6 Pawsome Reasons to Take Your Dog on Holiday

Celebrate National Pet Month!

April brings a wave of excitement for pet lovers across the UK, as it is National Pet Month! This is the perfect time to celebrate our furry companions and the immense joy they add to our lives. One of the best ways to appreciate this bond is to take a mini-break with your four-legged friend.

So why take Fido on holiday?

1. Companionship on Your Adventures - When you embark on your holiday, the joy of having your canine companion by your side can transform the experience.

2. Get Out and Explore Together - Holidays often encourage us to explore new locations, and having a dog with you opens up a world of opportunities.

3. Less Stress for Everyone - Leaving your dog behind can be stressful—not just for your pet, but for you as well.

4. Strengthening Your Bond - Time away from the daily grind provides a wonderful opportunity to deepen your bond with your four-legged partner.

5. Shared Relaxation - What’s a holiday without a bit of downtime? When you book a cottage, especially in the stunning UK countryside, there’s plenty of scope for relaxation. By bringing your dog, you can enjoy a peaceful retreat together.

6. Create Unique Holiday Photo Opportunities - Let’s be honest: dogs know how to pose like pros! Including your dog in your holiday will lead to some unforgettable photo ops.

Bookings for dog-friendly properties have surged by an impressive 17% compared to 2024. This increase is a clear indication that pet owners are seeking more ways to include their beloved animals in their travel plans. Why leave your pooch at home when you can explore beautiful destinations together? A significant 37% of all cottages reserved through us are pet-friendly. This allows you to indulge your furry friend while saving on alternative arrangements for their care.

While summer is typically a peak period for pet-friendly getaways, many of us prefer September due to the restricted access for dogs at various Blue Flag beaches. There's nothing quite like seeing your beloved pooch joyfully sprinting across the sand with their tail wagging! So, what are your plans for your next pet-friendly escapade? Leading the charge is Yorkshire, with 15% of us heading to its stunning hills and dales. Close behind are the breathtaking landscapes of the Lake District and Norfolk.

If you’re looking to treat your pup to a ‘pawcation’, we have over 11,000 dog friendly cottages guaranteed to make them go mutts. To top it off, pets go free at over 7,000 of these dog-friendly properties!

If you’re considering a getaway this National Pet Month, here are several pawsome destinations that promise adventure, relaxation, and tail-wagging fun!

Cliff View, Whitby, Yorkshire Sleeps 8. 1 dog. 4 bed. 7 nights from £1,180.

You and your dog will love the location at Cliff View, with views over the harbour and across to the abbey on the opposite cliff edge of this picturesque town. The glass fencing around the patio shows off the panoramic views, as you watch the world go by, read a book and enjoy a glass or two of bubbly! Whitby has a fantastic foodie scene and just steps away from the property are cafés, bars and independent shops, with The Endeavour and The Dolphin pubs welcoming furry companions. The long golden beach stretching to Sandsend is ready to explore, with dog-friendly beaches in Whitby including Runswick Bay and Robin Hood’s Bay.

Why guests love it: "The views were beautiful and can not wait to come back in the summer months to sit outside. The location was perfect and we could easily get around on foot." Abbie November 2024

Beach Retreat, Corton, near Lowestoft Sleeps 4. 1 dog. 2 bed. 7 nights from £1,729.

With panoramic sea views and located just minutes from a sandy beach, Beach Retreat is the perfect getaway for families with a furry friend. With large bi-fold doors opening on to a clifftop deck and high-end amenities including an open-plan living rom and two king size en-suite bedrooms, you and your pup may never want to leave! Located on the Norfolk/Suffolk border, Beach Retreat is the ideal place to explore The Norfolk Broads, just a 15-minute drive away. Hop on a dog-friendly day boat to explore the famous waterways stopping off for walks at Weavers’ Way, a 61-mile walk passing through fields, river valleys, ancient woodland and picturesque villages, or the 35-mile Wherryman’s Way, a 35-mile walk between Norwich and Great Yarmouth offering endless opportunities for bird spotting. Then tuck into a hearty lunch at the Acle Bridge Inn, which welcomes your canine companion.

Why guests love it: "Absolutely fabulous week in an even more fabulous accommodation. Pictures do not do The Beach Retreat justice, its just stunning inside and out! " Loretta September 2024

Min yr Afon, Lampeter, Wales Sleeps 4. 2 dogs. 3 bed. 7 nights from £715.

Located in the enchanting Aeron Valley, this delightful cottage offers a dog-friendly retreat for the whole family. Four-legged companions will love the fully enclosed garden, which provides a safe space for dogs to roam and stretch their legs (though they must be kept on leads due to the proximity of sheep). The property is bordered by a flowing stream and stunning woodland for the ultimate peaceful escape. Inside, the cottage exudes rustic elegance, with exposed beams and a cosy wood burner to relax after a day exploring. Grab the treats and a lead before heading out to explore the nearby beaches of Cardigan Bay or head on a 45-minute drive to Aberystwyth, to stroll along North Beach, with its Victorian and Edwardian buildings, and Tanybwlch Beach, which has free parking.

