Dogs enjoy nothing more than a long walk. Whether it be a stroll through the park, a wander through the woods or a potter across the beach, our curious canines absolutely love walkies! Rumour has it they’re partial to the odd holiday, too… so why not combine the two?
We’ve sniffed out the top 10 places to walk your furry friend, as well as some wonderful pet-friendly places to stay nearby. From Derbyshire to Devon, here’s some of the best dog-friendly walking holidays for you and your adventurous pooch.
1. The Devonshire Arms at Beeley, Derbyshire
The Devonshire Arms provides a wonderful base for a walking holiday and is set on the Chatsworth Estate in Derbyshire. You can your canine companion can stay in one of the four luxe Brookside House rooms. Refuel after a long day of roaming with your hound with a delicious British dish in the hotel’s gastropub.
Take a walk: From the doorstep, you and Fido can enjoy countless rambles – it’s a walker’s paradise! The Peak District National Park has endless hills and dales for you to both explore, with trails ranging from challenging hikes to relaxing strolls.
2. Cliveden House, Berkshire
For pet’s that like to holiday in style, book a room at five-star hotel and former home of the Astor family, Cliveden House. The Cliveden Doggy Break will provide your furry friend with a welcome pack that includes a bed, bowl and mat, gourmet meal from the chef’s canine menu, personalised lead and a dog walking map of the estate.
Take a walk: Your pooch will have lots of fun off-lead in the hotel’s 376-acres of National Trust Gardens! The doggie walking map provided will direct you and your pup to all the best sniffing spots. After a long day exploring, relax with a delicious afternoon tea in the hotel’s Great Hall.
3. The Groes Inn, Wales
Only half a mile from Snowdonia National Park and overlooking the sweeping Conwy Estuary, The Groes Inn offers the perfect balance of wonderful service, award-winning food and a beautiful location. Four-legged guests will find water bowls waiting for them in your room, while blankets and biscuits are supplied at the bar. Great excuse to pop down for a drink or two!
Take a walk: We recommend taking the inn’s favourite walk through the local lanes, along the Rover Conwy and pass traditional Welsh cottages. You may even encounter some buzzards!
4. Ballathie Country House, Scotland
This gorgeous four-star country house hotel located in the heart of Scotland, in Perthshire, serves as the perfect base to explore the breathtaking Scottish countryside with Fido. Offering luxury dog-friendly accomodation, the hotel is surrounded by 900 acres of beautiful private grounds that your dog will love to roam.
Take a walk: Situated on the banks of the River Tay, there are fantastic riverside and county walks right from the doorstep. Scotland is considered one of the greatest places to go walking in the UK, and your pooch will love exploring the rural delights of Perthshire.
5. The Ship at Dunwich, Suffolk
Stay at the former haunt of smugglers and enjoy a lovely coastal walking break with your pet! A great place to eat, drink and relax, The Ship will provide a bowl of water and dog biscuits, plus your pooch can dine with you in the bar, conservatory and breakfast room. The large garden is also available for your dog to walk and play in at any time.
Take a walk: Dunwich Beach, which is dog-friendly all year-round is only a few minutes’ walk from the hotel. Enjoy a peaceful amble with your pup along the 3-mile coastal path from the village car park to Walberswick. When you need to refuel, pop into the beach café for a portion of fish and chips.
6. Lodore Falls Hotel, Lake District
Burrowed in the heart of Borrowdale Valley, Lodore Falls Hotel makes for a truly magical walking break base. Furry guests will be provided with beds and bowls, plus your pet can join you for light meals and afternoon tea in the lounge. And whilst you’re here, make sure you explore the 40-acres of private grounds and see the hotel’s waterfall namesake.
Take a walk: The area surrounding Lodore Falls is rich with walking trails! Feeling adventurous? Walk the eight-miles around the lake of Derwent Water and stop in Keswick for some food and drinks to refuel halfway.
7. The Acorn Inn, Dorset
The Acorn Inn is a home-away-from-home and was originally built in the 16th century. Fido can join you for breakfast in the bar area – just make sure you reserve a table. Word on the street is the barman keeps a special stash of dog biscuits for furry friends…
Take a walk: The 600-acre Melbury Estate and Deer Park is next to the inn, and The Acorn will provide you with maps of the best walking routes, as well as a picnic if you wish! Dog-friendly Chesil Beach is only a 40-minute drive away and lovely if your hound fancies a walk along the coast.
8. Bovey Castle, Devon
This elegant but unfussy country house hotel has an incredibly dog-friendly ethos. Golfers can enjoy a game on the impressive championship course or stop in the on-site spa for a relaxing treatment. Canines will also love Bovey Castle as there are biscuits at reception, sausages for breakfast and a doggie welcome pack.
Take a walk: Located within Dartmoor National Park, your pet will have access to a wealth of fantastic walks! Ask at the front desk for maps on the best walks to take in the area. There are also some nearby dog-friendly beaches if your pup wants a taste of the coast!
9. The Cary Arms, Devon
We love The Cary Arms’ stunning beach location! Book the hotel’s Gourmet Doggy Getaway and you’ll receive a walker’s massage, three-course meal, full English breakfast and a lunch picnic. Pets will enjoy a doggie dinner and a welcome pack!
Take a walk: The hotel is only a few minutes’ walk from Babbacombe Beach and your pet can enjoy year-round beachside romps along this unspoilt cove. Plus, it connects to the South West Coast Path! Depending on the tide, water-loving pups can enjoy a dip in the sea.
10. The White Horse, Sussex
Nestled at the foot of the South Downs, The White Horse offers spectacular views, luxury lodgings and award-winning food and drink. Four-legged guests will be given a welcome pack on arrival and can relax with their owners in the pub area and courtyard rooms.
Take a walk: Enjoy a lovely circular walk around Chilgrove with your hound in tow. This route will take you through Philliswood and past the serene village of East Marden.
After a little more inspo?
If none of our suggested destinations get your tail wagging, take a sniff around our full collection of dog-friendly walking holidays, hound-picked by our team of travel experts… 