3rd June 2025
Top dog-friendly walking holidays in the UK
When it comes to dog-friendly adventures, you can’t get much better than a walking holiday, especially in the UK. Home to a veritable smorgasbord of incredible landscapes, you’ve got the pick of the litter when choosing a pup-approved walking destination, from Cornwall’s glistening coastline all the way up to the towering peaks of the Scottish Highlands - and everything in between.
Whether you love dramatic mountains, picturesque coastlines, rolling hills, or heather-topped moorland, we’ve fetched our favourite dog-friendly walking destinations so you and the pooch can enjoy the ultimate travel experience - all within the beautiful UK.
Lake District National Park
Home to an awe-inspiring mix of shimmering lakes and tree-lined fells, the Lake District National Park in Cumbria is one of the best walking destinations in the UK. Not only is the scenery utterly breathtaking, but there’s an excellent mix of walks to explore, from beginner-friendly loops around the mirror-topped lakes to more adventurous hikes up the mountains.
The Old Man of Coniston is perhaps one of the most famous walks in the Lake District, while Buttermere offers a lovely circular walk that promises plenty of picnic opportunities. Grizedale Forest is another unmissable spot, with a tangle of woodland walks offering plenty of dappled corners to explore during your stay.
Need a pup-approved pitstop? The Lake District is full of fantastic dog-friendly pubs that welcome muddy boots and paws, inviting you to kick back and relax with a pint of something foamy and a plate of something hearty - Cumberland sausages are always a must when dining in the Lakes!
Isle of Wight
The Isle of Wight is such a popular place for walking holidays that there’s actually a walking festival held twice a year. Oh yes, from the coastline that lines the Island with azure waters and fascinating rock formations to the rolling inland landscapes full of verdant fields and historic landmarks, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to walking the dog on the Isle of Wight.
For a magical mix of panoramic views and jaw-dropping sites and sights, head to Freshwater Bay and walk along the coast, past the famous Tennyson Monument, to The Needles, the Island’s incredible line of chalk stacks that rival Old Harry Rocks in Dorset for pure grandeur. Looking for a little bit of history alongside your route? Carisbrooke Castle boasts a great circular walk that’s a quick yet fascinating stroll, circumnavigating the historic moat before heading into the nearby meadows for a proper leg stretch.
A haven for family-friendly adventures, Tapnell Farm has everything you need for a fun-filled day out on the Isle of Wight. The Tapnell Trail is a wonderful 6-mile route that promises easy walking for little legs - plus, you’ll pass The Cow, Tapnell Farm’s famous dog-friendly restaurant that serves epic burgers and Sunday lunches.
Peak District National Park
One of the most famous National Parks in Central England, the Peak District certainly boasts a walk or two you can enjoy with the pooch. Think towering tors with panoramic views, open moorland kissed by heather, and rolling farmland framed by ancient woodlands.
Mam Tor invites you to climb its peak with Mam’s best friend (sorry, we had to) for unbeatable views, while the lovely Monsal Trail offers a laidback walk along a former railway line. While day-long hikes up the many glorious tors are always a great option for a dog walk, the Peak District is also home to a myriad of flat, paved routes ideal for wheel-friendly walks with the dog, from Lyme Park to the picturesque Derwent Dam.
Not only does it have a rather special name (and setting), Hope Valley is home to some excellent trails for wagging tails, as well as the wonderfully dog-friendly Three Roofs Café. Stop by for a fuelling breakfast before your hike with the tike, or head there after your walk and sup on a mouthwatering mix of filled flatbreads, baguettes, and jacket potatoes - plus enough cake to see you up any peak and back with a spring in your step!
Yorkshire Dales National Park
Home to two tail-wagging National Parks, the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales, the sprawling county of Yorkshire is a popular holiday destination for walkers for very good reason. While both parks offer a giddy selection of trails to explore, the walking routes of the Yorkshire Dales deserves a special mention as it incorporates some of the most incredible landmarks in the UK.
The undulating landscape gets its tell-tale ridges from the many hills that dip and climb across the Dales, with ancient rivers carving through the limestone terrain before ending in a thundering waterfall that’s sure to drop a jaw or two. The tumbling falls at Aysgarth are not just film-famous (Robin Hood Prince of Thieves, anyone?), but offer a beautiful selection of walks in their own right. Visit after heavy rain for the best view (just be prepared to wash muddy paws after).
For sprawling scenes, head to Yorkshire’s famous Three Peaks and take in the sights from the crests of Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough, or Malham Cove for curious limestone formations and a choice of excellent walking routes - not to mention a superb dog-friendly pub at the end!
Scottish Highlands
Putting the ‘wander’ in wanderlust, the Scottish Highlands have been offering a bone-a-fide smorgasbord of walks for centuries. The patchwork of lofty peaks and shimmering lochs creates a veritable playground for people and pooches alike, promising a wonderfully varied offering of walks to sink your boots (and paws) into.
