11 Best Dog Walking Holidays in the UK: (Top Places) (2024)

The Lake District National Park is not just any destination; it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

This makes it an exceptionally appealing spot for dog-walking holidays. It offers a blend of stunning scenery and some of the best dog walks that cater to every preference and ability.

• Varied Accommodation: For 5* luxury, we recommend Netherby Hall in Cumbria. Set on a private estate, all the contemporary apartments are dog-friendly and with 36 acres of grounds to explore, it’s a doggy paradise.
  Park Cliffe Glamping Pods Offer a camping experience without the tent, and their breathtaking views of Lake Windermere make them ideal for dog parents who love the great outdoors.
• Stunning Views:The panoramic vistas of rolling hills and crystal-clear waters are as much a treat for you as for your furry friend. A dog walking holiday here is a shared experience of awe and relaxation, strengthening the bond between you and your pet.
• Trails:Some of the most recommended dog-friendly walks in the Lake District includeGrizedale Forest, with its shaded paths, and Derwentwater, an easy lakeside walk perfect for a leisurely day with your dog.

The South West Coast Path stands out as one of the longest marked footpaths in the UK, boasting an impressive 630 miles of dog-friendly trails along a stunning section of coastline.

This remarkable path offers dog walkers an unparalleled opportunity to explore various landscapes, from rugged cliffs and golden beaches to serene estuaries and wooded valleys.

• Varied Landscapes:The ever-changing scenery of the South Coast ensures every dog walk is a new adventure, keeping dog walkers and their companions excited to discover what’s around the next bend. Whether your pooch loves to scramble over rocks, trot through meadows, or sprint along sandy beaches.
• Dog-friendly Sections:Some of the most recommended sections include the stretches around St Ives, where the path meanders through picturesque coastal scenery, and the areas around Lyme Regis, known for their fossil-rich beaches and gentle dog walks.
• Stay Nearby: Dine in the Meditterean restaurant and enjoy fabulous coastal walks when you stay at Moonfleet Manor, a pooch-welcoming spa hotel overlooking Chesil Beach on the Jurassic Coast close to dog-friendly attractions like Corfe Castle and Dinosaurland.
  Foodies will love the quirky shepherd huts in the ground of Rick Stein’s famous pub, the Cornish Arms, near Padstow. Perfect for dog-friendly walking holidays, they are surrounded by beautiful beaches and scenic coastal walks.

The Peak District is renowned for its unique blend of areas of outstanding natural beauty and rich historical sites, making it a captivating destination for dog-walking holidays.

This national park’s charm lies in its ability to offer physical challenges and moments of relaxation amidst its breathtaking scenery.

• Diverse Trails:Whether seeking a vigorous hike up steep hillsides or an amble through lush valleys, the Peak District’s varied trails cater to all. This diversity ensures that every dog can enjoy the perfect walk regardless of size or stamina.
• Dog-friendly Walks:Kinder Scout and Mam Tor are among the most recommended walks for dogs and their owners.Kinder Scout, known for its rugged terrain and spectacular views, offers an adventurous dog outing. In contrast, Mam Tor provides more accessible paths with equally stunning vistas, ideal for a more relaxed day out with your furry friend.
• Rest Weary Paws and Feet: With many attractions nearby and a hot tub to boot, the pet-friendly Dog and Partridge Country Inn offers traditional accommodation in the heart of the Peak District. For those wanting an eco-friendly holiday, check out Hoe Grange Holidays; nestled between Ashbourne and Bakewell, these award-winning log cabins and glamping pods welcome dogs free of charge.

With its dramatic landscapes and rugged terrains, Snowdonia National Park is a haven for dog lovers seeking adventurous walking routes.

This iconic destination is not just about scaling Wales’ highest peak; it’s a diverse natural playground offering endless exploration opportunities for dogs and their owners.

