For many, furry friends are one of the family. When booking a holiday, looking for somewhere which suits everyone, including the pooch, is a priority. These days there are loads of places from which to choose.
Do you fancy a trip to the seaside? An adventure in the hills? A slick city escape or messing around on the river? You can choose hotels, cottages, camping, glamping and boating holidays.
Here at Safer Pet, we have come up with some ideas for the best places to take your dog on holiday. The decision you will have to make is which one?
A Beach Holiday
Surrounded by coastline, the UK is spoilt for choice when choosing a family and dog-friendly beach holiday destination.
Cornwall
Cornwall is a pawtastic doggy destination with miles of dog-friendly beaches and coastal walks. Many pubs, cafes and restaurants welcome your furry travel companion.
There are beautiful golden sandy beaches for all the family to stretch their legs. Magical coves are pawfect for splashing around in rockpools. Some beaches have high sand dunes providing fun for all the family. Other beaches have safe waters so your family and pup can go for a swim.
Some beaches have seasonal restrictions when allowing dogs. It is worth checking out which beaches have the restrictions before deciding on your accommodation.
A Forest Holiday
Dogs love forests. They have pawsome fun exploring and sniffing the abundance of new smells. Many dog owners have just as much fun watching their furry friend’s waggy body.
Kielder Forest
Kielder Forest is England’s largest forest and home to northern Europe’s biggest artificial lake. It is a pawsome place for outdoor enthusiasts and a paradise for four-legged friends.
There are plenty of waymarked routes for all the family to enjoy, and many routes are in the shade, making Kielder Forest a fantastic destination when the weather is hot.
Activities provide fun for all the family, with treasure trails, lakeside paths and ‘wild walks’ to learn about wildlife and nature.
Kielder Forest and Water Park is a dark sky zone, meaning there is no artificial light pollution, and you can experience complete darkness except for the stars.
There are plenty of dog-friendly retreats, including cottages, forest lodges, shepherd’s huts and campsites.
National Parks
The UK has 15 national parks with thousands of miles of public rights of way for you and your furry travel companion to explore.
The Lake District
The Lake District welcomes you and man’s best friend to explore its stunning scenery. There are walks for all abilities, from a lakeside stroll to a hike up a challenging fell.
If you do not fancy a long walk every day or experience a rainy day, you and your furry friend are welcome in several attractions, including a ride on a steam railway and a walk around a museum.
The Lake District is a walker’s paradise, so many pubs and restaurants welcome muddy boots and muddy paws for a drink or a meal. You will be spoilt for choice by the availability of accommodation.
Scotland
A pawsome place to take your canine friend on holiday is Scotland, is has it all. Stunning beaches, national parks, lochside walks, challenging walks and city breaks. Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, won an award for being the most dog-friendly attraction in 2021.
Scotland has plenty of history and culture, and many attractions will allow your canine friend to visit with you.
Many eateries and accommodations in Scotland will warmly welcome your furry companion, and some will provide treats and a towel to dry your wet pooch.
Island Hopping
How about a bit of island hopping to the Isle of Anglesey? An easy hop across a bridge from north Wales to the island.
Anglesey is a pawsome island to explore with fabulous beaches. Again, some have seasonal restrictions, but there is still plenty of beach for two and four-legged visitors to frolic in the sand.
Once you have had a dip in the sea, you and your pup can climb aboard a boat to seek out puffins. Then if you fancy another mode of transport, you can hop on a train, sit back and enjoy the beautiful island views.
After a day’s expawing you will find a wide variety of eateries and somewhere to stay for the night.
Paws For Thought
You can happily take your furry best friend on holiday, and they make pawsome travel companions.
Many dogs enjoy the change of scenery just as much as you will. Some might find it a bit strange sleeping somewhere different. So, considering your dog’s adaptability will help you decide where to go for your holiday.
Some dogs can find leaving their home comforts stressful. In these situations, a Safer Pet GPS Dog Tracker will ensure you know your dog's location if they get over-excited and lost.
Take note of local guidelines regarding having your dog on or off the lead around livestock, wildlife and people.
Taking your dog on holiday can be a pawtastic experience, and you can make some wonderful memories.
Happy holidays!