Taking your dogs on your getaway means more than having a four-legged friend along for a ride. It’s also a holiday for your furry friends, so you must make them feel included when planning your holiday. Thankfully, the UK is full of incredible places that welcome dogs with open arms and have facilities to cater to your furry friends. Below, we’ve rounded up a list of some of the best dog-friendly destinations in the UK for nomads, from the Cairngorms in Scotland to the Lake District in England.

#1 – The Cairngorms, Scotland

Scotland is renowned for its astonishing natural beauty, and one of the best places to soak up its charms is the Cairngorms National Park. Considered the UK’s largest national park, Cairngorms occupies over 1,700 square miles of glistening lochs, snow-peaked mountains, and sweeping valleys. It’s a dog-friendly destination, offering plenty of opportunities for you and your pet to play and spend quality time.

You and your dog can explore Cairngorms’ wondrous landscapes in countless ways. You can go hiking on one of the trails. There are different hiking routes for hikers of all levels, including dog-friendly trails. If you are not up for hiking, the best way to experience the park’s beautiful scenery is to rent a car and drive through the 90-mile SnowRoads route, starting at Blairgowrie and ending in Grantown-on-Spey.

The best way to get around the Cairngorms is with a car, giving you the best flexibility. Also, many hiking trails start in remote areas unreachable by public transport.

When planning your holiday to Cairngorms, search for accommodations that allow dogs. Thankfully, there are several of them in the park. Some even have facilities for your furry friend to play, rest, and sleep.

#2 – Cornwall, England

Cornwall is one of the UK’s most dog-friendly places, offering many fantastic things for you and your dog to have a great time, from impressive coastal walks along the beaches to fun days at the park. In addition, Cornwall has heaps of eateries allowing guests to bring their pets.

Take your dog to Fistral Beach, one of the country’s most famous surfing beaches. Its spectacular sands offer the perfect place to walk, run, and play with your dogs. But be careful of the dangerous tides if you have water-loving dogs. Better put them on a leash to be safe.

Holywell Bay is another beach that offers the perfect spot to take your furry friends. The spectacular stretch of golden sand features stunning views of the turquoise seas and is a dog walker’s dream. While in Holywell Bay, visit the grotto-like Holywell Cave and check out the wreck of an Argentinian ship that you can see during low tide.

Aside from the beaches, Cornwall has several attractions that welcome dogs. Hop on to the Lappa Valley Steam Railway, a vintage locomotive taking you to some of Cornwall’s fascinating sights. Other dog-friendly attractions in Cornwall are the Newlyn Art Gallery & The Exchange Gallery, Wheal Martyn China Clay Museum and Country Park, and the Cornish Seal Sanctuary.

#3 – Pembrokeshire, Wales

A holiday in Pembrokeshire with your four-legged friends is a chance to relax and enjoy fun outdoor activities. Here, you can hike and discover several miles of glorious outdoor countryside, enjoy sumptuous lunch in dog-friendly pubs, or play at the vast stretches of beaches and hidden bays. There are also plenty of places to stay that allow dogs in the UK, with Pembrokeshire being a favoured destination for many.

Pembrokeshire is renowned for its vast expanses of golden sands and quiet secluded bays. The good news is that all of Pembrokeshire’s beaches are dog friendly. Even the stiles along the coast path have special gates for dogs. But like anywhere else, restrictions may apply in the height of summer. However, some large beaches span several miles and have restriction-free areas in summer.

Broad Haven is one of those beaches to take your dog. It has plenty of space for your four-legged friends to stretch their legs. You can enjoy a pleasant walk along the headland towards the Settlands and into Little Haven. Another dog-friendly beach is Marloes Sands, which disappears at high tide. But when the tide pulls, it will reveal scenic little bays, rock pools, and unique rock formations.

#4 – Yorkshire, England

Yorkshire is one of the best places to consider for dog-friendly days out in the UK. The stunning Yorkshire Dales and the Peak District are enough to convince you to take your dogs here for a fun-filled getaway. Rich in natural beauty and history, the Yorkshire Dales National Park covers over 600 square miles across much of North Yorkshire. It’s a haven for those looking to unwind with their furry friends and soak up the beauty of nature to the fullest.

The Helmsley Walled Garden is one of the most beautiful places to take your dog in Yorkshire. It’s open throughout spring and summer and is an excellent way to enjoy Yorkshire’s seasonal beauty. You’ll find plenty of welcoming and relaxing spots to walk and play with your dogs.

Another place to visit with your dog in Yorkshire is the Burton Agnes Manor House, a mediaeval manor house in East Yorkshire. The historical site allows dogs to explore its magnificent buildings. But your dog’s favourite place will be the impressive gardens, where they can run and play.

#5 – The Lake District, England

The Lake District is one of the UK’s most incredible places to take your dogs, thanks to its vast open spaces and pet-friendly attractions, accommodations, and eateries. The region attracts visitors for its spectacular scenery, history, wildlife, and culture.

One of the best things to do in the Lake District with your pet is to go on a cruise. Enjoy a gentle cruise along Lake Windermere and get off at some pet-friendly attractions along the shore. Dogs are welcome to ride, and they are free of charge.

If cruising is not something that your pet will enjoy, go on a train ride instead. At the southern tip of Windermere, you’ll find the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway, a steam locomotive with 1950s carriages. Hop aboard as it makes its way towards the 3.5 miles of the former Furness Railway line. Like the Windermere cruise, your dogs can travel for free on the train.