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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, discover the UK’s top 10 pet friendly travel spots, from Lancaster to Wrexham, offering abundant Airbnb options and exciting outdoor adventures for you and your furry friend!
Traveling with pets is a growing trend, and finding pet-friendly accommodation is key to planning the perfect staycation. A recent study by pet door providers doorslus.com.au analyzed Airbnb listings to identify the UK’s most pet-friendly cities for a holiday with your four-legged companion. The research focused on entire homes and houses listed as guest favorites, suitable for two adults, and explicitly pet-friendly. From historic Lancaster to vibrant Wrexham, here’s a detailed guide to the top 10 pet-friendly cities in the UK, complete with highlights for pet owners and their furry friends.
UK’s Top Pet Friendly Travel Spots
1. Lancaster, Lancashire: The Pet-Friendly Champion
Pet-Friendly Stats: 61.6% of Airbnb properties (61 out of 99) allow pets.
Lancaster, a charming city in Northwest England, takes the crown as the UK’s most pet-friendly staycation destination. With over 60% of its Airbnb listings welcoming pets, Lancaster is a haven for pet owners looking for a cozy retreat.
Why Visit with Pets?
Lancaster’s blend of history, culture, and green spaces makes it ideal for pet-friendly adventures. Stroll along the Lancaster Canal, where your dog can enjoy a scenic walk beside the water. The nearby Williamson Park, with its sprawling lawns and woodland trails, is perfect for off-leash play (in designated areas). For a cultural twist, visit Lancaster Castle, where pets are welcome in the outdoor courtyard. After a day of exploring, relax at pet-friendly cafés like The Herbarium, which offers outdoor seating for you and your furry friend.
Pet-Friendly Highlight: The Lune Valley offers dog-friendly hiking trails with stunning views, perfect for active pets and owners.
2. Perth, Scotland: A Scottish Gem for Pets
Pet-Friendly Stats: 60.7% of Airbnb properties (119 out of 196) allow pets.
Perth, the first Scottish city on the list, ranks second with a strong pet-friendly offering. Known for its riverside beauty and historic charm, Perth is a fantastic base for a pet-inclusive staycation.
Why Visit with Pets?
Perth’s location on the River Tay provides ample opportunities for scenic walks. The North Inch and South Inch parks are expansive green spaces where dogs can roam and play. For a longer adventure, head to Kinnoull Hill Woodland Park, where pet-friendly trails lead to panoramic views of the city. Pet owners can also explore Scone Palace, where dogs are welcome in the gardens and grounds. After a day out, unwind at pet-friendly spots like The Bothy, a cozy restaurant with outdoor seating.
Pet-Friendly Highlight: The River Tay Way offers dog-friendly walking routes, with plenty of space for your pet to splash and explore.
3. Dundee, Scotland: A Vibrant Pet-Friendly Hub
Pet-Friendly Stats: 57.8% of Airbnb properties (166 out of 287) allow pets.
Dundee, another Scottish star, secures third place with a wealth of pet-friendly accommodations. This dynamic city on the River Tay estuary is known for its cultural attractions and outdoor spaces.
Why Visit with Pets?
Dundee’s pet-friendly vibe shines through in its parks and coastal walks. Camperdown Country Park, with its wooded trails and open fields, is a dog walker’s paradise. For a seaside adventure, take your pet to Broughty Ferry Beach, where dogs can enjoy a paddle (check seasonal leash rules). The city’s V&A Dundee museum welcomes pets in its outdoor areas, making it easy to combine culture and pet-friendly fun. Grab a coffee at The Flame Tree Café, a dog-friendly spot with a warm welcome for pets.
Pet-Friendly Highlight: The Dundee Law, a hill with sweeping views, offers pet-friendly trails for a rewarding hike.
4. Truro, Cornwall: Cornwall’s Pet-Friendly Capital
Pet-Friendly Stats: 55.7% of Airbnb properties (331 out of 594) allow pets.
