Mapped: The most dog-friendly locations in the UK to visit this October half-term
With the kids going back to school, the whole family will be desperate for some downtime - the pooch included! It’s no surprise that this year, doggy holidays are more popular than ever. So popular, that we've seen a huge 216% increase in bookings compared to last year.
Searching for holiday accommodation that is dog-friendly, and in a destination, you’d really like to visit can be difficult. To get you inspired, we've have shortlisted some of the most popular destinations, and provided some top tips on where to stay, eat and drink (and even put together a handy map to get you there) - to create a truly memorable trip for the family, and the pooch alike this October half term!
Whitby
Dog-friendly accommodation
Little Gem is exactly what it says on the tin! An immaculate cottage in the heart of Whitby with history on your doorstep as it is just off one of the oldest streets in the town. This cottage is perfect for couples and their fur baby who want everything Whitby has to offer on their doorstep.
Low Tide is the perfect place for a romantic retreat with an open plan living area, decorated with the sea in mind in a gorgeous blue.
A previous guest said: "The cottage is in a fantastic location, and beautifully decorated. We had a great time and Maisie the dog enjoyed it too!”
Dog-friendly pub
The Pier Inn is a seafront pub in Whitby located less than a five minute walk away from the town centre. As a listed building, the pub is full of history and provides a great resting place for both you and the pooch.
A customer said: “Nice food and dog friendly with a bowl of water supplied for our pup. Always a good place to stop.”
Find your way to our top picks are here
Scarborough
Dog-friendly cafe
Emma’s coffee lounge is best known for its cosy feel and home-baked goods including delicious hearty pies and afternoon tea. Located a short tram ride to Scarborough’s south beach, Emma’s is the perfect place to rest and recharge.
Dog-friendly accommodation
Beech cottage is the perfect place for a pooch holiday, with beautiful walking routes straight from the door and a dog friendly beach just 2 miles away.
Find your way to our top picks are here
Newquay
Dog-friendly pub
The Farmers Arms is a true Cornish pub on the South West coast. Recently refurbished, The Farmers Arms is a hub of great food and even better entertainment, with an array of events throughout the week including regular live entertainment and coffee club every Wednesday.
Dog-friendly cafe
Lakeside cafe sits on the River Gannel in Newquay where you can enjoy the delights of coffee and cake in the day and an amazing gastronomic experience at night. Dog walkers are welcome and pooches don’t miss out on the five star experience either, as they’re treated to homemade dog biscuits!
Find your way to our top picks are here
Keswick
Dog-friendly accommodation
Experience life as a local in the Lake District, staying in Mews Studio Cottage in Braithwaite, just a seven minute drive to the centre of Keswick. Perfect for a couple and up to two pets, Mews Studio Cottage is a great place to relax and unwind.
Be sure to take in all Keswick has to offer including the museum and art gallery of local artefacts and the vast Derwent Water lake just south of the town with boat tours available.
Dog-friendly cafe
Known as The ‘Squorange’ by locals, The Square Orange can be found in the heart of Keswick and brings continental cafe culture to the Lake District. Dogs are welcome as long as they are accompanied by their pooch parents!
Find your way to our top picks are here
Buxton
Dog-friendly pub
The Railway is located in the centre of Buxton and is a stone's throw away from the station, making it the perfect place to rest after a train journey.
A customer said: “Lovely friendly pub. Very clean and comfortable seating. Meal was delicious and served promptly. Dog friendly too, so Charleybrown got a bowl of water and a fuss. Highly recommended.”
Dog-friendly accommodation
A home from home, Smalldale Cottages is in an idyllic setting in Derbyshire, just four miles from Castleton and six miles from Hope Valley, both of which provide great dog-walking locations.
The cottage itself is perfect for the whole family with an open fire to leave you feeling relaxed after a busy day.
Find your way to our top picks are here
Weymouth
Dog-friendly cafe
The Good Life Cafe is well-known in Weymouth for its afternoon tea, as all of the delicious treats are baked in-house. Situated on the seafront, The Good Life is the perfect place for afternoon tea with a view.
A customer said: “Very friendly cafe where you and your dog are welcomed. Lovely coffee and the food is good too. I recommend it highly.”
Dog-friendly accommodation
It may be called Littlecot, but this property is a beautifully decorated four bedroom cottage just minutes from the World Heritage Status Jurassic Coastline. As well as being in a great location, Littlecot boasts views of the stunning Portland Harbour and Cheshil Beach.
Find your way to our top picks are here
Windermere
Dog-friendly pub
Formally known as the Fisherman’s Cottages in the 17th Century, the Watersedge Inn has maintained its rich history to provide guests with a true lakeland experience. Dogs are welcome at the Wateredge Inn and can stay with you overnight.
Dog-friendly accommodation
The Giddy Goose is in the heart of Windermere, just off from the main street in the town. This prime location means you are minutes away from walking routes to explore the Lake District as well as the town itself, which has several attractions including the fantastic ‘World of Beatrix Potter’ experience.
Find your way to our top picks are here
Richmond
Dog-friendly accommodation
Situated in the shadows of Richmond Castle, Halfehill Cottage is perfectly placed, surrounded by excellent walking routes to the east and west of the River Swale, and is just a short distance from the quaint Georgian town of Richmond. Halfehill Cottage is a great place to stay for a weekend brimming with beautiful architecture and history, with plenty of places to explore.
Dog-friendly cafe
Mocha is a chocolate lover’s paradise - it’s a chocolate shop and cafe rolled into one! The chocolates are all lovingly homemade and the cafe boasts the largest selection of chocolates in the North of England as well as drinks and delicious hot food.
Pooches don’t miss out on the experience as one customer noted: “Lovely hot chocolate, and dog friendly with free treats for the furry ones.”
Find your way to our top picks are here
Bideford
Dog-friendly pub
Well-known for its spacious beer garden, The Westleigh Inn provides all the essentials of a country pub with home-cooked food, great atmosphere and is of course, dog-friendly.
The Inn is also just off the Tarka Trail, a popular walking trail in Bideford, so it is the perfect place to rest your legs (you and the pooch!)
Dog-friendly accommodations
Bideford Cottage is a cosy property located on the River Torridge in North Devon. This ideal location means that you can enjoy boat trips at the quayside or take a trip to the island of Lundy, a fantastic two-hour trip to see the resident seals and puffins.
Find your way to our top picks are here
Looe
Dog-friendly cafe
Located just off Polperro beach in Looe, The Plantation Tea Room is known for its great selection of sandwiches and pies, a great choice after a morning at the beach.
Dogs are very welcome with treats on arrival as one customer said: “A member of staff even brought our dog a couple of biscuits over, as she was missing out on a cream tea.”
Dog-friendly pub
The Harbour Moon is a fantastic all-rounder with hearty food, a wide selection of drinks and a fantastic view of the harbour. With homemade dog treats for your four-legged friend too, this one is a must-visit!
Find your way to our top picks are here
For more inspiration on the UK’s most dog-friendly destinations and where to stay visit: https://www.dogfriendlycottages.co.uk/
Most popular types of dog friendly cottages right now
- Luxury dog friendly cottages
- Dog friendly cottages by the sea
- Last minute dog friendly cottages
- Dog friendly cottages with enclosed gardens
The 5 most popular dog-friendly locations right now