Travelling with your friends is one of the best ways to see the country that we live in, but what if your best friend is slightly furrier than the average human? Our pets are huge parts of our families and leaving them behind on our travels, is not necessarily something that we want to do or can do. It is therefore understandable that more and more of us are looking at ways in which we can take our family pets travelling with us.
Here, we’ve looked at some of the best spots within the UK to take your furry friend, the walks that can be enjoyed and how to make the most of travelling with man’s best friend.
How to travel in the UK with your dog
Taking your dog on holiday with you can be lots of fun, but it can take a little more planning. The first thing that you will need to look at is whether your chosen accommodation allows you to bring pets along with you.
Once you have found somewhere that does, you should pay close attention to whether it is suitable for your pooch. For example, is it big enough for a large dog to be comfortable in, is the outside space secure and can you confine them to one room if you choose to?
You should also check the small print and see whether there are any penalties for soiling or scratch marks that you need to be aware of. Make sure that you do your research and feel free to ask questions before you go so that you can be confident that you are your dog can relax.
With an estimated 6.3 million dogs being taken on holiday each year it is important to think about how you intend to reach your destination. Most people will opt to go in their own car, as this allows plenty of flexibility.
Remember to make sure that your dog is always comfortable and secure within the car and that you schedule plenty of break stops. If your dog is going to spend a long time in your car or will be hopping in and out as you explore, then you will want to think about how to protect your vehicle from pet hair and claws. A range of dedicated pet car mats are now available at Car Mats UK that will help to keep your dog comfortable whilst keeping your seats clean and dry as you travel.
The best British dog walking routes
Once you arrive on holiday, you are all going to want to stretch your legs and take in some of the best walks for you and your dog. North Wales and Snowdonia are renowned for their beautiful scenery and have some of the best dog (and human) walking locations.
The combinations of rolling hills and mountains, pretty valleys, lush countryside, and quaint villages means that the area has something to offer every type of dog walker. The more adventurous might want to head toward the summit of Mount Snowdon where dogs are welcome as long as they are on a lead, or you could do the complete opposite and explore the underground world of the Sygun Copper Mine, which might not be suitable for some larger dogs due to the metal steps involved.
Yorkshire Moors
The North Yorkshire Moors are a doggy hotspot with plenty of rural moorland to make your way through. Kilburn Woods offers all types of flora and fauna, and there are walks of varying lengths of difficulty.
Scarborough, Whitby and Robin Hood’s Bay
Of course, no dog can resist the beach and there are some fabulous ones on offer in this area. Scarborough, Whitby, and Robin Hood’s Bay offer some great spots for a paddle and some beautiful seaside towns for a spot of fish and chips afterwards. These locations are also perfect if you want to get the perfect snap for Instagram, with 2million posts using the Scarborough hashtag alone, you are sure to find other local dog walkers and show off your own pooch at the same time!
Cornwall
Cornwall is popular with all types of holidaymakers, and it is not hard to see why. The sub-tropical climate means that you can enjoy some of the better weather that Britain has to offer at any time of the year, and a large proportion of the attractions in the area welcome dogs.
There are 51 beaches that allow dogs all year round and a further 81 which have some seasonal restrictions in place. Dogs on leads are allowed to enter the outdoor areas of the Eden Project or they can help you to work your way through the 200 stunning acres of the Lost Gardens of Heligan.
Cumbria
The Lake District in Cumbria has always been a popular walking spot, and it has actually won top prize in the Great Outdoors category of the ‘Be Dog Friendly Awards’ organised by the Kennel Club two years running. Not only are there great walks and trails, but there are also steam railways and cruises which both welcome dogs.
Nottinghamshire
After a good walk, we all deserve a treat, so finding locations which offer dog-friendly cafes can provide a well-earned rest for everyone. Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire boasts 3,800 acres of fabulous parkland and picnic spot, but there are also indoor spaces devoted to your dog to allow some relaxation and a cup of tea once you have worn yourselves out.
If you really want to make sure that your dog is welcome on your travels, then look out for the growing number of festivals and events which are taking place around the country which are specifically designed for dogs and their owners. These allow plenty of freedom for you both as well as some great activities that will set everyone’s tails wagging.
As a nation of dog lovers, it is understandable that we want to have our dogs with us on holiday, instead of leaving them in kennels or other unfamiliar surroundings. The country is now more geared up than ever to welcome dogs and accommodate them in a variety of ways, so you can have the true definition of a family holiday, with every single member of your family involved. You enjoy your time away from home, and with a UK dog-friendly break, your pup can too.
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