One of the biggest benefits of a holiday in the UK is the chance to take the dog along with you. It’s never nice for dog lovers to have to leave the family pet behind, so dog-friendly breaks provide a great opportunity for everyone to enjoy time off together, including your four-legged friend.

Looking for some inspiration on where to go with the dog this year? Here are some of our favourite dog-friendly destinations in the UK, including beautiful beaches and scenic countryside landscapes that are perfect for long walks, as well as a few places you may never have considered.

Sandymouth, Cornwall

Cornwall is a fantastic destination for anyone looking to enjoy a break by the sea, but dogs aren’t always allowed to join you, particularly in the summer months, so it’s important to read up on the best dog-friendly beaches before you go. The area around the bustling resort town of Bude is a particularly popular destination, and nearby Sandymouth is superbly suited to enjoy this gorgeous coastal setting with your pet in tow.

Sandymouth is a spectacular beach that is at once welcoming and wild, an unspoilt stretch of pebbles and sand set against a backdrop of sheer cliffs. Dogs are permitted all year round and it’s the ideal place for a bracing walk beside the sea.

If you’re looking for a location conveniently close to Bude for a dog-friendly break, look no further than Bude Caravan Park, a peaceful place with plenty of comfortable pet-friendly holiday homes for hire. Situated around 5 minutes’ drive from Sandymouth, it’s also a great starting point for a stroll through the local countryside and across the coastal cliffs – your dog will love it!

Cotswold Wildlife Park, Oxfordshire

It’s unusual that you’re able to bring your dog to a zoo, but at Cotswolds Wildlife Park and Gardens you can have your four-legged friend by your side as you meet an amazing menagerie of other animals. See giraffes, rhinos, lemurs and many many more on a really wild day out, with dogs welcome in much of the park (except for indoor areas and those with free-roaming zoo animals) as long as they are kept under control. Why not take a walk around the gorgeous gardens while you’re there?

Of course, it’s not just this attraction that makes the Cotswolds appealing for dog owners. Spanning six counties, the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty lives up to its name with some stunning landscapes boasting extensive walking trails which are perfect for you to explore on a pet-friendly break.

The beautiful Cotswold Cottages make a fantastic pet-friendly place to stay if you’re looking to explore this scenic region of the UK, with a range of unique and luxurious holiday cottages available to pick from, including a number of dog-friendly properties. The gorgeous country estate on which they’re based offers some great amenities including an indoor swimming pool, a gym, a spa, and play areas for kids.

Wells and Holkham, Norfolk

Norfolk’s north coast is an often underappreciated holiday destination, and if you’ve been missing out it may be time to discover its appeal for yourself. The good news is there’s plenty of seaside locations that welcome dogs here. The sandy beach of the port town of Wells-next-the-Sea is a wonderful place with miles of soft sand to enjoy, only a small section of which prohibits dogs. You may even spot the seals that make their home at nearby Blakeney Point.

Just down the coast is another gorgeous dog-friendly beach, the expansive Holkham Beach, which backs on to the Holkham National Nature Reserve. Dogs are also permitted in the reserve if you’d like to take a walk through its dunes and pine forests, but they must be kept on a lead here.

If you fancy a drink or a light bite after your coastal walk, why not visit the Beach Café in Wells-next-the-Sea? This award-winning dog-friendly eatery gives a warm welcome to pets, with fresh water, soft beds, and treats available to buy. In the summer you can even make use of dog washing facilities to clean off all the sand from their beach adventures.

We have a colossal catalogue of fantastic properties along the Norfolk coast, which include some welcoming dog-friendly holiday cottages, cabins, and more. Particularly close to both Wells-next-the-Sea and Holkham Bay is the lovely Avocet 28 lodge, which boasts a lakeside location close to the Holkham National Nature Reserve. This is a perfect place for a dog-friendly holiday situated on a welcoming holiday park.

Wells Cathedral, Somerset

It’s not something you’d expect to be a pet-friendly attraction, but the beautiful Gothic-style Wells Cathedral allows well-behaved dogs on a lead to pay a visit along with their owners. Built between the 12th and 15th centuries, this cathedral is considered to be one of the most beautiful in England, and it’s definitely worth witnessing its stunning architecture and beautiful medieval stained glass windows for yourself. Note that dogs are not permitted on tours going above the ground level of the cathedral, but there’s still plenty to see.

Wells is often referred to as England’s smallest city, and sits on the outskirts of the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Somerset. The Mendips themselves are ideal for dog-friendly breaks, with their striking gorges, hills and woodlands a perfect location for those long scenic walks.

For a stylish stay in Somerset where your pet is welcome too, enjoy a relaxing getaway at these luxury lodges with hot tubs, where luxurious contemporary lodges offer all the comforts of home combined with glorious countryside surroundings. Unwind in your private hot tub, take a wander through the park’s orchard, or enjoy a pint of the county’s best with a visit to the Cider Barn.

Dog-friendly breaks in the UK

These are some of our favourite destinations for dog-friendly UK holidays where you can really have a special time with your four-legged friend. If you’re considering staying in any of these places this summer, be sure to book soon to ensure you get your first choice of accommodation.