Every person and their dog know that having a furry, four-legged companion just makes every trip just a little bit better. Got to walk into town? Take your dog. Heading to the beach? Take your dog. Need to get away? Take your dog. It’s quite simple really.

Of course, not everywhere will be suitable for your pet, but there are more than enough places in the UK that both you and your playful pup will absolutely love. So, if you’re after some advice on where to go when travelling with your dog in the United Kingdom, and what to do when you get there, then you’ve stumbled across what we could probably consider (humbly) to be the perfect article. From Cumbria to Cornwall, these places are guaranteed to get your pooch’s approval, so discover herein the destinations fit for canine royalty. There will be smiles and wagging tails all round.

Cumbria

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Cumbria is the first location on the list. This doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the single best place to take your dog in the UK, but it definitely isn’t far off. The Lake District is a pretty incredible visit anyway, but the fact that it’s dog-friendly almost makes this a no-brainer, even if you’ve been before. With about 25% of the land owned by the National Trust, you can be certain of not only picturesque scenery for you, but (more importantly) a hell of a lot of open space for the dog to play, explore, and claim as their own.

As well as all the potential walks, you can take your pup on the Windermere Lake cruises and the Ravenglass and Eskdale railway, or let them discover the gardens of castles Muncaster and Lowther. Even most of the pubs and cafes gladly welcome dogs, so having your loyal companion won’t inconvenience your trip in any way.

If your dog has too much respect for those that have already claimed the Lake District (or you just fancy something else), Cumbria is also home to plenty of viable alternatives. You can take your furry friend to the Yorkshire Dales National Park and the North Pennines for an equally stunning walk or settle somewhere in between and visit the National Trust’s Acorn Bank. Basically, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Cumbria, and whether they’ve been previously or not, your dog is guaranteed to have a barking good time.

Cotswald

Next up on the list of where to go when traveling with your dog in the United Kingdom, The Cotswolds. Covering 787 square miles, it is absolutely massive, so you’re definitely not short of things for you and your pup to do. The walks here really are second to none, with places like Painswick Rococo Garden and Bibury Trout Farm always excellent options, and picturesque locations such as Woodchester Park providing ample opportunity to turn your dog into the cutest model imaginable.

There are even some hotspots in The Cotswolds that offer so much more than just a walk, for a slightly more adventurous day out. Take your dog to Cotswold Wildlife Park and introduce them to all sorts of creatures from the animal kingdom, or visit Broadway Tower Country Park to really let them loose. As well as more open grass than they could ever hope to cover (although they will definitely try), these grounds boast a dedicated pooch playground with some obstacles that will have them running and jumping all day. Take treats, because they will need the fuel!

The Cotswolds is also a great spot to take your dog because of the huge range of pet-friendly accommodations that you’ll find, so there will be no unnecessary stress surrounding the trip. If I had to recommend one company to book with, it would undoubtedly be Plum Guide, because not only do they have loads of options, but the criteria that their homes actually have to meet before they’re made available for renting guarantees a quality experience every single time.

Snowdonia

Heading West to Wales, Snowdonia is another place that will set tails wagging. I know I said that The Cotswolds was big, and it is, that wasn’t a lie, but Snowdonia National Park is even bigger, covering 823 square miles. So while your barking-mad companion will find endless joy in the open space, you can admire the majestic views and take the time to figure out when you’re going to revisit this wonderful place again next year.

The National Park is home to the tallest mountain in England and Wales, the largest natural lake in the entirety of Wales, and even historic sites like Dolbadarn Castle, so to say there’s plenty to do is an understatement. And while the National Park is arguably the go-to when travelling to Snowdonia with your canine companion, it is not the only option in this wing of the world. Criccieth Castle, Glasfryn Parc, and Llanberis Lake Railway are just three of the other dog-friendly attractions that are well worth your time, providing enjoyment for everybody on the trip. If you’re going to Wales, Snowdonia is the place for you.

Cornwall

Finally, rounding off this small list of top doggy travel locations, we have Cornwall. It might be at the bottom of this list, but you have to search very far and very wide for a better UK holiday spot even without your pooch, so bring the dog here for a trip they will never forget (especially if you treat them to a new toy or two? just sayin’).

You’ve got the Pinetum Gardens, Trelissick country house and garden, Land’s End, the Eden Project, and so on (and on, and on). The options for you and your four-legged friend are literally endless. You’ll probably need numerous trips to do everything you want to do, from walks, to museums, and even to the beach.

As a dog owner, you will know full well that dogs love beaches. The sand, the water, the drive there, everything is just amazing. So if you opt for a trip to Cornwall, then head down to a beach. There’s more than 100 to choose from, and whichever one you decide on, the pup will seriously thank you. Porthcurnick Beach, Hawkers Cove, Long Rock, Holywell Bay, and Port Gaverne are just a few of the options in front of you, so when you’re packing the lead, the food bowl and the doggy treats, don’t forget your flip flops.

A UK holiday is always something to get excited about, so a UK holiday with your dog is just unbeatable. Whether you’re travelling with a Chihuahua who lives in your handbag or a Mastiff that actually walks you, these destinations will have you covered. As long as you don’t forget to pack their favourite ball, your pup will have the break of a lifetime in these locations, and (crucially) so will you. You are already doing UK travel very, very right by travelling with your dog in the United Kingdom, so put the icing on the cake and visit one of these paw-some places (sorry). With endless walks and attractions to enjoy, there will always be something for everyone, from the boss of the house to their human.

Author: Matt Blogg: Matt graduated from University with a degree in English Literature and continues to enjoy writing in his free time. An avid sports fan, he frequently writes articles about football, and also has experience as a sports journalist. Additionally, as a proud pet owner, he loves nothing more than spending time with his furry friends and hopes to write animal-related content more regularly in the future.