Truro, Cornwall’s only city, boasts the highest number of pet-friendly Airbnb listings in the top 10. Its coastal proximity and rural charm make it a top pick for pet owners.
Why Visit with Pets?
Truro is a gateway to Cornwall’s stunning landscapes, perfect for pet-friendly exploration. The nearby Gyllyngvase Beach (seasonal pet restrictions apply) and Trelissick Estate, with its dog-friendly gardens and woodland walks, are must-visits. In the city, Victoria Gardens offers a peaceful spot for a leash walk. Truro’s vibrant food scene includes pet-friendly gems like The Old Grammar School, where dogs are welcome in the courtyard. For a day trip, explore the pet-friendly trails of the Cornish countryside or visit nearby St. Ives, known for its dog-friendly beaches.
Pet-Friendly Highlight: The Roseland Peninsula, a short drive away, offers secluded, dog-friendly coves and trails.
5. Swansea, Wales: A Coastal Pet Paradise
Pet-Friendly Stats: 55.4% of Airbnb properties (108 out of 195) allow pets.
Swansea, the first Welsh city on the list, is a coastal gem with a strong pet-friendly scene. Its beaches and parks make it a fantastic staycation spot for pet owners.
Why Visit with Pets?
Swansea’s Gower Peninsula, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is a playground for pets. Dogs can romp on Rhossili Bay, one of the UK’s most stunning dog-friendly beaches. Closer to the city, Singleton Park offers green spaces for leisurely walks. The Swansea Bay promenade is perfect for a sunset stroll with your pet. After exploring, relax at The Woodman, a pet-friendly pub with outdoor seating. Swansea’s proximity to the Brecon Beacons also makes it a great base for hiking with your dog.
Pet-Friendly Highlight: Oxwich Bay on the Gower is a dog-friendly beach with shallow waters, ideal for pets who love to splash.
6. Plymouth, Devon: A Seaside Pet Haven
Pet-Friendly Stats: 54.6% of Airbnb properties (89 out of 163) allow pets.
Plymouth, located on Devon’s southwest coast, is a vibrant port city with a pet-friendly ethos. Its maritime history and coastal trails make it a great choice for a staycation.
Why Visit with Pets?
Plymouth’s Hoe Park offers stunning sea views and open spaces for dogs to play. The South West Coast Path, accessible from the city, provides pet-friendly trails with breathtaking scenery. For a cultural outing, visit Mount Edgcumbe Country Park, where dogs are welcome in the gardens and grounds. Plymouth’s waterfront is dotted with pet-friendly cafés like The Boathouse, perfect for a post-walk treat. Nearby Dartmoor National Park offers rugged, dog-friendly hikes for adventurous pets.
Pet-Friendly Highlight: Wembury Beach, a short drive away, is a dog-friendly spot with rock pools for curious pups to explore.
7. Kingston upon Hull, Yorkshire: A Hidden Pet-Friendly Gem
Pet-Friendly Stats: 54% of Airbnb properties (27 out of 50) allow pets.
Kingston upon Hull, or Hull, is a port city in Yorkshire with a surprising pet-friendly appeal. Despite fewer total listings, its high percentage of pet-friendly properties makes it a contender.
Why Visit with Pets?
Hull’s East Park is a sprawling green space with lakes and trails, ideal for dog walks. The Humber Bridge Country Park, a short drive away, offers pet-friendly paths with views of the iconic bridge. For a cultural touch, explore The Deep, where pets are welcome in outdoor areas. Hull’s growing food scene includes pet-friendly spots like The Sailmakers Arms, a cozy pub with a warm welcome for dogs. The nearby Yorkshire Wolds provide scenic, dog-friendly countryside trails.
Pet-Friendly Highlight: Beverley Westwood, a nearby common, is a dog-friendly expanse perfect for off-leash fun.
8. Carlisle, Cumbria: A Border City for Pets
Pet-Friendly Stats: 53.4% of Airbnb properties (95 out of 178) allow pets.
