There was a time when taking your dog to a hotel meant being given the room nearest the bins, handed a list of rules and made to feel as though you had smuggled in a small horse.
Thankfully, things have changed.
Some of the UK’s best hotels now understand that dogs are part of the family. They provide proper dog beds, welcome treats, bowls, towels, walking maps and even dog-washing stations. More importantly, they have plenty to keep the humans happy too, from brilliant food and beautiful bedrooms to spas, sea views and very well-stocked bars.
We have searched across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to find some of the UK’s most highly rated dog-friendly hotels. Our choices are based on positive customer reviews, recommendations from respected travel publications and those thoughtful little touches that show a hotel genuinely likes dogs, rather than merely putting up with them.
Policies, charges and the number of dog-friendly rooms can change, so always contact the hotel before booking. Particularly if your “small dog” is actually a Great Dane who believes they belong in a king-size bed.
Sitting beside Ullswater in the Lake District, Another Place is the kind of hotel where outdoor adventures and comfortable living are taken equally seriously.
Dogs are welcome in a selection of hotel rooms, shepherd huts, cottages and treehouses. There are 18 acres of grounds to investigate, a private stretch of Ullswater shoreline and Lake District walking routes starting almost from the door. Dogs can also join their humans in parts of the hotel’s relaxed dining spaces.
For humans, there is a swimming pool, spa, lakeside activities, excellent food and the option of wild swimming for anyone who looks at a freezing lake and thinks, “Yes, I would like to get in that.”
Why it makes the list: It combines a proper Lake District adventure with the facilities of a stylish modern hotel. Customer and expert reviews regularly praise its location, outdoor experiences and easy-going atmosphere.
Best for: Active dogs, families and owners who want muddy walks followed by a very comfortable evening.
Despite the name, The Fish is extremely good at looking after dogs.
Set within a 500-acre private estate near Broadway, the hotel has walking trails, maps of nearby routes and plenty of space for daily sniffing duties. Dog-friendly accommodation includes selected rooms, suites, huts and even a treehouse.
Dogs receive useful in-room extras such as a bed, bowls, treats and a towel. There is also a dog agility area and a “Dunk Your Dog” washing station for removing the section of the Cotswolds that your pet has brought back on their legs.
Humans get stylish rooms, outdoor activities, relaxed dining and sweeping countryside views.
Why it makes the list: The Fish goes well beyond placing a water bowl by reception. Travel reviewers highlight its dog baths, treats, play area and excellent access to the estate’s countryside.
Best for: Energetic dogs, stylish weekend breaks and anyone who has ever tried to clean muddy paws using one tiny hotel flannel.
Visit Mullion Cove Hotel & Spa
Perched above Mullion Harbour on the Lizard Peninsula, Mullion Cove offers big Cornish sea views and easy access to coastal walks.
The hotel has earned consistently strong customer feedback, including praise from guests travelling with several dogs. Reviewers regularly mention being able to eat in designated dog-friendly areas rather than having to abandon their pet every time food appears. Tripadvisor currently shows an excellent overall rating from a substantial number of reviews.
There are coastal paths nearby, beaches to explore and plenty of fresh sea air. Back at the hotel, humans can enjoy the spa, restaurant and views over the Atlantic while pretending not to notice that their dog is still carrying half a beach in its fur.
Why it makes the list: Excellent customer reviews, a spectacular coastal location and a genuinely accommodating approach to guests with dogs.
Best for: Coastal walks, dramatic scenery and dogs who consider seagulls a personal challenge.
Set in the heart of the New Forest, The Montagu Arms is surrounded by woodland paths, open heathland and more exciting smells than your dog could investigate in a fortnight.
The hotel offers dog-friendly rooms and breaks designed specifically for guests travelling with their four-legged companions. Depending on the package and room booked, canine visitors can receive useful extras such as a bed, bowls, treats and a welcome hamper. Dogs are also allowed in selected relaxed dining areas, so they do not have to sit upstairs wondering whether you are eating sausages without them.
The New Forest location is a major part of its appeal. There are scenic walks close to the hotel, while Beaulieu and the wider national park offer woodland trails, riverside routes and plenty of dog-friendly days out.
For humans, The Montagu Arms combines the charm of a historic country house with comfortable rooms, attractive gardens and highly regarded food. It has also received strong customer feedback, with recent reviewers specifically describing it as genuinely dog-friendly.
The hotel has even offered dog-focused experiences including canine afternoon tea and professional pet portraits, which is a level of attention most humans do not receive on an average weekend away.
Why it makes the list: It combines a beautiful New Forest setting with thoughtful dog facilities, excellent walking opportunities and a warm welcome for both ends of the lead.
Best for: Woodland walks, relaxed luxury and dogs who would very much like their own afternoon tea.
If your dog’s perfect day involves endless sandy beaches, woodland walks and the chance to make approximately 47 new dog friends, The Victoria should be high on your list.
