From sweeping coastlines and wild moorland to picture-perfect villages, the UK is jam-packed with dog-friendly destinations that are begging to be explored on four paws. We’ve scoured the country to narrow down the best spots for a dog-friendly cottage break – we’re talking places with scenic walks, pubs that genuinely welcome dogs, and plenty of open space.
Cornwall
Cornwall is one of the most popular dog-friendly cottage destinations in the UK, and for good reason. With miles of clifftop walks, sandy beaches and countryside, it’s like the county was made for stretching legs – both human and hound. Cottages are as varied as they come. Choose from sea-view properties, fishermen’s cottages in the heart of town, or remote rural retreats.
Top walks:
The South West Coast Path offers miles of dramatic clifftop walking, with sections linking places like Perranporth and Watergate Bay. You can choose shorter stretches or make a full day of it.
Inland, Bodmin Moor provides a completely different experience – wide open space, tors to climb and a real sense of calm.
Places to visit:
St Ives is famously dog-friendly, with plenty of independent shops and cafés that welcome four-legged visitors. Padstow is another great base, with harbour walks and access to the traffic-free Camel Trail.
Things to do:
- Visit Tintagel Castle for rugged ruins with jaw-dropping sea views.
- Explore the Lost Gardens of Heligan – dogs are welcome at this 200-acre estate.
- Sip something chilled at Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm with your four-legged friend in tow.
The Lake District
If your dog loves open space, water and proper walks, then the Lake District in Cumbria will feel like doggy heaven. It’s a place where you can walk straight from your cottage door and feel properly out in the elements within minutes, then return after a busy day to an open fire.
Top walks:
A circuit around Derwentwater is a brilliant all-rounder – mostly level, scenic and ideal if you want something substantial but not too strenuous.
If you fancy rewarding views, without a full-on hike, Latrigg near Keswick is a good choice.
For gentler days, Grasmere and Rydal Water offer peaceful lakeside paths.
Places to visit:
Keswick is considered one of the most dog-friendly towns in the UK, thanks to its collection of dog-welcoming pubs, cafes and shops.
Ambleside and Windermere are also great dog-friendly options, both offering plenty of outdoor seating and easy access to lakeside trails.
Things to do:
- Hop on a lake cruise – dogs are welcome on board most of the boats in Windermere, Ullswater and Keswick.
- Explore the walking and cycling trails in Grizedale Forest.
- Take a scenic ride on the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway or the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway.
North Yorkshire
Coast meets Dales in North Yorkshire, giving you plenty of variety when it comes to walks. Yorkshire’s moors and dales are great for long walks without crowds, while the coast offers sandy beaches and clifftop paths with huge views.
Top walks:
The seven-mile walk between Whitby and Robin Hood’s Bay is a classic, with plenty of room to explore rock pools at low tide.
Inland, the North York Moors National Park provides heather-covered landscapes and quieter trails. For dramatic scenery, Malham Cove in the Yorkshire Dales is always a hit.
Places to visit:
Whitby is packed with character and dog-friendly spots. Staithes is smaller but equally charming, with narrow streets and coastal paths.
Meanwhile, in the Dales, Grassington and Malham are top bases for exploring the dramatic limestone scenery.
Top things to do:
- Don’t miss the iconic Whitby Abbey, where dogs are welcome to explore the grounds and ruins with you.
- Travel between Pickering and Whitby on a heritage steam train – dogs are welcome on board for a small fee.
- Take in the colours at Helmsley Walled Garden. Dogs can even join you on the cafe’s terrace.
The Cotswolds
Everything about the Cotswolds is cosy and cute – from its pubs to its honey-coloured villages. And they’re surprisingly dog-friendly, too. The area’s rolling hills are perfect for stretching legs, while plenty of cottages line up mature gardens and outdoor seating areas for a glass of wine or two in the evening.
Top walks:
The Cotswold Way has sections suitable for day walks, weaving through fields, woodland and quiet lanes.
Short circular walks around Bourton-on-the-Water and Bibury are ideal for older dogs or those who prefer flatter ground. And the easy stroll between Lower and Upper Slaughter follows the River Eye, perfect for paddle-loving dogs.
Places to visit:
Bourton-on-the-Water is lively but welcoming, with riverside strolls and plenty of dog-friendly outdoor seating.
Stow-on-the-Wold and Chipping Campden are also great market towns, where you can easily spend hours wandering the antique shops, galleries and markets.
Things to do:
- Take a walk on the wild side at the Cotswold Wildlife Park, where pups are welcome on leads.
- Make the trip up to Broadway Tower for panoramic views and plenty of open space for walkies.
- Admire beautiful and rare trees, shrubs and bamboos at Batsford Arboretum, where dogs are welcome throughout.
Norfolk
Beaches and broads are both on offer in Norfolk. The Norfolk coast provides endless dunes and beach walks, while the broads are all about gentle riverside strolls along quiet towpaths. Accommodation ranges from peaceful countryside cottages to period homes in the heart of lively seaside towns.
Top walks:
Holkham Beach is famous for its wide sands and pine woods. Wells-next-the-Sea is another favourite, particularly outside peak restrictions.
The Norfolk Coast Path links many seaside villages, while the Norfolk Broads provide flat riverside routes if you fancy a change from sand.
Places to visit:
Blakeney is a lovely base for coastal exploring, while busier Cromer combines seaside charm with dog-friendly cafés.
Inland, Wroxham – the Capital of the Broads – bustles with dog-friendly boat and railway trips, pet-welcoming pubs and riverside walking routes.
Things to do:
- Spot seals off Blakeney Point on a wildlife-watching boat trip from Morston Quay.
- Explore the 1,000 acres of parkland, woodland and clifftop paths at Sheringham Park, a National Trust site.
- Head off on a boat trip from the Museum of the Broads. They provide dog water bowls and even doggy life jackets.
Scotland’s Highlands
Wild and wonderful is the best way to describe the Scottish Highlands. If you and your dog prefer fewer crowds, this is the place for you. Whether you’re heading up for hill walks or beach runs, Scottish cottages tend to be spacious, often with views that sweep from sea to mountain.
Top walks:
Forest trails around Aviemore are ideal for steady exploration, while sections of the Cairngorms provide more challenging terrain for experienced walkers and energetic dogs.
Coastal paths along the Moray Firth offer flatter options with sea views.
Places to visit:
Pitlochry is a welcoming base with independent shops and dog-friendly cafes, plus the famous Queen’s View lookout point.
The Isle of Skye is a must for stunning walks, from the Fairy Pools to The Quiraing. And Fort William is another popular spot, thanks to its hiking shops and easy access to Glen Coe.
Things to do:
- Hike up to the Glenfinnan Viaduct to catch a glimpse of the famous ‘Harry Potter’ steam train.
- Stroll around Loch Ness, or hop on board a boat for a cruise of its famous waters.
- Paddle in the turquoise waters of Mellon Udrigle – a year-round dog-friendly beach with white sand and mountain views.
At Dog Friendly Retreats we love helping owners find that perfect pad from which to explore. Whether you’re dreaming of chasing waves in Cornwall, scrambling up fells or sipping ale in a Cotswold pub, we can help you find the dog-friendly cottage to suit.
