The UK’s most dog-friendly holiday destinations

Planning your next UK getaway with your furry friend in tow? Brilliant! After all, adventures are always better when they're shared.

To take the guesswork out of your holiday planning, we’ve crunched the numbers to find the UK's most welcoming staycation destinations for you and your pooch. We cover everything from accommodation to available green spaces, ensuring everyone gets the most out of their break.

Let’s jump into the results!

How we found the best dog friendly getaways

We wanted to make sure our recommendations were top-notch, so we did a bit of digging to find the very best places for you and your pooch. We started with a list of popular UK cities and then scored them on a whole host of dog-friendly factors, including:

·       A warm welcome: We looked at the percentage of dog-friendly hotels, holiday lets, restaurants, pubs, and cafes to see how easy it is to find a place that will welcome you both with open arms.

·       Great walks and green spaces: We checked out the number and size of local parks, how close the cities are to National Parks, and even looked at things like average rainfall – because no one likes a soggy walk!

·       Doggy essentials: We also considered the practical things, like the number of local vets and how many dog parks and dog-friendly walks were nearby.

We put all this information together to give each city a final score out of 10, helping us crown the ultimate winners for your next UK staycation.

Where are the best dog friendly places to stay in the UK?

The great news is, the UK is brimming with brilliant dog-friendly destinations, so you don't need to dust off your passport for a memorable trip.

Topping the charts in our index is the historic city of Edinburgh, which scored an impressive 8.2 out of 10. It faced some stiff competition though, as England's cities gave it a real run for its money, with Birmingham leading the pack as the country's best destination for a pet-friendly staycation.

The great news is that these top spots are spread right across the country. So, whether you’re based in the North or the South, you’ll find plenty of fantastic options, with Manchester and our very own Leeds flying the flag for the North, and the charming cities of Bath and Bristol representing the South.

Here are the top 10 most dog-friendly cities in the UK:

What should I do on my dog-friendly holiday?

A great holiday is about more than just the destination; it’s about the experiences you share. That’s why our study also looked at the best spots for cosy pubs, accommodating hotels, and scenic walks, helping you find the perfect place to make memories with your pooch.

Where can I find the best dog-friendly pubs?

Is there anything better than relaxing in a cosy pub after a day of new sights and smells? When it comes to finding a welcoming spot for you and your pooch, our study found two clear winners.

If you're looking for plenty of choice, our study found that you'll discover the most dog-friendly pubs in Liverpool, which boasts more welcoming spots than any other city in the UK.

However, if you want to be almost guaranteed to find a welcoming watering hole wherever you wander, Bath is the place for you. An incredible 43% of its pubs are happy to have dogs join, so you’ll never have to search far for the perfect place to put your feet (and paws) up.

Which cities have the most dog-friendly restaurants?

Sharing a meal together is a big part of any holiday, and that shouldn't change just because your furry friend is with you.

When it comes to feeling truly welcome, it's hard to beat York. The city boasts the highest proportion of dog-friendly restaurants in the UK, so you can be confident you'll find a fantastic spot for dinner without any hassle.

For those who love having plenty of options to browse, look no further than our overall winner, Edinburgh. The Scottish capital offers the greatest number of pet-welcoming eateries, giving you and your companion a huge menu of potential places to dine.

Where can I find the best dog-friendly accommodation?

The foundation of any great trip is finding the right place to stay - and having plenty of choice makes all the difference.

Our research found that when it comes to pet-friendly accommodation, Chester offers that freedom in spades. With more welcoming hotels and holiday lets than any other UK city, you can easily find a stay that suits your taste and budget perfectly.

Where are the best places for dog-friendly walks?

For those whose holidays revolve around long, scenic walks, our study found some fantastic options across the UK.

Sheffield stands out as a true dog-friendly paradise. The city is the UK's greenest, with over 250 parks and woodlands providing endless opportunities for exploration right on your doorstep. For an adventurous day out, its proximity to the stunning Peak District makes for an easy and unforgettable dog-friendly walks across Yorkshire.

And if you’re looking for the great outdoors without even leaving the city, Birmingham is a top destination as it’s home to Sutton Park, one of the largest urban parks in Europe, giving you a vast expanse of nature to explore with your pooch.

Wherever your travels take you, a well-fed dog is a happy explorer. Our personalised, air-dried recipes are packed with all the goodness your dog needs to fuel your adventures. And because our food is so compact and easy to store (no fridge needed!), it's the perfect travel companion for your next getaway.

Ready to make your next trip easier and healthier? Create your dog’s personalised plan today.