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Park Holidays 'Pawcentage' Score: The Best Dog-Friendly Staycations in the UK Ranked

The UK is a nation of dog lovers, with more than 13 million pet pooches across the country. So it’s no surprise that we’re also a nation that loves to take our pets with us when we travel, with 83% of pet owners stating that they feel guilty when they leave their dog behind.

A further 22% say that they won't enjoy their holiday without their four-legged friend, which is probably one of the reasons that searches for dog-friendly holidays are up +130% this year.

The good news is that the UK offers plenty of dog-friendly destinations, accommodation and attractions. From scenic countryside retreats to coastal getaways, there are plenty of places in Britain that are just as good for dogs as well as humans - no pet passport required.

UK holiday specialists Park Holidays have highlighted the top areas of the UK to holiday with your dog based on booking data, the number of beaches, dog-friendly pubs and restaurants, outdoor space and National Heritage sites that allow dogs.

Top Five: Best dog-friendly staycations in the UK

Wondering where the best dog-friendly places to travel to in the UK are? Here are the top locations in the UK for a four-legged vacation:

Dorset

With beautiful coastal walks, areas of outstanding beauty filled with countryside, parks and nature reserves along with dog-friendly attractions like Corfe Castle and Sherborne Abbey, it's no surprise that Dorset tops the list of where to travel with your pet pooch. There are plenty of dog-friendly places to eat and drink too, with many providing water, treats and cuddles for your dog along the way. Wood Farm Holiday Park is one of the most popular places for a dog-friendly Park Holiday.

Cornwall

Breathtaking coastline, dog-friendly beaches and walking trails through charming villages, make Cornwall a clear contender when taking your pet away with you. There are plenty of dog-friendly places to eat, drink and stay too, such as the Trevella Holiday Park in Newquay. It's one of the most-booked dog-friendly destinations for Park Holidays.

Pembrokshire

Pembrokeshire is a great destination for a holiday with your dog, offering a delightful blend of natural beauty, dog-friendly attractions, and welcoming amenities. Known for its stunning coastline and pristine beaches, it’s a haven for canine companions to explore and play in the sand and surf. With a variety of dog-friendly beaches and coastal paths, such as the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, along with lots of places to head for entertainment, food and drink with your dog.

Cumbria

Home to the Lake District, along with hills, beaches and beautiful countryside, Cumbria has everything that an outdoorsy dog and owner need for their travels. With plenty of dog-friendly accommodation, places to visit with your dog and your choice of restaurants, pubs and cafes to head to with your pet, Cumbria is a fantastic place to stay with your dogs. Cumbria has it all if you want to enjoy an active holiday, check out some history or chill in cosy accommodation with your pooch. There's even a Michelin-starred pub where dogs are welcome.

Devon

Devon is an exceptional dog-friendly destination, offering a delightful combination of natural beauty and warm hospitality. The area has coastline, expansive moorlands and picturesque countryside, with dog-friendly beaches and a network of walking trails, including the South West Coast Path. Devon's dog-friendly culture is shown with accommodation, dining options, and attractions too. According to Park Holidays' data, Dawlish Sands, Hedley Wood, Tarka, and Bodmin, all trendy places to stay with your pup in Devon.

Beach is best when it comes to dog-friendly bookings

The data from Park Holidays shows that beach is best for travelling with your pets, with holiday destinations by the sea offering the highest number of bookings for people heading to a dog-friendly destination. There are almost 10,000 searches for dog-friendly beaches in the UK each month as pet owners seek out the best beaches to frolic with their four-legged friends.

Rural areas with plenty of green space - including Cornwall, Devon, Sussex, Yorkshire and the Peak District - also saw the biggest percentage of bookings when travelling with dogs, so if you’re looking for somewhere with plenty of pooches then these are the places to head.

Top 10 Park Holiday parks for dog-friendly bookings

Park Name	County	Number of pets visiting in the last 12 months
Broadland Sands	Suffolk	2,375
Silver Sands	Scotland	1,888
Trevella	Cornwall	1,798
Carlton Meres	Suffolk	1,627
Sand Le Mere	Yorkshire	1,601
Golden Sands	Devon	1,550
Wood Farm	Dorset	1,422
Marlie	Kent	1,279
Chichester Lakeside	Sussex	1,262
Harts	Kent	1,198

See the full Paw-centage Rankings

The top places to stay with your dog in the UK showcase some of the best scenery, beaches and outdoor spaces that the UK has to offer. Here's the full list of the UK's most dog-friendly destinations for a staycation:

Find out more about Park Holidays’

Dog Friendly Holidays

Our holiday parks are great places for a canine stroll with fantastic beach areas and beautiful surrounding countryside to explore.

Find out more

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