The UK is a paradise for dog owners — from rugged coastal paths to rolling countryside and charming market towns, there's no shortage of adventures to share with your four-legged companion. Here's our guide to the most popular dog-friendly destinations across the UK, complete with walk difficulty ratings, dog-friendly cafes and pubs, and places to stay.
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🐾 The Lake District, Cumbria
Walk Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced — there's something for every dog and owner, from gentle lakeside strolls to challenging fell walks like Helvellyn.
The Lake District is one of the UK's most iconic destinations and is incredibly welcoming to dogs. Many of the fells and lakeside paths are open to dogs year-round.
- Top Walk: Tarn Hows Circular — a beautiful, relatively flat 3.5-mile loop, perfect for all abilities.
- Dog-Friendly Café: The Old School Hawkshead — dogs welcome inside.
- Dog-Friendly Pub: The Queen's Head, Troutbeck — a classic Lakeland pub with a warm welcome for dogs.
🏡 Where to Stay: Dog Friendly Cottages — Lake District offers a wide range of self-catering options. Alternatively, YHA Borrowdale accepts dogs in certain rooms.
Don't forget your drying coat if your pooch likes to go for a paddle 😜
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🐾 Pembrokeshire Coast, Wales
Walk Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate — the Pembrokeshire Coast Path has sections for all abilities, though some clifftop stretches require care with dogs on leads.
With dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and charming harbour towns, Pembrokeshire is a firm favourite for dog owners. Many beaches allow dogs year-round (always check seasonal restrictions).
- Top Walk: Pembrokeshire Coast Path — 186 miles of stunning coastline; tackle it in sections.
- Dog-Friendly Café: The Boathouse, Tenby — sea views and dogs welcome on the terrace.
- Dog-Friendly Pub: The Ship Inn, Solva — a cosy harbourside pub that welcomes well-behaved dogs.
🏡 Where to Stay: Quality Cottages Pembrokeshire has a great selection of dog-friendly self-catering properties. National Trust Holiday Cottages in the area also welcome dogs.
There's a mixture of terrain along coastal paths- Why not protect your explorer with a Neoprene Protector Vest from Non-Stop, perfect for when your pooch loves exploring
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🐾 The Yorkshire Dales
Walk Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate — open moorland and valley walks are generally accessible, with some steeper routes for more adventurous pairs.
The Yorkshire Dales offer wide-open spaces, dry stone walls, and a wonderfully unhurried pace — ideal for dogs who love to roam. Much of the land is open access, making it a dream for off-lead adventures.
- Top Walk: Malham Cove & Gordale Scar — a spectacular 5-mile circular walk (keep dogs on leads near the cove top).
- Dog-Friendly Café: Beck Hall, Malham — a charming tearoom with a dog-friendly garden.
- Dog-Friendly Pub: The Angel Inn, Hetton — a renowned gastropub that welcomes dogs in the bar area.
🏡 Where to Stay: Yorkshire Dales Accommodation Guide lists many dog-friendly B&Bs and cottages. Hoseasons Yorkshire Dales also has a strong selection of pet-friendly lodges.
Making it a day out? Take a doggy backpack and let them share the load
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🐾 The Scottish Highlands
Walk Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced — the Highlands are vast and wild; some routes require navigation skills and fitness. Always check conditions before heading out.
For the ultimate off-lead adventure, the Scottish Highlands are hard to beat. Scotland's Land Reform Act gives the right to roam across most land, making it a haven for dogs and their owners.
- Top Walk: Ben Lomond — a classic Munro with stunning loch views; dogs welcome but keep on leads near the summit.
- Dog-Friendly Café: The Crannog Seafood Restaurant, Fort William — dogs welcome in the bar area.
- Dog-Friendly Pub: Clachaig Inn, Glencoe — a legendary walkers' pub that is famously dog-friendly.
