with incredible dog walks on the doorstep
holiday homes and hotels for dog friendly adventures
‘Somewhere lovely with great dog walks on the doorstep.’
It’s the top request we hear time and time again. When you’re off on a dog friendly getaway, you want somewhere beautiful to stay and the kind of dog walks that’ll have tails wagging from the moment you unzip the suitcase. The good news? We’ve sniffed out a whole host of stays that deliver both in spades: gorgeous places to bed down, with walkies just a hop, skip and a pawprint away.
Crathorne Hall Hotel
Built in 1906, the stately Crathorne Hall Hotel is set in 15 acres of private grounds on the edge of the Yorkshire Moors. This grand hall, that once played host to royalty, wealthy socialites and politicians, is now a warm and welcoming retreat. It’s perfect for a relaxing dog friendly break and has a whole host of incredible walks on the doorstep to enjoy.
Within walking distance: Your pup will love a pre-breakfast or post-dinner meander around the hotel’s woodland walk. Keep your eye out for beehives, bird nest boxes and a sapling plantation (planted in partnership with The Woodland Trust), all found within the grounds of this beautiful country house hotel.
Jump in the car: Roseberry Topping is a Matterhorn-shaped hill with spectacular views across North Yorkshire and Cleveland. It’s located just under 12 miles from Crathorne Hall Hotel and we’d definitely recommend finding the time for a climb during your stay. If you enjoy a challenging walk, try the Roseberry Topping and Captain Cooks Monument walk. If your four-legged friend prefers a more leisurely amble, explore the bluebell woods, heather moorland, or Roseberry Common instead.
Bar-K
Tucked away on a quiet residential street on the outskirts of Saltash, Bar-K is a recently refurbished holiday home brilliantly positioned to enjoy a dog friendly break on the Cornwall and Devon border. Within easy reach of beautiful beaches and stunning countryside, this Scandi-style property offers a relaxing retreat with an abundance of adventures on the doorstep
Close by: Located in Cornwall but close to the Devon border, Bar-K has an abundance of scenic dog walks within easy reach. The popular National Trust attraction of Cotehele is 7 miles away and has an expansive estate to explore with miles of paths through woodland, countryside and around Cothele Quay.
A little further away: Located on the Rame Peninsula, often referred to as ‘Cornwall’s forgotten corner’, we think Whitsand Bay offers everything you could wish for in a dog friendly day out. It’s ideal if you’re looking for somewhere a little off the beaten track, that never gets as busy as some of the more popular Cornish hotspots.
Afon Menai
Sleeping four humans and welcoming two pooches, this renovated cottage in Anglesey is perfect for spending time with friends and family and has the benefit both countryside and coast on the doorstep.
Within walking distance: Stroll the 3 miles to the National Trust’s Plas Newydd House and Garden to enjoy its spectacular views of Snowdonia. Dogs on short leads are welcome in all areas of the gardens, except for the Italianate terraces due to the precise planting in this area.
Jump in the car: Llanddwyn Island, otherwise known as the Island of Love, is a hidden gem located on a small tidal island off the coast of Anglesey. It’s rated as one of the best days out in Wales as well as one of the best walks in the whole of Britain.
Harris Hideaway
Harris Hideaway is an exceptional clifftop retreat on the Isle of Harris, blending seamlessly into its breathtaking coastal surroundings. Step through the storm porch and you’ll be swept away by its sleek charm and insane views.
Within easy reach: Dogs are welcome to join you on a visit to the local distillery, or you could pop into Tarbert and pick up a special Harris Tweed souvenir for you and your pooch to take home.
Jump in the car: The Isle of Harris is a paradise for nature lovers and adventurer seekers. From the white sandy beaches of Luskentyre and Scarista to the rugged landscapes of North Harris, the island offers endless opportunities for exploration with your pooch. Hike the dramatic Clisham Mountain, visit the historic St. Clement’s Church in Rodel, or take a boat trip to the nearby St Kilda archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Budock Vean Hotel & Spa
Tucked away on a quiet bend of the Helford River, The Budock Vean Hotel is a 65-acre sanctuary dedicated to the art of relaxation. Choose a dog-friendly hotel room or the privacy of a contemporary holiday cottage. With its own private foreshore, your morning walk begins the moment you step outside, winding through ancient parkland to the water’s edge.
Within walking distance: Budock Vean sits at the heart of Cornwall’s prestigious horticultural mile. Trebah Garden is a direct neighbour, welcoming dogs year-round on leads to explore giant gunnera tunnels and the private Polgwidden Cove. Next door, Glendurgan Garden (National Trust) is piloting a new “Dogs Welcome” scheme from February 2025, opening up its exotic valleys to well-behaved pooches (excluding the maze and orchard). For a coastal ramble, join the South West Coast Path directly from the hotel grounds to reach Grebe Beach and Durgan – rare shingle coves that remain dog-friendly all year round. From April to October, hop on the Helford Ferry (dogs travel free!) to explore Frenchman’s Creek on the river’s south bank.
Jump in the car: A five-minute drive leads to Maenporth Beach, a sheltered, sandy crescent ideal for shallow wading. Note that seasonal restrictions apply here (no dogs 10 am–6 pm, July & August), making it a prime spot for sunrise runs or sunset strolls. For wilder scenery, drive 20 minutes south to Nare Point on the Lizard Peninsula. This rugged headland offers panoramic views across Falmouth Bay and is dog-friendly year-round – a dramatic, windswept contrast to the sheltered tranquillity of the Helford.
Crispie House
If peace, tranquility and reconnecting with nature are at the top of your wish list when it comes to a dog friendly holiday, you’ll have your heart stolen by Crispie House. On the shores of Loch Fyne and set within 50 acres of private grounds, prepare yourself for some rather special dog walks.
Within walking distance: Located on Argyll’s Secret Coast, there are many signposted walks that you can enjoy with your four-legged friend. The Cowal Way starts at Portavadie, two bays down from Crispie, and finishes on the shores of beautiful Loch Lomond. Pack a picnic and some doggy treats and amble to your heart’s content.
Jump in the car: Benmore Botanic Garden, a short drive from Crispie near Dunoon, is dog friendly and well worth a visit for its stunning setting and impressive avenue of Giant Redwoods which stand over 50 metres high. Said to be at its best April through June, it’s still a wonderful place to walk around no matter the season.
Eagle Brae
Nestled between Glen Affric and Glen Strathfarrar, you’ll find Eagle Brae’s ten luxurious, eco-friendly cabins blending seamlessly into their stunning surroundings. Eagle Brae’s very own Bernese Mountain Dog is a familiar face around the grounds and loves to make some new friends.
Within walking distance: Eagle Brae is located in a truly spectacular spot in the Highlands of Scotland, amidst wild glens, magnificent mountains and large lochs. With 8,000 acres of Scottish wilderness to explore, it’s the perfect place for adventurers to walk, hike and reconnect with nature.
Jump in the car: Eagle Brae is just 20 miles from Inverness. There’s plenty of dog walks to choose from but a must is a walk along the River Ness upstream to the Ness Islands for some tranquility by the flowing pools. For dog friendly dining, there are several options. Try the Jammy Piece for scones, soups and wraps. Scotch and Rye is popular, and if you fancy a dog friendly afternoon tea, book the Kingsmills Hotel.