Located on the beautiful Holkham Estate, this stylish country hotel is just a short stroll from Holkham Beach, regularly voted one of the UK’s finest stretches of coastline. Better still, it’s incredibly welcoming to dogs. Up to two dogs can stay in many of the bedrooms, and they’re welcome in the restaurant and public areas too, so nobody gets left behind at dinner.
There are miles of walking routes straight from the front door, taking in Holkham Park, the National Nature Reserve and the spectacular Norfolk coastline. After a day of exploring, humans can enjoy locally sourced food, cosy lounges and beautifully designed rooms, while dogs can collapse into a well-earned snooze after pretending they definitely weren’t the one who rolled in something unpleasant.
Why it makes the list: The Victoria doesn’t just allow dogs, it genuinely welcomes them. Combined with one of the UK’s best walking locations and consistently excellent guest feedback, it’s easy to see why it’s regularly recommended as one of Norfolk’s top dog-friendly hotels.
Best for: Beach lovers, long countryside walks and dogs whose favourite hobby is covering themselves in sand 5 mins before getting back in the car.
Holdsworth House is a historic manor hotel on the outskirts of Halifax, surrounded by gardens and well placed for exploring West Yorkshire.
The hotel offers dog-friendly rooms, access to selected lounges and grounds where dogs can stretch their legs. It also promotes special dog-friendly breaks, making the pet policy feel like a genuine part of the hotel experience rather than a reluctant addition hidden in the booking terms.
For humans, there is plenty of character, cosy public spaces and a restaurant serving modern British food. The location also puts you within reach of countryside walks, Haworth, Hebden Bridge and the wider Yorkshire landscape.
Why it makes the list: A strong option for travellers looking for historic surroundings and Yorkshire hospitality without leaving the dog behind.
Best for: Cosy country breaks, heritage lovers and dogs who behave as though every grand staircase was installed specifically for them.
The Lygon Arms is a historic coaching inn in the centre of Broadway, one of the Cotswolds’ prettiest villages.
The hotel is regularly included in expert round-ups of Britain’s top dog-friendly stays. Dogs can relax in designated lounges and join their humans in parts of the hotel, while the surrounding area offers thousands of miles of public footpaths across the wider Cotswolds.
Humans can make use of the spa, restaurant, courtyard and centuries of history. Dogs will mostly be interested in breakfast and whether anybody has dropped a sausage.
Why it makes the list: It provides traditional Cotswolds luxury while still making canine guests feel part of the holiday.
Best for: Historic villages, easy countryside walks and dogs with expensive tastes.
Luxury and dogs don’t always go hand in paw, but Grove of Narberth proves they absolutely can.
Hidden away in the rolling Pembrokeshire countryside, this beautiful country house hotel has earned its reputation as one of Wales’ finest boutique stays. Better yet, dogs aren’t simply tolerated – they’re genuinely welcomed.
Several of the hotel’s luxurious cottage suites are specifically designed for guests travelling with dogs, many with direct garden access that’s perfect for those inevitable early-morning “I need to go… now” moments. Canine guests are treated to cosy blankets, towels, special treats and even a doggy dining menu from Burns Pet Nutrition. Dogs are also welcome in the snug area of the Artisan Restaurant, so everyone gets to enjoy dinner together.
Outside the hotel, you’ll find miles of beautiful Pembrokeshire countryside to explore, while some of Britain’s most spectacular beaches and sections of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path are just a short drive away. After a day of adventures, humans can indulge in award-winning food, beautifully designed rooms and the sort of warm Welsh hospitality that makes leaving surprisingly difficult.
Travel writers consistently rank Grove of Narberth among the UK’s finest luxury country hotels, praising its relaxed atmosphere, exceptional food and thoughtful service. Its dedicated dog-friendly offering simply makes an already outstanding hotel even better.
Why it makes the list: Genuine luxury that doesn’t ask you to leave your best friend at home. From dog menus and treats to garden suites and dog-friendly dining, Grove of Narberth has thought of everything.
Best for: Food lovers, luxury countryside escapes and dogs who secretly expect a tasting menu of their own.
Trigony House does not merely accept dogs. Being dog-friendly is central to what the hotel does.
All nine of its individually designed rooms welcome canine guests, and the country house is surrounded by woodland, gardens and the rolling landscape of Dumfries and Galloway.
Independent hotel guides give Trigony excellent guest scores and praise its relaxed atmosphere, restaurant, garden spa and access to walking routes.
It feels comfortable rather than overly polished, making it a good choice for owners who want great food and a little luxury but do not want to panic every time their dog shakes near a cream-coloured sofa.
Why it makes the list: Its dog-friendly reputation is not a marketing afterthought. Dogs are welcomed throughout the accommodation, and the whole experience is built around relaxed countryside stays.
Best for: Peaceful Scottish escapes, long walks and dogs who appreciate a good fireside snooze.
The Harrison is a characterful boutique hotel in Belfast’s Queen’s Quarter, close to the Botanic Gardens, Queen’s University and the Ulster Museum.
It offers an alternative to the usual rural dog-friendly break. Instead of muddy hiking boots and remote country lanes, you get Victorian interiors, individually designed rooms and a lively city just outside the door.