🏡 Where to Stay: Cottages.com Scottish Highlands has a wide range of dog-friendly options. Airbnb also has many pet-friendly Highland retreats — filter by 'pets allowed'.
Make the hike a a shared experience with less strain on your hands- Grab a hiking belt & bungee line and enjoy exploring together!
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🐾 The New Forest, Hampshire
Walk Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate — mostly flat heathland and woodland, ideal for dogs of all ages and fitness levels.
The New Forest is one of England's most accessible dog-friendly destinations. With 219 square miles of ancient woodland, open heathland, and free-roaming ponies, it's a sensory paradise for dogs — though leads are essential near livestock.
- Top Walk: Rhinefield Ornamental Drive — a gentle woodland walk through towering redwoods and Douglas firs.
- Dog-Friendly Café: The Potting Shed — a popular stop with outdoor seating for dogs.
- Dog-Friendly Pub: The Foresters Arms, Burley — a classic New Forest pub with a warm welcome for dogs.
🏡 Where to Stay: New Forest Cottages specialises in dog-friendly cottages and lodges in the heart of the forest. Canopy & Stars also offers unique glamping options that welcome dogs.
We all know British weather can't be trusted- Don't forget to bring a raincoat for you and your pup to keep the adventure going.
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🐾 Snowdonia, Wales
Walk Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced — Snowdonia's peaks are dramatic and rewarding, but require preparation. The Llanberis Path up Snowdon is the most accessible route for dogs.
Snowdonia's dramatic mountain scenery makes it one of the most breathtaking destinations in the UK. Dogs are welcome on most trails, though the Snowdon Mountain Railway does not allow dogs on board.
- Top Walk: Llanberis Path, Snowdon — the most popular and dog-friendly route to the summit (7.5 miles round trip).
- Dog-Friendly Café: Pete's Eats, Llanberis — a legendary walkers' café that welcomes dogs.
- Dog-Friendly Pub: The Royal Victoria Hotel, Llanberis — dogs welcome in the bar.
🏡 Where to Stay: Guefron Farm lists a range of dog-friendly cottages and B&Bs. YHA Snowdon also welcomes dogs in designated areas.
Planning on making it a camping trip? Here's all the essentials you need for camping with your pup(s)
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🐾 The Cotswolds
Walk Skill Level: Beginner — gentle rolling hills, meadows, and picturesque villages make this ideal for leisurely walks with dogs of all ages.
The Cotswolds is the quintessential English countryside experience — honey-stone villages, flower-filled meadows, and a pub around every corner. It's one of the most dog-friendly regions in England.
- Top Walk: Cotswold Way — 102 miles from Chipping Campden to Bath; perfect for tackling in weekend sections.
- Dog-Friendly Café: Huffkins Bakery & Tea Rooms, Burford — a charming tearoom welcoming dogs.
- Dog-Friendly Pub: The Fox Inn, Lower Oddington — a beautiful Cotswold pub with a dog-friendly bar and garden.
🏡 Where to Stay: Cotswolds.com Dog-Friendly Accommodation is a great starting point. Independent Cotswold Cottages also has a strong selection of pet-welcoming properties.
When the weather is warmer it's best to prepare- Pack one of our cooling products to ensure your dog stays safe and cool this summer
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Tips for Travelling with Your Dog in the UK
- Always carry fresh water and a collapsible bowl — especially on longer walks.
- Check seasonal beach restrictions before you go, as many beaches have dog bans between May and September.
- Keep dogs on leads near livestock, ground-nesting birds, and cliff edges.
- Pack a dog first aid kit for longer or more remote walks.
- Book dog-friendly accommodation well in advance, especially during peak season.
- A well-fitted harness and life jacket are essential for water-based adventures — explore our range at SnowPaw Store.
- Don't forget to get 10% off all Travel Essentials this month with code: JUNE10
Whether you're scaling a Munro or meandering through a Cotswold village, the UK has an adventure waiting for every dog and their human. Happy exploring! 🐾
