UK’s top 8 dog-friendly locations to visit during the Christmas holiday season
The UK is a perfect destination for a Christmas holiday with your dog. Its scenic countryside, historic towns, and welcoming atmosphere offer a magical experience for you and your furry companion. You can explore festively adorned villages, enjoy long walks in stunning landscapes, and cosy up in pet-friendly hotels. The UK's dog-friendly culture means your canine friend can join in the holiday fun at pubs, markets, and even some attractions. With its rich traditions and beautiful scenery, the UK provides an unforgettable Christmas getaway where you and your dog can create lasting memories together. Here are our top 8 regions:
1. Lake District
Discover the top three Christmas holiday destinations in the Lake District that warmly welcome your furry friend:
Ambleside
Ambleside's festive charm is perfect for holidaymakers with dogs. Wander through the quaint streets adorned with twinkling lights and explore the picturesque Lake Windermere. Many dog-friendly accommodations and pubs ensure a cosy stay for all. A popular, highly rated dog friendly hotel is The Fisherbeck, located in Ambleside.
Keswick
Keswick's idyllic setting by Derwentwater offers a magical Christmas escape. Take your dog on scenic walks, visit the Christmas market, and indulge in warm mince pies at dog-friendly cafes. Keswick boasts an array of pet-friendly lodging options. A popular, highly rated dog friendly hotel is the Royal Oak in Keswick.
Grasmere
Grasmere's romantic ambiance makes it a great choice for Christmas. Explore Wordsworth's old stomping grounds and enjoy festive treats. Stay in dog-friendly cottages and roam the beautiful countryside with your furry companion. Our most highly rated dog friendly hotel is the Forest Side Hotel in Grasmere.
In these Lake District havens, you and your dog can share the joy of the holiday season amidst stunning landscapes and welcoming hospitality.
2. Scottish Highlands
Embrace the enchanting beauty of the Scottish Highlands with your four-legged friend this Christmas. Here are three top holiday destinations that warmly welcome dogs:
Aviemore
Nestled in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, Aviemore is a winter wonderland for dog-friendly adventures. Explore snow-covered forests and enjoy festive activities, such as sledding or visiting Santa's grotto. Numerous dog-friendly hotels and pubs ensure a cosy retreat for you and your pup, one of the most popular is The Cairngorm Hotel in the heart of Aviemore.
Fort William
This Highland gem offers a scenic backdrop for your Christmas getaway. Take your dog on hikes along Ben Nevis or stroll along the Caledonian Canal's picturesque towpaths. Many hotels and B&Bs in the area are pet-friendly, providing a comfortable base for your holiday, our most popular dog friendly hotel is The Garrison on the High Street in Fort William.
Inverness
The capital of the Highlands exudes holiday cheer. Wander through the Christmas markets, visit historic sites, and embark on dog-friendly boat trips along Loch Ness. Inverness boasts a variety of dog-welcoming hotels, ensuring a memorable stay. Our most popular dog friendly hotel is Heathmount Hotel located in Inverness city centre.
Celebrate the festive season in the Scottish Highlands, where stunning landscapes and warm hospitality make for an unforgettable Christmas holiday with your beloved canine companion.
3. Snowdonia National Park, Wales
Snowdonia National Park in Wales offers a magical backdrop for a Christmas holiday with your furry friend. Here are three top destinations within the park that welcome dogs:
Betws-y-Coed
This charming village, often adorned with a dusting of snow, is a delightful place to spend Christmas. Explore the enchanting Swallow Falls, stroll along the dog-friendly forest paths, and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Many hotels and cottages in Betws-y-Coed are pet-friendly. Our most popular dog friendly hotel is the Gwydyr Hotel located in the centre of Betws-y-Coed.
Bala
Nestled by the tranquil Lake Bala, this picturesque town offers a serene escape for the holidays. Take your dog on leisurely walks around the lake, visit the Christmas markets, and stay in one of the many dog-welcoming accommodations. One of the most popular dog friendly hotels located in the centre of Bala is the White Lion Royal Hotel.