Carlisle, near the Scottish border in Northwest England, is a historic city with a strong pet-friendly offering. Its proximity to natural wonders makes it a great base for pet owners.
Why Visit with Pets?
Carlisle’s Rickerby Park, along the River Eden, is a scenic spot for dog walks. The nearby Hadrian’s Wall Path offers pet-friendly trails steeped in history. For a day trip, explore the Lake District National Park, where dog-friendly hikes abound (try Buttermere for a gentle walk). In the city, Carlisle Castle welcomes pets in its grounds, blending history with pet-friendly fun. Relax at The Fat Gadgie, a pet-friendly café with outdoor seating.
Pet-Friendly Highlight: Talkin Tarn Country Park, a short drive away, offers dog-friendly trails and a lake for adventurous pets.
9. Exeter, Devon: A Historic Pet-Friendly Retreat
Pet-Friendly Stats: 53.2% of Airbnb properties (100 out of 188) allow pets.
Exeter, another Devon gem, combines historic charm with pet-friendly appeal. Its green spaces and nearby countryside make it a versatile staycation spot.
Why Visit with Pets?
Exeter’s Riverside Valley Park offers pet-friendly trails along the River Exe, perfect for a leisurely walk. The Glenn Haldon Hill, a short drive away, is a dog-friendly moorland with sweeping views. Exeter’s Quay area is great for a stroll, with pet-friendly cafés like The Exploding Bakery offering outdoor seating. For a day trip, head to Exmoor National Park, where dogs can explore rugged trails.
Pet-Friendly Highlight: Lympstone Village, nearby, has dog-friendly coastal paths with stunning estuary views.
10. Wrexham, Wales: A Rising Pet-Friendly Star
Pet-Friendly Stats: 52.3% of Airbnb properties (91 out of 174) allow pets.
Wrexham, the second Welsh city on the list, is an up-and-coming destination with a solid pet-friendly scene. Its mix of urban and rural attractions makes it a great choice.
Why Visit with Pets?
Wrexham’s Alyn Waters Country Park offers dog-friendly trails through woodlands and along the River Alyn. The nearby Clwydian Range, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, has pet-friendly hills and moors for hiking. In the city, Bellevue Park is a green oasis for leash walks. Pet-friendly cafés like The Coffee Shop welcome dogs with outdoor seating. For a cultural outing, Erddig Hall, a National Trust property, allows pets in its gardens and parkland.
Pet-Friendly Highlight: Moel Famau, a nearby hill, offers dog-friendly trails with panoramic views of North Wales.
The Bigger Picture: England, Scotland, and Wales Shine
England dominates the list with six cities (Lancaster, Plymouth, Kingston upon Hull, Carlisle, Exeter, and Truro), followed by Scotland (Perth and Dundee) and Wales (Swansea and Wrexham) with two each. This diversity showcases the UK’s pet-friendly appeal across its nations, offering everything from coastal escapes to historic retreats.
The Least Pet-Friendly City: Birmingham
On the other end of the spectrum, Birmingham lags as the least pet-friendly city, with only 14.8% of Airbnb properties allowing pets. Pet owners may need to look harder for accommodations or consider nearby rural areas for more pet-friendly options.
Tips for Pet-Friendly Staycations
- Check Restrictions: Confirm pet policies with Airbnb hosts, as some may have size or breed restrictions.
- Pack Essentials: Bring your pet’s bed, food, and favorite toys to make them feel at home.
- Research Local Rules: Be aware of leash laws or seasonal beach restrictions (e.g., Cornwall’s summer beach rules).
- Plan Pet-Friendly Activities: Prioritize parks, trails, and outdoor attractions where pets are welcome.
Whether you’re exploring Lancaster’s historic canals, Dundee’s coastal paths, or Swansea’s stunning beaches, the UK offers a wealth of pet-friendly staycation destinations. With these top 10 cities, you and your furry friend can create unforgettable memories in 2025. Happy travels!
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