Enjoy some time away with your four-legged friend with a dog-friendly short break in the UK. Gone are the days when weekend breaks were reserved to hotels and B&B stays without our pets. With our pet-friendly cottages, you can discover and explore gorgeous regions across the UK with your whole pack in tow! With over 40,000 delightful cottages to choose from, there’s bound to be the perfect retreat waiting for you at Dog Friendly Cottages.
Go all out with a pet-friendly country manor for the weekend or take it easy in a snug cottage or log cabin complete with a soothing hot tub. Whatever you have in mind, our friendly team is always on hand to help you find a property you love. We’ll even let you know about dog-friendly features, such as safe, enclosed gardens for them to run and sniff around in!
Now that you’ve got a cottage in mind, it’s time to decide where you’d like to visit. Having your faithful hound along for the adventure is all the more reason to discover the UK’s natural beauty. Stroll along glittering beaches on the warm southern coast, or take on challenging hikes in the snowy mountains of Scotland - the choice is all yours.
Best locations for dog-friendly short break
From coast to country, our top locations for a dog-friendly break in the UK are sure to get tails wagging.
Cornwall
Ideal for: Gorgeous beach walks along the Jurassic Coast with your pup.
Dog-friendly place to stay: Little Irish is a dog-friendly holiday cottage for two, located in the small village of St. Breward.
There’s a multitude of reasons why so many of us adore the seaside. Whether it's the far-stretching sands, the calming roll of waves, or the fresh sea air, there really is no better place to unwind. When it comes to coastal breaks in the UK, Cornwall is a firm favourite among so many. Not only is it home to over 300 gorgeous beaches, but the southern county also has its very own subtropical microclimate. Just think of all the incredible beach walks you can enjoy with your four-legged friend!
Dog-friendly pub nearby: The Old Inn & Restaurant is a traditional 11th-century inn, serving up real ales and homemade pies.
Scotland
Ideal for: Experiencing the beautiful natural landscapes of Scotland
Dog-friendly place to stay: Little Arches is a cosy pet-friendly holiday cottage, with a lovely bubbling hot tub.
Quite a dramatic change from the warm shores of Cornwall, Scotland is home to rugged mountains, dense forests and broad moorlands. While you will find miles and miles of gorgeous coastlines, the rugged wilderness and historic cities are what usually draws visitors to the area. Whether you’re planning on scaling the heights of Ben Nevis or enjoying a city break in the mighty Edinburgh, you’ll find so much to discover here.
Dog-friendly pub nearby: The Brown Bull in the nearby village of Lochwinnoch serves up real ales in a lively and traditional pub atmosphere.
Shropshire
Ideal for: A relaxing break in the scenic British countryside
Dog-friendly place to stay: Enjoy a holiday with your dog in The Old Toll House in Bridgnorth, a cosy cottage complete with an enclosed garden.
Retreat to the English countryside and enjoy a quiet break in the lovely surroundings of Shropshire. With its lush valleys and enchanting woodlands, this county is perfect for those looking to get away with their beloved pooch. Beautiful scenic walks are never in short supply, and there’s plenty of lovely towns and villages to be explored, too. With an excellent choice of traditional inns, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to refuel as you discover the delights of Shropshire.
Dog-friendly pub nearby: Enjoy a tasty home-cooked meal and an ale (or two) in the charming Woodbridge Inn at Coalport.
Lake District
Ideal for: Glorious walks around the glassy lakes of this popular national park
Dog-friendly place to stay: Striding Edge is a cosy log cabin in Windermere, with a large and enclosed decked terrace.
The Lake District is a popular region with many - and for very good reason. With its picturesque blend of fell mountains and glimmering lakes, this national park invites its guests to relax. Situated around the lakes, you’ll find several charming towns and villages. The bustling towns of Ambleside and Windermere are home to a lovely selection of dog-friendly cafes, shops, and restaurants.
Dog-friendly pub nearby: The Pig is a cosy and relaxed pub, specialising in delicious pork meals - along with plenty other tasty treats.
Isle of Wight
Ideal for: Coastal walks along Isle of Wights’ dramatic cliffs
Dog-friendly place to stay: Apple Tree Cottage is a lovely thatched cottage in the quaint village of Brighstone.
