UK's calmest dog-friendly destinations revealed

New research has identified the UK's most peaceful dog-friendly towns and villages, offering inspiration for owners looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a more relaxing break with their four-legged companions.

With summer holidays approaching and many popular tourist hotspots expected to become increasingly busy, a new study has ranked the best destinations for dogs that struggle with noise, crowds or unfamiliar environments.

The research, carried out by Dog Friendly Retreats, analysed 50 towns and villages across England, Scotland and Wales to identify locations offering quieter, less stressful experiences for dogs and their owners.

The study considered a range of factors including traffic levels, tourism pressure, access to green space, dog-friendly walking trails, restaurants, cafés and pubs.

Taking the top spot was the Herefordshire market town of Ledbury, while Midhurst in West Sussex ranked second and Blairgowrie in Perthshire came third.

Researchers found that Midhurst boasts an impressive 73 dog-friendly walking trails within easy reach — the highest figure recorded anywhere in the study. Meanwhile, Hampshire's coastal town of Lymington secured fifth place thanks to its proximity to the New Forest and extensive range of dog-friendly hospitality venues.

The top 10 was completed by Monmouth in South Wales, Selkirk in the Scottish Borders, Llandrindod Wells in Mid Wales, Leamington Spa, Cockermouth and Callander.

Researchers also noted that several of the highest-ranking destinations are experiencing declining online search interest, suggesting they may face less visitor pressure this summer than some of the UK's more famous holiday hotspots.

According to animal welfare organisations, noise sensitivity is one of the most common causes of stress in dogs. For owners of anxious, reactive or older pets, choosing the right holiday destination can make a significant difference to their overall wellbeing.

Max Fox, chief executive of Dog Friendly Retreats, said: "What we hear from owners again and again is that anxious or noise-sensitive dogs need a different kind of trip - quieter towns, slower roads, fewer crowds, and walks that don't involve queueing for the trail.

"The places that score highest in our index aren't the famous names. They're the towns where the everyday environment - the traffic, the noise and the visitor flow - already feels calm before you've even stepped out of the car."

The company said the rankings are designed to help owners find destinations that suit their dog's needs rather than simply following the most popular travel trends.