Summer is here, and for dog owners it is the perfect time to head out and explore some of the UK’s finest landscapes. My annual June trip to the Yorkshire Dales never disappoints – the rolling hills, dramatic scenery and welcoming villages make it a dream destination for anyone who refuses to leave their four-legged family members behind. From dog-friendly cottages to riverside campsites, the Dales and their neighbouring areas in the Peak District and Lake District offer endless adventure, but with great holidays comes the need for sensible preparation.
Prepare Well Before You Set Off
Before setting off, take a few minutes to research local veterinary services at your destination. Note down addresses and phone numbers for nearby practices, estimate travel times from your accommodation, and check out-of-hours cover. A quick call on arrival to confirm details can give real peace of mind and could prove invaluable if something goes wrong mid-walk.
Pack a basic first-aid kit and include a dog-friendly antihistamine for the insect stings, pollen reactions and skin irritations that are inevitable in summer. Safe over-the-counter options in the UK include Piriton (chlorpheniramine) and Claritin (loratadine) – always plain formulations, without added decongestants. Consult your vet before you travel for the correct dosage for your dog’s weight, as this varies considerably.
On warmer days, seek out routes near inland water. Temperatures drop noticeably around lakes and rivers, providing welcome relief for both you and your dog when the thermometer climbs. A cooling paddle helps regulate body temperature, burns off energy, and – in our experience – makes for a much happier dog in the car on the way home.
Three Destinations Worth the Drive
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden near Ripon (HG4 3DY) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest dog-friendly destinations in the north. Dogs are welcome on short leads in all outdoor spaces, including the water gardens, abbey ruins and deer park, and can even join you at designated tables in the visitor centre restaurant. Free parking is available, and the blend of ornamental lakes, bridges, woodland trails and history makes for a genuinely special day out.
In the Peak District, Chatsworth Deer Park on the Chatsworth Estate is another outstanding choice for a dog-friendly day out. Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome throughout the gardens and park, with varied circular walks taking in roaming deer, sheep, riverside paths and waterfalls. Downloadable maps from the Chatsworth website offer routes to suit all abilities and energy levels.
In the Lake District, Grasmere is beautiful but busy, so plan your parking. Head for spots near Rydal (postcode LA22 9SE) and walk in towards the lake rather than driving into the village centre, where spaces are limited. The circular trails around Grasmere Lake are dog-friendly throughout, offering woodland paths, open shoreline and unforgettable fell views – and the cafés nearby almost always welcome dogs too. Always check current access rules before visiting, as seasonal restrictions occasionally apply, and use leads wherever signage requires around livestock and wildlife.
We hope you enjoyed reading “Discovering the UK’s Best Dog-Friendly Destinations”. Click here for more articles about your home and garden.
Author: Karen Boyce for Love Wrexham Magazine
Karen Boyce is the founder of Beastly Thoughts Professional Dog Services (BTPDS), established in 2007. As the largest independent dog training facility in Wales, BTPDS specialises in puppy training and managing reactive dogs, while also offering a wide range of obedience classes, lectures, webinars, and online training hubs and communities. In 2019, Karen was honoured as the Animal Star Awards Dog Trainer/Behaviourist of the Year. In 2025, BTPDS surpassed the milestone of training 2,000 puppies and was named the Overall Winner in the Best of North Wales Business Awards, in addition to being recognised as the Best Pet Services Business in North Wales. Contact Details: - Phone: 07970 488 395 - Email: info@beastlythoughts.co.uk - Website: www.beastlythoughts.co.uk
