Bringing your fourlegged buddy along when you’re traveling around the UK can turn an ordinary trip into a truly special one. For me, having my dog with me adds an extra bit of fun and comfort, especially when exploring new places. If you’re looking for pet friendly accommodation in the UK, you’ll find loads of options, but knowing what to look for, how the process works, and what to expect on your trip is pretty handy.

What to Expect at Pet Friendly Accommodation in the UK

Pet friendly hotels, cottages, and B&Bs in the UK come in all shapes and sizes. You can go for anything from big countryside manors with dog welcome packs at the door, to city center chains that let your furry friend sleep at your feet. There’s no single style, but you’ll usually find thoughtful touches like dog bowls, local walking maps, and sometimes even a treat or two waiting on arrival.

The really nice part is how smooth the process is at places that truly welcome pets. You usually book your pet in advance (often by clicking a simple checkbox online or mentioning it on a call), then you’ll find staff ready to point you to local parks, pubs, or shops that won’t mind a wagging tail. Most places will ask you to keep pets off the beds and on a lead in public areas. In your private space, you can settle in and enjoy hanging out with your best pal.

Having your pet with you means no anxious goodbyes or worrying about how they’re doing back at home. My dog always gets super excited sniffing out new walks, whether it’s a seaside escape or a city pavement adventure. Traveling together makes those memories even more special.

Popular Pet Friendly Hotel Chains in the UK

If you’re looking for reliability or want a chain hotel you know you can trust, here are a few UK brands worth checking out for pet friendly stays:

• Travelodge: Travelodge is pet friendly across most of its hotels, with a simple extra fee per pet per stay. This is great for families or solo travelers with one or two animals. Dogs and cats are both allowed, but you’ll want to bring your own bed and bowls.
• Premier Inn: Premier Inn hotels don’t allow pets except for assistance dogs. This rule is the same across the chain, so it’s good to know in advance if you’ve got your heart set on one of their hotels.
• Best Western: Best Western has quite a few pet friendly locations in the UK, but it does vary by hotel. Always double check when you book, as some hotels welcome dogs in the rooms and sometimes even in the restaurant or bar.
• Mercure and Ibis: Accor brands like Mercure and Ibis have a growing number of pet friendly hotels. Usually, you pay a small nightly charge per animal.
• Holiday Inn: Some Holiday Inns are pet friendly, but not all, so you’ll need to search for the right spot. Big cities and rural areas often have more flexible options.

Out of these, I find Travelodge tends to be the easiest if you want a clear, simple booking process for you and your pet. They’re everywhere across the UK, so you can pretty much always find one that’ll say yes to dogs or cats.

Types of Pet Friendly Accommodation Beyond Hotels

Chain hotels are handy, but there are so many other ways to stay with your pet in the UK. Here are some other good options:

• Dog Friendly Cottages: Booking a cottage in the countryside or near the coast can be an absolute treat. These spots often come with secure gardens or patios and plenty of space for your pet to unwind. Popular booking sites have search filters for dog friendly cottages, so you don’t have to scroll through dozens of listings.
• Bed & Breakfasts: Some B&Bs are dog lovers themselves and go the extra mile with homemade dog biscuits or a local walk recommendation board. This style of accommodation gives a cozy, homey feel to your trip.
• Camping and Glamping: Bringing your pet along to a campsite or glamping pod is a fun way to really enjoy the outdoors together. Many sites openly welcome dogs as long as you keep them on a lead.
• Selfcatering Apartments: In major cities, serviced apartments or Airbnbs that allow pets let you and your dog relax like locals. You get a kitchen, lounge area, and often some green space nearby.

Booking Your Stay: Fees, Rules, and Tips

When you’re ready to book, it’s pretty standard for hotels or cottages to charge a small extra fee for pets. This usually covers extra cleaning or a welcome package. The fee might be per stay or per night, so check the fine print during booking. Some spots set a limit on the number or size of animals, which is mostly about making sure everyone stays comfortable.

