Top 10 dog-friendly destinations in England, cottage holidays for dogs

The Lake District

The Lake District is England's most iconic national park, with countless opportunities for dogs to roam freely in stunning scenery. Lakeside paths around Windermere and Derwentwater offer easy, flat walks perfect for dogs of all ages, while the fells provide challenging trails for more adventurous pups. Many dog-friendly boats operate on the lakes, allowing your dog to enjoy a scenic ride without leaving your side.

The towns and villages of the Lake District, such as Keswick, Grasmere, and Ambleside, are famous for welcoming dogs. Many cafes, pubs, and shops happily accept dogs, often providing water bowls, blankets, or even treats. Local markets and events frequently include canine-friendly activities, making it easy to enjoy the local culture without leaving your dog behind.

Accommodation is also very dog-friendly, from cosy self-catering cottages to larger lodges with enclosed gardens. After a long day of hiking or exploring, your dog can relax in comfort, while you enjoy a wood-burning stove or scenic view. The Lake District is ideal for dog owners seeking a mix of outdoor adventure, cultural charm, and cosy cottage comforts.

Cornwall

Cornwall offers some of the UK's most beautiful coastlines, and it's perfect for dogs who love sand, sea, and long walks. Beaches such as Perranporth, Bude, and St Ives provide miles of open sand where dogs can run freely outside peak summer months. Coastal paths along the South West Coast Path allow for breathtaking cliff-top walks with panoramic sea views, ideal for energetic dogs.

In addition to its natural beauty, Cornwall's towns and villages are dog-friendly. Many pubs, cafés, and shops welcome dogs, often providing water bowls and treats. Attractions like the Minack Theatre, Eden Project, and Tintagel Castle allow dogs on leads in certain areas, so your pup can join in on the adventure.

Cornwall also offers a range of dog-friendly cottages, from quaint seaside cottages to remote rural retreats near Bodmin Moor. With coastal adventures, charming villages, and welcoming accommodation, Cornwall is a fantastic destination for an active, pet-friendly holiday that combines scenery, walks, and relaxation.

Link: Dog friendly holiday cottages in Cornwall.

The Cotswolds

The Cotswolds are the epitome of English countryside charm, with rolling hills, meandering rivers, and picturesque villages. Public footpaths and bridleways crisscross the region, providing gentle or more energetic walks through beautiful landscapes. Dogs can enjoy open fields, quiet lanes, and scenic woodland paths while exploring towns like Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold, and Broadway.

Dog-friendly amenities are plentiful. Many pubs and cafés provide water bowls and outdoor seating for dogs, while some shops even welcome well-behaved pups inside. Seasonal markets and local festivals often allow dogs, making it easy to experience the local culture without leaving your companion behind.

Cotswold cottages often feature enclosed gardens and scenic views, offering a safe space for dogs to play. Whether you're walking along rivers, exploring villages, or relaxing by a fireplace, the Cotswolds offers a peaceful and charming holiday that is perfect for dogs and their owners.

Northumberland

Northumberland is a dream destination for dogs who love open spaces. Its long, quiet beaches at Bamburgh, Alnmouth, and Druridge Bay provide miles of sandy freedom to run and play, while inland forests and moorlands offer peaceful walking trails. Historical sites, including castles and ruins, often allow dogs on leads, combining adventure with cultural exploration.

The area is dotted with dog-friendly pubs, cafés, and tearooms, many of which provide water bowls and treats for canine visitors. Villages like Alnwick and Seahouses offer welcoming atmospheres, and local markets are often dog-friendly, allowing your pup to join in the community feel of the region.

Cottages in Northumberland range from remote coastal cottages to countryside retreats near forests, giving you and your dog options for every preference. With its wide open beaches, historic sites, and welcoming amenities, Northumberland is perfect for dogs that love freedom, exploration, and quiet natural beauty.

Link: Dog friendly holiday cottages in Northumberland.

Devon

Devon is an ideal location for a dog-friendly holiday thanks to its mix of coastal and moorland landscapes. Dogs can enjoy the sandy shores of beaches like Woolacombe and Bantham, or explore the rugged trails of Dartmoor National Park. The South West Coast Path provides stunning cliff-top walks with views over the Atlantic Ocean, perfect for active pups and owners alike.

Devon's towns and villages, including Totnes, Dartmouth, and Tavistock, are welcoming to dogs. Many pubs, cafés, and shops are dog-friendly, offering water bowls, treats, and outdoor seating. Seasonal festivals and markets often allow dogs on leads, so your furry friend can be part of the local experience.

Accommodation ranges from rural cottages with enclosed gardens to seaside cottages with stunning views. With its combination of beach walks, moorland adventures, and welcoming towns, Devon is ideal for dog owners looking for a diverse and scenic holiday.

Link: Dog friendly holiday cottages in Devon.