Why guests love it: "We had a fantastic stay at Min Yr Afon over the New Year. The house is absolutely stunning, with high-quality furnishings, immaculate cleanliness, and an enclosed garden bordered by a beautiful stream. The surrounding land offers acres to explore, making it ideal for us humans and our dogs." Robert February 2025

Brackenwood, Caldy, Wirral Sleeps 16. 2 dogs. 8 bed. 7 nights from £5,044.

Treat your pooch with a stay at Brackenwood - a luxurious and dog-friendly retreat in the stunning Wirral Peninsula. This property is ideal for a group getaway, sleeping 16 and two dogs, and is nestled next to the natural beauty of Caldy Hill – an area of heath and woodland on a sandstone outcrop ideal for long walks. After a day of exploration, sink into the bubbling hot tub or unwind in the sauna, whilst the pups roam freely in the secure garden. Competitive members of the group can challenge each other to a game of golf on the mini putting green, while little ones enjoy the play equipment.

Why guests love it: "Excellent family weekend away. Just what we needed and everything was perfect. Spotless, everything we wanted. Would highly recommend and would book again." Stephen November 2024

Hydrangea House, Hythe, Kent. Sleeps 10. 3 dogs. 4 beds. 7 nights from £1,495.

Just minutes from a pebbled beach and the charming town of Hythe, this renovated property combines luxury with comfort. With a decked terrace, your dog can safely explore the garden, while you eat al fresco, soak in the hot tub or unwind by the fire pit. Dogs will love the nearby coastal walks along the esplanade or visits to the beach, while the local area offers a range of pet-friendly cafes including The Nutmeg Café and Truly Scrumptious. The Radnor Arms and Harbour Inn pubs welcome four legged friends and might even have some treats behind the bar for well-behaved pups!

Why guests love it: "Fabulous property. Facilities are excellent. Located within 5 minutes walk of Military Canal, High Street, Beach and Waitrose.Extensive equipment to please all ages.Could not fault in any way and would highly recommend. " September 2024

Bankside, Parwich , Peak District. Sleeps 4. 1 dog. 2 beds. 7 nights from £435.

Grab your wellies and a long lead for an escape to The Peak District with your four-legged friend. The Manifold Trail, following the route of a disused railway, offers scenic cycling and walking routes, while nearby Carsington Water is perfect for lakeside strolls. Explore the charming villages of Ilam and Alstonefield, or venture to the grand estates of Chatsworth House and Kedleston Hall for a mix of history and nature. Back at Bankside, warm up by the cosy wood burner in the dining area, unwind in the private patio garden, and jump into comfortable beds for a peaceful night’s sleep.

Why guests love it: "Beautiful Cottage, with everything you need, and also well located. " February 2025

Love Heart Cottage, Wickham Market, Suffolk . Sleeps 4. 3 dogs. 2 beds. 7 nights from £565.

Explore the beautiful Suffolk countryside and coastline at Love Heart Cottage. The enclosed garden has a grass and patio area, while inside there is a wood burner and two comfortable bedrooms. The nearby Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty offers saltmarsh, mudflat and woodland, and makes for scenic walks, while the dog-friendly Thorpeness beach is just a short drive away, with no pet restrictions on the beach, even in summer. Easton Farm Park is an educational farm, with Suffolk Punch, llamas, donkeys, bouncy pillows, rides and fun for all the family – and is a 10-minute drive.

Why guests love it: "The love heart cottage is so lovely, had such a relaxing week, thank you Esther for all the lovely welcome gifts, very peaceful, just what the doctor ordered. " Tami October 2024

Grange Cottage, Grange-over-Sands, Lake District Sleeps 8, 4 beds, 2 dogs. 7 nights from £815

This fabulous, detached cottage surrounded by woodland boasts an elevated position above the seaside resort of Grange-Over-Sands. With beautiful gardens, an amazing outside space and a private hot tub, you have everything you need for a memorable and relaxing stay. This stunning property has so many features, you’ll be bowled over from the moment you arrive. The grand entrance hall with sweeping staircase and a mixture of old and new furniture offers a pleasant welcome to all. Comfortably sleeping up to eight guests in four spacious bedrooms, this property offers great flexibility. Grange-Over-Sands is within walking distance offering a range of coffee shops, cafés and restaurants and a peaceful vibe as well as a good range of shops for stocking up on the essentials. This coastal resort offers stunning views across Morecambe Bay to Arnside and Silverdale with the tides changing the landscape throughout the day.

Why guests love it: "...this house has everything you could wish for in a home away from home. It is spotless, the beds are extremely comfortable and the bedrooms themselves are wonderful. The hot tub is an added bonus and the views from this and the garden are truly breath taking. We will certainly return in the future." Linda January 2025

This National Pet Month, consider making new memories with your furry friend by planning a dog-friendly escape. The rise in bookings for dog-friendly cottages shows that more pet owners are embracing the idea of travelling with their pets, and it’s a trend worth celebrating. Whether you choose the rugged beauty of our Yorkshire dog friendly cottages, the serene lakes of our Lake District dog-friendly cottages, the rolling hills of our Peak District dog-friendly cottages, or the sandy beaches of Cornwall dog-friendly cottages, there are endless opportunities for adventure and bonding.

So grab your leads, pack the treats, and get ready for a pawsome adventure together – because every moment spent with our pets is a treasure worth cherishing!

Prices accurate at the time of writing and subject to availability. Short breaks of 2+ nights are also available.

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