Best Dog-Friendly UK Holiday Destinations in 2026
Taking your dog on holiday in the UK has never been more straightforward. From the beaches of Cornwall to the hills of the Lake District, hundreds of hotels, cottages, and campsites across Britain now actively welcome dogs. Here are some of the best destinations for a dog-friendly break in 2026.
Key takeaways
- Cornwall, the Lake District, the Scottish Highlands, and Pembrokeshire are among the best dog-friendly holiday destinations in the UK for 2026.
- Most properties charge a dog supplement of £10–£40; book early as the best dog-friendly accommodation fills up quickly.
- Always locate your nearest vet and emergency out-of-hours service before arriving at your holiday destination.
Cornwall: Beaches, Coastal Paths and Dog-Friendly Everything
Cornwall remains one of the UK's top dog-friendly destinations. Out of peak season (October to April), nearly every beach in Cornwall permits dogs, and even during summer many beaches have dog-friendly sections before 10am and after 6pm. The South West Coast Path offers hundreds of miles of spectacular dog-friendly walking.
Cornwall has embraced dog-friendly tourism enthusiastically — many pubs, restaurants, and cafés actively welcome dogs. Accommodation ranges from luxury holiday cottages in places like Rock, Padstow, and the Roseland Peninsula to campsites and glamping with dog-welcoming policies. Expect to pay a dog supplement of £10–£30 per stay at most holiday cottages and rental properties.
If your dog requires veterinary attention whilst on holiday, Cornwall has a number of vet practices including emergency services. It is always worth locating the nearest out-of-hours vet before you travel — out-of-hours consultations average £275.72 in the UK.
The Lake District: Mountains, Lakes and Stunning Walking
The Lake District National Park in Cumbria is one of the UK's most spectacular landscapes and an outstanding destination for active dogs and owners. The fells, valleys, and lakeshores provide extraordinary variety — from gentle waterside walks to serious mountain hikes. Dogs are welcome on most open access land in the Lake District, though they must be kept on leads near livestock.
Keswick, Ambleside, and Coniston all have good concentrations of dog-friendly pubs, tearooms, and accommodation. Dog-friendly holiday cottages in the area can be found through many rental platforms, though popular properties book up months in advance, particularly in summer. Budget for a dog supplement of £20–£40 per week in many Lake District properties.
Swimming in the lakes is a popular activity for dogs and completely legal on most lake shores outside designated swimming areas. Always supervise your dog around water, particularly in the colder months.
The Scottish Highlands: Space, Scenery and Freedom
Scotland has the most permissive access laws in the UK — under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, the public has the right to access most land for walking, cycling, and other recreational activities, provided they act responsibly. This includes taking dogs, though responsible management near livestock and wildlife is required.
The Scottish Highlands offer unrivalled space and scenery for dogs and owners. The Cairngorms National Park, Glen Coe, the Isle of Skye, and Loch Ness all provide iconic landscapes. Dog-friendly accommodation ranges from traditional B&Bs and country inns to remote self-catering cottages. The remoteness means advance planning for veterinary access is particularly important.
Pet insurance covering emergency veterinary treatment is strongly advisable when travelling to remote areas. The PDSA's pet travel advice also recommends carrying a basic pet first aid kit and your vet's out-of-hours number when walking in isolated countryside.
Pembrokeshire: Coastal Beauty and Dog-Welcoming Towns
Pembrokeshire in Wales offers some of the UK's most dramatic coastal scenery. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path — a 186-mile National Trail — is largely dog-friendly, and the area has numerous dog-welcoming beaches out of the main summer season. Tenby, Saundersfoot, and Fishguard all have dog-friendly accommodation options and welcoming local pubs.
Pembrokeshire benefits from being less crowded than Cornwall for much of the year and is easily accessible by car from the Midlands, the South West, and South Wales. Self-catering cottages in the area frequently accept dogs, often at small additional cost.
Dog-friendly boat trips around the Pembrokeshire islands (Skomer, Caldey) are limited, as wildlife protection is important in this National Park. But coastal walks, estuary trails, and designated dog-friendly beaches provide ample activity.
Practical Tips for Dog-Friendly UK Holidays
Planning ahead makes dog-friendly UK holidays far more enjoyable. Book accommodation that explicitly welcomes dogs rather than 'tolerates' them — dedicated dog-friendly properties often provide dog beds, bowls, and local walking guides. Check beach and park rules in advance, as restrictions change by season and area.
Packaging a pet travel kit before setting off is good practice: include your dog's medication, vaccination records, microchip details, collapsible water bowl, waste bags, and a basic first aid kit. In the event of an accident, knowing your nearest vet is important. You can [compare vet prices near you](/compare-vet-prices/) to find a practice near your holiday destination before you travel. Many UK holiday parks and campsites now have a vet partnership or can recommend a local practice.
Find a Vet Near You
Before any dog-friendly UK holiday, identify a local vet at your destination. CompareMyVet lets you search vet practices across the UK and compare their fees and services. Visit [app.comparemyvet.uk](https://app.comparemyvet.uk) to find a vet wherever your travels take you.
Related guides
Common questions
Many UK beaches allow dogs year-round, outside of the main summer restrictions (typically 1 May to 30 September). The exact rules vary by council. Dogs are generally welcome on most UK beaches before 10am and after 6pm even during restricted seasons. Check local council websites before visiting.
Most dog-friendly hotels and holiday cottages charge a supplement of £10–£40 per dog per stay or per night. Some premium dog-friendly properties include this in their standard rate. Always check the terms carefully and confirm that dogs are allowed in bedrooms if required.
Essentials include vaccination records, microchip ID, any regular medication, flea and tick treatment, a collapsible water bowl, poo bags, a blanket or travel bed, and your vet's contact details. A basic pet first aid kit — including wound dressings and antiseptic wipes — is also advisable.
CompareMyVet is live in Brighton & Hove — search 29 practices by price, ownership and services. Launching across the UK in 2026.