9 Dog-Friendly Holiday Destinations in the UK

You’ll discover exceptional dog-friendly destinations across the UK, from Northumberland’s castle walks and Cornwall’s 300+ beaches to the Lake District’s mountain trails and Peak District’s country pubs. Norfolk’s sandy coastlines, Yorkshire Dales’ valley paths, and Devon’s Dartmoor wilderness offer diverse terrain for every fitness level. Many locations provide free parking and no-pet-charge accommodations, making budget-friendly adventures possible. Always check seasonal restrictions and tide times for safe exploration. These destinations offer much more than scenic walks alone.

Northumberland: Coastal Trails and Castle Adventures

Whether you’re seeking dramatic clifftop walks or gentle beach strolls, Northumberland’s coast delivers exceptional dog-friendly adventures without breaking the bank. The 4-mile Craster to Dunstanburgh Castle path offers easy terrain with grass cliffs and rocky coves, perfect for families with children and dogs.

For expansive sandy beaches, try the flat Bamburgh to Seahouses route, where you’ll enjoy iconic castle views without seasonal dog restrictions. This 3-mile walk along Northumberland’s scenic coastline is perfect for sandy paws and includes access to the historic Bamburgh Castle fortress.

Holy Island provides a 5-mile coastal circuit around Lindisfarne, but keep dogs leashed to protect rare birds.

Low Newton to Embleton Bay features family-friendly wide sands and dune systems.

These coastal walks require minimal equipment—just sturdy footwear and waste bags.

Most routes offer free parking, making Northumberland an affordable choice for memorable castle and coastal adventures with your four-legged companion.

Lake District: Lakeside Strolls and Mountain Hikes

From gentle lakeside paths to challenging mountain routes, the Lake District offers unmatched variety for dog owners seeking memorable adventures across England’s most celebrated national park.

Tarn Hows provides an accessible 2-mile circular walk with level tracks and convenient parking, perfect for families with mobility vehicle hire available.

For forest exploration, Grizedale offers trails from 0.7-mile Millwood to the challenging 10-mile Silurian Way, with bike hire and off-leash woodland opportunities.

Rydal Water’s 3-mile loop features waterside views and wild swimming options.

Ullswater Way’s 20-mile route around England’s second-largest lake combines with dog-friendly steamer cruises.

For active dogs, Stickle Tarn delivers elevation gains, rocky terrain, and rewarding swimming spots without requiring full-day commitments.

Scout Scar offers a linear route with panoramic views overlooking the South Lakes and Lyth Valley, easily accessible from Kendal for families seeking a quick hike.

North York Moors: Moorlands and Historic Coastlines

The North York Moors delivers a distinctive blend of purple heather moorlands and dramatic coastline that sets it apart from the Lake District’s mountain scenery.

You’ll find excellent value with the North York Moors Railway at just £3 for dogs, though they must stay on the floor during travel.

For safe coastal adventures, check tide times at Sandsend Beach before exploring rock pools and fossil hunting.

Note that some Yorkshire Coast beaches ban dogs May-September, but Tate Hill Beach welcomes them year-round.

Keep dogs leashed at historic sites like Helmsley Castle and Castle Howard’s grounds.

Dalby Forest offers the best walking variety with colour-coded trails and designated off-lead areas. The region also features unique attractions like Eden Camp, where dogs can explore WWII history alongside their owners in the museum huts.

Pick up free maps at the visitor centre to navigate safely while staying within budget.

Peak District: Hiking Trails and Country Pubs

While the Lake District draws massive crowds, Peak District’s gritstone edges and limestone dales offer equally stunning scenery with better value and fewer travelers.

You’ll find excellent dog-friendly hiking from Edale village, where trains connect directly from Manchester and Sheffield, eliminating expensive parking fees.

Keep dogs on 2-meter leads between March and July near livestock, and year-round on sensitive sites like Kinder Scout.

The Mam Tor ridge walk offers panoramic views with well-maintained flagged paths, while Dovedale’s stepping stones provide gentler riverside routes.

Edale, Castleton, and Hathersage feature dog-welcoming pubs perfect for post-hike meals. Historic Bakewell Monday Market has operated since 1330 and runs 9am-4pm with around 140 stalls for local shopping.

Pack extra water for exposed moorland sections, check paws after rocky terrain, and carry tick removal tools.

Weather changes rapidly on exposed peaks like Kinder Scout.

Cornwall: Endless Beaches and Coastal Paths

Cornwall’s dramatic coastline delivers over 300 beaches and 300 miles of coastal paths, offering unmatched variety for dog owners seeking seaside adventures. While 43 beaches have summer restrictions (10:00-18:00, July-August), most remain dog-friendly year-round outside these hours.

