Best dog-friendly boat trips and ferries in the UK

Travelling with a dog usually means planning ahead – checking where they’re welcome, packing the lead and making sure there’s a decent walk nearby. Luckily, plenty of UK boat operators are surprisingly dog-friendly. From wildlife trips along the Northumberland coast to relaxed harbour cruises in Cornwall, there are lots of ways to get out on the water without leaving your dog behind. 

Here are some of the best dog-friendly boat trips and ferries in the UK – plus nearby walks, pubs and places that make the trip even better.

Farne Islands boat trips from Seahouses, Northumberland

If wildlife is your thing, the boat trips from Seahouses to the Farne Islands are hard to beat. The islands are famous for puffins, grey seals and huge seabird colonies. Many operators, like Billy Shiel’s or Golden Gate Boat Trips, run dog-friendly Farne Island boat trips, meaning dogs are welcome on board as long as they’re well-behaved.

Some landing trips don’t allow dogs on the islands themselves because of the bird colonies, but they’re usually welcome on the boat-only tours that circle the islands. Back on shore, the Northumberland coast is perfect for a long dog walk. The stretch between Seahouses and Bamburgh is wide, sandy and rarely crowded. After, head to a local pub, like The Olde Ship Inn in Seahouses, for seafood and a relaxed, dog-friendly atmosphere.

Harbour cruises around Cornwall

Cornwall has no shortage of coastal boat trips. You’ll find options in several towns including Newquay and Falmouth. Wildlife and coastal cruises from Newquay are particularly popular, with the chance to spot grey seals, bottlenose dolphins and seabirds. Plus, often dogs go free.

After your trip, Newquay’s coastline is perfect for exploring with a dog. The walk from Fistral Beach to Pentire Headland is short but dramatic – big Atlantic views, grassy paths and usually a few surfers below. For food, try one of the many beach cafés or a relaxed pub like The Lewinnick Lodge, where dogs are welcome inside.

Cornwall also works brilliantly as a longer dog-friendly holiday base – with coastal paths, beaches and plenty of luxury dog-friendly cottages nearby.

Ilfracombe coastal cruises, North Devon

Over on the North Devon coast, several companies based in Ilfracombe run wildlife and sightseeing trips to see seals, porpoises and dolphins, where dogs are allowed on deck, like the Ilfracombe Princess or the Ilfracombe Sea Safari. You’ll usually find options exploring the dramatic cliffs of the North Devon Coast or heading towards Lundy Island. The harbour itself is a lovely place to wander with a dog, too – think colourful houses, little galleries and plenty of cafés with outdoor tables.

For a proper walk, head a few miles along the coast to Woolacombe. The beach there is huge, often voted one of the best in the UK, and dogs are allowed on large sections year-round.

Dog-friendly boat trips in Weymouth

On the Dorset coast, Weymouth tour operators, like Snapper Charters, offer several harbour and Jurassic Coast tours where dogs are welcome on board. These dog-friendly boat trips in Weymouth tend to be relaxed sightseeing cruises rather than fast wildlife trips, making them ideal if your dog prefers calmer rides.

The harbour area is full of colourful buildings and seafood spots, and many pubs around the quay are happy to host sandy paws. For a great walk afterwards, follow the South West Coast Path from Weymouth towards Portland. The scenery gets rugged quickly – limestone cliffs, seabirds and big views across the English Channel.

Harbour tours in Chichester

Further east, Chichester Harbour is one of the UK’s most peaceful coastal areas. Several operators, like Chichester Harbour Water Tours and Solar Heritage, run dog-friendly boat trips exploring the quiet inlets and wildlife-rich marshes around the harbour. It’s a very different experience from the wilder coasts of Cornwall or Northumberland – calmer water, sailing boats drifting past and lots of birdlife.

Nearby villages and towns like Bosham and Emsworth are perfect for a slow afternoon. Both have waterside pubs where dogs are welcome and lovely harbour walks that are ideal for stretching legs after a boat trip.

Loch Lomond scenic cruises

If you’re heading to Scotland, you’ll find several dog-friendly boat trips around Loch Lomond where dogs are usually welcome on deck as long as they stay on a lead. Cruise Loch Lomond and Sweeney’s Cruise Co welcome well-behaved dogs for free. And cruises range from short scenic loops to longer island tours, all set against the backdrop of the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park.

Once you’re back on dry land, the village of Luss is worth exploring. It’s small but picturesque, with stone cottages, a pier walk and a couple of cosy pubs that welcome dogs. If you’re after a longer walk, the forest trails around Balmaha offer great views across the loch.

Taking your dog on a ferry

Boat trips are one thing, but what about ferry journeys?

A common question is can I take my dog on the ferry to Ireland. The answer is yes. Most major ferry companies sailing between the UK and Ireland allow dogs on board, although the exact setup varies. Some ferries offer pet lounges, others have kennel areas, and some allow dogs to stay in your vehicle during the crossing.

Another popular route is the ferry to Jersey from the UK. Pet-friendly cabins or designated pet areas are increasingly common, making island trips much easier with a dog.

Before travelling, always check the operator’s pet policy and make sure you have the correct paperwork, especially for international crossings.

Ready to set sail?

Overall, boat trips add something different to a dog-friendly holiday. You get a new perspective on the coastline, spot wildlife you’d never see from land, and it’s surprisingly relaxing once you’re out on the water. Start planning ahead and check out our selection of dog-friendly accommodation for the summer holidays.