Today is International Dog Day, but don’t worry if you forgot to get your furry best friend a present, because we’re here to suggest something a lot better than yet another chew toy: a dog-friendly staycation.

We’ve already shared our top tips for planning a smooth and stress-free dog-friendly staycation, but now it’s time to take a closer look at where to actually take your pooch.

To help you out, we’ve picked out some of our favourite dog-friendly holiday destinations right here in the UK, all the way from North Yorkshire to North Wales. All the places we’ve chosen have plenty of dog walking opportunities and attractions that all the family — both two and four-legged — will enjoy.

Without further ado, here are the five best places to visit for a great dog-friendly staycation.

 

1. Conwy, North Wales

With a unique landscape of mountains, waterfalls and rugged coastline, Wales has long been regarded as one of the best places to visit for a UK walking holiday, meaning it is also a great place to go if you’ve got some active four-legged friends in tow.

The Castle Hotel in Conwy is the ideal base for exploring North Wales by foot, with lots of diverse walking routes within easy reach. 

If you and your dog are feeling fit and up for a challenge, Snowdon, Wales’s highest mountain, can be found in the nearby Snowdonia National Park, just a half-hour drive from Conwy.

Alternatively, for a more casual day out, we recommend a walk around Conwy’s Town Walls, or along the quayside. Conwy Water Gardens, Conwy Valley Railway Museum and the Great Orme in Llandudno are all well worth a visit (your dog can even take a ride on the famous Great Orme Tramway!)

 

2. Bakewell, Peak District

Derbyshire, home to the Peak District National Park, is an idyllic place for dog-owners looking for a dog-friendly staycation spot.

When it comes to where in Peak District to stay, ideally situated in the heart of the English east midlands is Bakewell, home to (you guessed it) Bakewell Tart as well as endless dog walking opportunities in the Peak District National Park and surrounding countryside.

Plus, like many market towns in the area, you’ll find that Bakewell is full of local businesses and attractions that welcome furry friends, including Bakewell Old House Museum and the grounds of Chatsworth House.

To learn more about The Rutland Arms in Bakewell and to book your next stay, click here.

 

3. Hungerford, Berkshire

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Mango (@mango_thecavapoo)

No visit to ‘old England,’ would be complete without spending a few nights in Hungerford, a beautiful canalside market town renowned for its wide array of antique shops, regular town events and breathtaking natural beauty.

And when it comes to outdoor activities and dog walking routes, Hungerford doesn’t disappoint, with plenty of scenic routes and picnic spots right on the doorstep, including Berkshire’s highest point, Walbury Hill.

Other nearby places to take your pooch include Dinton Pastures Country Park, Stonor Park, the ancient woodlands of Cocksherd Wood and the miles of woodland and heathland tracks and great family facilities of Black Park Country Park.

Looking for a dog-friendly holiday in Berkshire? Click here to find out more and book your stay at The Three Swans Hotel, Hungerford today.

 

4. Richmond, North Yorkshire

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Arlo The Super Dog (@arlothesuperdog)

Known for its signature cobbled marketplace and traditional Georgian architecture, Richmond is a beautiful Yorkshire Dales market town. It also happens to be one of the best spots in the UK for a dog-friendly staycation thanks to its varied cycling routes and outdoor attractions.

Take your furry friend for a stroll around Easby Abbey or along the Batts to the waterfall, pay a visit to the art gallery and artisan food and drink shops at The Station, or even stop by to tour Richmond’s impressive Norman castle.

Finally, after a hard day exploring, you and your pup can make yourselves at home in The King’s Head Hotel’s comfortable bar and lounge, where comfy sofas, good coffee and dog biscuits are all in good supply.

 

5. Helmsley, North Yorkshire 

Whether you’re travelling with friends, family, your partner or just your dog, the North Yorkshire market town of Helmsley is easily one of the best dog-friendly staycations in the UK.

The Feathers Hotel is a great base to explore the town’s bustling market square as well as the spectacular North York Moors National Park nearby. With such a wide range of routes on offer, any keen human-dog walking duo is sure to be happy.

If you want to go further afield, the historic city of York is within easy reach and features lots of green spaces to explore with your four-legged pal. Or if a beach day is on your agenda, Cayton Bay, Port Mulgrave and Saltburn are all great, dog-friendly options.

 

Choose a Coaching Inn for a great dog-friendly staycation

Here at The Coaching Inn Group, we believe that as man’s best friend, dogs deserve to be treated just as well as their humans when they go on holiday.

That’s why all our hotels have plenty of dog-friendly spaces to eat and drink as well as all the doggy essentials you could ask for — including treats, water bowls, beds and suggestions for exciting dog walking routes — during your stay. 

We’re always happy to help wherever we can, so if you need anything extra to make you and your pooch feel happy and comfortable, feel free to get in contact before your stay.

Book your next dog friendly stay with us today (26th August) and your dogs stay free (max 2 per room) – Call now to book 01858 438300