Target signature stretches like Perranporth’s 3-mile golden sands or Watergate Bay’s vast expanse for proper off-lead exercise. Porthkidney Sands near St Ives offers miles of soft sand without seasonal restrictions. For dramatic scenery, head to Trebarwith Strand with its stunning cliff-top walks and nearby dog-friendly pub.

The South West Coast Path connects these beaches with scenic cliff-top walks, creating circular routes from your accommodation.

Stick to larger beaches like Perranporth and Watergate Bay for facilities including parking, toilets, and cafés. Check tide times before exploring rock pool areas, and respect PSPO enforcement—fines apply on restricted beaches during banned hours.

Cotswolds: Rolling Hills and Village Walks

Beyond Cornwall’s coastal drama, Cotswolds delivers gentle countryside perfect for relaxed dog walking through honey-stone villages and rolling meadows. You’ll find extensive options from the 100-mile Cotswold Way to shorter village circuits like Stanton’s 4.5-mile route through beech woodlands.

Budget-conscious visitors can enjoy free walks at Cirencester Park’s 3000 acres with off-lead areas, while paid attractions offer excellent value. Westonbirt Arboretum (££) provides 600 acres with off-lead access in Silk Wood, and Cotswold Wildlife Park welcomes leashed dogs in outdoor areas. Historic gardens like Painswick’s Rococo Garden offer year-round appeal from snowdrops to Christmas lights.

Keep dogs on short leads near wildlife at Cotswold Lakes and in specialized gardens. Most venues provide water bowls and clear restrictions. Combine walks with dog-friendly pubs for complete countryside experiences without breaking your holiday budget.

Devon: Dartmoor Wilderness and Seaside Towns

Devon’s dramatic contrast between Dartmoor’s untamed moorland and its welcoming seaside towns creates perfect variety for dog owners seeking both wilderness adventure and coastal relaxation.

Dartmoor National Park’s 954 square kilometers offer extensive access across moorland and granite tors like Haytor, though you’ll need leads during lambing season (March-July). River valleys provide cooler alternatives with natural swimming spots.

Postbridge and Two Bridges car parks feature signed routes and nearby dog-friendly pubs.

The coastline delivers year-round beach access at South Milton Sands and Hope Cove, while Bigbury and Bantham offer designated dog areas. Salcombe and Dartmouth welcome dogs in shops and cafés. The scenic 630-mile South West Coast Path winds through key Devon locations including Kingswear, Dartmouth, and Salcombe, featuring hidden coves and dog-friendly refreshment stops. Many seaside towns provide park-and-ride options, reducing road walking. Devon’s 2,400+ dog-friendly cottages often include no extra pet charges.

Norfolk: Sandy Beaches and Nature Reserves

Norfolk’s North Norfolk coast stands out as one of Britain’s most dog-friendly coastal regions, where vast sandy beaches stretch for miles without the rocky interruptions found elsewhere. You’ll find year-round access at Old Hunstanton’s wide golden sands, while Holkham Beach offers an enormous expanse backed by pine woods within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Check seasonal restrictions before visiting resort beaches like Cromer and Sheringham, where dogs face summer bans from May to September. Wells-next-the-Sea restricts dogs from the first 200 yards of its eastern entrance during peak season.

Budget-friendly options include Thornham and Waxham, which have no general restrictions. For the best beach experience with your dog, plan visits during low tide when the expansive sandy areas are fully accessible.

Keep dogs leashed near nature reserves like Titchwell RSPB to protect nesting birds and fragile dune vegetation.

Yorkshire Dales: Valley Walks and Traditional Villages

While the Yorkshire Dales offers some of England’s most spectacular walking terrain, you’ll need to navigate livestock, challenging paths, and seasonal restrictions to enjoy it safely with your dog.

The Nidderdale Greenway provides excellent wheelchair accessibility with four miles of flat surfaced paths from Pateley Bridge.

For moderate adventures, try Grassington to Hebden‘s riverside circular or explore Mastiles Lane‘s historic Roman road with panoramic Wharfedale views.

Keep dogs under close control around sheep, particularly at Gunnerside Gill and Swaledale walks.

Budget-friendly villages like Grassington offer helpful visitor centres, while Gunnerside’s Kings Head pub welcomes post-walk refreshments. The Trollers Gill area features an atmospheric limestone gorge with rocky paths and local folklore about trolls and goblins.

Malham Cove provides stunning canyon views, though the National Nature Reserve boardwalk excludes dogs.

Always follow the Countryside Code and check terrain difficulty before setting out.

The Sum Up

You’ve got fantastic options across the UK that won’t break the bank. Before you head out, check local dog restrictions and pack essentials like water, waste bags, and a first aid kit. Book dog-friendly accommodation early to secure better rates. Keep your pup on-lead near livestock and wildlife, and always clean up after them. These destinations offer incredible experiences for both you and your four-legged companion without expensive entry fees.