Your Guide to Dog-Friendly Autumn Breaks in the UK

Whether you see yourself snuggling up to a roaring fire at a charming coaching inn or strolling through vibrant hues of the autumn countryside, it’s the perfect season to plan a getaway with your furry companion. 

So, stay tuned as we showcase key travel tips to prepare your pooch, and the best dog-friendly autumn breaks guaranteed to get tails wagging.

Should I take my dog on holiday with me?

The prospect of taking your four-legged friend on holiday can be very exciting, especially for new dog owners. Leaving your pup at home to miss out on adventure can be daunting, especially if they haven’t spent much time alone before.

However, it is important to consider whether taking your dog away with you would cause more stress than hiring a dog sitter to take care of them in their own home. Before planning a trip, think about things like:

• Is your dog happy and content travelling in the car or on a train for an extended period?
• How well does your dog cope with large groups of people, for example, in a popular seaside town?
• How comfortable is your pup is around other dogs?
• Are they old enough to travel? Young puppies may need too much care to travel or be left with a dog minder.

With that being said, if your dog is a happy traveller and you’re not worried about any of the above, staycations are a great (and less costly) way to travel whilst enjoying all the wonderful dog-friendly activities, walks and locations the UK has to offer. 

If you’re unsure, consult an experienced dog trainer who can help you assess how well they can travel and socialise. Alternatively, they can help you organise some training to make the trip easier. 

Where’s the best place to take my dog on holiday in the UK?

1. Cornwall

Cornwall is an absolute cornucopia of things to do for both you and your dog. From the dog-friendly Beaches to the stunning Gardens, endless museums and castles, quaint seaside towns and the Cornish coastal path. You’ll be spoilt for choice for doggy days out, but the key will be where to stay. 

Many local campsites are dog-friendly if they’re on a lead, and there are sure to be dog-friendly hotels as well, but for a bit of luxury and comfort that’s within easy distance of the coast, why not consider the St Mellion Cottage Collection? We have several dog-friendly cottages on site with private parking, french doors, stunning views and easy access to the golf course! Plus, you’ll enjoy complimentary access to the Health Club. 

2. Norfolk

Nelson’s County has some of the most beautiful walks in the country. Starting with the stunning North Norfolk Coastal Path running from Hunstanton on the west to Hopton-on-Sea on the east. It’s 83 miles of beaches, cliff tops, nature reserves and classic seaside towns – ideal for four-legged adventurers. There’s also Norwich City, which is a great day out for all. Or there’s the Broads, where you can rent a dog-friendly boat for the day. Not to mention the great heritage North Norfolk Railway on which dogs are welcome aboard.

For places to stay, why not consider a classified Dark Sky Discovery site to do some star-gazing or a dog-friendly cottage, maybe even a boat on the broads for a few nights on the water?

3. Wales

Wales is known for its keen nature conservation, friendly locals and stunning beaches, so it sounds pretty good for a pooch who loves to make friends and explore nature, doesn’t it?

There are miles of sandy beaches and coastal walks all around, including on the Gower and in Pembrokeshire. Then you add in sites like Powis and Penrhyn Castle, where there are acres of land, forest and grass to explore. The Cambrian Way is an excellent road trip for car-loving pooches. However, the crowning glory has to be Snowdonia, especially with the 13th-century Myth surrounding Prince Llywelyn the Great and his beloved dog Gelert. If you go, Beddgelert is a must-visit on your trip. 

4. Yorkshire 

Yorkshire is a great option if you’re looking for a mix of cities, towns and stunning nature walks. With the great city of York at the centre, there’s plenty for you and your dog to see and do. Why not stroll down the shambles, drop in one of the many dog-friendly restaurants and finish up with a classic Ghost Walk? Alternatively, head to the coast to the stunning Robin Hood’s Bay beach or go up the coast to Whitby to see what inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula. 

Top tips for packing for your pup

Just like humans, dogs like their creature comforts so here is a handy list to help you remember the essentials:

• Collars, leads, harnesses and tags.
• Food and water bowls – portable and otherwise.
• Food and their tasty training treats to reinforce their good behaviour. 
• Engaging toys to prevent boredom
• Comfort blankets and their beds.
• Hygiene items like poo bags, paw creams, medication, etc.
• Towels and cooling mats.

How to plan a dog-friendly itinerary 

Once you’ve found a dog-friendly place to stay and have a list of things you want to do, it’s important to plan the holiday so no one gets overtired, hurt or bored.

So, make sure you mix up your active days enough that your four-legged friend isn’t walking so much more than usual in a shorter timeframe. Throw in some calmer boat trips, beach days and road trips to keep their legs feeling good. 

Similarly, don’t leave them alone and do non-dog-friendly activities too much – it’s a holiday for everyone after all, and no one likes waiting by the car! 

Finally, try and get into a routine or stay in your regular one while away – dogs like to know when they’re eating, coming, going and more. So, feed them at the same time as at home, try to walk them at similar times (if they want to walk, that is) and keep their everyday schedule as close to normal as possible.

Our final top tips for a happy travel companion

Dogs are creatures of habit, this means feeding them the same food at the same time as you would at home, but also making sure you consider their sleeping patterns. 

Dogs need a lot of rest and sleep every day, so make sure they have the time to do that in the car or at your accommodation. If you aren’t allowed to leave them unattended anywhere, remember to give them time to rest while out and about. If they’re not too large, and you’re strong enough, you could always carry them to give them a respite.

Bringing your dog on holiday can be great fun, but there are considerably more plans and things to remember, so put on your organising hat, prepare your itinerary and your dog efficiently, and have a great dog-friendly holiday.