For many of us, a car isn’t just a tool to get from A to B; it’s a vessel for family adventures. And in the UK, no family adventure is truly complete without our four-legged companions. Whether you’re piloting a rugged 4×4 through the Highlands or packing a compact SUV for a coastal escape, the UK offers some of the most spectacular dog-friendly landscapes in the world.
However, a successful road trip with a dog requires more than just a map and a leash. It requires preparation. Before you set off, it is vital to ensure your vehicle is equipped for pet safety. For a comprehensive look at the legalities and logistics, check out this dog car travel guide and refresh your knowledge on how to drive safely with your pet to ensure a stress-free journey.
Once your harness is clipped and your boot liner is in place, where should you head? Here are our top 10 dog-friendly destinations in the UK.
1. The Lake District, Cumbria
The spiritual home of the English walking holiday, the Lake District is arguably the most dog-welcoming place in Britain.
- Places to Visit: Head to Lowther Castle, where dogs are welcome in the spectacular gardens and ruins. For a relaxed afternoon, hop on a Windermere Lake Cruise (dogs travel free!) or visit the Lakeland Motor Museum, which welcomes well-behaved pups.
- The Vibe: Endless fells, shimmering lakes, and pubs that value dogs as much as humans.
- Rules & Access: Most fells are off-lead heaven, but be wary of livestock. Many Windermere Lake Cruises allow dogs on board for free.
- Facilities: Most villages (like Keswick) feature “dog bars” (water bowls) outside shops.
- Top Tip: Stick to the lower woodland trails during peak summer to avoid the midday heat on the exposed mountain tops.
2. Holkham Beach, Norfolk
Widely considered one of the best beaches in the UK, Holkham offers miles of golden sand and a pine-fringed shoreline.
- Places to Visit: Explore the Holkham National Nature Reserve and its sprawling dunes. Afterwards, grab a coffee at The Lookout Café, which is perfectly positioned for a post-walk rest.
- Rules & Access: Dogs are welcome year-round, though there are specific “on-lead” zones during nesting season (April to August) to protect local wildlife.
- Safety: The tide goes out a long way, leaving shallow pools perfect for puppies, but be mindful of the distance to the car park—it’s a long walk back for tired legs!
- Facilities: The Lookout Café offers fresh water and dog treats, with plenty of outdoor seating.
3. The Cotswolds, Gloucestershire/Oxfordshire
For a slower pace, the honey-coloured stone villages of the Cotswolds offer quintessential English charm.
- Places to Visit: Visit Cotswold Wildlife Park, where dogs on leads can actually meet rhinos and giraffes! Alternatively, wander the Batsford Arboretum or take a ride on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway (GWSR).
- The Vibe: Rolling hills (the “wolds”) and picture-perfect streams.
- Accommodation: This region excels in dog-friendly boutiques. Places like The Fish Hotel even offer a “Doggy Afternoon Tea.”
- Local Etiquette: Dogs are almost universally welcomed in pubs here, provided they are well-behaved and kept on a lead near the open fires.
4. Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park, Wales
If your dog has energy to burn, the rugged terrain of North Wales is the ultimate playground.
- Places to Visit: Take the Sherpa’r Wyddfa bus to the base of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). For something less vertical, the Gelert’s Grave walk in Beddgelert is a poignant and beautiful valley stroll.
- Rules & Access: While the summit of Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) is a bucket-list item, it’s a strenuous climb. Ensure your dog is fit enough for the steep, rocky terrain.
- Travel & Parking: Use the Sherpa’r Wyddfa bus service, which is dog-friendly, to save the hassle of finding a parking spot at popular trailheads.
- Safety: Beware of steep drops and fast-changing weather.
5. Bamburgh Beach, Northumberland
With the iconic Bamburgh Castle towering over the dunes, this is a dramatic spot for a run-around.
- Places to Visit: While dogs can’t enter the interior of Bamburgh Castle, they are welcome in the Castle Grounds. Afterwards, visit Barter Books in nearby Alnwick—one of the few famous bookshops where dogs can browse the aisles with you.
- Rules & Access: Unlike many UK beaches, Bamburgh has no seasonal dog bans. It is a true 365-day-a-year dog haven.
- Comfort: The beach is so vast that even on busy days, reactive or anxious dogs can easily find a quiet mile of sand all to themselves.
