The UK’s best dog-friendly road trips, ranked
Date published: 20 Apr 2026
Planning a UK getaway with your dog sounds simple – until you realise how much needs to line up. Walks that actually welcome muddy paws, pubs that don’t just tolerate dogs, and places to stay where they’re as excited about your arrival as you are.
That’s where a good road trip comes into its own. No rigid plans, no rushing between check-ins – just open roads, plenty of stops, and the freedom to follow the day wherever it leads. For dogs, it’s pretty much the perfect holiday.
To make things even easier, we’ve pulled together the UK’s best dog-friendly road trips using data from our Dog Friendly Road Trip Index. These are the routes where everything clicks – from scenic walks to standout stays – so you can spend less time planning and more time exploring.
1. Cotswolds Road Trip, England - Bristol to Stratford-upon-Avon
If there’s a road trip that feels like it was designed with dogs in mind, it’s this one. The Cotswolds is all about easy wandering – village greens, riverside paths, and the kind of countryside that encourages you to slow right down.
The route itself is manageable at around 100 miles, but you won’t want to rush it. With more than 5,000 dog-friendly places to stay and over 130 walking trails, it’s less about ticking off stops and more about lingering. Bourton-on-the-Water is a standout, where pups can pad alongside the River Windrush while you hop between cafés and shops.
Then there are the pubs. Nearly 250 of them welcome dogs along the way, meaning every walk can end exactly how it should – with a drink in hand and a contented dog at your feet.
2. Cambrian Way, Wales - Cardiff to Conwy
If your idea of a great trip starts with finding the perfect place to stay, the Cambrian Way delivers in a big way. It has more dog-friendly accommodation than any other route in the UK – over 8,800 options – so you can build the trip around your base, not the other way round.
Running through the wild spine of Wales, this is a route that feels properly off-grid at times. Expect big skies, quiet roads, and landscapes that haven’t been overly polished for visitors. There are more than 200 walking trails along the way, so you’re never far from your next leg-stretching stop.
Make time for Devil’s Bridge Falls near Aberystwyth – a dramatic, multi-tiered cascade tucked into woodland. It’s the kind of place that reminds you why road trips beat motorways every time.
3. Lake District Loop, England – Kendal to Keswick
Some places just get it right for dogs, and the Lake District is one of them. This loop is packed with opportunities to get outside, with more dog-friendly walking trails than any other route in the top 10.
You’ve got 150 miles to play with, but it’s what’s around you that matters. Lake Windermere anchors the route, offering everything from gentle lakeside strolls to more ambitious hikes into the fells. There’s space here – proper space – and dogs tend to make the most of it.
It’s also one of the most practical routes for longer drives, with multiple dog-friendly service stops and thousands of places to stay. Add in over 100 pubs and restaurants that welcome four-legged guests, and you’ve got a trip that’s as easy as it is scenic.
4. Scottish Highlands (A82 / Glencoe) - Glasgow to Inverness
This is where things get a little wilder. The A82 through Glencoe isn’t about convenience – it’s about scale, atmosphere, and that feeling of being somewhere completely different.
The drive stretches around 170 miles, cutting through some of Scotland’s most dramatic landscapes. Glencoe itself is the headline act, with towering peaks and vast, open glens that feel tailor-made for long, unrushed walks with a dog.
There’s still plenty of infrastructure – over 5,000 dog-friendly stays and a strong lineup of welcoming pubs – but the real draw is the landscape. Less curated. More rugged. Exactly what a road trip should be.
5. Atlantic Highway, England - Barnstaple to Newquay
The South West knows how to do dog-friendly, and this route proves it. With over 13,000 places to stay that welcome dogs, you’re spoilt for choice before you’ve even packed the car.
Following the north coasts of Devon and Cornwall, this is a road trip built around sea air and salty paws. While it may not top the charts for inland trails, it more than makes up for it with beaches, cliff paths, and wide-open coastal walks.
Stops like Tintagel Castle add a bit of drama to the journey, perched on the cliffs above the Atlantic. Pair that with more than 200 dog-friendly pubs and restaurants, and you’ve got a route where every day ends well.
6. Snowdonia Loop, Wales - Conwy to Caernarfon
This one’s for the energetic dogs – and the owners who can keep up. Snowdonia is all about the walking, with over 300 dog-friendly trails packed into a relatively compact route.
It’s not the place for pub-hopping (there are fewer along the way), but that’s not really the point. Yr Wyddfa rises at the heart of the route, surrounded by landscapes that range from gentle valley strolls to full-on mountain hikes.
