Six Dog-friendly Staycations that Make you Feel Like you’re Abroad

With overseas travel looking distinctly unlikely this year, now is the time to embrace a dog-friendly holiday in the UK.  Your dog will be delighted to be included in your plans and you will be surprised to find just how many of our own homegrown destinations are equally as lovely, if not more so, that their overseas equivalents.  We have contrasted the attractions of some of these holiday hot spots like the Caribbean, South of France and Italian Lakes with some of our favourite PetsPyjamas dog-friendly destinations which have striking similarities and have wonderful dog-friendly hotels with exclusive packages where your dog will be as welcome as you are! 

1) Bath instead of Budapest

Budapest is famous for its fabulous thermal baths but for a similar experience that is much closer to home why not visit the city of Bath – a famous Spa town with thermal baths as well as a wealth of other attractions to delight you and your dog. Bath’s Thermae Bath Spa provides warm, mineral-rich waters as the Celts and Romans experienced over 2,000 years ago with spectacular views of the city from the rooftop pool. But the city’s wonderful Georgian architecture is most definitely experienced on foot with your four-legged friend in tow.  There are numerous dog-friendly cafes and restaurants and plenty of green spaces to walk like the lovely Royal Victoria Park to explore plus Bath’s Skyline walk with stunning views across the city.

PetsPyjamas recommends:

We recommend a stay at Homewood Hotel close to Bath because its super dog-friendly! Winner of our 2020 Top Luxe Hotel Award, expect a waggy welcome with treat box, special doggie menu, comfy bed and wonderful walks from the doorstep.    

2) St Michael’s Mount, Cornwall instead of Normandy’s Mont Saint-Michel

Whilst Normandy’s Mont St Michel is rightly famous and one of France’s best-known attractions, St Michael’s Mount in Cornwall is less well known – yet a secret definitely worth knowing, Both are small islands with hilltop castles. St Michael’s Mount is just 500 metres from Marazion and can be approached on foot or by boat but better still take your dog on a walk around Mount’s Bay with some of the best beaches in Cornwall and where you have stunning views of the island.  The walk follows Mount’s Bay from Marazion to Mousehole. You can walk the whole way or split the walk between walking and driving. The views around the bay are fantastic and you might even spot a dolphin or two.  There are numerous dog-friendly cafes and restaurants along the way.

PetsPyjamas recommends:

We recommend The Godolphin Arms which offers a wonderful four-legged welcome and sits right on the seafront overlooking St Michael’s Mount with endless beaches for your dog to play.   

3) The Isles of Scilly, Cornwall instead of the Caribbean

If you are dreaming of a trip to the Caribbean then this might be the year to visit the Scilly Islands instead.  Officially offering the warmest weather in the UK and equally exotic with wonderful spring flowers, tropical fauna plus long sweeping white beaches and hidden coves its absolute heaven and perfect for an away from it all dog-friendly holiday. There are five inhabited islands – St Mary’s, Tresco, St Martin’s, Bryher and St Agnes with numerous uninhabited islands to explore. St Martins with its rocky coves and cobbled cottages is especially enchanting. Your dog will love the freedom to roam across great swathes of sand, fabulous walks while you can enjoy kayaking, diving or swimming with the seals. Paradise for you and your pet!

PetsPyjamas recommends:

Stay at the Karma St Martin’s Hotel which is luxurious yet relaxed and very dog-friendly offering a welcome pack, bowls, blankets and treats and is just a bone’s throw from the sandy beach.