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From Beachfront Cottages to Dog Spas
Pet owners throughout the UK and Ireland are now spoiled for choice on pet-friendly holidays. Whether that’s a beachside cottage, a doggy spa inside a fancy hotel or even the comfort of a rural farmhouse, the options guarantee a tail-waggin’ good time for all involved.
In Cornwall, a council has revised plans while cutting the dog ban on beaches to just July and August – which campaigners say is much fairer for pet owners. You can explore Gunwalloe, which has a National Trust cottage on the beach itself, a local café serves water bowls for dogs.
Dollar Cove Pound has no seasonal restrictions on taking your dog. The spectacular coast path from Gunwalloe to Poldhu & Porthleven, great for long walks.
Meanwhile, up in the Lake District, Inn on the Square in Keswick also comes with a dedicated dog spa, cosy beds and top tips for dog walks in pet-friendly acres. Rooms start at £100 B&B, with a dog supplement of £25 per night, and up to two dogs can stay in each room.
The Derwentwater views out-of-the-way location and village pubs add to its charms.
Cottages, Castles and the Countryside
In Scotland there's the Culzean Castle and Country Park Estate near Maybole where a delightful pet-friendly cottage is available to rent, complete with two enclosed gardens. Belonging to the National Trust for Scotland, the property is located up a quiet private lane and within a short stroll to Maidens beach, which is – hello dog owners – dog friendly all year.
The grounds at Culzean Estate can also be explored on foot and you can even bring the dog along to the castle, where it can wait outside.
The Isle of Man is also a dream for dog owners; there are 18 national glens to choose from, all with off-lead walking spots and clean rivers.
Northern sandy beaches, such as Gansey Bay, welcome dogs all year round. Pets are welcome in the Shore Hotel’s bar overlooking the bay, should they remain well-behaved after playtime.
In north-east Norfolk there are a few holiday cottages that specialise in accommodating dogs – each with at least three dogs. Another guest added their cottage even had a dog shower with toys, towels, treats and a birthday card for their border collie. Pet sitters are an option if you like, so these stays are even more convenient.
Beaches and Pampered Pets
In Ynys Môn (Anglesey) the ambiance at Red Wharf Bay is similarly lauded by travellers, who recommend a morning walk along the seashore to Traeth Lligwy, a dog-friendly beach. The Ship Inn serves lunch outside; dogs get water bowls there. For indoor entertainment, the Oriel Môn museum café is dog-friendly; Newborough Forest has tranquil woodland trails filled with red squirrels.
In Pembrokeshire, The Little Retreat in Lawrenny has luxury domes (from £120 per night) overlooking the the Daugleddau estuary. Set in a walled 12th-century castle garden, the region offers wild swims, kayaking and dog-friendly runs. Dogs on leads are also welcome at the grounds of Carew Castle.
Guest rooms at the De Vere Cotswolds Water Park command views of the wetlands and boardwalks for ambling. Dogs are also welcome at breakfast and in the spa, along with their owners.
The dog friendly at Cotswold Wildlife Park – photo London-Unattached Nearby Cirencester is also very dog-friendly, and the stand-out for dogs is a trip to Cotswold Wildlife Park where you can freely walk about the grounds and view the animals.
And in County Donegal, families have childhood memories of holidays at Rita’s chalets in Portsalon, which are now updated and rejiggered as the Pier Apartments (from 310 euros for two nights). If the comfort level has evolved, the charm has not, with children still plunging into the sea and dogs frolicking on Ballymastocker beach, celebrated by many as the world’s best. The dog Sandy may be dead, but now Benji carries on the tradition.
These pet-friendly destinations offer more than a place to stay — they make memories with, and for, you and your four-legged friend.