The Harrison currently receives outstanding customer feedback, with Tripadvisor showing a rating of approximately 4.9 from hundreds of reviews. It is also included in Visit Belfast’s official selection of dog-friendly places to stay.
Nearby green spaces include the Botanic Gardens and Ormeau Park, while Belfast has a growing selection of dog-friendly cafés, pubs and attractions.
Why it makes the list: Exceptional customer reviews, bags of personality and proof that a holiday with your dog does not always have to involve a field.
Best for: City breaks, design lovers and dogs who enjoy being admired in hotel lobbies.
If your dog has expensive taste, Rosewood London may just become their favourite city break.
This five-star luxury hotel in the heart of Holborn proves that bringing your dog to London doesn’t mean compromising on style. In fact, Rosewood actively welcomes both dogs and cats free of charge, making it one of the capital’s most genuinely pet-friendly luxury hotels. Canine guests are welcome throughout the hotel’s restaurants, bars and public spaces (with the exception of the spa and fitness areas), which is surprisingly rare for a hotel of this calibre.
Rosewood has gone a step further than simply allowing pets. It has previously offered dedicated canine packages complete with luxury pet amenities, reinforcing its reputation as one of London’s standout dog-friendly hotels.
Outside the hotel, you’re perfectly placed for walkies in Lincoln’s Inn Fields, the River Thames, Covent Garden and even Hyde Park if your four-legged friend fancies stretching their legs a little further. Afterwards, humans can enjoy one of London’s finest afternoon teas, outstanding restaurants and beautifully designed rooms, while the dog quietly judges whether you’ve ordered anything worth sharing.
Why it makes the list: Plenty of luxury hotels allow dogs. Rosewood actually embraces them. Free stays for pets, access to most public areas and a genuinely welcoming attitude make it one of the best five-star choices in London. They even curated their own London Expawrience Guide – a dog friendly guide to London. LINK PDF.
Best for: Luxury city breaks, food lovers and dogs who are convinced they deserve five-star treatment too.
A hotel may describe itself as dog-friendly simply because one room allows pets. That does not necessarily mean your dog will be able to join you anywhere else.
The best dog-friendly hotels tend to provide a combination of:
Before booking, check exactly where dogs are allowed. Some hotels welcome them in bedrooms and bars but not restaurants, while others have restrictions based on breed, size, number of dogs or selected room types.
It is also worth asking about additional charges. A supplement may cover useful extras and additional cleaning, but costs vary considerably between hotels.
Even when a hotel provides canine essentials, packing a few familiar items can make the stay easier.
Bring your dog’s normal food, lead, waste bags, medication and favourite blanket or bed. A familiar toy can also help them settle in an unfamiliar room, although perhaps leave the squeaky chicken at home if your neighbours might hear it at 2am.
You may also want:
Check beach and park restrictions before travelling, particularly during spring and summer when some coastal areas introduce seasonal dog bans.
Your dog does not need to demonstrate flawless table manners or make polite conversation with the concierge. However, a little preparation can make the trip more enjoyable for everybody.
Give them a good walk before entering the hotel so they arrive feeling calmer. Keep them on a lead in shared areas, clean up after them and avoid leaving them alone in the room unless the hotel has confirmed this is allowed.
It is also worth being realistic about whether your dog will enjoy the experience. A nervous pet who dislikes strangers, lifts, unfamiliar noises or other dogs may prefer a quiet cottage to a busy hotel.
And although you may regard enthusiastic barking as your dog expressing a valid opinion, the people in the room next door might describe it differently.
A dog-friendly holiday usually produces hundreds of photographs. Your dog on the beach. Your dog halfway up a mountain. Your dog asleep after the walk. Your dog refusing to look at the camera despite responding perfectly to the word “biscuit” five seconds earlier.
Do not leave the best ones buried in your phone.
Choose the photo that captures their personality and turn it into something you can enjoy every day. A beautiful pet print can bring a favourite holiday moment into your home, sand, muddy footprints and suspicious hotel smells not included.
The best dog-friendly hotels do not force you to choose between a memorable break and bringing your dog along. They recognise that, for many of us, the holiday would not feel complete without them.
Whether you fancy a sandy sprint across Camber Sands, a peaceful walk through Scotland, a luxury stay in North Wales or a weekend exploring Belfast, there is a hotel ready to welcome both ends of the lead.
Just remember to confirm the latest pet policy when booking, pack more treats than you think you need and accept that your dog will probably receive more attention from the staff than you do.
Honestly, that is only fair.
If you’ve already enjoyed a dog-friendly getaway, chances are your camera roll is full of happy zoomies, tongue-out grins, scenic walkies and that one photo where your dog somehow looks like they’re having an even better holiday than you are.
Don’t let those memories disappear into your phone. Pick your favourite and turn it into a beautiful metal print you can enjoy every day. Whether it’s a mountain summit, a sunset stroll or your four-legged best friend snoozing after a busy day of adventures, it’s a reminder of a holiday you’ll both remember for years to come.