• Unique Terrain:Snowdonia’s varied landscape, from towering mountains to deep valleys and fast-flowing rivers, presents the perfect setting for adventurous dog owners. The park offers numerous off-leash areas, allowing your dog to explore this stunning location’s natural wonders.
• Dog Walks Galore:The trails around Betws-y-Coed are particularly dog-friendly. They offer challenging and more manageable paths that meander through forests and waterfalls, showcasing the park’s natural beauty. The Mawddach Trail is another excellent choice for a leisurely yet scenic dog walk.
• Nearby Accommodation: Nestled on a hillside overlooking the Rhinog Mountains and offering access to Snowdonia’s beaches, mountains and attractions, these delightful log cabins at Trawnsfyndd Leisure Village should be booked early to avoid disappointment.
  Bowls, biscuits, and blankets are provided, and your four-legged friend can dine with you at breakfast and dinner when you stay at the Groes Inn, Conwy, on your Welsh pet-friendly holiday.

Exmoor is a mosaic of moorland, woodland, and dramatic coastline, offering a distinctive backdrop for some of the best dog-walking holidays.

This unique combination of landscapes stimulates the senses of adventurous dogs and provides tranquil settings for owners to unwind and connect with nature.

• Stimulating Environments:Exmoor’s diverse terrains offer dogs an enriching experience, from the open, wild moors where they can roam freely to crossing stiles in dense woodlands filled with intriguing scents and sights. The coastline adds another element of adventure, with rugged cliffs and hidden coves waiting to be explored.
• Varied Trails:TheTarr Steps Woodland Walkoffers an easy yet rewarding route, allowing dogs and owners to explore ancient woodlands and a medieval clapper bridge. For those seeking more dramatic scenery, the Valley of Rocks near Lynton provides spectacular coastal views and a chance to spot wild goats.
• Places to Stay: Elsie: This converted railway carriage is ideal for families to explore Exmoor. With sea views and a host of attractions nearby, this dog-friendly accommodation guarantees a walking holiday to remember.
  All rooms at the characterful Hunter’s Inn are pet-friendly. You can also enjoy a meal in the restaurant with your pup, and an array of Exmoor treks are on your doorstep.

Celebrated for its unique landscape, where expansive skies meet a seemingly endless horizon, this path is renowned for its extensive birdlife and natural beauty, making it a dog-walking haven for nature enthusiasts and their canine companions.

• Ideal for Leisurely Strolls:The Norfolk coastal path’s relatively flat terrain makes it perfect for older dogs or those preferring a gentler walk. It allows you to walk long distances without the strain of steep inclines, ensuring that every family member, regardless of age or fitness level, can enjoy the day out.
• Beach Access:Along the route, numerous beach walks welcome dogs with open arms, offering them the freedom to run, play, and splash in the waves on your walking holiday.
• Accommodations: Providing contemporary self-catering accommodation, the spacious apartments at Le Strange Arms have just a garden and dunes separating you and your canine companion from the sand.
  Nestled in North Norfolk, close to the Coastal walking route, the country cottages at Kelling Estate provide bowls and towels, so all you’ll need to bring is your dog’s food on this relaxing holiday.

Dartmoor National Park stands out with its unique status asopen-access land, granting unparalleled freedom for your dog to explore its vast landscapes. This expansive moorland, with its craggy tors, sweeping valleys, and ancient woodlands, provides a holiday playground for adventurous dogs and their owners like no other.

• Unparalleled Freedom:Dartmoor’s open access policy means that dogs can roam freely, off the lead, in many areas. This freedom is exhilarating for your pooch and offers them essential mental and physical stimulation as they navigate the varied terrain.
• Pubs and Accommodations:After a long walk, you can retreat to one of Dartmoor’s dog-friendly pubs, where you and your pet can relax and refuel with hearty local food. These welcoming establishments often offer a cosy atmosphere.
• Staying in Dartmoor: The Two Bridges Hotel has stunning countryside views and is ideal for a dog-walking holiday. The hotel offers sumptuous traditionally-styled rooms and an award-winning Restaurant, plus the gateway to Dartmoor, a 5-minute walk from the hotel.

  With mesmerising views, Room With A View is an off-grid cabin ideal for a romantic getaway. Situated on a working farm, you can relax on the deck with a glass of wine, and the enclosed garden provides room for your dog to play.

