It’s true, the Brits love their dogs.
In fact, 27% of United Kingdom households include a dog (or two or three) as part of their family. The 2020 and 2021 pandemic lockdowns only added to their canine love affair with online searches on “how to adopt a puppy” surging by 120% in Britain, while waiting lists for popular breeds closed because demand outstripped supply.
Now all these pet-owning families are planning their holidays in Britain and turning to resources like Dog Friendly Destinations, Dog Friendly Britain: Cool Places to Stay with Your Dog, and the latest guide to hit the market Dog-Friendly Weekends for inspiration for their next travel adventure with their new best friend.
Why You Have to Take Your Dog on Holiday
For many dog owners, going away for a break without their dog is such an emotional wrench that it has the potential to ruin a holiday. Most wouldn’t dream of leaving their dog with anyone else, so pet-friendly accommodation is booming. Moreover, it’s not just country pubs and small hotels setting themselves up to cater for dogs. You’ll find remote cabins, luxury hotels, cozy gastropubs, boutique B&Bs, yurts, and glamping spots across the country happy to go the extra mile to host your furry companion. The great places to stay and eat are often in stunning locations, ideal for exploring on long walks with your canine buddy. Can you think of a better way to vacation?
What to Look Out for When Staying with Your Dog
We asked Lottie Gross, author of Dog-Friendly Weekends for her top tips on how to spot a great place to stay with your dog. “Plenty of hotels and accommodation providers say they’re dog friendly, but are actually just dog tolerant,” Lottie explained.
“To find a genuinely dog-friendly stay, look out for added extras, such as bowls and beds provided in the room, treats on arrival, or even outdoor showers for post-muddy walk washes. These are signs that the accommodation has really thought about what dog owners need.
“Also, check the property’s dog rules, as there’s nothing worse than having to continuously tell your dog off if they’re not allowed on the bed or sofa. You could also consider bringing a couple of throws to protect the furniture, allowing you to snuggle up together comfortably.”
Author of Dog Friendly Britain: Cool Places to Stay with Your Dog, Martin Dunford, shared: “What surprised me was the lengths some places go to cater for dogs and their owners, even in a city like London. One hotel even holds dog film nights and dog tea parties, and the staff at these places have a super-friendly attitude.”
How to Be a Good Dog-Owning Holidaymaker
Finding a place that welcomes you and your pooch with open arms and goes the extra mile will enhance your holiday experience. However, it’s also worth noting that dog owners need to be considerate when traveling, especially in nature.
“The most crucial aspect when traveling with your dog is to be responsible and sustainable,” explains Lottie. “This means keeping your dog on a leash in new environments where wildlife may be disturbed by their presence, such as ground-nesting birds, for example, and always picking up after your dog. Regardless of whether it’s off the path or in the middle of a farmer’s field, dog feces is harmful, and you should always dispose of it properly to protect the local ecology.”
Things to Consider When Catching the Train with Your Dog
While it’s easy to hop in a car and head off on a mini-break with your dogs, not everyone in the UK has access to a car. The good news is that holidaying with a dog is very achievable by train in Britain.
Brighton barber, Buck Rumstache, adopted his rescue pup McKenzie from Wood Green, The Animals Charity in 2019, and they go on regular getaways together. “It doesn’t cost any extra to take your dog on a train in the UK,” Buck explained, “and I have found staff are always excited to see him and are generally really accommodating.”
However, it is important to consider how far you want to travel by train with your dog before planning your trip. “I usually try not to travel for more than two hours on a train with McKenzie,” Buck mentioned. “If I was going to a destination farther away, like one of my favorite spots in Britain, Whitby, I plan a decent break somewhere along the way to let my dog stretch their legs and take a bathroom break.”
Places to Stay with Your Dog in 2022
Luxury Stay at Cliveden House, Thames Valley
Set in 376 acres of National Trust gardens and woodlands, this five-star luxury hotel has hosted movie stars and royalty throughout its 300-year history. It also provides four-legged guests royal treatment with their own towel, food bowls, and a doggie bed, plus dog-friendly dining options at the onsite Astor Grill, and miles of woodland paths to explore. Doggie guests must be well-behaved and over a year old. Notably, during school holidays, they get to stay for free.
Self-Catering Cottages by East Ruston Cottages in Norfolk
Recommended by Lottie Gross, the cottages offered by East Ruston Cottages in Norfolk, winners of the self-catering accommodation category in the Dog-Friendly Magazine awards for multiple years, are designed to accommodate dogs “with humans in mind.” They provide everything a dog owner needs—including cooling coats and mats for hot weather—and all have enclosed gardens while indicating suitability for different types of dogs. Each of them is a short distance from dog-friendly beaches.
Camping with Your Dog Across the United Kingdom
The online campers website Pitchup hosts listings for over 5000 campsites, glamping spots, and holiday parks that can be filtered for dog-friendly options. You’ll discover places to stay with your dog, from farmers’ fields to shepherd’s huts, scattered throughout England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. These listings can be filtered by various ratings, so pack your tent, sleeping bag, and your camping-friendly canine companions and enjoy the great outdoors this summer.
Unwind with Yoga, a Spa, or a Gong Bath at Retreat East, Suffolk Coast
Located on the Suffolk Coast, this former dairy farm now hosts guests and their dogs in a country house or surrounding luxury barns. There’s an onsite spa, yoga classes, and sound meditation, providing the perfect opportunity to pamper yourself while ensuring your pets are happy. For families traveling with more than one dog, there’s good news: two dogs can stay per barn. However, pets are expected to be kept on a lead in communal areas.
