As the May Bank Holiday weekend arrives, many UK dog owners are eager to plan countryside road trips with their canine companions. However, not all routes are designed with dogs in mind. Fortunately, the Cotswolds has been crowned the UK’s most dog-friendly road trip, offering a magical getaway for both owners and their pets.
Dog Friendly Cottages conducted an extensive UK Dog Friendly Road Trip Index, analyzing 20 popular routes across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The ranking considered key factors for traveling with dogs, such as dog-friendly accommodations, walking trails, green spaces, pubs, restaurants, rest stops, and landmark attractions. This comprehensive data also powers an interactive map for travelers to explore.
At the top of the list is the Cotswolds road trip from Bristol to Stratford-upon-Avon. This charming 100-mile journey delights with honey-stoned villages, river walks, meadow footpaths, and an impressive 248 dog-friendly pubs and restaurants. With over 5,390 dog-friendly places to stay and 132 walking trails, it’s an ideal route to take your time and enjoy several nights in the region. Bourton-on-the-Water, located along the River Windrush, is a perfect dog-friendly base for riverside adventures.
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Other outstanding dog-friendly routes include:
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The Cambrian Way in Mid Wales, running from Cardiff to Conwy, features the highest number of dog-friendly accommodations with 8,830 places to stay and 233 walking trails through some of Wales' most dramatic landscapes.
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The Lake District loop from Kendal to Keswick offers 390 dog-friendly walking trails, 4,910 accommodations, and lakefront hiking around Windermere, England’s largest natural lake.
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The Scottish Highlands route via the A82 from Glasgow to Inverness balances rugged natural beauty with 5,206 dog-friendly stays and 184 welcoming pubs.
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The Atlantic Highway along Devon and Cornwall’s north coasts boasts 13,421 dog-friendly places to stay, coastal walks, beaches, and historic sites like Tintagel Castle.
From the dense trails in the Peak District to remote coastal escapes on the North Coast 500, the UK is full of dog-friendly routes to suit every type of traveler. These carefully ranked journeys demonstrate how infrastructure and stunning landscapes combine to make road trips inclusive for pet owners.
For those seeking a relaxing break, the South West also offers charming dog-friendly cottages ranging from luxury lodges with hot tubs to quaint rural farmhouses. Properties like the High View Farmhouse in Devon accommodate large groups and multiple dogs, while Riverbend Lodge near Rock offers peaceful lakeside comfort. Other unique stays include shepherd huts in Christmas tree farms and Grade II listed manors near historic Bath.
Whether you desire active hiking trails or serene shelter with your dog, there’s a perfect UK road trip and holiday home ready to welcome you both for an unforgettable adventure.