The best places to holiday with your dog in 2024

Our go-to holiday locations for a pooch-friendly getaway

Imagine exploring the rugged landscapes of the Scottish Highlands with your furry companion by your side or wandering through atmospheric sites steeped in tales of old. From the majestic views found on the Isle of Harris and Skye to the enchanting forests of the Cairngorms National Park, the dog-welcoming paths of Loch Lomond to Edinburgh’s historic streets, Scotland beckons with a tapestry of experiences for dog owners.

From the beauty of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, where you can roam freely through open fields and winding trails, to the expansive North York Moors, offering an expanse of heather-clad hills and hidden valleys, Yorkshire promises an array of outdoor adventures for you and your canine companion. Uncover the history-soaked streets of York, where dog friendly cafés and historic sites abound, or discover the coastal charm of Whitby, Scarborough, or Filey, where sandy shores and sea breezes are a haven for playful pups who love to doggy paddle.

With the majestic fells and shimmering lakes of the Lake District National Park, where you can ramble through scenic trails around Derwentwater or Windermere, and the lesser-explored corners of Eden Valley and the Solway Coast, Cumbria undoubtably offers a diverse experience for you and your furry friend. We also love the dog friendly charm of towns like Keswick and Ambleside with their dog friendly pubs and coffee shops that roll out the welcome mat for four-legged friends. Alternatively, dog-welcoming attractions such as Lowther Castle or the expansive grounds of Holker Hall, make for paw-fect days out.

From the iconic peaks of Snowdonia, offering exhilarating climbs for seasoned hikers and their canine companions, to the tranquil beauty of Anglesey’s dog friendly beaches and nature reserves, North Wales promises adventures for all. Discover dog welcoming towns like Conwy (where you’ll often find the DFD team hanging out with their pooches) and Betws-y-Coed, with their idyllic streets and pet friendly pubs and cafés. Stroll through the world-renowned Bodnant Garden or tackle the trails around the Llyn Peninsula. The region’s natural wonders await!

Cheshire is a county brimming with character but often over-looked in favour of its North Wales and Peak District neighbours when it comes to a dog friendly holiday. From the scenic trails of Delamere Forest, perfect for leisurely walks with your furry friend, to the welcoming paths around Tatton Park and Arley Hall, Cheshire presents ample opportunities for outdoor adventures. But if you want a touch more hustle and bustle, a visit to Chester is a must. Browse the many independent shops and enjoy a dog friendly bite to eat in the new Chester market before enjoying a serene stroll along the banks of the River Dee. It really is one of the best places to holiday with a dog.

With epic trails, beautiful gardens and paw-fect towns and villages, Shropshire offers an abundance of dog friendly experiences. Head to the Long Mynd for incredible views and Ludlow Castle for a touch of history, and enjoy walks through Attingham Park or along the Shropshire Union Canal, before heading back to your gorgeous dog friendly holiday home to put your paws up ready for your next adventure.

Its breath-taking beauty, with rolling hills, stunning landscapes, grand estates and picture-perfect villages, make the Cotswolds a paw-some place to venture with your pooch. Discover the idyllic trails of Cotswold Way, the dog welcoming gardens of Blenheim Palace, and the film set-like charms of Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold, as well some of the UK’s best dog friendly inns. The Cotswolds in spring and summer is popular for reason, but an out of season trip is equally magical should you wish to avoid the crowds.

From the scenic trails of Exmoor National Park, perfect for adventurous hikes with your furry friend, to the dog welcoming beaches along the Somerset coast, this is a county where diverse landscapes, historic sites, and charming towns await exploration. Leisurely walks through dog friendly spots such as the grounds of Montacute House or along the Kennet and Avon Canal, and days spent soaking up the atmosphere in pretty towns like Wells and Glastonbury, could Somerset be one of the best places to holiday with a dog in 2024?

Known for its spectacular coastline and dramatic cliffs, its award winning beaches and two National Parks, Devon has a diverse range of attractions. Whether you’re looking for dog friendly adventures, cultural experiences, or simply a little bit of rest and relaxation, you’ll definitely find what you’re looking for on The English Riviera. Not to mention the true delight that is a Devonshire cream tea.

If you find Cornwall’s picturesque landscapes calling to you in 2024, you’re unlikely to be alone. A firm favourite with dog owners, there’s much to see and do. Visit the pretty towns of St. Ives and Falmouth, stroll through Lost Gardens of Heligan or along the Camel Trail, pop to Perranporth or Polzeath beaches for a doggy paddle, or set your sights on walking a length or two of the South West Coast Path. Nestled in England’s southwestern corner, Cornwall never disappoints.