The Best Dog-Friendly Places to Stay in England
If you're keen to travel with your dogs in tow, England has plenty of dog-friendly places waiting for you. After all, your four-legged friends are part of the family, and being able to take them on your trip can make for an even more unforgettable holiday experience.
By Eglė
Published: Aug 21, 2023 • min read
From the golden beaches of Devon that welcome dogs all year round to the stunning landscapes of Yorkshire Dales peppered with gentle walking trails, here are the best dog-friendly places to stay in England.
1.Devon
Often dubbed "dog-friendly Devon," Devon has many dog-friendly attractions that will welcome your adorable four-legged friends with open arms. Here, you can take your pet on a ride through steam trains, trams, or boat cruises. You can wander and play around the grounds of Devon's lavish mansions and gardens or let them run freely at the natural parks and attractions.
Being one of the UK's largest counties, Devon offers several miles of walking trails with dog-friendly terrains and will take you through stunning coastlines, beautiful National Parks, including the Dartmoor, and several Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Branscombe to Beer trail is a picturesque coastal trail to walk your dog. It's a long walk for you and your pet to enjoy together, where you can admire the spectacular scenery and stop by an old bakery for snacks.
Devon has over 60 beaches. Many of these are award-winning, carrying the Blue Flag Status. Some of these beaches allow dogs. However, some restrict dogs during the height of the season. Others have a designated area reserved only for dogs. In addition, some sections of the famous Southwest Coast Path run along Devon's coastline, offering an incredible coastal walking experience with your pet.
2.Hampshire
Hampshire remains one of the most visited counties in the south of England, home to iconic attractions like the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth and Downton Abbey at Highclere Castle. Offering many fantastic days out for dog lovers, Hampshire is one of England's best dog-friendly places to stay.
The charming village of Mottisfont is one of those places to take your dog for a walk. Many of its beautiful gardens are open for your dogs to explore as long as you keep them on a leash and in their best behaviours. Another fantastic place to bring your dog is the Ludshott Commons, where you can walk through ancient wooded trails towards lowland heaths.
Head to Winchester, and take your dog to Magdalen Hill Down, a hilly trail with several well-marked routes. You will find fantastic open areas here to let your pups run as they wish. Also in Winchester, you'll find the famous Farley Mount, a lovely country park offering walkers forestry and scenic paths to explore with your pup. You can walk the circuit road that will lead towards Crab Wood.
Another beautiful path to walk your dog is Old Winchester Hill, a scenic trail considered a site of archaeological interest. The nature reserve extends to over 150 acres of land, perfect for spotting birds and other wildlife.
3.Cornwall
Cornwall is one of England's best destinations for dog-friendly holidays, here you will find an array of places to explore with your four legged friends. It offers plenty of outdoor activities, from scenic walks along the coast to natural parks and attractions. Many of the top Cornish attractions are happy to welcome dogs to play and run around their grounds.
The Eden Project is one of those attractions to take your pet. It's a gorgeous botanical garden housed inside a glass dome and a great place to explore with your pet. Some days, there are special exhibitions and events, and food stalls spread indoors and outdoors. You cannot take your dogs inside the dome and exhibition areas except for assistance dogs. However, they are welcome in the nature trails, picnic areas, and gardens.
Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm is a family-friendly attraction with lovely outdoor areas and orchards that welcome well-behaved dogs on leads. But be mindful of the farm animals and peacocks roaming freely. Visit Lappa Valley, renowned for its steam railway, running from Benny Halt to East Wheal Rose. You can take your dogs on a ride on the train for only £1 or climb aboard the canoe boats.
4.Yorkshire Dales
Yorkshire is a haven for outdoor adventures. In fact, almost everyone you come across here is in walking boots and a backpack. When taking your dogs to Yorkshire Dales, you will spend your days hiking through scenic trails, climbing rocks, exploring rivers, and more.
The Dales National Park is the best place to take your pet. It covers over 800 square miles of walking trails, and many sections are dog friendly. Try the James Herriot Way. It's a 52-mile trail that goes through Wensleydale and Swaledale. Be sure to put your dogs on a leash since you could come across some animals.
Take your dogs to Bolton Abbey, a lavish estate popular with local families, hikers, and nature lovers. It has some areas where dogs can run free. Some marked sections, like cafes and car parks, also welcome dogs on their leads.
5.Whitby
Whitby is a picturesque seaside town in Northeast England and offers a great place to explore scenic moors and coastlines with your dog. Here, you can discover a rustic town home to independent shops and cafes, fun outdoor experiences, and attractions offering a peak of Whitby's history.
Take your dogs to Tate Hill Beach, a small sandy beach, a perfect place to relax as you let your pet run around the coast. Tate Hill Beach is also famous for fossil hunting. The best thing about Tate Hill Beach is they allow dogs on the beach all year round. Some other beaches that allow dogs in Whitby are Upgang Whitby Beach, Whitby West Cliff Beach, Sandsend Beach, Saltwick Bay Beach, and Sandsend Ness.
You can also have your dogs join you for a walk along the Cleveland Way or on boat trips. Book the Captain Cook Experience, a boat cruise that allows dogs for free. For this experience, you'll sail along the scenic harbour and learn about Captain Cook's historical impact on the town.
You may also like :
Leave a comment