Couldn’t dream of heading off without your four-legged friend in tow? Sometimes it just isn’t a vacation without the pooch, so we’ve rounded up the best UK dog-friendly cottages for you to spend time with your best friend. From Chelsea to Hampstead and Dorset to Somerset (and some damn good spots in between) we’ve found the pet-friendly restaurants and pubs, parks and green spaces you’ll both love. And here at Plum Guide, we leave nothing to chance. So follow our advice and you and the pup will both be guaranteed a trip to remember.
Head down to Hampstead
Hampstead Heath, London, UK
Smack bang in the middle of one of the busiest cities in the world, at Hampstead Heath, you’ll find 780 glorious acres of greenery waiting for your pup to run wild in. Natural swimming ponds, grassland and trails stretch out from all directions, you can almost pretend the bustle of Oxford Circus is a figment of your nightmares imagination. There are many dog-friendly pubs, cafés and restaurants in this neighbourhood, and with a whopping 18 Grade II-listed buildings in these parts, you know it’s pretty. It’s long been home to artists, thinkers and academics with a resulting village-in-the-city vibe.
Home Sweet Heath, Plum Guide home in London
Treat your dog with a trip to Richmond
The borough of Richmond-upon-Thames is one of the greenest in the capital, so you won’t struggle to find wide-open spaces and trees to cock a leg on (the dog, not you). After a big old run around the open plains with doggy pals, head over to Paws for Coffee – that’s right, a coffee shop with dogs in mind. Alongside your own human treats (decent coffee and cake), your pooch can feast on a puppacino of goat's milk and black pudding – Bone Appétit!
Kew Gardens Retreat, Plum Guide home in London
Take your pooch to the beaches of Devon
The Devon coastline, England, UK
Fact: dogs love beaches. Miles of space to run, castles to destroy in one fell swoop and salty water to dive into with happy humans watching on – sounds like a dog's dream. With two coastlines and a huge swathe of countryside in between, you’re spoilt with walk options in Devon. The added bonus of potentially not seeing other people when you’re outdoors is a worthy one. Devon has many dog-friendly cottages, from rural hideaways to sea view escapes, and Plum Guide is strictly inspecting all of them to find you the best pet-friendly cottages around.
The Fisherman's Paradise, Plum Guide home in Devon
Enjoy the picturesque walks in Sussex
From coastal walks along chalky cliffs to sprawling parkland filled with deer, the landscape of Sussex is as varied as its potted history. A few days spent amidst its charms will leave any pup and its owner refreshed and relaxed. A huge variety of parks will delight humans and dogs alike. Wag tails on the 600 acres of Hastings Country Park, the South Downs National Park and the Turner-inspired Petworth (surely there’s a pun in there?) Park in West Sussex.
Head Over Hills, Plum Guide home in West Sussex, UK
Visit the gardens of St John's Wood
If all you have ever wanted to do was re-create the iconic Beatles album cover, head to Abbey Road Studios in St John's Wood with your four-legged friend (you’re Paul, the dog is John). Part of the City of Westminster, affluent, leafy residential streets surround the chic boutiques and eateries in this neighbourhood. For morning, afternoon and evening strolls, expansive Regent's Park is close by, and the award-winning gardens of St John's Wood Church Grounds include formal gardens and a wildlife area.
Book a trip down to Cornwall
A busy beach with plants in Cornwall, England, UK
With wild moorland, sandy beaches and more dog-friendly cottages than you can shake (your dog's favourite) stick at, Cornwall is a natural choice for a pet-friendly coastal holiday. Bodmin, Tintagel and Truro offer pretty-as-a-picture scenery and a history of smuggling and pirates to keep you entertained. Obviously, you’re in Cornwall, so the food is going to be a treat – from ubiquitous pasties to cream teas and seafood. Some of our favourite pooch-approved beaches include Porthkidney, Holywell Bay (dog-friendly all year round!) and Porthcurno Beach.
Shifting Light & Changing Skies, Plum Guide home in Cornwall
Book a memorable trip to Somerset
Beautiful countryside and magnificent views of the countryside from the ramparts of Cadbury Hillfort, Somsert, England
Apples, Glastonbury, Cheddar Cheese and a distinct accent. This is Somerset in a nutshell. Of course, it's also home to stunning countryside, famous townships and a food scene to be jealous of – not to mention loads of pet-friendly cottages in delightful locations. And we can't forget the friendly folk, artisan weekend markets and miles and miles of paths perfect for walks with the pup.
Wander around a nature reserve in Norfolk
Ah, the Broads. The 125-mile-long waterway didn’t really need rebranding to the Magical Waterlands and Nature Reserve (ooh, so snappy) but it has a ring to it, we suppose. A long-time favourite of dogs (and David Bowie), the beautiful Norfolk countryside is peppered with charming and picturesque towns. The north of the county has six blue flag beaches alone, so you know the sand and surf are going to be good. Our suggestion? An energising trek along the Norfolk Coast Path, boasting 84 miles of postcard-worthy views.
It's A Dog's Life, Plum Guide home in Norfolk
Pack the lead and head to Chelsea
This swanky borough isn't just for terrible TV programmes and Instagram selfies outside millennial pink cafes. Chelsea boasts a host of pristine parks among its beautiful squares and villa-style townhouses. A stay in Chelsea is, quite frankly, fabulous. Owners will be as happy as their pets with the great food scene, trendy fashion boutiques, and historic museums. Plus, the people-watching alone is worth it. Close by is Hyde Park, with acres of wide-open space and the chance to make friends with London’s other pet parents. On a summer day, nothing beats a picnic and a game of catch.
Bring the dog on a holiday to Dulwich
Christ's Chapel of God's Gift and Dulwich Almshouse in Dulwich, south London, UK
For that small village vibe in the big city, head to Dulwich. The winding high street is a row of indie boutiques and premium restaurants. Broad, leafy paths make up the residential areas, so it’s a breeze for dog-walking. The (imaginatively named) Dulwich Park is a peaceful dream, complete with a cafe and boating lake with pedalos. There are bikes to rent if you fancy racing your hound across the green.
About Plum Guide:
Looking for the perfect dog-friendly cottage? Plum Guide's team of meticulous home critics have checked everything to make sure our holiday rental UK cottages are up to your high standards – from the location right down to the art on the walls. This means that Plum Guide only lists the very best rental cottages, so your expectations are met with every trip. Whether it's a summer vacation or a Christmas cottage escape, you're in good hands. And if you're thinking of travelling with your pet worldwide, Pet Travel provides all the information that you'll need for a smooth trip.
