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Discover the Best Dog-Friendly Weekend Getaways in the UK

Planning a getaway with your canine companion?

As avid dog owners, the No Fuss team knows how important it is to share your special adventures with your canine companion. That’s why we’ve created our latest Dog-Friendly Weekends Away UK Guide! Filled with dog-friendly destinations throughout the UK, it offers everything from scenic walks to cosy accommodations and fun-filled activities, ensuring you and your furry friend can enjoy memorable trip together.

Whether you’re seeking a coastal retreat, a countryside escape, or a cultural city break, there’s something for every dog and their human. We’ve rounded up our top 5 destinations for the best dog-friendly weekend getaways in the UK. Additionally, you’ll find some handy tips for travelling with your pooch below!
dog friendly guide book travel in uk

Tips for a Perfect Dog-Friendly Weekend Getaway…

To make your trip as smooth and enjoyable as possible, a bit of preparation goes a long way. Firstly, planning is super important when travelling with your dog:

Be a Responsible Owner

  • Research Accommodation and Attractions: Ensure your chosen accommodation, or any places you plan on visiting are genuinely dog-friendly. Be Sure to check their policies regarding pets!

  • Check and Respect Local Rules: Some places may have restrictions on where dogs can go or may require them to be on a lead.

  • Be Aware of Wildlife: It’s important to keep your dog under control, especially in areas known for nesting birds or other vulnerable species.

  • Always Clean-up After Your Dog: This might sound obvious but ensure you always carry dog poo bags with you and dispose of them in the correct bins.

  • Respect Others: It’s crucial to remember that not everyone shares our love for canines. Some people may have fears, allergies, or simply a preference to avoid them.

Looking After your Dog

  • Stay Hydrated and Safe: Always carry water for your dog and be mindful of the weather to prevent overheating or cold stress.

  • Pack Essentials: Bring your dog’s favourite treats, toys, and bedding to make them feel at home.

  • Be Aware: Depending on your destination, be mindful of the landscape such as strong currents in rivers, lakes and the sea (you may want to consider fitting your dog with a life jacket for any water-based activities). Also, keep dogs on a close lead in mountainous areas.

  • Travelling in a Car, Campervan or Motorhome: Use suitable restraints when travelling. Never leave your dog in your vehicle during hot weather unless you have made serious provisions such as air con, or proper ventilation in a campervan or motorhome.

  • Keep Vaccinations Up to Date: Ensure your dog’s vaccinations are current and carry any necessary documentation with you.
Garry Beach

Our Top 5 Destinations for Dog-Friendly Weekend Getaways in the UK…

Peak District: Scenic Walks

The Peak District offers vast open spaces and picturesque villages, making it a perfect getaway for you and your dog. With plenty of trails and pet-friendly places to stay, it’s an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Things to Do:

Walking Trails: Explore trails like the Monsal Trail or the Tissington Trail, which are great for a leisurely walk. Or if you have a particularly active pooch, you could even complete the Mam Tor hike along the stone surfaced footpath, and be rewarded with some staggering views over Edale Valley and beyond!

Chatsworth House: A grand stately home, situated on the bank of the river Derwent. Dogs are welcome to explore its historic garden and over 1,000-acres of parkland on leads. They’re also allowed in the café (just not the house itself).

Dog-Friendly Eats: Enjoy a meal at the traditional Prince of Wales pub, or a little afternoon tea at the Aisseford Tea Room. Your furry friends can enjoy a treat there too!

Mam Tor Hike

Edinburgh: A Cultural City Break

For those who prefer a city break, Edinburgh offers plenty for you and your dog. With its historic charm, abundance of green spaces and famous bars, it’s a great city to explore together.

Things to Do:

Arthur’s Seat & Holyrood Park: Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano towering 250m above the city, is located within the 640-acre Holyrood Park. This popular destination is perfect for a dog-friendly adventure or a game of fetch! Hike to the top with your furry friend to enjoy panoramic views over some of Edinburgh’s most iconic landmarks.