Fancy a slice of history and a sprinkling of film-worthy scenes to pair with your winsome walk? Glen Coe is perhaps one of the most famous valleys in the UK, boasting a setting so dramatic it was used in two James Bond films. For those not in the production industry, Glen Coe is a playground for outdoor pursuits, with a medley of walks catering to every experience level, from dachshund to doberman. Visit the Glencoe Folk Museum to learn about the area’s dark past, or scout out one of the local cafés for a post-walk pick-me-up.
For those looking to take the high road, you won’t get much higher than Ben Nevis, the UK’s tallest mountain! It’s a steep old climb, and dogs should be kept on leads, but scaling this mighty mountain can be heaps of fun when exploring the Highlands with your furry friend. For an easier stroll, the many beautiful lochs make for a breathtaking setting for a dog walk. Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park is a stone’s throw from the Scottish Highlands and boasts incredible walks, while Loch Fyne boasts a myriad of dog-friendly walks and even some dog-friendly watersports.
South West Coast Path
Peppered with dog-friendly beaches, the South West Coast Path is possibly one of the best places for a dog walk in the UK. You even have a choice of four different counties, Somerset, Devon, Cornwall, and Dorset. A whopping 630 miles in length, this coastal route takes in an astonishing variety of seascapes, from North Devon’s rugged cliffs to Cornwall’s sandy beaches and Dorset’s iconic landmarks.
For a sandy selection of pet-friendly beaches, the stretch around Newquay is a must, with the seaside town boasting a jaw-dropping seven beaches that welcome dogs throughout the year. You’ll also find a lip-smacking array of dog-friendly restaurants and cafés, from beachfront cafés to cosy pubs. Dorset is also heralded as one of the best coasts for holidaying with the dog, as some of its most beautiful beaches are dog-friendly year-round, including the mesmerising Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove, two iconic beaches with a stunning stroll between them.
Pick a stretch of the South West Coast Path, from quick romps to day-long stomps, or enjoy a month of mammoth dog walks and conquer the whole trail in one go.
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
While Snowdonia National Park and the Brecon Beacons are popular walking destinations, there’s just something so magical about the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Is it the turquoise waters? The golden beaches? Or perhaps the many seaside restaurants and cafés that invite you to refuel with your feet up and a sea view before you?
Needless to say, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path offers lots of fantastic walks for you and the pooch, from the pretty setting of Freshwater West Beach to the wood-topped coast around Baradundle Bay (a beautiful beach that’s dog-friendly year-round, by the way).
If you turn your walking boots inland, you’ll find the rolling Preseli Hills waiting to greet you with verdant arms. The spectacular mountains promise a hardy selection of walks with varying difficulty, alongside ancient hill forts, panoramic views, and rugged moorland.
Cotswolds National Landscape
Pretty as a picture, the Cotswolds is the place to go for an idyllic mooch with the pooch before dipping into a thatched pub for a Sunday lunch by a flickering fire - sounds pretty good, right? Home to rolling countryside, perfectly manicured estates, and dappled woodlands, this National Landscape has long been a favourite amongst dog owners. There are several trails that run through the area, including the Cotswold Way and the Diamond Way. Choose shorter sections, such as the amazing circular walk that leads around Broadway Tower, or tighten your laces and complete the whole stretch in one memorable holiday.
For something a little more bite-sized, the Westonbirt Arboretum is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxed stroll with the hound. Boasting wheel-friendly paths and an astonishing variety of trees, it’s a fascinating place to explore with the whole family in tow, whether you visit for autumn’s burnished hues or the vibrancy of spring.
The many lovely chocolate-box towns and villages of the Cotswolds make for a sniff-worthy destination too, whether you fancy a waterside amble in Bourton-on-the-Water or Painswick’s famous Rococo garden, where magical displays and a welcoming dog-friendly café await.
Top tips for dog-friendly walking holidays
From what to take to best practices when out and about, here are some useful tips for embarking on a dog-friendly walking holiday in the UK.
Next stop, hydration station - Water and a portable water bowl are some of the most important things to pack, especially in the summer months.
Lead on - Make sure to always have your dog on a lead around cliff paths, grazing livestock, and wildlife.
Towel it off - Whether you’ve been on the beach enjoying some sea swims or walking through muddy moorland, keeping a towel in the car makes for a wonderfully clean journey home.
Keeping it cool - If you’re holidaying in the summer, make sure to time your walks for the coolest parts of the day, or choose covered walking spots like woodlands and forests - bonus points for gentle rivers they can cool off in!
Plan ahead - When choosing a walk, consider your dog’s age, health, and fitness level, opting for shorter, easier routes where possible. It’s also good to check the weather forecast and information on what to expect along the route, from nearby roads to livestock.
Ready to explore the UK’s best walking destinations with your floppy-eared friend? Explore our collection of dog-friendly holiday cottages and start planning your next pup-approved escape.