Once the Christmas celebrations are over, New Year is a fantastic time to get away for a restorative break. Dog owners with a sociable pup may choose one of the livelier destinations where New Year celebrations take place. While those with a timid dog in tow will appreciate somewhere quieter with plenty of walks and countryside to explore.
Here’s our round-up of some top places to go for a dog-friendly New Year’s break.
Looe, Cornwall
Looe in Cornwall is one of those towns that truly gets into the festive spirit for New Year. On the big night, revellers parade through the town in fancy dress costumes that need to be seen to be believed. There is usually a fireworks display at midnight but organisers have cancelled this year’s display because of covid, which is good news for nervous dogs.
Being on the south coast of Cornwall means that Looe is generally more sheltered from howling winds, making it a pleasant place for walkies along the harbour, beach and coast path. With plenty of dog-friendly pubs and cafés open throughout the festive period, Looe is a great choice for a New Year’s break with a pup.
There is a wide variety of accommodation options in the town including fishermen’s cottages, modern holiday homes and countryside retreats. Many properties have log burning fires for warming cold feet and salty paws after strolls by the sea.
Keswick, Lake District
As one of the largest towns in the Lake District, Keswick is a lively place to spend New Year. There’s usually plenty going on over the festive period with a selection of cosy pubs that welcome dogs. Then on New Year’s Eve, people who want to celebrate the midnight chimes gather in front of the town’s clock tower to welcome in the new year.
But it’s not the town itself that is the big draw for a winter getaway. It’s the spectacular mountain scenery that makes Keswick a fantastic place to visit for time away with a dog. With lakeside walks and mountain hikes on offer, it’s an idyllic destination for a dog-friendly getaway.
There are plenty of pawesome properties in and around Keswick. These include traditional stone cottages with wood-burning stoves, modern townhouses and mountainside mansions. They are wonderful places for a memorable winter stay in the Lake District.
Cromer, Norfolk
A breezy walk along the seafront at Cromer on New Year’s Day might just be the perfect hangover cure. This wonderful seaside town in Norfolk is great for dog walks along the sandy beach and the Norfolk Coast Trail. The terrain here is relatively flat, so outings with a four-legged friend needn’t be too strenuous.
On New Year’s Eve itself, there is plenty going on to occupy all the family. There’s a fun run in the afternoon, as well as a torchlight procession and fireworks display from the pier soon after it gets dark. It’s well worth a watch for visitors with a willing dog sitter to stay at home to keep the pooch company.
Accommodation in and around Cromer includes cosy cottages with log burners, country houses with enclosed gardens and seafront homes with stunning views. They offer comfort and convenience for a dog-friendly winter break on the Norfolk coast.
Tenby, Pembrokeshire
With its selection of dog-friendly beaches, as well as pubs, restaurants and cafés that welcome canine companions, it’s no wonder that Tenby is a popular holiday spot for pooch parents. The pretty seaside town is located within Pembrokeshire National Park, so there are some wonderful coastal and inland hill trails to explore for walkies too.
Tenby’s famous New Year celebrations include a street party and fireworks display at midnight. Owners with nervous dogs should maybe choose a house out of town so pets are not too disturbed by the loud bangs.
Those who overindulge will benefit from a cold dip in the annual New Year’s Day swim at nearby Saundersfoot, which is another wonderful dog-friendly destination with a great choice of holiday retreats on the Pembrokeshire coast.
Stow-on-the-Wold, Cotswolds
Those looking for a peaceful New Year in an area of outstanding natural beauty should consider a winter getaway to Stow-on-the-Wold in the Cotswolds. With its Cotswold stone houses, church and high-street buildings, it’s a picturesque town surrounded by beautiful rolling countryside.
There is a myriad of footpaths to explore with a dog in the area, including the long-distance Costwolds Way. While in the area, it’s worth a visit to Bourton-on-the Water which is widely regarded as one of the country’s prettiest villages.
Stow-on-the-Wold is a bustling market town with several dog-friendly shops, cafés and pubs, which are perfect for a welcoming stop for a drink and a bite to eat after a long walk. Several of these pubs hold New Year’s Eve parties. But for dog owners, it will be far nicer to spend the evening with family and friends in the comfort of one of the area’s quality holiday homes.
Book a Dog Friendly Break for New Year
To book a New Year’s stay in these wonderful dog-friendly destinations or other canine-welcoming locations around the UK, visit our search page to locate available cottages and holiday homes.
