Dog friendly accommodation around the UK to suit every budget
For many of us, dogs are part of the family. And when you’re travelling in the UK, you want to bring them with you. But I’ve recently noticed a trend towards accommodation declaring itself dog friendly when, quite frankly, it isn’t. There are so many restrictions that unless you have one small dog that doesn’t shed hair or have vocal chords, you can’t bring them.
So, here’s a list of UK hotels, pubs, self-catering accommodation, caravan parks and campsites that are dog friendly. I’ve listed any restrictions that may prevent you from bringing your dog, such as only allowing one or two small dogs. I’ve listed chain resorts at the top, followed by an alphabetical list by place name.
Dog friendly chains
There are a few chain hotels or resorts that are all dog friendly. As they are located nationwide, they are a great backup plan for when you’re struggling to find somewhere to stay.
Away Resorts: These resorts offer both static caravans and camping. All grades of their accommodation are now dog friendly, so if you fancy a luxury break with your pooch you can do! They do charge extra for dogs, with the amount depending on the type of accommodation. More information is available on their website. You can read reviews from Travel Loving Family of Away Resorts at Tattershall Lakes and Barmouth bay. We also visited their Isle of Wight holiday park a few years ago.
Travelodge: There aren’t that many hotels that will take dogs, but Travelodge do allow them. You have to pay extra to bring dogs with you and there are restrictions on where in the hotel they can go. However, it’s great to have the option of bringing them with you and hopefully more hotel chains will follow suit. More information can be found in the Travelodge terms and conditions. You can also read a review of a Travelodge hotel from Otis and Us.
Dog friendly Cornwall
The Beach Haven, Bude: This luxury self-catering holiday cottage is located in Bude. They are happy to accept up to three dogs and the cottage has a private parking and lots of beautiful walks around, including the beach. For more information head to the Beach Haven website. You can read a review of the cottage by Picture Taker Memory Maker.
Penbugle Organic Farm, Liskeard: Located in the countryside between Liskeard and Looe, the Penbugle Organic Farm offers wooden wigwam cabins, bell tents and tent pitches. Dogs are allowed in all accommodation as long as you keep them on a lead and clean up after them. Visit the Penbugle website for more information and read a review from The Dadventurer.
Dog friendly Cotswolds
The Wild rabbit, Kingham: The Wild Rabbit is widely accepted to be one of the best gastro pubs in the UK, and it’s dog friendly too. We went there for lunch a few years ago and the food was incredible, and great for families with or without dogs. My eldest was just a baby at the time and the staff bent over backwards to accommodate her. Surprisingly for such an upmarket location, the Wild Rabbit offers dog friendly accommodation. The Hare, Otter, Owl and Mole rooms listed on their website all accept dogs. You can read the Foodie Family’s lunch review here.
Doubletree by Hilton, Cheltenham: This is a fabulous hotel and spa that I reviewed last year. I had no idea it was dog friendly until we were in the hotel and a dog strolled past. Really strangely, they have a maximum weight for their canine guests of 34kg. I’ve done some research and this is about the size of a male Golden Retriever. Head to their website for more information and to book, or check out my review of the Doubletree by Hilton.
The Painswick Hotel, Painswick: This four star hotel is located 10 miles outside of Cheltenham. As well as beautiful looking accommodation and food, they offer Elemis spa treatments and your dog is welcome by prior arrangement. This isn’t particularly well advertised on their website, but information is available on their policies page. Pershore Patty has reviewed her stay and dinner at the Painswick.
The Kingham Plough, Kingham: This is another prestigious gastro pub based in Kingham. Like the Wild Rabbit, they offer dog friendly rooms and gourmet dining. The annex rooms of the Kingham Plough are dog friendly, you can find out more about them here. To read a review of the Sunday lunch, head over to Pershore Patty.
The Old Stocks Inn, Stow-on-the-Wold: This is a dog friendly hotel that does have some restrictions on the dogs they welcome. Their garden rooms are dog friendly but they only accept two small dogs or one large one. It definitely wouldn’t be somewhere we’d be welcome with our entourage! That said, Pershore Patty has reviewed their rather amazing looking brunch and it looks like a real treat if your canine friends fall within their restrictions. More information is available on their website.
Dog friendly Devon
Hawkchurch resort, Axminster: Hawkchurch is a Hoseasons resort. Like many of their holiday parks, dogs are accepted in some accommodation, with a maximum of two dogs allowed. The resort is located on the border between Devon and Dorset and boasts a spa, treatment rooms, restaurants, gym and additional facilities. Check out their website for more information or head to Emma And 3 for a review of their stay.
Ross Park Caravan Park, Newton Abbot: This is a family and dog friendly caravan park in a convenient location for exploring Devon and Dartmoor. They have both hardstanding and grass pitches, with a heated shower block, restaurant and family entertainment. Find out more at the Ross Park website and see what Tin Box Traveller thought of it in their review.
Woodovis Park, Tavistock: This luxury campsite offers dog friendly accommodation in luxury caravans plus camping and touring, although their glamping pods don’t accept dogs. The facilities on site are very impressive, with everything from a swimming pool and spa to children’s play areas and entertainment. To find out more, read this review by Tin Box Traveller, or check out the Woodovis Park website.