Beddgelert
Known for its stunning mountain views, Beddgelert is a winter wonderland. Hike the scenic trails of Snowdonia with your pup, visit the nearby Gelert's Grave, and enjoy cosy evenings in dog-friendly inns and cottages. The best rated dog friendly hotel is the Saracens Head, located in Caernarfon - 150 yards from Beddgelert.
In Snowdonia National Park, you and your dog can relish the festive spirit amidst breathtaking natural beauty, making it a perfect Christmas retreat.
4. Devon
Devon, in the southwest of England, offers a delightful Christmas getaway for holidaymakers with dogs. Here are the top three destinations to consider:
Dartmoor National Park
Experience a truly enchanting Christmas amidst the rugged beauty of Dartmoor. Explore the park's ancient woodlands and rolling moors with your furry companion. Numerous dog-friendly cottages and inns provide a warm and cosy base for your holiday. Ilsington Country House Hotel & Spa, located on the southern slopes of Dartmoor National Park, is a highly rated dog friendly hotel.
Exeter
The historic city of Exeter comes alive with festive cheer during Christmas. Wander through the Christmas markets, visit the stunning Exeter Cathedral, and enjoy dog-friendly shopping and dining. Many hotels in Exeter welcome dogs, ensuring a comfortable stay for all. The Holiday Inn Express in Exeter City centre is a popular and highly rated dog friendly hotel.
Salcombe
This picturesque coastal town offers a unique Christmas by the sea. Stroll along the sandy beaches with your dog, shop for local crafts at the Christmas markets, and enjoy fresh seafood at dog-friendly eateries. Salcombe boasts several pet-welcoming accommodations, including the South Sands Hotel, which is situated right on the beach and has sea views.
In Devon, you and your dog can create cherished holiday memories in stunning landscapes and vibrant communities during the Christmas season.
5. Northumberland
Discover the enchanting beauty of Northumberland this Christmas with your canine companion. Here are the top three destinations for holidaymakers with dogs:
Alnwick
Known for its stunning Alnwick Castle, this historic town offers a magical Christmas experience. Explore the beautifully decorated gardens, enjoy the festive markets, and take your dog for a walk along the River Aln. Many dog-friendly accommodations, from spa hotels to welcoming inns, await your stay. The Cookie Jar is a highly rated dog friendly hotel and is located 350 yards from Alnwick centre.
Bamburgh
The coastal village of Bamburgh provides a picturesque backdrop for a Christmas holiday. Walk your dog along the golden sands of Bamburgh Beach, visit the iconic Bamburgh Castle, and savour seafood in dog-friendly cafes. A variety of pet-welcoming lodgings make your stay comfortable and enjoyable. The Victoria Hotel in Bamburgh comes highly recommended and is pet friendly.
Hexham
Nestled in the heart of Northumberland, Hexham offers a festive atmosphere with its Christmas markets and historic charm. Explore Hexham Abbey and take long walks with your dog along the scenic Tyne Green. Numerous dog-friendly hotels and B&Bs cater to your needs. The County Hotel in Hexham, is highly rated and offers dog friendly rooms.
Northumberland's rich history and natural beauty make it a splendid Christmas destination for you and your four-legged friend.
6. Isle of Wight
Experience a magical Christmas on the Isle of Wight, a dog-friendly haven surrounded by the sparkling waters of the English Channel. Here are three top destinations for holidaymakers with dogs:
Shanklin
This coastal gem is known for its beautiful sandy beach and charming old village. Enjoy festive strolls along Shanklin Esplanade with your dog, explore Shanklin Chine illuminated with Christmas lights, and stay in one of the many dog-welcoming accommodations, including coastal pet-friendly hotels. The Harrow Lodge Hotel is located on the beachfront in Shanklin and offers dog friendly rooms.
