The home of Dog Friendly Holidays, Accommodation, Hotels, Holiday Cottages, Walks and Beaches in the UK.

Focus England: The Lake District

In our opinion the Lake District is one of the best places for a relaxing holiday, spectacular scenery, lots to see and do, loads of mouth watering places to eat and more walks than you can manage in a whole year. Whether you opt for the more rugged Northern Lakes, exploring the walks, fells, forests, towns and villages around Keswick, or the Southern fells and the areas around Ambleside and Grasmere you're sure to have a wonderful holiday.

The Plus 2 Dogs top spots for dog friendly places in the Lakes include:

Grasmere - this little village is a tourist hot spot and with good reason. If you stay here then the walks from the door are truly amazing - our dogs particularly enjoyed the Alcock Tarn walk, it takes a few hours and has amazing views over the village and the lake. Be sure to take a flask and a snack to have a picnic at the top so you can soak up the views whilst the dogs take a paddle in the tarn. The town itself is very dog friendly and many of the cafes, tea rooms and shops will welcome you and your dog. Several of them even have water filled dog bowls to quench doggy thirst as you all amble around the shops and village centre. There's also a dog friendly park on the edge of the village where Fido can have a run around amidst the glorious scenery.

Ambleside - the bustling town of Ambleside has loads of walks from the door that are OK for dogs, several eateries and pubs with dog friendly outside seating areas, a very generous park with wide open grass areas where dogs can be safely exercised well away from traffic, plus the lovely Borans Park on the edge of town, sitting on the shores of Lake Winderemere where canines can indulge in a bit of doggy paddling.

Top walk - if you're feeling energetic then try the walk to/from/circular route between Ambleside and Grasmere. One way the walk takes around 2 hours and you can opt for the low level or over-the-fell routes. Alternatively, make a day of it and walk both ways, spending some time in either place for lunch and a look around. Route information is available from most walking guide books and leaflets for the area, visit the walking shops or the tourist information centre in Ambleside for details.

Whinlatter Forest - situated in the Northern Lakes, not far outside Keswick, the Forestry Commission's Whinlatter Forest has great dog friendly walks with the majority being on good width paths and forest tracks on paw-friendly surfaces (i.e. less slate bits and more grass, earth and mud). There are jaw dropping views over Bassenthwaite Lake far below and when you've completed your walk don't forget to call in at the Siskins café at the visitor centre which has a large outside decked area with tables and chairs where you can all enjoy a much needed drink, snack and a sit down.


You might also want to check out the Forestry Commission's Grizedale Forest in the Southern fells near Hawkshead. Tobi particularly enjoyed the 2 ½ hour Grizedale Tarn walk.

For cottages in Cumbria click here
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Focus on Northumbria - Coquetdale

Northumbria is a great county to explore with your canine companion. Many of the beaches welcome dogs all year round; there are some great forests and woodlands to explore as well as the stunning scenery of the Northumberland National Park. Coquetdale is an area set roughly in the middle of Northumbria, around the pretty market town of Rothbury which lies on the River Coquet.
Plus2dogs visited the area in March and there was still some snow to be seen on the top of the impressive Cheviot Hills in the distance and a refreshing (some might say bracing!) wind blowing in off the North Sea.

Here's our top dog-friendly picks for the area if you're thinking of visiting this pretty part of Northumbria:

Dog friendly beaches in this area include:

• Alnmouth (our favourite)
• Bamburgh
• Beadnell
• Boulmer
• Druridge Bay
• Embleton Bay
• Howick

Recommended walks:

Our Labradors Tobi & Meg particularly enjoyed exploring the Forestry Commission walks at:

• Ravensheugh (4.5 miles) Simonside Hills, near Rothbury
• Castle Hill (4.75 miles) Thrunton Wood, near Rothbury

To find details of these (and many other) Forestry Commission routes in the area click here

For other walks:

• Rothbury Walking has details of the area's annual walking festival held in June
• You'll find walking ideas and downloadable route maps at Visit Northumberland
• Northumberland National Park has lots of walking route ideas

Places to visit:

• Cragside, a National Trust property with extensive grounds and estate land, woodland, lakes, and self guided walks. Dogs welcome but need to be kept on lead.

• Druridge Bay Country Park, a country park with beach, sand dunes, lakes, woods and meadows, all dog friendly.

For cottages in Northumbria click here
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Focus on North Yorkshire

North Yorkshire has something for everyone, from great beaches and pretty fishing villages to bustling towns, quiet moors and extensive forests.
Plus2dogs has visited this area several times, usually in May or November, and thinks the area has much to recommend it for those holidaying with their canine companions.

Here’s our top dog-friendly picks for the area:

Dog friendly beaches in this area include:

• Cayton Bay, south of Scarborough
• Sandsend, north of Whitby
• Danes Dyke near Flamborough

NB: Scarborough Borough Council operates seasonal dog bans on five of its beaches (Scarborough North Bay, Scarborough South Bay, Filey, Whitby and part of Sandsend) throughout the summer (1 May to 30 September) but at other times and on other beaches you are free to take your dog.

Recommended walks:
Old Toll Road between Egton Bridge and Grosmont – it’s a scenic and easy 4 mile round trip.

For other walks:

• Rail Trail between Grosmont and Goathland – many people walk one way and catch the steam train back. Dogs are welcome on the North Yorkshire Moors Steam Railway at a charge of £2 per dog.

• Esk Valley Walking
• Visit North Yorkshire Moors National Park for loads of dog friendly walking routes, including Forestry Commission trails, in the area
• The Coast to Coast route travels through North Yorkshire
• The Cleveland Way also travels through the area

Places to visit with your dogs:

• Helmsley Walled Garden, dogs welcome
• National Trust Houses & Gardens in Yorkshire
• North Yorkshire Moors Steam Railway

For cottages in Yorkshire click here
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