The drive itself is short – around 90 miles – but you’ll want to build in plenty of time to explore. With thousands of dog-friendly places to stay nearby, it’s easy to turn a quick loop into a full-on adventure.
7. Jurassic Coast Road Trip, England - Exmouth to Studland Bay
If your dog loves a beach, this one’s a no-brainer. The Jurassic Coast combines coastal walking with some of the most interesting scenery in the UK – all packed into under 100 miles.
There’s real variety here. One minute you’re on clifftop paths, the next you’re down on a dog-friendly stretch of sand. Durdle Door is the standout stop, with its iconic limestone arch and sweeping views.
With over 3,000 dog-friendly places to stay and plenty of welcoming pubs along the way, it’s a well-balanced route that’s easy to dip in and out of, whether you’ve got a weekend or longer.
8. Peak District & Derbyshire - Bakewell to Castleton
Short on time? This is the one. The Peak District packs more dog-friendly walking trails into its route than anywhere else in the study – over 400 of them – all within a relatively short drive.
The route itself is just 60 miles, making it perfect for a weekend trip. But don’t let the distance fool you – there’s plenty to explore, from open moorland to gentler riverside walks.
Chatsworth House is a highlight, with its expansive parkland offering a more relaxed pace if you’re after something less strenuous. Add in a solid mix of pubs and places to stay, and it’s an easy win for a quick escape.
9. North Coast 500, Scotland -Inverness (circular)
This is the big one. The North Coast 500 isn’t a casual road trip – it’s a full-blown adventure, stretching over 500 miles around Scotland’s northern coastline.
It ranks lower for convenience, but that’s part of the appeal. You’ll need to plan ahead, especially with longer stretches between stops, but the payoff is huge. Think empty beaches, winding mountain roads, and views that stop you mid-drive.
Highlights like Bealach na Bà deliver drama in spades, with hairpin bends and sweeping views out to Skye. For dogs that love space and owners who don’t mind going off the beaten path, it’s hard to beat.
10. North East 250, Scotland - Aberdeen (circular)
If the NC500 feels like too much, the North East 250 offers a more manageable alternative without losing that sense of adventure.
This 250-mile loop takes in a bit of everything – castles, coastline, countryside and even whisky distilleries. It’s varied, easy to break into chunks, and ideal for a long weekend rather than a full week.
Balmoral Castle is a highlight, set within beautiful woodland that’s perfect for exploring with a dog. With a strong mix of places to stay and plenty of dog-welcoming pubs, it strikes a nice balance between wild and well set-up.
Tips for planning a dog-friendly road trip
A great road trip with your dog doesn’t happen by accident. A little planning goes a long way - especially when it means fewer hiccups and more time enjoying the journey together.
Build in more stops than you think you need
Even the most laid-back dogs need regular breaks. Plan for short walks, water stops and a chance to stretch their legs every couple of hours – it keeps everyone happier.
Choose stays that actually suit your dog
Not all “dog-friendly” places are created equal. Look for accommodation with enclosed gardens, nearby walking routes, and enough space for your dog to properly relax once you’ve stopped for the night.
Pack for the messy moments
Towels, spare leads, treats, and a blanket for the car are all essentials. After a beach walk or a rainy hike, you’ll be glad you came prepared.
Time your drives around your dog’s routine
If your dog is happiest after a long walk or tends to nap at certain times, plan your driving around that. A settled dog makes for a much smoother journey.
Don’t overpack your itinerary
It’s tempting to try and see everything, but the best trips leave room to be spontaneous. If you find a great walk or a brilliant pub, stay a little longer – that’s the point.
Methodology
The Dog Friendly Road Trip Index analysed 20 popular routes across the UK, scoring each one based on what really matters when travelling with a dog.
Routes were assessed using five key factors: the number of dog-friendly places to stay, nearby walking trails, dog-welcoming pubs and restaurants, suitable service stops, and a standout highlight along the route.
Dog-friendly accommodation was given extra weighting in the final scores, reflecting its importance when planning any trip. All data points were combined to give each route an overall score out of 100.
With the route sorted, all that’s left to do is pick your stops, pack the car, and let the adventure unfold. Whether you’re heading for coastlines, mountains or rolling countryside, the UK is packed with places your dog will love just as much as you do.
If you’re feeling inspired but not quite ready to commit to a full road trip, start smaller with one of our dog-friendly short breaks – the perfect way to ease into your next adventure before going all in.
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.