The Yorkshire Dales are renowned for their distinctive landscape: rolling hills, lush valleys, and unique limestone pavements. This picturesque setting provides a perfect backdrop for dog-friendly holidays, offering routes that cater to all levels of fitness and adventure-seeking for both dogs and their owners.

• Diverse Paths:Whether you prefer a walk through verdant valleys or a challenging hike up rugged hills, the Yorkshire Dales have you covered. The area’s network of footpaths and bridleways offers fresh air and a variety of terrains suited to your dog’s ability.
• Places to Stay:The Yorkshire Dales boasts some top dog-friendly holiday accommodations, like The Well House, a beautiful stone-built house in the heart of the Dales. It’s ideally located for walking, cycling, and exploring this spectacular area, perfect for families.
  One of the UK’s top campsites, as voted by the Telegraph, Catgill Farm offers first-class facilities. Offering camping pitches plus luxury glamping pods and bell tents, this dog-friendly park is ideal for a family holiday.
• Local Pubs and Cafes:After a day of exploring, you can relax in one of the many dog-friendly eateries scattered throughout the Dales. These establishments offer a taste of local cuisine and a warm welcome for your four-legged friends, often providing welcome water bowls and treats after a walk.

Famed for its rolling chalk hills and ancient woodlands, this region creates a landscape that’s as beautiful as it is unique. This natural beauty offers a tranquil setting for a dog-friendly walking holiday, with trails that meander through picturesque countryside.

• Gentle Paths:The South Downs Way provides a notably accessible route for small dogs with less stamina and young dogs who shouldn’t be walking long distances over rugged terrain. Despite the gentle terrain, the views are anything but modest, with expansive vistas over the English countryside that are sure to impress.
• Comfortable Stays:The region boasts a variety of accommodation ideal for dog-friendly walking holidays; for the ultimate dog-friendly glamping holiday, the luxury Shepherd’s Huts at The Merry Harriers offers guests and their furry friends a slice of paradise.
  Brook Barn B and B provides comfortable accommodation in gorgeous grounds surrounded by unspoilt countryside and spellbinding views of the Downs.
• Welcoming Establishments:The South Downs also has numerous dog-friendly pubs and cafes. These establishments often provide water bowls and sometimes dog treats, making them the perfect pit stop for a long-distance walk.

The Brecon Beacons stand out with their unique offering of cascading waterfalls and serene reservoirs, making it an exceptional destination for a dog-walking holiday. The area is a dog paradise, providing numerous spots to splash and cool off during your walks.

• Water-based Adventures:The park’s trails lead to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Wales, such as Henrhyd Falls or Sgwd Yr Eira. The reservoirs, like Talybont, provide gentler waterside dog walking, perfect for a leisurely day out with your dog.
• Accommodations:Finding a place to stay with your dog in the Brecon Beacons is fairly easy from 5* luxury at The Lake Country House Hotel & Spa, a luxury dog-friendly retreat in a fabulous rural setting. Alternatively, you could experience countryside views venturing through The Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, staying on your own pet-friendly canal boat from Goytre Wharf.
• Eateries:The area is also known for its dog-welcoming pubs and cafes, serving delicious food, many of which are happy to host four-legged guests.

With its rich history as a former royal hunting ground, the New Forest presents a vast landscape with diverse wildlife and an array of natural wonders. This unique heritage has cultivated a sprawling area as rich in history as it is in flora and fauna. It offers an unparalleled dog-friendly holiday where you can walk your dog largely undisturbed for long periods.

• Safe, Off-Lead Walking:The New Forest’s open heathlands and ancient forests provide the perfect setting for safe, year-round off-lead excursions. Your dog can roam freely, exploring the area’s stunning locations, while owners enjoy scenic walks through this historic landscape.
• Places to Stay: The dog-friendly High Corner Inn is a delightful 17th-century country pub in the heart of the New Forest. It is perfect for a dog-friendly getaway, and you can even dine with your dog in the welcoming bar.

  The treehouses at Chewton Glen offer a unique experience in “dog walking holidays UK” and will undoubtedly have Fido’s tail wagging.

• Eating Out:When it comes to dining, the New Forest boasts numerous dog-friendly cafes, pubs, and restaurants.