If there’s one thing we’ve learned from the UK’s trend for summer “staycations”, it’s that dog-friendly properties in popular holiday destinations get snapped up very fast.
Many holiday hotspots around the UK get extremely busy and it can be near impossible to find a quality self-catering property in places like Cornwall, Devon, Norfolk or Pembrokeshire at peak times of the year.
But not all locations sell out so fast. There are a number of lesser-known destinations that can give you a wonderful time away with your dog.
So why not try somewhere new next year? Here’s a selection of quieter destinations for an extra special dog-friendly holiday.
Shropshire
Shropshire’s countryside shares similarities with some parts of the Cotswolds or the Peak District but does not attract nearly as many people. Located on the Welsh border, this English county is an amazing destination for a dog walking holiday. Here you can explore the heather-topped hills and deep valleys of the Long Mynd, or the rocky jagged tors of The Stiperstones in the Shropshire Hills.
Attractive footpaths crisscross this timeless landscape and there are lovely river walks along sections of the Severn. Ludlow, with its historic castle and reputation for fine food, is one of the main tourist spots in the county. But the Victorian spa town of Chrurch Stretton, with its small lanes and fine views, is also well worth a visit. History fans should head north to Ironbridge, which is famous for the development of the iron smelting process that creates the metal used for the bridge across the gorge in town.
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Rutland
Not many people venture on holiday to this tiny county in the centre of the country. But its appeal for dog owning holidaymakers is immense. With mainly flat trails in a peaceful, rural landscape, it’s relatively easy walking terrain for dogs and their owners.
At the heart of this tiny county is Rutland Water, which happens to be the largest man-made lake in England. As well as being a watersports centre and wildlife haven, the lake boasts a 23-mile perimeter trail that is popular with walkers and cyclists.
There are picturesque villages and quaint market towns such as Uppingham and Stamford, with pretty streets full of sandstone houses, shops and pubs. There’s also a castle in the county town of Oakham, which is widely regarded as the finest example of Norman architecture in Britain.
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Isle of Wight
Arriving on the isle of Wight is like stepping back in time. There’s no denying its popularity, but its offshore location means it’s quieter and even more laid-back than nearby Dorset or Hampshire. With it’s beautiful beaches and unique coastline, many people head here for a holiday by the sea. But the pretty villages and rolling countryside of the interior are also worth exploring with your dog.
Top dog-friendly attractions include The Needles landmark and beach, which is accessible by cable car, as well as Carrisbrooke Castle and the wooded ravine at Shanklin Chine. Dogs on leads are also welcome at the picturesque parklands and gardens at Fort Victoria Country Park and Robin Hill.
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Lincolnshire
Skip the busy beaches of Norfolk and Suffolk. Head instead to Lincolnshire which has a beautiful coast and quiet countryside. Outside of the main seaside twins of Skegness and Cleethorpes is a long coastline of peaceful beaches, sand dunes and nature reserves. The area has adopted the name of the ‘Natural Coast’ and is one of the best places in Britain to see breeding grey seals.
In the middle of the county are the unspoilt rolling hills of the Lincolnshire Wolds, which is protected as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Here it’s possible to walk your dog for miles along quiet paths between picturesque Georgian villages. It’s like the Cotswolds without the crowds.
The city of Lincoln is an attraction in itself and may be suitable for a day trip with or without your dog. The main attractions are the impressive Cathedral, Castle and tangle of medieval cobbled streets.
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Kent
With it’s close proximity to London and famous heritage attractions, Kent certainly draws a crowd. However, the ‘garden of Engand’ does not get as packed out as neighbouring Sussex in the summer. If visiting with a four-legged friend, you should not miss the spectacular walks along the coast path through White Cliffs Country, where there are stunning views at every turn.
Many of the county’s best-known attractions welcome dogs, including Dover and Hever Castle, and the grounds of the mediveal manor house at Ightham Mote. There are beautiful towns and historic cities to explore at Canterbury, Royal Tunbridge Wells and Sandwich. Together with the numerous parks and gardens, these attractions make Kent an ideal getaway for you and your dog.
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Durham
For dog-friendly holidays in the North East, Northumberland and Yorkshire geneally get all the attention. But lesser visited Durham is a fantastic place to visit with your dog. The city, with its UNESCO protected cathedral and castle, attract most of the visitors to the county. But it’s the coast and countryside that will excite dog owners the most.
Here you can explore the dramatic landscape of Durham’s Heritage Coast with its beaches, rugged cliffs and imposing headlands. Or head inland to picturesque Castle Eden Dene, a National Nature Reserve with 550 acres of natural woodland and 12 miles of footpaths.
There’s also the peaceful and tranquil landscape of the Durham Dales with its moors and hills, valleys and meandering rivers, dotted with picturesque villages and market towns. One of the area’s main attractions is High Force Waterfall, where the River Tees plunges through a narrow gorge.
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Ceredigion
Swap Newquay in Cornwall for New Quay in Wales and you are assured a peaceful break in a beautiful coastal location. The sparsely populated county of Ceredigion is one of the most peaceful holiday areas in Wales. Outside the main towns of Aberystwyth and Cardigan, there are mainly small fishing towns and an unspoilt coastline of coves, cliffs and long sandy beaches.
It’s worth a stroll around Aberystwyth, which has many cultural attractions including the National Library of Wales. Inland is the beautiful Teifi Valley where the river flows from the Cambrian Mountains, cascades over the falls at Cenarth and runs beneath the bridge at Cardigan Castle.
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Dumfries and Galloway
Most people venturing north of the border make a beeline for Highlands and Islands. But the Scottish county of Dumfries and Galloway is much closer and quieter than its more popular neighbours. Dog walkers and sightseers will love the undulating coastline of rocky shoreline and sandy beaches, as well as the hundreds of square miles of thick forest and lowland mountains.
The area’s top attractions include Galloway Forest Park and Drumlanrig Castle, where there are acres of gardens and wooded parkland to explore. Also worth visiting is Caerlaverock Castle, an imposing medieval fortress that is unique because of its triangular shape. Four-legged visitors are allowed around the castle on leads and also on the nature trail around the castle moat and surrounding woods.
