Dog Friendly UK Breaks for 2026 Chosen by the DFD Pack

2025 has been packed with incredible adventures for the Dog Friendly Destinations team, from discovering new dog friendly walks to checking out some of the best places to stay across the UK. But as the nights draw in, we’re already looking ahead to planning our dog friendly UK breaks for 2026. It’s never too early, right?

To get ahead of the curve, we caught up with our roving reporters to uncover the best dog friendly destinations for 2026. These are the spots that made the DFD pack’s list for unforgettable walkies, cosy stays and tail-wagging adventures. Read on to discover where we think you and your four-legged travel buddy should be heading in 2026.

Rachel & Lyra: Bakewell, Barmouth & Conwy

Why Bakewell is on our 2026 must-visit list

“Bakewell (and the wider Peak District) is right at the top of my must-visit list for 2026. I’ve been before, but it still feels like I’ve only scratched the surface. Those rolling hills, honey-stone villages and endless walking trails keep calling me back. Every turn seems to reveal another ‘oh wow’ moment – and it’s the kind of place where dogs are guaranteed to love every second. I’m already picturing long rambles followed by cosy pub lunches. And with the promise of plenty of Bakewell Puddings, I can probably even convince my teenagers to join me.”

Stay near Bakewell: Riverside Cottages

A break in Barmouth is a must

“Barmouth is one of those places that stays with you long after you’ve left. With a lovely, laid-back energy, it’s perfect for a slow-paced family break. Spend the morning exploring the slopes of the quirky ‘Old Town’ and the afternoon wandering along a beach so vast that it feels as though you have the whole world to yourself. It’s a total playground for my beagle, with endless coastal paths and hidden corners to sniff out. It has all the charm of a traditional Welsh resort but with a wild, natural beauty that feels really special. Grab an ice cream, find a spot by the water and just watch the light change over the hills – there’s nowhere else quite like it.”

Stay in Conwy: Golden Sands Holiday Park, part of Away Resorts

Why I always recommend Conwy

“But if I had to recommend a dog friendly UK break to someone else? Conwy, hands down. It’s right on my doorstep and honestly one of the nicest places ever. Think pastel harbour houses, castle walls you can actually walk along, and cafés where dogs are greeted like old friends. There’s history, charm and plenty of sea air, all wrapped up in one perfectly dog friendly little town. Whether you’re wandering the marina, exploring Bodnant Garden, watching the world go by with an ice cream or tucking into some of the best fish and chips, Conwy always feels special, no matter how many times you visit.”

Stay near Conwy: Sparrow

Lauren & Ralph: Cairngorms National Park & Lake Garda

The Cairngorms for a peaceful, wild adventure

“The Cairngorms were originally on my list for this year, but the weather had other plans. It’s still high on our agenda for 2026. The scenery is breathtaking, it always feels wonderfully peaceful, and it has some of the best campsites we’ve ever stayed in. It’s exactly the kind of dog friendly UK adventure we love.”

Stay in the Cairngorms: Strathspey Lodge / Eagle Brae

Lake Garda for sun, scenery and paddleboarding dogs

“We also took Ralph to Italy for the first time this year and had the most amazing time. The scenery around Lake Gardawas out of this world. We’d love to go back and explore a different part with him, and hopefully get him back on the paddleboard too.”

Lynn, Willow, Bobby & Finn: West Coast of Scotland

Why the West Coast is calling us back in 2026

“After completing the NC500 last year, we fully caught the Scotland bug. So it’s no surprise that the West Coast of Scotland is top of our must-visit list for 2026.

The West Coast is known for its rugged landscapes, dramatic mountains and pristine, dog friendly beaches. Stretching from Stranraer in Galloway all the way up to Durness in Sutherland, it dishes out some of Scotland’s most epic scenery. Especially if you hop over to islands like Skye or Arran. It’s also one of the best areas for spotting native wildlife, from otters to sea eagles, whether you’re hiking through Argyll’s forests or taking a dog friendly boat trip across The Minch.

It’s the kind of place that burrows its way into your heart and keeps you coming back.”

Stay on Scotland’s West Coast: Crispie Lodge / Osdale Byre

Emma, Merry & Coal: The Pentland Hills & Lake District National Park

Discovering a new part of Scotland

“We go to Scotland two or three times a year as there’s just so much to explore. One place that’s been on my radar for ages is the Pentland Hills near Edinburgh. For somewhere so close to the capital, they look incredibly wild and unspoiled. I’m on a mission to spot a Highland coo standing in the heather! We’re excited for a week there next summer, hopefully catching the heather in full bloom and discovering a totally new part of Scotland. The only challenge will be squeezing all the hikes into just seven days.”

