Dog-friendly holiday destinations that you’ll love

Thanks to the recession staycations have grown in popularity and in particular dog-friendly breaks have been on the rise. More and more attractions are recognising the importance of man’s best friend and are providing dog-friendly experiences. So we’ve taken a look at some of the best places to holiday this year where your dog will be welcome.

Cornwall

As one of the UK’s favourite holiday destinations, Cornwall is naturally one of the best choices for those looking to take their four-legged friend with them. 51 of the beaches in Cornwall welcome dogs all year round and a further 81 have some form of seasonal restrictions in place. From the Lost Gardens of Heligan to the Eden Project there are plenty of dog-friendly attractions for you to explore with your furry friend.

Snowdonia

The North Wales coast and Snowdonia make for a fun-filled, if sometimes wet, destination for a UK staycation. Walking and hiking is popular with plenty of mountains to clamber including Wales’s highest peak Snowdon. The beautiful coastline also brings visitors in their droves and popular destinations include Harlech, Llandudno and Abersoch. For those with a sense of adventure how about heading underground in the Sygun Copper Mine which welcomes dogs into its tunnels. If you fancy a slower pace of life then there are plenty of village pubs which will welcome you and your pooch.

Devon

Stunning coastal walks, fascinating architecture and Dartmoor national park are just some of the reasons you’ll love a break in the beautiful county of Devon. Dog-friendly attractions include The Donkey Sanctuary at Sidmouth, South Devon Railway, Dartmouth Castle and of course a wide range of fantastic beaches. There are plenty of family-friendly days out so a trip to Devon has something for all of the family whether they have two legs or four.

Lake District

For lovers of the great outdoors the Lake District is the ideal choice all year round with popular destinations including Ambleside, Windermere, Keswick and Kendal to name just a few. There are 20 English Heritage Sites where dogs are allowed which include the remains of Penrith Castle, Furness Abbey and Ambleside’s Roman Fort. For those looking for a challenge why not climb England’s highest mountain Scafell Pike before enjoying a much-deserved drink in one of the many pubs in the area. Any trip to the Lake District wouldn’t be complete without a visit to one of the lakes with Windermere being the largest and most popular choice.

Pembrokeshire

Home to Wales’s and one of Europe’s top beaches, Rhossili Bay sits on the Gower Peninsula in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This dog-friendly beach has three miles of coastline making it the perfect place for a walk and to burn off some extra energy. For adrenaline junkies why not take a jet-boat ride along the coast for a chance to spot dolphins, seals and a selection of seabirds with your dog coming along for free. Picton Castle and Pembroke Castle both welcome dogs on leads and provide plenty of options for exploring, including some incredible views to enjoy.