Dog-friendly staycations in UK

Top 5 Dog-Friendly UK Staycation Towns Revealed in New Study

Ed Barker
Authored by Ed Barker
Posted: Thursday, July 7, 2022 - 17:45

 

If you’re planning your summer staycation but feel paw-ful about leaving your furry friend behind, why not bring them along for the holiday? But which staycation locations in the UK are the most dog friendly?

In a brand new data study released this week, the camping and glamping experts at Pitchup have revealed the UK’s most dog-friendly staycation towns for you and your pup’s next adventure.

https://www.pitchup.com/camping-ideas/dog-friendly-holiday-destinations/

Whitstable, Kent tops the list with an overall score of 52.2/80 for dog-friendliness, beating top holiday destinations in Cornwall and the Peak District.

The scores were determined by analysing a range of factors, such as the number of dog-friendly campsites, hotels, beaches, pubs/restaurants, vets, walks, events/tourist attractions and pet shops.

Here’s how the top 10 staycation destinations ranked for dog-friendliness:

Holiday Destination

TOTAL SCORE /80

Whitstable, Kent

52.2

Torquay, Devon

51.8

Bognor Regis, West Sussex

50.7

Eastbourne, East Sussex

50.0

Weymouth, Dorset

49.6

Falmouth, Cornwall

47.5

Padstow, Cornwall

44.3

Bakewell, Peak District

44.0

Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear

43.9

St Ives, Cornwall

41.0

 

1 Whitstable, Kent

Ranking in first place for the UK’s most dog-friendly staycation town in the UK is Whitstable in Kent.

The seaside town is hailed for its stunning coastal scenery, and dog owners can enjoy the sea and sand with their dogs on Tankerton Beach and Whitstable Beach. 

As well as this, owners can take their dogs on an adventure walk at Duncan Down in Whitstable, which is a hilly, scenic route. If this wasn’t enough, you can also take a trip to Victory Woods in Canterbury, which contains both hilly and flat terrain.

Adventuring around Whitstable could work up an appetite, but luckily dog owners can easily stop off for a bite to eat with their pups at a range of dog-friendly pubs and restaurants. The area offers eleven dog-friendly spots to choose from, which account for over 13.5% of Whitstable’s pubs/restaurants as a whole.

In terms of accommodation for your staycation, there are eleven dog-friendly campsites and 39 dog-friendly hotels available to accommodate you and your pup. 

Also, if your dog happens to require medical attention or need any supplies whilst holidaying, there are seven vets and seven pet shops available.

2 Torquay, Devon

Devon’s seaside resort town, Torquay, comes in second place for the most dog-friendly staycation town in the UK. 

Most famously known for its sandy beaches, family attractions and genteel Victorian appearance, Torquay is the perfect place for you and your pup’s next adventure.

With 17 dog-friendly campsites and 99 dog-friendly hotels available, there are plenty of accommodation choices in the seaside resort town. 

Make sure you have plenty of time to explore the sea and sand at the 14 dog-friendly beaches, such as Babbacombe Beach and Oyster Cove.

Or, if you’d prefer greener scenery, why not take a walk down Cockington Country Park or Berryhead Country Park? 

There are also some great dog-friendly tourist attractions to visit, such as the Victorian street and model railway at Bygones.

3 Bognor Regis, West Sussex

Seaside resort, Bognor Regis in West Sussex came in third place for the most dog-friendly staycation town in the UK. 

There are plenty of things to see and do with your pup in Bognor regis, including six dog-friendly beaches, meaning the kids can build sand castles and go for a paddle in the water with their pup. 

If you fancy learning more about Bognor Regis’ culture and history, you can also visit the Arundel Castle and Gardens Arundel Castle & Gardens. The towering stately home and fortified castle conceals a very fine collection of furniture, paintings, clocks, tapestries, armour and more - and yes, it is dog-friendly too!

As well as boasting beautiful coastlines and interesting history, Bognor Regis also has a choice of eight dog-friendly restaurants, nine dog-friendly campsites and eight dog-friendly hotels.

If your dog happens to require emergency care or supplies, there are also eightvets and 17 pet shops in the area.

4 Eastbourne, East Sussex

Sometimes referred to as the “UK’s sunniest place”, with its endless blue skies and pristine beaches, Eastbourne in East Sussex came in fourth place for the most dog-friendly staycation town in the UK. 

Eastbourne is bursting with things to do with your pup, with an impressive 17dog-friendly tourist attractions. Take a wander down Eastbourne’s Victorian pier, where you can find a variety of shops, a chippy, fishing spots and fantastic views of the English Channel.

Or, if you fancy walking your dog in a less crowded area but still with fantastic views, you can wander to Eastbourne at Beachy Head, Friston Forest and Seven Sisters, or Pevensey Castle 1066 at Pevensey Bay. 

As well, Eastbourne has plenty of dog-friendly accommodation choices for you and your pup, including four campsites and 34 hotels.

If your dog needs any supplies or care during your staycation, you can find 26pet shops and eleven vets in the area.

5 Weymouth, Dorset

Not only does Weymouth in Dorset boast a beautiful coastline, decorated with an array of rainbow beach huts, it is also the fifth most dog-friendly staycation town in the UK. 

There are plenty of things to do during your staycation in Weymouth. If you are a history lover, you can adventure around the romantic ruins of Sandsfoot Castle or, visit Nothe Fort where you can go underground to explore the secret passageways and tunnels beneath the fort, including the spooky ghost tunnel. You can also enjoy the stunning views of the Jurassic Coast from the picnic areas at Nothe Fort, where your dog can have a nice, well-deserved rest.

You won’t be stuck for places to stay in Weymouth either. Whether you’d prefer to camp or stay in a hotel, you’ll have the choice of 29 dog-friendly campsites and 91 dog-friendly hotels. 

Adventuring around Weymouth is bound to work up an appetite, but luckily dog owners can easily dine with their pups by their side, with 18 dog-friendly pubs and restaurants to choose from.

Holiday Destination

TOTAL SCORE /80

Whitstable, Kent

52.2

Torquay, Devon

51.8

Bognor Regis, West Sussex

50.7

Eastbourne, East Sussex

50.0

Weymouth, Dorset

49.6

Falmouth, Cornwall

47.5

Padstow, Cornwall

44.3

Bakewell, Peak District

44.0

Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear

43.9

St Ives, Cornwall

41.0

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