Newport
The island's capital, Newport, is steeped in history and offers a traditional Christmas atmosphere. Wander through the Christmas markets, visit Carisbrooke Castle, and enjoy dog-friendly dining in the town's eateries. Several pet-friendly hotels and guesthouses ensure a comfortable stay. The highly rated One Holyrood Hotel is situated in Newport and offers pet friendly accommodation.
Ventnor
This Victorian seaside resort town boasts a mild climate and stunning coastal scenery. Take your dog on leisurely walks along the seafront promenade, explore the enchanting Ventnor Botanic Garden, and stay in charming dog-friendly hotels or B&Bs. The Royal Hotel is a highly rated pet friendly hotel and situated just 200 yards from the beach in Ventnor.
The Isle of Wight provides a perfect backdrop for a festive holiday with your furry friend, combining natural beauty and seasonal charm.
7. Yorkshire Dales
Explore the beauty of the Yorkshire Dales with your furry friend during a memorable Christmas holiday. Here are three top destinations for holidaymakers with dogs:
Skipton
This charming market town on the edge of the Dales offers a festive atmosphere amidst historic architecture. Stroll along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal with your dog, visit Skipton Castle adorned with Christmas lights, and choose from dog-friendly accommodations such as cosy inns and hotels. The Woolly Sheep Inn offers highly rated dog friendly rooms and is located just 200 yards from the centre of Skipton town.
Hawes
Located in the heart of the Dales, Hawes is a delightful place to celebrate Christmas. Enjoy long walks with your dog in the surrounding countryside, visit the Wensleydale Creamery for delicious cheeses, and stay in dog-welcoming B&Bs or hotel, like the Cocketts Hotel which is highly rated and located just 100 yards from the centre of Hawes.
Grassington
Nestled in Wharfedale, Grassington transforms into a winter wonderland for the holiday season. Explore the festive Dickensian-themed market, take your dog on walks along the River Wharfe, and find comfort in pet-friendly accommodations like traditional inns and hotels. The Devonshire Grassington, located in Grassington centre, is a good example and comes highly rated by its guests.
In the Yorkshire Dales, you and your dog can create cherished Christmas memories amidst stunning landscapes and warm hospitality.
8. New Forest
Celebrate Christmas in the picturesque New Forest, a haven for holidaymakers with dogs. Here are the top three destinations for a memorable festive getaway:
Brockenhurst
Nestled in the heart of the New Forest, Brockenhurst offers a quintessential Christmas experience. Take your dog on scenic walks through ancient woodlands and heathlands, and explore the charming village adorned with festive lights. Dog-friendly accommodations, including hotels and welcoming inns, ensure a cosy stay. The Forest Park Country Hotel & Inn comes highly rated by its guests and is located close to the centre of Brockenhurst.
Lyndhurst
As the New Forest's main town, Lyndhurst is a hub of holiday activity during Christmas. Enjoy the Christmas market, visit the New Forest Centre, and embark on dog-friendly woodland adventures. Many pet-welcoming hotels and B&Bs offer a warm retreat for you and your furry friend. The Stag Hotel, located close to the centre of Lyndhurst is a good example and comes highly rated by its guests.
Lymington
This coastal town adds a maritime touch to your Christmas holiday. Stroll along Lymington Quay, explore the bustling High Street, and take your dog on beach walks. Lymington offers a range of pet-friendly accommodations, from waterfront hotels to cosy B&Bs. Stanwell House is a dog friendly hotel that’s located just 250 yards away from the centre of Lymington, and is highly rated by its guests.
In the New Forest, you and your dog can immerse yourselves in the festive spirit while surrounded by natural beauty and warm hospitality.
Always check the specific pet policies of accommodations and attractions in your chosen destination, as rules may vary. Additionally, ensure your dog is comfortable and safe during winter travel, with appropriate clothing and protection from the cold.
