Pet-friendly holidays

Dog-friendly cottages by area

West Sussex, Ted’s home county: Chichester and the Witterings, Arundel, Littlehampton and Bognor, Worthing and Shoreham and the South Downs, with which beaches welcome dogs all year. Elsewhere in the UK? Search any county.

Planning a UK holiday with your dog

Taking your dog on holiday means nobody gets left behind, and the UK has thousands of places that welcome pets. The sites above let you filter for pet-friendly stays, but “pet-friendly” can mean very different things from one property to the next. A few quick checks before you book save a lot of hassle when you arrive.

What to check before you book

The pet fee. Many cottages and hotels charge extra for pets, either per pet or per stay, so check whether it’s included in the price you see.

How many dogs, and what size. Some places take one small dog only. If you have two dogs or a large breed, check before you book.

House rules. Ask whether dogs are allowed upstairs, on furniture or in bedrooms, and whether they can be left alone in the property while you go out for a meal.

The outside space. An enclosed garden makes a big difference, especially for dogs who like to explore. Listings don’t always make clear whether a garden is fully fenced, so it’s worth asking.

Cottage, hotel, lodge or glamping?

Cottages give you the most freedom, with your own space, a kitchen and often a garden. Pet-friendly hotels suit shorter breaks, though dogs may be limited to certain rooms and kept out of the restaurant. Lodges and holiday parks usually have walks on the doorstep and plenty of space. Glamping and camping are great for outdoorsy dogs, but think about how yours will cope with new noises at night.

When you get there

Many UK beaches restrict dogs during the summer months, so check the local council’s website before you plan a beach day. It also helps to note the nearest vet to where you’re staying, just in case. And on the journey, the Highway Code says dogs should be suitably restrained in the car, with a harness, crate or dog guard.

Pack your dog’s usual food, bed, lead, poo bags, towels for muddy paws, and any medication, and they’ll settle in much faster.