Best known for its beaches and charming seafront promenades, Isle of Wight is another popular coastal resort on the south coast. While the gorgeous beaches and sea cliffs of the island are enough to make you want to pack your bags and head right over, it's also famed for plenty of other wonderful features. Whether you like the sound of dinosaur fossil hunting, or perhaps enjoying some of the best afternoon teas on the British Isles, there’s so much waiting to be discovered.
Dog-friendly pub nearby: The Sun Inn offers plenty of character and charm, as well as a good selection of ales and tasty pub grub dishes.
Best dog friendly walks
You’ll want to get out and about while away, so here’s our hand-picked list of dog-friendly walking routes.
Padstow to Harlyn Bay Route
Best for: Splashing about in the sea!
Distance: Seven miles
Time to complete: Three hours
A trip to Cornwall wouldn’t be complete without a beachside walk with your furry friend. This route from Padstow to Harlyn Bay takes you along the two dog-friendly beaches of Harbour Cove and Hawkers Cove. Your dog will love splashing about in the sea while you enjoy the gorgeous views!
Loch Ard Circular Walk
Best for: Discovering the rural beauty of Scotland
Distance: Four and a half miles
Time to complete: Two hours
The Loch Ard Circular Walk takes you through the gorgeous natural scenery of Scotland. An excellent route for dogs, you’ll explore dense woodlands and lakeside trails as you traverse through this moderate, yet rewarding route.
Stanmore Country Park Route
Best for: An easygoing walk in the peaceful British countryside
Distance: Two miles
Time to complete: One hour
The Stanmore Country Park route is an easy stroll through the park and woodlands, close to the village of Stanmore. The path is levelled throughout, making it accessible for all visitors. Dogs will love sniffing around and searching for squirrels in the delightful woodlands.
Derwentwater Circuit
Best for: Spending time by the Derwentwater lakeside
Distance: Ten miles
Time to complete: Four hours
The Derwentwater Circuit takes you along the picturesque lakeside of Derwentwater. While it may seem quite a lengthy walk, the majority of the path is flat - allowing you to take it at an easy pace if you need to.
St Helens Duver Trail
Best for: A relaxing stroll along the Isle of Wight coast
Distance: Three and a half miles
Time to complete: Two hours
A wonderful walk with plenty of flora and fauna to be seen along the way, the St Helens Duver Trail is great for families and those with dogs. This relatively easy route will take you along the scenic fields and beaches of St Helens Duver.
Best dog friendly attractions
Make the most of your surroundings with these top-rated dog friendly attractions across Britain.
The Eden Project
Best for: Discovering tropical plants without having to jet off anywhere
At The Eden Project, you’ll make your way around two huge biomes which house the largest rainforest in captivity. Discover rare tropical plants and trees as you explore these unique biomes, set within a reclaimed china clay pit.
Fyne Ales
Best for: Sampling the local ales and picking up a doggie beer!
If you’re a fan of real ales, then you’ll definitely want to visit Fyne Ales on your travels around Scotland. This family-owned farm brewery. Brewery tours allow you to try out some of the Fyne ales - while dog biscuits and doggie beers are also available in the shop!
Wenlock Priory
Best for: Exploring the rich history of Shropshire
The impressive Wenlock Priory in Much Wenlock is a delight to wander around. Much of this 13th-century priory is still standing today, but the history of this area spans all the way back to the year 680. Be sure to take a walk around the lush Cloister Garden on the grounds.
Windermere Lake Cruises
Best for: Making the most of your stay and getting on the lakes!
While you may not have thought about taking your dog on a cruise tour before, Windermere Lake Cruises allow well-behaved dogs to come aboard. Enjoy the gorgeous surroundings of the national park in comfort, or hire your own private motorboat if you're confident on the waters!
Fort Victoria Country Park
Best for: Enjoying a woodland walk with the family
The Fort Victoria Country Park is the Isle of Wight’s largest park, spanning over 22 hectares of woodland as well as 1 km of sandy beach. Within the park, you’ll also find a reptilarium and planetarium - excellent for keeping the kids entertained.