Best Staycations
20 February 2026
Travelling with a dog in Britain should be a pleasure, not a logistical headache. The good news is that the UK is, on the whole, an exceptionally dog-friendly country. There are more public footpaths and bridleways here than almost anywhere else in Europe, the pub culture welcomes dogs with an enthusiasm that borders on devotion, and the variety of landscapes, from beaches to mountains, moors to forests, provides an embarrassment of walking riches.
The less good news is that not every hotel has caught up. Finding genuinely dog-friendly accommodation, places that welcome your dog rather than merely tolerating it, requires some research. This guide aims to make that research unnecessary. We have identified the hotels and B&Bs that genuinely welcome dogs, gathered practical advice from years of travelling with our own hounds, and created a resource that will make your next dog-friendly break as smooth as possible.
What Does Dog-Friendly Really Mean?
There is a spectrum of dog-friendliness in the UK hotel industry. At one end are properties that allow dogs but confine them to a single room category, charge a hefty supplement, and make it clear through their signage and attitude that your dog is a concession rather than a welcome guest. At the other end are properties where dogs are genuinely part of the experience: greeted at reception with a treat, provided with a bed and bowls, welcome in the bar and dining room, and treated as valued guests in their own right.
The properties we recommend fall firmly at the latter end of this spectrum. These are places where your dog will be as welcome as you are, and where the additional charge, if there is one, is modest and justified by the provision of dog beds, bowls, and sometimes gourmet treats.
Our Favourite Dog-Friendly Properties
The Feathers, Oxfordshire
A sixteenth-century inn in the Cotswolds market town of Woodstock, The Feathers has been welcoming dogs for as long as anyone can remember. Dogs are allowed in all ground-floor rooms and the bar, where the fire and the flagstone floors create exactly the kind of atmosphere that dogs and their owners appreciate. The Blenheim Palace estate, which begins at the end of the road, provides miles of superb walking through parkland and ancient woodland.
The Gallivant, Sussex
A seaside hotel on the road to Camber Sands, The Gallivant offers the rare combination of a stylish hotel and a genuinely dog-friendly attitude. Dogs are welcome in the bedrooms and the restaurant, and the beach at Camber Sands, one of the finest in southern England, is directly accessible from the hotel. The flat, expansive sands are ideal for dogs who like to run, and the dunes behind the beach provide sheltered walking on windier days.
The Westleton Crown, East Anglia
A coaching inn in the Suffolk village of Westleton, close to the RSPB Minsmere reserve, The Westleton Crown offers a warm welcome to dogs and their owners. The pub is the kind of place where muddy boots and wet dogs are not just tolerated but expected. Dunwich Heath, a National Trust property with miles of heathland walking and a dog-friendly beach, is a short drive away.
Louma Country Hotel, Dorset
The shepherd's huts at Louma Country Hotel are set within a working farm landscape, and dogs are welcome to explore the grounds with appropriate care. The Jurassic Coast is a short drive away, with many beaches that are dog-friendly year-round. The farm setting provides a variety of walking directly from your accommodation.
Foxhill Manor, Cotswolds
Foxhill Manor's house-party atmosphere extends to four-legged guests. Dogs are welcome throughout the property, including the main house, and the surrounding Cotswolds countryside provides endless walking opportunities. Broadway Tower, the highest point in the Cotswolds, is within easy reach and makes for a superb morning walk.
Finding Dog-Friendly Beaches
British beaches vary enormously in their attitude to dogs. Many popular beaches ban dogs during the summer months, typically from May to September, while others welcome them year-round. The key is to research before you travel.
Year-round dog-friendly beaches include Camber Sands in Sussex, Holkham Beach in Norfolk, Bamburgh Beach in Northumberland, and many beaches in Pembrokeshire and the Scottish Highlands. These beaches are typically longer, less crowded, and backed by dunes or open countryside that provides additional walking.
Seasonal bans are most common at resort beaches in Devon and Cornwall, where the conflict between sunbathers and dogs is most acute. Even at these beaches, dogs are usually permitted before nine in the morning and after six in the evening during the summer, and all day outside the summer season.
Always check the specific regulations for the beach you plan to visit, as they vary between local authorities and can change from year to year. The Good Beach Guide and the Kennel Club website both maintain searchable databases of dog-friendly beaches.
Dog-Friendly Pubs and Restaurants
Britain's pub culture is, on the whole, remarkably dog-friendly. The majority of traditional country pubs welcome well-behaved dogs in the bar area, and many provide water bowls, treats, and a warm spot by the fire. Gastropubs and restaurant-with-rooms properties are more variable: some are enthusiastically dog-friendly, while others restrict dogs to specific areas or exclude them from dining rooms.
When planning a dog-friendly break, research the dining options in your area in advance. Many of the best pubs now take bookings, which is useful when travelling with a dog, as it guarantees you a table in a dog-friendly area.
Practical Tips for Travelling with Dogs
In the Car
Long car journeys require preparation. Stop every two hours for a walk and a drink. Never leave your dog in a parked car, even with the windows open, as temperatures inside a stationary vehicle can become dangerous within minutes. Use a crate, harness, or guard to secure your dog during the journey.
At the Hotel
Bring your dog's own bed, food, bowls, and a familiar toy. Even the most dog-friendly hotels cannot replicate the comfort of familiar items. Keep your dog off the furniture unless the hotel explicitly allows it. Clean muddy paws before entering the room. Leave your dog's food and water bowls in a consistent spot so they know where to find them.
On Walks
Always carry bags for waste and dispose of them responsibly. Keep your dog on a lead near livestock, on cliff edges, and in areas where ground-nesting birds may be present. Be aware that not everyone you meet will be comfortable around dogs, and respect their space. Carry water for your dog on longer walks, particularly in warm weather.
Health and Safety
Ensure your dog is up to date with vaccinations and flea and tick treatments before travelling. Carry a basic first-aid kit for your dog, including tick-removal tools, antiseptic wipes, and any regular medication. Know the location of the nearest veterinary practice at your destination.
The Best Regions for Dog-Friendly Travel
Some regions of Britain are better suited to dog-friendly travel than others. The following stand out:
Northumberland offers empty beaches, vast moorland, and a culture that is genuinely welcoming to dogs. The Cheviot Hills and the coast between Bamburgh and Holy Island provide walking that is outstanding by any measure.
The Lake District combines mountain, lake, and valley walking with a strong tradition of dog-friendly pubs and hotels. Many properties welcome dogs, and the variety of walking terrain means that there is something for every level of canine fitness.
Pembrokeshire's coastline is magnificent and largely dog-friendly, with beaches that welcome dogs year-round and a Coast Path that provides some of the finest walking in Britain.
The Scottish Highlands offer the most space and freedom for dogs in Britain. The right to roam means that access restrictions are minimal, and the landscape is vast, wild, and utterly exhilarating for both human and canine explorers.
Norfolk's flat, expansive landscape, with its endless beaches and quiet countryside, is excellent for dogs. The coast between Holkham and Brancaster is a particular highlight, with miles of sand and marsh that dogs find irresistible.