The Peak District

The Peak District offers a stunning mixture of hills, valleys, and riverside paths that dogs absolutely love. Easy trails like Dovedale provide gentle walks, while the gritstone edges at Stanage and Curbar offer more challenging adventures for energetic dogs. Dogs can roam safely along public footpaths while enjoying incredible panoramic views.

Dog-friendly pubs, cafés, and villages like Bakewell, Hathersage, and Castleton make it easy to include your dog in local outings. Many cafés provide water bowls, treats, and outdoor seating, while local markets welcome well-behaved pups. There are also dog-friendly attractions, including historic houses and gardens where dogs on leads are allowed.

With numerous cottages scattered throughout the region - some with private gardens and direct access to walks - the Peak District offers convenience and comfort. This area is perfect for dog-friendly holidays focused on walking, exploration, and peaceful countryside relaxation.

Yorkshire Dales

The Yorkshire Dales feature breathtaking scenery, including limestone cliffs, waterfalls, and rolling green hills. Dogs can explore trails through valleys like Wensleydale and Swaledale, riverside walks along the River Wharfe, and dramatic viewpoints such as Malham Cove. With so much space and variety, dogs of all energy levels can enjoy this region.

Villages such as Hawes, Grassington, and Reeth are welcoming to dogs, offering pubs, cafés, and local shops that cater to canine visitors. Many walking routes begin directly from village centers, allowing convenient access without driving to remote trailheads. Seasonal events, markets, and festivals often welcome dogs on leads.

Dog-friendly cottages in the Dales are abundant, often surrounded by open fields or near walking routes. Whether it's tranquil walks or energetic hikes, the Yorkshire Dales is a top choice for dogs who love natural beauty and space to explore.

Norfolk

Norfolk is a gentle, peaceful region perfect for relaxed dog-friendly holidays. Wide, sandy beaches such as Holkham, Winterton, and Brancaster provide space for dogs to run, swim, and explore. The Norfolk Broads also offer riverside walks, quiet trails, and opportunities for wildlife spotting along calm waterways.

Villages and towns like Wells-next-the-Sea, Burnham Market, and Cromer are known for being dog-friendly, with many pubs, cafés, and shops providing bowls, treats, and outdoor seating. Seasonal local events and markets often welcome dogs, creating a welcoming community experience for your pup.

Cottages throughout Norfolk range from coastal retreats to rural countryside escapes, often with gardens or private outdoor space. With beaches, rivers, and charming villages, Norfolk is ideal for dog owners seeking a calm, scenic holiday where their pets can roam freely.

Link: Dog friendly holiday cottages in Norfolk.

The New Forest

The New Forest is one of England's most famous dog-friendly destinations, thanks to its ancient woodlands, open heathlands, and free-roaming ponies. Dogs can enjoy miles of trails through shaded forests, open plains, and along peaceful rivers. The varied landscapes allow for walks of all lengths and difficulty levels, making it suitable for dogs of every age and fitness level.

Villages like Lyndhurst, Brockenhurst, and Burley are renowned for welcoming dogs, with pubs, cafés, and shops offering water, treats, and outdoor seating. Seasonal events, open-air markets, and local attractions often allow dogs on leads, providing opportunities for socialisation and exploration alongside humans.

Many New Forest cottages are set in secluded spots with immediate access to walking trails. With woodland adventures, dog-friendly towns, and abundant wildlife, the New Forest is a fantastic choice for a diverse, nature-filled holiday with your dog.

Dorset

Dorset combines dramatic coastline with tranquil countryside, offering a variety of experiences for dogs. Famous sites along the Jurassic Coast such as Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove, and Old Harry Rocks provide spectacular walks with stunning views. Dogs can enjoy beaches, cliffs, and river walks, making it a versatile destination for both energetic and relaxed pups.

Town like Swanage, Lyme Regis, and Dorchester are welcoming to dogs, with pubs, cafés, and shops offering bowls, treats, and outdoor seating. Many walking routes start directly from town centers, making it easy to explore without a car. Seasonal festivals and events frequently allow dogs on leads, ensuring they're included in the local experience.

Dog-friendly cottages range from cosy coastal properties to rural retreats with private gardens. With dramatic scenery, varied walking routes, and welcoming towns, Dorset is perfect for dog owners who want a combination of adventure, scenery, and relaxation.

Link: Dog friendly holiday cottages in Dorset.

Find Your Perfect Dog-Friendly Cottage in England

England is packed with incredible dog-friendly destinations, each offering something unique - from Cornwall's sweeping beaches to the rugged fells of the Lake District and peaceful Norfolk countryside. With welcoming towns, scenic walks, dog-friendly pubs, and comfortable cottages, these 10 locations provide unforgettable holidays for both dogs and their owners.

Ready to explore these top destinations? Browse our collection of dog-friendly cottages across England and start planning your next unforgettable getaway with your furry friend today!