no dog left behind

After a dismal 2020 and a not-so-great start to 2021, so many of us are looking forward to the summer months with the hope that we’ll be able to book a much-needed UK staycation. And if you’re one of the UK’s 10 million dog owners, you’ll undoubtedly be looking for the perfect pet friendly holiday cottage or hotel to unwind and relax in.

We’re simply a nation that loves our canine companions too much to leave them behind! While we may not be able to travel just yet, read on for our top UK dog friendly destinations for 2021.

OFF THE BEATEN TRACK

If you want to get away with your four-legged friend while still maintaining a safe distance from the world, Undercastle Cottage is set deep in the woods of the New Forest National Park on the banks of the Avon. This idyllic cottage with its beautiful timber frame and thatched roof is charm personified. With only free-roaming ponies, deer, and wildlife for neighbours, it’s wonderfully private, too.

Or perhaps you’d prefer a remote CamperHoliday? Why limit yourself to one secluded destination when you could explore many and wake up somewhere different every day? It’s the perfect way to see more of the UK and explore the stunning landscapes and incredible coastline with your best furry friend by your side.

FAMILY GATHERINGS

If we’re given the go-ahead to meet up with missed friends and family, both dogs and their owners will relish a stay at The Farmhouse at A Corner of Eden in the heart of Cumbria’s Eden Valley. Sleeping 8, the bedrooms feature original fireplaces, sumptuous wallpapers and beds that you’ll want to dive into. Dogs will love lounging by the log fire in the living room but the enclosed walled garden is sure to tempt you all outdoors. It looks out onto sheep-filled fields and the fells beyond.

Larger groups will love Westbrook Court near Hay-on-Wye. Set in five acres, four-legged friends will have an absolute ball exploring the rural surroundings. With access to two huge private fields boasting magnificent views over the Wye Valley, dog walks are guaranteed to be a joy without even having to venture beyond the perimeter.

SPECIAL CELEBRATIONS

If you’re dreaming of celebrating a special birthday or anniversary with a loved one, how about escaping to The Old Sunday School in Harrowbarrow? Combining contemporary interiors with stunning views of the Tamar Valley, it’s the ultimate romantic retreat with dog walks galore on the doorstep. Plan to spend lots of time outdoors on the pretty patio area. There are cosy sun loungers, tables and chairs and a BBQ for you to make the most of the warm, Cornish evenings.

The Snug at Sandhole Cottages in Cheshire is the perfect romantic retreat for couples looking to escape the hustle and bustle for a while. It has a sweet one up one down layout and two private terraces. Small but perfectly formed, you’ll immediately want to kick off your shoes, turn down the lights and snuggle up in your very own idyllic cottage.

INCREDIBLE SELF-CATERING KITCHENS

Contemporary kitchens that are a joy for all the family (and friends) to spend time in are set to be super popular in 2021. With dining out not quite as relaxing as it once was, many of us are choosing to spend on delicious local produce and enjoy dinner at home instead. The spacious kitchen and dining room at Hastings House in Northumberland with its large oak table positively cries out for lively dinners and four-legged friends will love the underfloor heating in both rooms.

If you’re a family that likes to cook, you’ll adore spending time in the bright and airy open plan kitchen/diner at Ysgubor Cae’r Blaidd in Snowdonia. We love the fact that the dining table is located in the middle of the action so everyone can pitch in with the preparation. The patio doors open up on to the garden, perfect for al-fresco dining during the warmer months while your four-legged friend explores the extensive, enclosed garden.

WORKING FROM HOLIDAY

After being stuck at home for so long, working-from-holiday trips will be increasingly popular this year. Don’t we all need a change of scene … even if it’s just to look at over the top of our laptop? Eagle Brae’s luxury log cabins in the Highlands of Scotland offer a retreat like no other amidst some of the UK’s most breath-taking scenery. With complimentary WiFi and dedicated office space, if you can tear yourself away from the view, it’s the most picturesque place to work.

Or how about working from a dog friendly hotel?Unwinding in a luxury hotel could be just change of scene you need, especially when you can take your four-legged friend too. Great Fosters, a luxury boutique hotel with stunning grounds on the outskirts of Windsor, boasts spacious dog friendly bedrooms to work from, a Michelin star restaurant, a heated outdoor pool and 50 acres of gorgeous grounds to explore. Heaven!

For more places to stay, eat and go with your four-legged friend, check out Dog Friendly Destinations.

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