The UK's most romantic destinations to visit with your dog
Date published: 03 Feb 2025
Browse romantic destinations
Date published: 3 Feb 2025
Whether you’re looking to spoil your loved one with a Valentine’s getaway, or you just fancy a romantic break at any time of the year, there are some great options all over the UK.
But many of them aren’t exactly ideal if you’ve got a pooch in the family – and you don’t always want to work out a dogsitter or kennel any time you and your partner want to go get some quality time together. It’s nice to bring them along, too.
Don’t fret – there are plenty of great dog-friendly destinations in the UK that are still romantic. And tonnes of options for accommodation that’ll accept dogs too. Here’s a look at the UK’s best romantic holiday destinations for dog owners.
If long walks, breathtaking scenery and lakeside picnics sound like your idea of romance, the Lake District is a dream getaway – and your dog will love it just as much as you do. With its rolling hills, shimmering lakes and cosy villages, this is the ultimate escape for couples who love the outdoors.
Take a hand-in-hand-in-paw stroll around Derwentwater, hike up Catbells for stunning panoramic views, or enjoy a scenic boat trip on Lake Windermere (yup, dogs welcome!). After a day of adventure, retreat to one of the many dog-friendly pubs, where you can snuggle up by a crackling fire while your pup snoozes at your feet.
Few places do romance like St Ives. With pale-sand beaches, dazzling turquoise waters and cobbled streets, this Cornish gem feels like it was made for loved-up couples – and their four-legged companions.
Start your day with a bracing seaside stroll along the South West Coast Path, where your pup can stretch their legs while you soak up the jaw-dropping views. Wander through the town’s winding lanes before heading to the beach – Bamaluz Beach and Lambeth Walk Beach welcome dogs all year round. End the day watching the sunset over the Atlantic from a waterfront restaurant, with your dog curled up beside you and the sound of the waves as your soundtrack. Bliss.
For classic countryside romance, the Cotswolds is hard to beat. Expect rolling hills, chocolate-box villages and honey-coloured cottages, it’s the kind of place that feels straight out of a love story – and your dog will be just as enchanted as you are.
Take a leisurely stroll through Bourton-on-the-Water, where the River Windrush meanders through the heart of the village, or explore the picturesque streets of Broadway. There are endless walking trails through idyllic meadows, with plenty of dog-friendly pubs along the way for a cosy pit stop. After a day of exploring, retreat to a country inn or a boutique bolthole and just enjoy each other’s company.
For couples who love rugged beauty and wild landscapes, the Isle of Skye is the perfect romantic retreat. Think misty mountains, dramatic cliffs and remote beaches where you and your pup can roam for miles without another soul in sight. If romance = remote for you, then this is heaven.
Hike to the legendary Fairy Pools or take a meandering wander through the otherworldly landscapes of the Quiraing. Many of the traditional pubs on the island welcome dogs, meaning you can end your day by the fire with a dram of whisky – it’d be rude not to! With its untamed scenery and sense of seclusion, Skye is pure romance, with a dash of adventure thrown in.
If your idea of a romantic getaway involves windswept hills, cosy country pubs and breathtaking walking trails, the Peak District delivers in spades. This national park is packed with dog-friendly trails, from the dramatic gritstone edges of Stanage Edge to the gentler riverside walks of Dovedale.
Pack a picnic and take in the views from Mam Tor, then head to one of the charming little market towns like Bakewell or Castleton for a coffee and cake date. A lot of the historic stately homes in the area, like Chatsworth House, have dog-friendly grounds, so you can explore grand landscapes together too.
With rugged cliffs, golden beaches and lots of fun seaside towns, the Pembrokeshire Coast is an idyllic setting for romance – and it’s heaven for dogs too. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path offers almost endless opportunities for scenic walks together, perfect for those loved-up selfies.
Tenby’s colourful streets are spot on for a romantic wander, while Barafundle Bay, often voted one of the UK’s most beautiful beaches, welcomes dogs year-round. After a day of fresh sea air, settle into a cosy coastal pub with a seafood dinner and a sunset view.
Check our dog-friendly accommodation on the Pembrokeshire Coast
For a slower-paced, windswept kind of romantic break, head to the North Norfolk Coast. The massive unspoilt beaches – like Holkham and Brancaster – offer plenty of space for your dog to run wild while you barely encounter another soul.
And, for making memories, take a boat trip to see the Blakeney Point seal colony, explore the quaint streets of Wells-next-the-Sea or walk hand-in-hand through the stunning parkland of Holkham Hall, where dogs are welcome too. Finish the day in a dog-friendly gastropub, tucking into local seafood for a romantic meal – with your dog chilling under the table with their own well-earned snacks.
Check our dog-friendly accommodation on the North Norfolk Coast
With rolling green hills, dry stone walls and miles upon miles of open countryside, the Yorkshire Dales is a great spot to get away from it all and just enjoy quality time together as a couple +1 (or more) pup. Walk together through the breathtaking Malham Cove, where limestone cliffs create a stunning backdrop, or explore the charming village of Grassington with its cosy tea rooms and traditional pubs.
For something truly special, take a scenic steam train ride on the Settle-Carlisle Railway. Yes, dogs are welcome to enjoy the journey too. Whether you’re exploring waterfalls, hiking moorland trails or simply soaking up the beauty of the Dales, this is a place that makes romance easy.
A lot of cities aren’t the best when you’re looking for dog-friendly accommodation, or breaks. But Edinburgh’s different – it’s one of the UK’s most dog-friendly cities (we reckon they'll love all the hills…)
Wander up Arthur’s Seat for sweeping city views, stroll hand-in-hand down the historic Royal Mile, or take a scenic walk through Dean Village along the Water of Leith. Many of the city’s best cafés and pubs welcome dogs, meaning you can grab a coffee or a dram of whisky without leaving your four-legged friend behind. Whether you’re taking in the sights or simply cosying up in a charming inn, Edinburgh is a perfect mix of romance, history and adventure.
Looking for a more inspiration for your romantic break? Why not check out our luxury dog-friendly cottages, or dog-friendly cottages with a hot tub.
Meet the author
Ian LewisIan's worked in travel for over 15 years and has written about destinations across the whole of the UK (and beyond). He loves all kinds of getaways with every member of the family on two legs or four, seeking out the more unique and interesting properties wherever he can.
