With plenty of beautiful coastlines, stunning national parks and dog-friendly attractions, the UK is the perfect place for a dog-friendly holiday. You won’t have to worry about the travel regulations that come with taking your dog abroad, either.

From the beaches of Cornwall to the Highlands of Scotland, here’s our pick of the top dog-friendly holiday destinations across the UK. 

In addition to being one of the most popular destinations for a UK holiday, Cornwall is home to hundreds of dog-friendly beaches, many of which welcome dogs all year round. 

Perranporth, Sandymouth, St Merryn and Polperro are some of the most picturesque places in the region to explore with your dog, offering everything from parks and forests to beaches and wildlife areas.

Once you’ve chosen your dog-friendly accommodation, it’s time to set off on an adventure in the countryside.

If your dog loves long walks and sociable pub lunches, the Lake District is a great choice. The scenery is among the most beautiful in the UK and has inspired works by William Wordsworth, Beatrix Potter and Arthur Ransome, whose Swallows and Amazons stories are set here.

As England’s largest national park, there’s also plenty of valleys, woodlands and lakes to explore. You can even take your dog on the lake cruise at Coniston Water, free of charge! 

Home to three National Parks and two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, you and your dog will be spoilt for choice when it comes to going for walks in this part of the UK. 

Whether you’re visiting the North York Moors, the Yorkshire Dales or parts of the Peak District, many regional tourist attractions are also dog friendly. From Skipton Castle to Robin Hood’s Bay, Yorkshire has plenty to offer.

If your dog loves wide open spaces, they’ll feel right at home in Northumberland. Take your pick from long-distance trails, scenic beaches or historic castles, many of which welcome dogs to their grounds. 

This region consistently features highly in pet owner reviews and is the perfect destination for dog owners who want to spend plenty of time enjoying the great outdoors. 

Formerly known as Snowdonia, Eyri National Park is a wonderful place to explore with your dog. Covering mountains, forests, valleys and lakes, it’s ideal for active dogs who love exploring. 

From climbing Wales’ highest peak to visiting the dog-friendly Sygun Copper Mine, you can plan a holiday that’s full of excitement, discovery and new challenges. 

If you and your dog love long walks with stunning coastal scenery and beautiful beaches, then Pembrokeshire is a great choice. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path offers miles of walking trails, while many beaches are dog-friendly all year round. 

There’s also plenty of coastal towns and villages to explore, so you can look forward to  lazy pub lunches and afternoons exploring local harbours, shops and cafes. 

With more than 125 miles of coastal paths, Anglesey is a great place for you and your dog to reconnect with nature. Expect fishing villages, woodlands, cliff tops and vast, open sandy beaches. 

The slower pace of life and natural beauty of Anglesey make this a perfect choice for a relaxing holiday with plenty of fresh air. 

The Scottish Highlands are home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in the UK. From dramatic moorlands and mountains to peaceful lochs and forests, there’s no shortage of places to explore. 

The area is a great choice for active owners who enjoy spending plenty of time outside with their dogs. You’ll also find lots of dog-friendly cafes, pubs, and accommodation across the region. 

Perth and Kinross is one of Scotland's top-rated destinations for dog-friendly holidays. This region combines stunning countryside with forests, lochs and walking trails, offering a wide variety of landscapes to explore.

Its central location also makes it a great base for exploring other nearby parts of Scotland, including Fife and Edinburgh, during a longer trip.

Fife is a great choice for a dog-friendly coastal getaway. Best known for its traditional fishing villages and scenic coastlines, you’ll find miles of trails on the Fife Coastal Path, plus plenty of beaches, quiet bays and clifftops to explore.

Combined with historic towns like St Andrews, this area is a great option if you’re looking for a slow-paced holiday by the sea. 

Not every dog-friendly holiday has to include lots of time outdoors, especially during cooler times of the year. A cosy weekend getaway is also the perfect way to relax and spend quality time together. 

Wherever you live in the UK, you’ll find staycation options without hours of travel. From a coastal retreat in a tiny Cornish fishing village to a traditional stone cottage in Yorkshire or a romantic, dog-friendly hotel in a city, there are plenty of options for lazy morning walks and afternoons relaxing by the fire in a dog-friendly pub. 

Before you set off on holiday, consider the following to make travelling with your dog a smooth and stress-free experience.

Before travelling, check that your accommodation and any place you want to visit are truly dog friendly. Read reviews from other visitors and remember that some beaches have seasonal restrictions. Similarly, certain sites may allow dogs within their grounds but not inside buildings or certain areas.

Your dog’s health and wellbeing are important, so consider whether they’ll genuinely enjoy the trip before bringing them along.

Some dogs cope with long travel days and new people, places or experiences, while others prefer the comfort and routine of home. If you think your dog would find going on holiday stressful, look into options like house sitters or dog boarding facilities.

Pet insurance can also offer peace of mind in case your dog becomes ill or has an accident while you’re away. If you have dog insurance with Petplan, you can also use our Pet Expert Chat feature to speak with an expert about any concerns while you’re away. To get started, just log in to your My Petplan account.

It’s also a good idea to look up vets in the area where you’re staying ahead of time.

Before you head off, pack a travel kit containing everything your dog needs on holiday. 

Bring enough food and treats, your dog’s bed, toys, leads and harnesses, poo bags, towels and a first-aid kit. You could also consider a ‘no-spill’ water bowl on long journeys, to ensure your dog always has access to fresh water.

To make sure you don’t forget anything, download our essential checklist for travelling with dogs. 

Car journeys can be safer if your dog stays in a travel crate. Introduce it in advance so your dog feels relaxed and comfortable inside it. 

It should be secure, well-ventilated and large enough for them to stand up, turn around and lie down in. Make sure it’s also secured by a seat belt if on a back seat. For extra comfort, add one of your dog’s favourite blankets. 

If you’re driving a long way, make sure you stop frequently to give your dog time to stretch their legs and go to the toilet. 

If there’s a safe, enclosed space, like one of Petplan’s Dog Adventure Parks, let them have a run around to burn off some energy before getting back on the road. 

It’s easier for your dog to adjust to being on holiday if you keep their routine as close as possible to what they’re used to. 

Try to keep feeding, toilet breaks and walk times the same as at home. Make sure they always have fresh water available and show your dog where their bowl is, so they’re not trying to find it in an unfamiliar setting. 

While some dogs love to travel, others may find the experience stressful. Watch out for signs of stress or motion sickness so you can help them stay comfortable. 

On road trips, look out for excessive panting, yawning, dribbling, vomiting or restlessness. If you’re planning to travel by public transport, short practice trips beforehand can help your dog feel confident. 

If your dog gets travel sick, speak to your vet in case there’s any medication that could help.