numbers. Using a wide range of data, from cottage costs and pub prices to the number of dog-friendly beaches, trails and attractions, we’ve ranked the UK’s best places for dog-friendly holidays.
So, whether you want dramatic coastlines, rolling countryside or affordable breaks filled with dog-friendly days out, these are the top 10 destinations that came out on top.
1. Aberdeenshire – overall winner
Aberdeenshire scored a pawsome 73/100, taking the crown as the best county for dog-friendly holidays. A 3-night stay in a pet-friendly cottage averages £413, while a pub meal for two is around £42. With 24 dog-friendly beaches and 23 scenic trails, it’s perfect for adventurous dogs. The Kincardine O’Neil and Dess Waterfall walk is a highlight, rated 8.3/10 on AllTrails, and Dunnottar Castle is a must-see with dogs welcome in the grounds.
2. Shropshire – rolling hills and heritage
Hot on its tail with 72.5/100, Shropshire combines value with beauty. Stays average £403 for 3 nights, while pub meals cost a budget-friendly £33.60. It offers 22 beaches and trails, plus cultural attractions like Blists Hill Victorian Town, which welcomes dogs. The Long Mynd Circular walk, scoring 8.3/10, is one of the UK’s best-rated dog-friendly hikes.
3. Gloucestershire – Cotswold charm
Gloucestershire scored 69.5/100 thanks to its mix of countryside walks and heritage sites. Cottage stays average £440, and meals for two cost £35. There are 16 dog-friendly trails to enjoy, including the River Windrush and The Slaughters Circular (rated 8.5/10). Symonds Yat Rock is also a popular place to enjoy panoramic views with your pup.
4. North Yorkshire – trails and national parks
With a score of 61/100, North Yorkshire is a dream for walkers. A stay costs around £448, and pub meals average £42. The county has 24 trails and is packed with natural beauty spots like Malham Cove. Its Malham Landscape Trail scores an impressive 8.9/10, making it one of the top-rated dog-friendly walks in the UK.
5. Lincolnshire – affordable coastal charm
Lincolnshire scored 60.5/100, with one of the best-value breaks in the top 10. The average £454 and pub meals cost just £40.60. With 25 dog-friendly beaches and 57 trails, there’s plenty of space for zoomies. The Lincolnshire Wolds Romans and Vikings Circular walk (rated 8.0/10) is a highlight, while Lincoln Castle also hosts special dog-friendly days.
6. Perth and Kinross – Scottish beauty
Scoring 60/100, Perth and Kinross is ideal for active breaks. A cottage stay averages £419, with pub meals at £42. While it has fewer beaches, it boasts 29 trails including the famous climb up Ben Vrackie (AllTrails score 7.8/10). The Scottish Crannog Centre also welcomes dogs, making it a great cultural stop.
7. County Tyrone – best value overall
County Tyrone, in Northern Ireland, scored 59/100, boasting the lowest average cottage price in the top 10 at just £290 for 3 nights. Pub meals are around £42, and the county has 17 trails for scenic walks. Gortin Glen Forest Park is the top-rated dog-friendly attraction, while the Horse Hill and Castle Archdale Circular trail is worth sniffing out.
8. Wiltshire – history and countryside
Wiltshire scored 57.5/100, offering great value and heritage. Stays average £401 and meals cost £47.25. There are 55 trails to trot along, including the Bradford on Avon and Avoncliff walk (scoring 8.1/10). Even Salisbury Cathedral and the Magna Carta exhibition welcome dogs, making this a county rich in culture and countryside.
9. Cumbria – home of the Lake District
Cumbria scored 55/100 and is a dream for outdoorsy dogs and their humans. Cottage stays average £490, and pub meals cost £47.25. It has a huge 318 dog-friendly trails and 24 beaches, with Lake Windermere a particularly wag-worthy attraction. The Rydal Water and Cave Circular trail, rated 9.5/10, is one of the best-rated dog walks in the country.
10. Devon – sandy beaches galore
Devon rounded out the top 10 with 55/100, offering an incredible 79 dog-friendly beaches and 86 trails. Stays average £442, and pub meals are pricier at £51.91. Popular attractions like Babbacombe Model Village & Gardens are dog-friendly, while the Hunter’s and Fisherman’s Path to Castle Drogo walk scores 8.6/10 on AllTrails.
From the rolling hills of the Cotswolds to Devon’s sandy beaches, the UK is full of counties that are perfect for dog-friendly holidays. Whether you want an affordable stay, trail-filled adventure or coastal escape, these tail-wagging top 10 destinations are sure to get your dog’s approval.
Ready to plan your next dog-friendly break? Browse our cottages and find the paw-fect base for you and your four-legged friend.
Methodology
We analysed the top 25 counties in the UK, ranking them across a range of dog-friendly factors:
- Average price of a 3-night stay in a pet-friendly property (weighted twice as valuable)
- Average price of a dog-friendly pub meal for two and the cost of a pint
- Average daily parking costs
- Number of dog-friendly beaches and trails
- Number of national parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) and National Scenic Areas (NSAs)
- Average entry cost of dog-friendly attractions (castles, gardens, heritage sites)
- Top-rated dog-friendly “thing to do” and trail in each county
- Public review data from AllTrails and Tripadvisor
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.
