Our best ideas for your dog friendly weekend breaks

You probably believe you’re going away and bringing your dog with you, right? Wrong! We all know the dog is really in charge of the lead! So if you want to see some of Britain best sites with a pooch, you have to put them first, just like if you have a kid...a seriously hyperactive one...with a tail... and a preference for toilet water... Here is some advice on what you can do when staying at one of our dog friendly campsites or our dog friendly caravan parks, and where you can visit on your dog-friendly weekend breaks, so both you and your best friend can have the best holiday ever.

Discover amazing heritage and culture

Just because you have your dog with you doesn’t mean you have to miss out on seeing some of the UK’s best attractions. Our four legged friends are allowed onto virtually all National Trust sites, and many lazy weekends can be passed wandering the magnificent grounds of grand old manor houses and impressive castles.

For example, Gibside in the Derwent Valley in the Lake District has over 15 miles of trails perfect for long relaxing dog walks. However, you may have to find your pooch a good nap spot whilst you explore inside the properties.

English Heritage has over 100 historic properties that are dog friendly from Roman forts to amazing abbeys. Suggestions include the lunar landscape of Grimes Grave in the east, the rugged outcrop of Tintagel Castle in the southwest, or Hadrian’s Wall in the North.

Brilliant beach breaks

Beaches are the perfect place for a good game of fetch, but unfortunately many of the main resort beaches ban dogs in peak season. But never fear! You didn’t want to go to those overcrowded beaches anyway. There are hundreds of beaches across the UK that allow dogs all year round.

Try the Beach Guide for sandy stretches that allow off-the-lead fun. The site shows all the beaches in the UK that are truly dog friendly, meaning they have no dog restrictions at all, all year round. They also focus on beaches with good water quality and clean shores so you don’t have to worry about your dog eating a buffet of washed up rubbish.

Glorious gardens

Dogs love you garden your garden at home - so why not take them to a bigger, even better one? Many famous and important gardens across the UK allow dogs, normally on leads, and these are beautiful and peaceful places to explore.

The National Gardens Scheme website allows you to locate gardens which allow dogs.

Exploring Britain’s best landscapes

National Parks such as the York Dales, the Peak District, and the New Forest are also doggie paradises. At some of the forests there is even the added benefit of not having to pick up your dog’s waste. Yes, you heard me right! Bacton Woods in Norfolk has a “Stick and Flick” policy which means the pathways are kept clean but the surrounding foliage benefits from free compost!

Relaxing indoors after a long day

After a day spent exploring, relaxing at the local pub is almost a rite of passage. But it is never as fun as it should be if your four legged friend is banished outside...usually in the rain. To avoid turning your weekend break into a guilt trip, check out the Doggie Pubs to make sure your pet can come in with you and crash out under the table in front of the fire.

You can also have a look at Dog Friendly Britain’s website find dog friendly cafes, restaurants, and shops. The most dog friendly town according to the Kennel Club’s Open for Dogs Awards is Keswick in the Lake District, but other welcoming areas include Yorkshire, Cornwall, Devon, and the Isle of Wight.

Good time had by all

For a successful dog friendly weekend away, remember to bring insurance and medical documents, a lead, bedding, and waste bags. Don’t forget some campsites charge a small additional fee for bringing dogs on site. And consider micro chipping if you haven’t done so already. It costs £20-30 and will be compulsory by 2016 anyway, plus it will save a lot of headaches if your dog goes missing.

As this article shows, there is no shortage of attractions to enjoy on holiday with your dog, and if you keep the practicalities in mind, you are sure to come away with a happy dog and a smile on your face!