It’s official – Britain is a dog-loving nation. More people than ever are choosing pocket-friendly staycations so they can holiday with their four-legged friends, and the UK’s towns are stepping up with dog-friendly accommodation, eateries and attractions.
The joy of taking a break with your four-legged friend is sniffing out new places together. So whether you’re seeking culture with your canine, fine dining with Fido, or heritage days out with your hound, here are some of the UK’s coolest dog-friendly towns to explore in 2025.
1. Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
Best for: Cathedrals and culture
Crowned the UK’s most dog-friendly town in 2024 at the National DogFriendly Awards, Bury St Edmunds is home to over 100 businesses – including shops, eateries, and accommodation – that welcome dogs. Blue paw print logos on display make canine-friendly establishments easy to find, so whether you’re out exploring historic streets or relaxing in Abbey Gardens, you can rest assured your four-legged friend will have a water bowl, treats and belly rubs. Many tours and attractions – such as St Edmundsbury Cathedral – have also embraced the town’s pet-friendly policy.
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2. Helmsley, North Yorkshire
Best for: Historic charm and countryside walks
On the edge of the rolling North York Moors, the picturesque market town of Helmsley is a haven for dog lovers, with a wealth of dog-friendly cafés and pubs, including The Black Swan and Porters Coffee Shop. Plenty of the town’s attractions, such as Helmsley Castle, welcome four-legged friends, while nearby Duncombe Park and Rievaulx Abbey ensure there are plenty of scenic walking routes as well as the wild moors on the doorstep.
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3. Padstow, Cornwall
Best for: A maritime mooch with your pooch
Year after year Cornwall comes up trumps for holidays with your hound. But not just for its beaches and hundreds of miles of coast path for waggy-tailed walks. Head to Padstow with your pooch and you’ve got all the beauty of the coast on the doorstep, as well as a buzzing harbour town with boutique shops, art galleries and award-winning restaurants where you can dine with your dog at your side. You don’t even need to get in the car to enjoy the best of Padstow’s dog-friendly attractions, which include the National Lobster Hatchery, a ferry ride across the Camel Estuary and the historic Prideaux Place.
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4. Ramsgate, Kent
Best for: A seaside town close to London.
Looking to hop on the train to a dog-friendly seaside town just two hours from London? Ramsgate is packed with dog-friendly eateries, independent shops, and a welcoming atmosphere for pet owners. Bound along sandy beaches with a backdrop of white chalk cliffs, set sail on boat trips and browse the galleries and indie shops, paws-ing in cafés and restaurants with dog bowls and treats at the ready. Level 11 gallery not only welcomes your four-legged friends but also specialises in pet photography, so you can get some professional holiday snaps to take home.
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5. Ludlow, Shropshire
Best for: Market town charm and castle walks
A historic market town with a spectacular ruined castle, Ludlow is perfect for a dog-friendly getaway. This foodie town is packed with dog-welcoming pubs and cafés, while Ludlow Castle allows well-behaved dogs on leads to explore its grounds. The surrounding Shropshire Hills provide fantastic walking opportunities, offering you and your pooch an ideal mix of history, food, and adventure.
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7. Lymington, Hampshire
Best for: Dog-friendly days out
On the doorstep of the New Forest’s 140 miles-and-more of paw-friendly paths, awaits Hampshire’s pretty marina town of Lymington. Far from simply being a scenic spot for walkies, it’s wonderfully located for an array of dog-friendly attractions, including boat rides along the Beaulieu River, a day out to the historic Hurst Castle and a visit to the New Forest Reptile Centre. Back in town there’s a bustling market, quaint shops, and numerous dog-friendly eateries, as well as events such as the vibrant Lymington Seafood Festival, where your furry friend can revel in lively atmosphere while you tuck into the freshest catch.
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8. Holt, Norfolk
Best for: Dog-friendly shopping
Nestled in the heart of North Norfolk, Holt is a beautiful Georgian market town packed with independent shops, galleries and cafés – many of which are dog-friendly. Not only does that make it easy to enjoy shopping and dining out with your four-legged friend, you’re also surrounded by countryside, woodland and walking trails, including the stunning Holt Country Park. Whether you need to refuel after walkies or exploring the treasure of the town, one of our favourite spots to rest weary legs and paws is The Feathers, where there are always water bowls and dog treats at the ready.
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9: Bakewell, Derbyshire
Best for: Paw-friendly excursions in the Peak District
Often overlooked as dog owners flock to the more popular Lake District, the comparably beautiful Peak District is one of the UK’s top locations for dog-friendly accommodation, shops and eateries, enveloped in incredible walking territory. And where better to base yourself for a hike in the hills with your hound than the town that’s the home of the iconic Bakewell tart? It’s no surprise that Bakewell has plenty of dog-friendly cafés where you can tuck into these traditional treats (try Wyse Water Tearooms), alongside dog-friendly attractions such as the Bakewell Old House Museum, and even the town’s very own annual dog show.
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10. St Andrews, Scotland
Best for: Historic charm and Georgian architecture
Home to Scotland’s oldest university and world-famous golf courses, St Andrews is also a brilliant place for a dog-friendly getaway. While your canine companions may have little interest in the university setting, they will love bounding along West Sands beach (where Chariots of Fire was filmed), drooling over your fish and chips at Cromers (winners of the best fish and chips in Scotland 2023), and tucking into a dog treat or two while you sample the huge range of beers, gins and wines at St Andrews Brewing Co. Even some historic sites, like St Andrews Cathedral, welcome well-behaved dogs on leads.
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Find the Perfect Cottage for a Dog Friendly Break in 2025
Whether you prefer to trot around town with your pooch at your heels or a week in the wild for waggy-tailed walks, Dog Friendly Retreats offers a huge range of holiday cottages throughout the UK. Start your search today!