- Facilities: Dog waste bins are plentiful near the main car parks.
6. The New Forest, Hampshire
A unique landscape of ancient woodland and open heathland where ponies, donkeys, and cattle roam free.
- Places to Visit: Visit the Beaulieu National Motor Museum (dogs allowed in the grounds) or explore the stunning Exbury Gardens, which even hosts dedicated “Dog Days” with discounted entry for pet owners.
- Safety Considerations: This is the most important factor here. Because of the free-roaming livestock, your dog must have an excellent recall or stay on a lead.
- Facilities: Many “Paws Points” are located around the forest, featuring dog wash stations to rinse off the famous New Forest mud.
- Travel: Parking is plentiful, but stay in designated areas to protect the delicate ecosystem.
7. Loch Lomond & The Trossachs, Scotland
The gateway to the Highlands offers dramatic scenery with slightly more accessible terrain than the far north.
- Places to Visit: Take a boat over to Inchcailloch Island for a wild adventure, or enjoy the paths at Balloch Castle Country Park. For active pups, a hike up Conic Hill provides the best view-to-effort ratio in Scotland.
- Rules & Access: Scotland’s “Right to Roam” makes it a dog-lover’s paradise, but the Scottish Outdoor Access Code must be followed (especially regarding sheep).
- Comfort: If your dog prefers water to climbing, many of the Loch-side paths are flat and well-maintained.
- Best Time to Visit: May or September to avoid the worst of the Highland midges!
8. The Peak District, Derbyshire
Centrally located and incredibly accessible for a weekend road trip.
- Places to Visit: Take a “flight” on the Heights of Abraham cable car (dogs ride free!) or explore the underground wonders of Treak Cliff Cavern. The Chatsworth House Gardens are also a must-visit for a royal stroll.
- The Vibe: Dramatic gritstone edges (like Stanage Edge) and gentle rail-trails like the Monsal Trail.
- Facilities: The Monsal Trail is flat and paved—perfect for older dogs or those using pet strollers.
- Travel: Most car parks are managed by the National Trust; ensure your windows are cracked, and your dog has water if you’re stopping briefly (though never leave a dog in a hot car).
9. Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire
A narrow, winding fishing village that feels like stepping back in time.
- Places to Visit: Spend time in the rock pools at Robin Hood’s Bay beach, then hike a section of the Cleveland Way coastal path towards Whitby for breathtaking views.
- Rules & Access: The beach is dog-friendly all year.
- Safety: The village is very steep. If you have an older dog with joint issues, the walk back up from the beach to the top car park can be a struggle.
- Local Etiquette: The village is very tight-knit; keep dogs on a short lead in the narrow “ginnels” (alleyways).
10. Dartmoor National Park, Devon
For the adventurous soul, Dartmoor offers wild, untamed beauty.
- Places to Visit: Walk up to Haytor for iconic views, or visit the riverside paths at Fingle Bridge. Lydford Gorge (National Trust) is another stunning spot for a woodland trek.
- The Vibe: Granite tors and misty moors.
- Rules & Access: From March to July, dogs must be on a short lead to protect ground-nesting birds and lambs.
- Safety: Dartmoor is famous for its sudden fogs. Ensure your dog is microchipped and wearing a GPS tracker if you plan on going off-piste.
Travel Tips for the Modern Motorist
When travelling to these locations, comfort is key. A long drive can be tiring for a pet, so plan your route with “paws-stops” every two hours. Most UK motorway service stations now have dedicated grassed areas for dogs to stretch their legs.
Accommodation Check-list: Before booking your stay, always ask:
- Is there a “pet fee” per night?
- Can the dog be left in the room alone for short periods? (Most hotels say no).
- Are there nearby green spaces for that late-night “toilet walk”?
Safety First: Remember, the Highway Code requires dogs to be suitably restrained so they cannot distract the driver. Whether you use a seatbelt harness, a pet carrier, or a fitted dog guard in the boot, make sure it is crash-tested. For more on this, revisit our safe driving guide.
The UK is a nation of dog lovers, and our landscapes reflect that. From the salty air of Northumberland to the rugged peaks of Wales, there is a world of adventure waiting just outside your car window. Pack the treats, grab the lead, and enjoy the drive!