Hillhead Caravan Club Site, Brixham: This Caravan Club location boasts static caravans as well as pitches for touring caravans and camping. All are dog friendly. The site is located close to the beach and offers sea views. For more information, you will need to go to the main Caravan Club website and search for Hillhead. Alternatively, read a detailed review from the Dadventurer.
Dog friendly Dorset
North Manor Meadow Cottages, Dorset: These self-catering cottages are dog friendly and provide the essentials you’ll need for a holiday with your pooch. When Renovation Bay-Bee reviewed them, they were delighted to find a dog bowl, poo bags and a hosepipe on hand. These properties can be found on the Sykes Cottages website. They welcome only one (well-behaved) dog and they must be kept on a lead outside.
Dog friendly Hampshire
The Bell Inn, New Forest: The Bell Inn is located in a little hamlet called Bramshaw in the New Forest. With more horses around than cars, Suzanne from Inside Outside and Beyond fell in love with the place. Eight out of the 27 rooms are dog friendly and the Inn boasts original beams, log fires and beautiful surroundings. Head to their website for more information and to book a dog friendly break.
Dog friendly Lincolnshire
Canal Farm Cottages: This adorable collection of holiday homes is located in a tiny hamlet near Louth in the Lincolnshire Wolds. We stayed in Barn Owl Cottage, which is dog friendly and sleeps up to five people. Our home from home had a fully equipped kitchen, television, games and a lovely tray of afternoon tea to welcome us. Find out more on the canal farm cottages website and check out my review of the Lincolnshire Wolds including the accommodation.
Dog friendly Northumberland
Acorn Leisure at Felmoor Park, Northumberland: The luxury lodges run by Acorn Leisure are all dog friendly, allowing up to two dogs free of charge. They boast outdoor hot tubs along with glorious countryside views. Perfect for exploring the area. For more information on their lodges, head to the Acorn Leisure Website, or read reviews from North East Family Fun or My Boys Club.
Holidaynorthumbria.com, Northumberland: This small holiday company has three self catering cottages. Two are located in the centre of Bamburgh, whilst the other is in the countryside on the outskirts of Morpeth. They all accept up to two dogs. You can find more information about the cottages on their website, or read a review of Greenleaf Cottage in Bamburgh from Travels With My Boys.
Kielder campsite, Kielder Forest: We stayed in Kielder campsite last Summer and it really is somewhere quite out of the ordinary. For a start, they have absolutely no phone signal for miles around. There is some, rather sketchy WiFi on the campsite and a phone box. But other than that, you’re effectively incommunicado. We loved it. But look out for the mosquitos! The campsite is very dog friendly, with beautiful woodland walks directly from the site. Read our full review of Kielder Forest and head to the Kielder Campsite website for full details and to book.
Cross House Cottages, Warkworth: Both the studio and apartment accommodation at Cross Houses are dog friendly, with an additional charge of £20 per dog. As well as beautiful looking accommodation, there is also a secure garden for dogs to run around in. Mandy Charlton reviewed Cross House Cottages with her dog Holly Bobbins. More information is available on the Cross House Cottages website.
Twice Brewed Inn, Hadrian’s Wall: This is a dog-friendly Inn that goes above and beyond to welcome your canine guests. They have dog bowls outside the entrance, treats just inside and a garden at the rear for dogs to run around. It offers compact rooms with beautiful countryside views. See their selection of rooms on their website and read what Holly Bobbins and Mandy thought of it in their review.
Ayton Castle Gatehouse, Ayton: This majestic looking gatehouse accepts two dogs ‘if not too large’. It is a great location for exploring Lindisfarne Holy Island and you can even act as gatehouse keeper during your stay if you want to. The property received a glowing review from An Optimistic Adventure and can be booked via Airbnb.
Dog friendly Scotland
Blairmore farm, Crieff: A couple of years ago, we spent a few days in a self-catering cottage on Blairmore Farm. In total, there were four adults, two young children, a tween, a teen and three dogs. Despite being very rural, Blairmore Farm manages to cater for absolutely everyone. From the warm welcome with a food hamper, to the home cooked meals you could order. Everything was thought of. We were even able to order an online shop and have it delivered before we arrived. This is a truly dog friendly place to stay and it is the first place I always think of to recommend to anyone. You can read my full review of Blairmore Farm and check out their website for more details.
27 Garenin, Isle of Lewis: What could be better than exploring the Isle of Lewis with your dog? 27 Garenin is a self-catering bungalow that sleeps six. It is dog friendly and located five minutes walk from the village of Gearannan Blackhouse. Its enclosed garden is perfect for both children and dogs to burn off some steam. You can read a review from Monkey and Mouse or book via the 27 Garenin website.
Edencoille Bed and Breakfast, Grantown-on-Spey: This is described by The Wee White Dug as ‘Scotland’s Best B&B’. It is a five star bed and breakfast, located amid the Cairngorm mountains. There is only one room, so it is in demand. But if you manage to book it, you’ll get homely luxury and a beautiful setting. Pets are allowed on request although they reserve the right to charge extra. They can also provide dog bowls. More information is available on their website.