The Royal Mile: Running through the heart of Edinburgh’s old town, The Royal Mile connects the iconic Edinburgh Castle to the marvellous Holyrood Palace. The Mile is lined with historical sites, cosy pubs, eateries and shops. Also be sure not to miss St Giles Cathedral along the way, it’s open to all.

Dog-friendly Food Spots: For brunch we’d recommend heading to Em’s Kitchen for some delicious pancakes or smashed avo on sourdough. Or, if it’s dinner you’re after try Maki & Ramen a great sushi and noodle bar within the city.

Royal Mile

Dorset: Coastal Adventures

With its stunning coastline and picturesque countryside, Dorset is an ideal destination for a dog-friendly weekend getaway. Offering a mix of sandy beaches, rolling hills, and charming villages, this place provides endless opportunities for you and your canine companion to explore and relax.

Things To Do:

Jurassic Coast Walks: Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is perfect for scenic walks with your dog. Head to places like Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove, and Old Harry Rocks for breathtaking views and adventurous hikes. Many of these trails are dog-friendly, although be mindful of cliff edges, and keep your dog on a lead where necessary.

Dog-friendly Beaches: Sandbanks is one of the best beaches Britain has to offer. This beach also has a designated dog-friendly section at the Western end, as well as a self-service dog wash machine! Additionally, Bournemouth beach nearby is also packed with dog-friendly spots, including pubs and restaurants.

Harbour Eats: When visiting here you must enjoy some local seafood, The Oyster and Fish House is one of our favourites.

Durdle Door Beach

Cotswolds: Country Walks

With its stunning scenery, charming English villages and endless outdoor adventures, the Cotswolds is the perfect place for a weekend escape with your fluffy BFF.

Things To Do:

Cotswold Wildlife Park: It’s pretty rare that zoos allow pups through their gates but thankfully this one is bucking the trend, and opening their arms to four-legged visitors! Although they won’t be able to visit indoor animal enclosures, dogs can still meet the penguins, lions and giraffes, while also hopping aboard the park’s train!

Miserden Circular Walk: An idyllic short stroll no matter the time of year, the 2.5-mile walk will take you and your pooch through the charming village of Miserden. You’ll pass a local lake (perfect for some doggy paddling) and through woodland.

Dog-Friendly Eats: Stop off at The Porch House for a great hearty post-walk lunch. Alternatively, head to Heathers Café for a homemade sweet treat.

Causeway Coast: Breathtaking Beauty

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coast, a perfect destination for a dog-friendly adventure. With stunning landscapes, historic landmarks, and welcoming trails, this area offers plenty of opportunities for you and your furry friend to explore. 

Things To Do:

Giants Causeway: Marvel at over 40,000 iconic basalt columns formed 60 million years ago at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Operated by National Trust, the site is dog friendly and walking the red trail will provide breathtaking clifftop views over the Causeway.

Musseden Temple: This striking coastal landmark is located within the Demesne estate. The estate features gardens, an arboretum, mausoleum and Gothic lodge. Dogs are welcome and will love a run on the nearby Downhill Strand (found below the temple).

Dog-Friendly Food Finds: Bilberry Mill Café is perfect for brunch and even features a doggy menu for your pup! Whilst The Bush House Bar offers the charm of a traditional village pub, where dogs are warmly welcomed.

Kinbane Castle

With so many dog-friendly options available, you’re sure to find the perfect destination for your next weekend getaway. So, pack your bags, grab the lead, and set off on an unforgettable journey with your best friend by your side!

If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our Dog-Friendly Weekends Away UK Guide, featuring 52 locations! In honour of the beloved Archie, who graces the cover, 50p from the sale of each book will be donated to the Border Collie Trust. So, let’s embark on adventures that give back and create unforgettable memories with your furry best friend!

DOG-FRIENDLY WEEKENDS AWAY UK TRAVEL GUIDE

Featuring 52 incredible locations, places to stay and things to do, to ensure your weekend getaway is simply unforgettable...
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