As we approach the summer months and things slowly start returning to normality, summer vacation is on many of our minds. Whilst we may not be able to get abroad this year, or perhaps may not be ready for it, there are plenty of beautiful dog-friendly spots throughout the UK that are perfect for your staycation and day trips.
Working dog food brand Skinner’s knows it can be tricky finding someone to look after your dog when you go away, or perhaps you just want to share your holiday experience with your dog. So, they have made a list of a few great dog-friendly staycation spots across the UK that are perfect for long dog walks and soaking up some beautiful scenery this summer.
1. The Lake District
The Lake District is a popular national park located in the northwest of England in Cumbria. It is considered by many as one of the best places in the UK to take your dog, with a large number of pet-friendly attractions and a vast array of options when it comes to dog walk spots, whether you like to walk through woodland, by the shore or up mountainous hills. Windermere west shore walk is a great place to start, trailing through both woodland and parkland with great views of the islands, as well as the stunning gothic architecture of Wray Castle.
You can even take your dog with you on the Steam Yacht Gondola, a rebuilt Victorian steam-powered yacht that allows you to hop on and off for walks along the shore and beyond. With so much to do and see at The Lake District, it’s a great destination to escape to for a few days, with plenty of nearby dog-friendly accommodation.
2. Romney Marsh
Romney Marsh runs across the Kent and East Sussex coastline, with a flat landscape that makes it a top option for more leisurely long walks that don’t require climbing and trekking up hills. Romney Marsh boasts a hundred square miles of countryside, with landscapes spanning woodlands, wetlands and beaches, as well as coastal views and quaint villages that will give you a mellow home-away-from-home feeling. The England Coast Path runs for 20 miles through the Marsh, passing a number of villages that offer the option to stay in both beautiful hotels that overlook the English Channel, as well as cosy quaint cottages in idyllic rural locations.
3. Outer Hebrides, Scotland
The Outer Hebrides Is an interconnected chain of Atlantic islands of the north-west coast of Scotland, set with beautiful vast beaches and heather-covered mountains that both you and your dog are sure to love. Made up of 12 islands including St Kilda and The Monarch Isles, the Outer Hebrides is great for island hopping, with each island having its own story and personality. The Outer Hebrides’ ferry operator has pet-friendly areas aboard their ships too, so your dog can come with you every step (or pawprint) along the way. Much like the other locations, the Outer Hebrides is full of dog-friendly accommodation, including former Georgian Scarista House, which is packed with traditional comfort in the form of old libraries, open fires, and even a quiet sandy beach opposite the house for your dog to explore.
If you’re taking your dog out on longer walks than usual, it’s important to make sure that they’re getting all the nutrition that they need, and that their extra activity is combined with extra good food! For advice and further information on how to fuel working dogs, head to Skinners.