Stay near the Pentlands: Merklands Wood

Back to the Lakes for more Wainwrights

“And of course, we’ll be returning to the Lake District, one of our all-time favourite dog friendly UK destinations. We’re slowly working our way through the Wainwrights, which is such a brilliant way to explore quieter corners of the National Park. We’ve spent full days on the fells without seeing more than a handful of people. This time we’re planning a slightly steadier trip, mixing in some easier walks – and maybe even a boat trip.”

Stay in the Lake District: The Borrowdale Hotel / Lowfield House / Rothay Manor Hotel / Another Place, The Lake

Lauren & Milo: Cheshire

A county that keeps surprising us

“After spending so much time exploring Cheshire for our dog friendly guide, I feel like I know every footpath, cosy café and castle-topped hill, and yet it still manages to surprise me. It’s one of those places where a simple morning stroll can easily turn into a full-blown adventure (Milo is very skilled at that).

I love the mix here: rolling countryside one minute, postcard-worthy villages the next, and then suddenly you’re in the heart of Chester, where dogs are welcomed pretty much everywhere.

A couple of all-time favourites? The White Nancy Circular, with the climb up Kerridge Hill and the huge, sweeping views at the top. And the Sandstone Trail from Tarporley to Burwardsley, which takes you past Beeston Castle. Woodland paths, castle views and that peaceful Cheshire countryside, it’s one of my happiest discoveries.

Whether you want a long hike, a lazy wander or just a lovely stop for coffee and cake, Cheshire has a bit of everything, and Milo and I will definitely be finding excuses to spend more time there in 2026.”

Stay in Cheshire: The Floating Pods at Tattenhall Marina / Sandhole Cottages

Matt & Ice: Devon

Why Devon is always on our list

“Devon will always feel like home to me. I grew up there, and even though Ice and I are now based in South Wales, we never need much of an excuse to head back. And 2026 is already shaping up to be a big Devon year for us.

Top of our list is the stretch from South Milton Sands and Thurlestone through to Hope Cove. I’ve walked it more times than I can count, but it never loses its magic: big sandy beaches, rugged coastal paths and plenty of space for a dog with serious zoomies. We’ll also be making time for Bantham and Bigbury-on-Sea. There’s nothing quite like watching your dog tear across the beach with Burgh Island in the background.

And because I can never resist an old favourite, we’ll be revisiting two of my go-to Devon walks. Broadsands to Fishcombe Cove is a proper gem, with hidden coves, tropical-looking waters and quiet forest pockets that make you slow down. Then there’s the Noss Mayo Circular, an amazing mix of countryside and coastline with sweeping South West Coast Path views that stretch right across to Cornwall.

Both walks remind me why going home always feels like the right idea.”

Spend some time in Devon: Boringdon Hall Hotel & Spa / River Dart Hideaway / Hideout Treehouse

Whether you’re planning a week-long getaway, a long weekend or simply gathering inspiration for the year ahead, these dog friendly destinations are perfect places to explore in 2026. From rugged Scottish coastlines to peaceful Peak District rambles, from lakeside paddleboarding to castle-topped countryside walks, each one promises tail-wagging adventures and plenty of memories.

Wherever you and your four-legged travel buddy end up next year, we hope this guide helps you discover somewhere new – or fall in love with an old favourite all over again. Here’s to planning your next dog-friendly break … and all the muddy paws, windswept ears and happy snoozes that come with it.

How We Chose Our 2026 Destinations

When we asked the DFD pack to share their top dog friendly destinations for 2026, we weren’t looking for the biggest name-drops or the trendiest hotspots. Instead, we wanted the places that truly stick with you – the landscapes you daydream about, the walks your dog never wants to end, and the towns that welcome muddy paws without hesitation.

To put the list together, we considered:

• Real experiences from our roving reporters and the wider DFD community

• Dog friendly credentials, from beaches and trails to pubs and places to stay

• Seasonal appeal, making sure they work for year-round adventures

• Scenery and variety, whether you love mountains, lakes, forests or coastlines

• The little moments that make a trip unforgettable – the sunrise hikes, the pub fires, the unexpected quiet corners

Every spot on this list earned its place because it offers something special for both humans and dogs. These are the destinations that stay with you long after you’ve unpacked the muddy boots and emptied the treat bag.