Sango Sands Oasis, Durness: This dog friendly campsite in North Scotland has some of the most spectacular coastal views you could imagine. The site has hardstanding and grass pitches, wifi and electric hookups. It is adjacent to a restaurant and bar where visitors enjoy sea views and spot the occasional whale, dolphin or seal swimming by. Find out what Fat Frocks thought of it and read more about it on the Sango Sands website.
Mull holiday cottages, Isle of Mull: These five self-catering holiday cottages all accept a maximum of one dog. They overlook the Sound of Mull in an elevated position, and each is equipped with all the facilities you could need. Find out why Mel’s Next chapter keeps coming back to her favourite cottage and head to their website for further information.
Dog friendly Shropshire
Love2Stay resort, Shropshire: The Love2Stay resort is a campsite that offers the sort of entertainment you would expect in a holiday resort. Including exercise classes, adventure playground, natural swimming pool, spa and a luxury glamping option. Find out more about this and other similar Love2Stay destinations on their website, and read the glowing review from Otis and Us.
Dog friendly Somerset
Doniford Bay Holiday Park, Watchet: This is a Haven holiday park with dog friendly caravans available. In their review, The Life Of Spicers mention that the caravans you are allocated when holidaying with a dog are very basic in comparison to the rest of the accommodation. However, the park as a whole is a great place to be based with your dog to explore the surrounding area including the beach. More information about the park is available on their website.
Dog friendly Sussex
Dogs Love Camping, Hurst: This campsite does everything with dogs in mind. For many families, holidaying with your dog means going camping. Not only is it cheap and easy to find a dog friendly campsite, it’s fun for the whole family. But the South Downs Campsite takes it one step further. All canine visitors get a special pack of treats on arrival. There’s also a woodland walk and even optional agility and trick classes and adventure walks. Find out what Kippers and Curtains thought of their stay.
Dog friendly Wales
Elan Oaks Camping and Caravan Site, Elan Valley: This campsite is set in a beautiful location a short walk from the Elan Valley Visitor Centre. It is the perfect location for exploring the local area with your canine companion. You can read our review of the campsite and a family holiday to the Elan Valley and head to the Elan Oaks website to book.
Brecon Beacons Holiday Cottages, Brecon: A holiday to the Black Mountains or Brecon Beacons is perfect for families who like to get out and explore the area with a dog. That’s why the Brecon Beacons Holiday Cottages website has a dedicated dog friendly section. You can read a review of their beautiful dog friendly cottages at Have Kids Will Travel and Tent Sniffing for Beginners.
Please do leave a comment if you know of a good dog friendly accommodation provider that I’ve missed. You can also head over to Tin Box Traveller for more ideas of places in the UK to holiday with your dog.
It amuses me that a hotel called the Wild Rabbit invites dogs to stay! I’m sure many of them would be tempted, with a name like that….
Haha yes you make a good point! The food at the Wild Rabbit is amazing, writing about it reminded me that I need to go there again soon!
Nat.x
Hi Nat, it’s nice that there are places that accommodate dogs. Dogs are part of the family and enjoy getting out to explore too. I imagine Dog Do Love Camping if the place is so dog-friendly and what’s more perfect with a dog than a camping holiday?
xx
It’s so good to have a list of so many places that accept dogs, we rarely travel without our two.
Nat.x
We don’t have pets in our family so hadn’t really considered the practicalities of travelling with a dog, you’ve given some great tips and really useful list of recommendations here which i’m sure will be useful to others #lgrtstumble
This is brilliant. We don’t go away much but if we did, I wouldn’t actually trust anyone enough to look after Rosie and it would be lovely to take her with us. another one to bookmark 🙂
That’s an impressive list and a lot of research! I used to run my parents cottage which was properly dog friendly but they’re doing long term rentals now. #AnimalTales
Thank you, this is so useful, we hope to get a dog this summer or in the autumn and it will mean more holidays where we can take a dog and it’s good to know places that will be friendly.
#animaltales
Thanks Karen, I do hope it is useful when you get your pooch.
Nat.x
this is a handy list, sadly we’re in Dubai with our dog and apart from dog parks and our garden there are very few other places we are allowed to go #animaltales
Ahh that’s a shame that there’s not many places over there that allow dogs. Hopefully things will change eventually, they do seem to be gradually improving over here.
Nat.x
We have never actually taken Saari on holiday as she is too nervous but for those who do want to take teir dogs, this is a great list. I now reckon you need to investigate dog friendly places in France 😉 #AnimalTales
Ahh that’s a shame, ours are seasoned travellers! And yes, we’ll definitely investigate dog friendly places in France in the future!
Nat.x
I’d like to recommend Serenity Cottages! If you’re looking for a luxurious Suffolk getaway where your dog feels just as pampered as you, this is it.
Beautiful chocolate box cottages, hot tubs, saunas, wood-burning fires, doggy treats, private enclosed gardens… they even offer in-cottage massages and chef services (for you, not the dog!).
No limit on the type or number of dogs. All are welcome.
That sounds idyllic, thank you for the recommendation!x