Here are a few handy tips I’ve picked up over years of booking pet friendly accommodation:

• Always mention your pet when you book, even if they don’t ask. It’s better for everyone if the hotel knows to expect an extra guest.
• Bring your own food, bowls, beds, and toys. While some places supply these, your pet will always feel more at home with familiar things.
• Check if common areas are pet friendly. Some hotels let pets join you for breakfast or drinks, others prefer animals only in the room and outside spaces.
• Pack a blanket or towel to help keep muddy paws off the furniture after walks.

If your pet has special dietary needs or medications, pack a supply and have your vet’s contact information handy in case you need to ask advice while away. Consider packing some cleaning wipes too, as unfamiliar locations can sometimes mean a few extra messes!

Leaving Your Pet at the Hotel: Is it Okay?

Many pet friendly hotels in the UK ask that you don’t leave pets unattended in the room, mainly to prevent barking or damage, and for the animal’s comfort. Some boutique hotels or rural cottages are a bit more laidback, letting you leave your dog if they’re well behaved and used to being alone. I always check with the front desk before I step out, just to make sure what their policy is.

If you need to go somewhere pets aren’t allowed, for a meal or an event, it’s worth finding out if the hotel offers dogsitting or can share the number of a local pet sitter. Larger hotels in bigger cities are more likely to help organize pet care, but in smaller towns, you might want to do a quick search or check an app like Rover before your trip.

Best Areas in the UK for Pet Friendly Travel

The UK is pretty amazing for pet friendly breaks, with loads of towns and rural areas making dogs feel as welcome as their owners. Some of my favorite regions for traveling with pets include:

• The Lake District: This part of Cumbria is all about big walks, dog friendly pubs, and cottages tucked away with space to roam.
• The Cotswolds: Pretty villages and gentle countryside are made for slow strolls and pub lunches, often with water bowls for dogs at the door.
• Cornwall: Many beaches in Cornwall are dog friendly either yearround or outside of peak summer hours, with coastal paths perfect for exploring.
• Scottish Highlands: Wild landscapes, cozy lodges, and trails galore. You’ll find lots of lodges, farms, and remote cottages happy to host pets.
• Norfolk Coast: Sand dunes and pet friendly beach cafes just add to the charm, plus plenty of dog lavishing holiday parks.

The Peak District and Yorkshire Dales also offer fantastic options for long walks, dog friendly tea shops, and rustic stays where furry guests are part of the fun. Wales, especially around Snowdonia, is another wonderful choice if you and your companion love mountains, nature, and laidback vibes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Friendly Stays in the UK

Which hotels accept dogs in the UK?
Loads of hotels accept dogs, from chain hotels like Travelodge and Best Western, to independent inns and country house hotels. Always check when you book to confirm their current policy.

Which hotel chain is the most pet friendly?
Travelodge stands out for its straightforward pet friendly approach, accepting dogs and cats at most UK locations with an easy booking process and clear fee structure.

Is it okay to leave a dog at a pet hotel?
Most hotels prefer you don’t leave pets alone in the room, but some may let you if your dog is calm and you speak to the front desk first. Consider dogsitting services if you’ll need to be away from your pet for a while during your trip.

Can dogs stay in Premier Inn hotels?
Premier Inn does not allow pets in their UK hotels, with the exception of registered assistance dogs.

Do Travelodge allow dogs to stay?
Yes, Travelodge allows dogs (and cats) to stay in their hotels across the UK, as long as you inform them when booking and pay the pet fee.

Making the Most of Your Pet Friendly UK Getaway

Traveling with your pet in the UK brings its own kind of joy. The process is smooth as long as you book in advance, mention your pets to the accommodation, and follow a few house rules. With so many hotels, cottages, and quirky B&Bs welcoming dogs, cats, and sometimes even rabbits or guinea pigs, you can plan a holiday where every family member—furred, feathered, or otherwise—is part of the adventure.

The UK’s love for animals means pet friendly travel isn’t stressful or awkward. Head out for a walk, explore new places, or relax in a cozy room at the end of a busy day. You and your pet will have the chance to build new memories together, all while enjoying some of the best scenic sights and friendliest accommodations the UK has to offer. Whether you’re doing a city break or a long countryside escape, traveling with a pet can make every trip more memorable for everyone.