Valentine’s Day doesn’t automatically have to mean leaving your dog behind to grab some quality time with your other half. Some of the most romantic getaways out there are also dog-friendly getaways. Think long walks, fireside pubs, late winter sunsets and a cosy place to come back to for a bottle of wine after dusting down muddy paws. Here are some of our best dog-friendly places to stay for Valentine’s, plus ideas on where to walk, eat and wander once you’ve got there.
The Lake District
For romantic, dog-friendly getaways in the UK, the Lake District will always deliver. Even in February. Arguably, it’s even nicer at this time of the year as the crowds have thinned out, leaving you to soak in the peace and quiet as a pair.
Where to stay:
Places like Latch Cottage in Keswick, or in Ambleside are great luxury dog-friendly cottages in the Lake District. The cottage in Keswick means you’re close to Derwentwater, where you’ll find flat lakeside paths, which are flat and perfect for a winter stroll. Ambleside is ideal if you want more places to eat within walking distance, meaning you don’t have to drive after dinner.
Things to do:
Walk around Tarn Hows for an easy, scenic loop or head up to Latrigg near Keswick for sunset views without a full hike. Many pubs here are genuinely dog-friendly, not just dog-tolerant. The type of place with roaring fires, water bowls and zero judgement for soggy, post-walk pups.
Northumberland
If you want romance without crowds, Northumberland is hard to beat. Happily, it’s also one of the best options for dog-friendly romantic getaways. Northumberland has so much to offer with its dramatic landscapes and quiet beaches – perfect for long, hand-in-hand dog walks.
Where to stay:
The best dog-friendly cottages in Northumberland are often tucked into quiet villages or near the coast. Look for properties close to Alnmouth, Seahouses or on the edge of the national park, like High Tide House with its envious location close to the sea.
Things to do:
A winter beach walk in Northumberland is really special. The wide sandy expanses and lack of people make it a totally different experience to a summer visit. Bamburgh Beach at sunset feels almost cinematic, even in February. Afterwards, walk your feet and paws to a cosy pub like the Potted Lobster to warm up.
Cornwall
Cornwall may be a destination you only thought you’d head to in summer months, but going in February shouldn’t be baulked at. Its roads are quiet, the clifftops are empty and you can get a reservation at dog-friendly restaurants easily. The county is one of those dog-friendly romantic getaways that feels indulgent without needing a packed itinerary.
Where to stay:
Dog-friendly cottages in Cornwall range from seaside boltholes to rural hideaways. Staying around Padstow, Mousehole or the Roseland Peninsula means you’ve got plenty of coastal walks straight from your front door. We love this shepherd’s hut near Padstow and the beautifully decorated Salt Loft, just metres from the seafront in Mousehole.
Things to do:
Clifftop paths at sunset are unbeatable at this time of year. It may be a bit chilly, but ambling down the South West Coast Path while all wrapped up
is still a great activity for couples and their dogs. There are lots of pubs and bistros that are dog-friendly too, though if you head to a spot by the sea, it will feel extra romantic.
Norfolk
Norfolk has a calm, unshowy charm that works perfectly for Valentine’s Day. For your dog, there are long coastal paths under big skies, while the villages are far quieter too.
Where to stay:
There are countless dog-friendly cottages in Norfolk. They range from coastal hideaways, like Peterstone Lodge near Holkham to countryside retreats inland, like Waterhen Cottage with its outdoor sauna.
Things to do:
Holkham Beach is vast and dog-friendly, even in winter. Norwich, the county’s capital, is where you’ll find a host of cosy pubs, independent wine bars and riverside walks that feel surprisingly peaceful. It’s romantic without trying too hard, which is usually the best kind.
Scotland
Scotland offers some of the most memorable romantic dog-friendly getaways going. Thanks to the lochs and log cabins, it’s possible to totally escape, even if it’s just for a weekend. It’s perfect if Valentine’s Day for you means peace and privacy.
Where to stay:
If you can get there for the weekend, renting a luxury dog-friendly cottage in the Highlands makes for a very peaceful getaway that’s super romantic. It’s easy to find log cabins with hot tubs, wood burners and views that don’t need an Instagram filter. Pine Marten Lodge, in the Cairngorms National Park, is a prime example.
Things to do:
If you’ve gone fully remote when north of the border, there’s no shortage of forest walks or lochside paths. Celebrate any exercise with early evenings in, relaxing by the fire. Coming to this part of the world with your partner and dog is about properly switching off. Plenty of long dinners, slow mornings and dogs asleep by the stove.
Valentine’s Day doesn’t need to be flashy to mean quality time with your other half. Sometimes the best moments come from a quiet walk, a good meal and a place that feels like yours for a couple of days. Dog included. From Valentine cottage stays in the Lake District to luxury cottages in Cornwall, check out our full range of dog-friendly retreats for your couples’ getaway today.
