The UK is home to vibrant towns and cities where you can explore historic sites, visit lovely beaches, or discover some of the most stunning natural parks.  What’s great is that most of these places welcome four-legged visitors.  So, if you want to take your dogs on fun days out and need ideas on where to go, here are the top 6 places to visit in the UK with your dog.

1. The Cairngorms National Park, Scotland

If you love taking scenic walks with your dog, visit Scotland’s Cairngorms National Park.  The national park boasts many fantastic trails for you and your four-legged friends to stroll, all thanks to Scotland’s “free to roam” laws. In addition, you will find numerous accommodations and pubs around the Cairngorms that will be happy to welcome your dogs.

But before you head out to explore the Cairngorms National Park with your dog, ensure you leave no trace.  More importantly, keep your dog under control at all times.  Try not to break the rules, so you can continue to enjoy these privileges.

It’s also important to know that The Cairngorms National Park is home to unique animals your dog can upset, such as rare birds and reindeer.  Nesting birds are prone to disturbance.  If your dog scares them, they could abandon their eggs and vulnerable chicks.  Cairngorms is home to endangered birds that your dog can potentially disturb.

2. Pembrokeshire, Wales

Pembrokeshire is famous for its sweeping coastline and coastal paths with breathtaking sea views.  The good news is that Pembrokeshire has many beautiful places to take your dogs to explore.  Aside from taking scenic coastal walks, you can visit Pembroke Castle and explore the Hilton Court Gardens.

Pembroke Castle boasts thousands of years of history, making it a perfect place for lovers of history.  It’s one of those places in Pembrokeshire that welcome dogs as long as they remain on their leads and stay with you the entire time.

The Hilton Court Gardens is another fantastic to explore with your dog.  These remarkable gardens are nestled at the heart of St Brides Bay and are beautiful and well-tended.  Your furry friends will have a blast running around and playing in the gardens.  Stop by the Woodlands Cafe, overlooking some of the most exquisite views of nature and where you can enjoy an afternoon tea and cake with your dog.

3. St Ives, Cornwall

If you want to visit Cornwall with your dog, head to St Ives.  The picturesque seaside town is one of the most dog-friendly places in the UK and is home to some stunning beaches and cobblestone streets, perfect for exploring with your furry friends.  In addition, you will find plenty of dog-friendly accommodation options in St Ives, ideal for those seeking a place to stay with their four-legged friends while on holiday to Cornwall.

In St Ives, you will find stunning stretches of sand where dogs can freely run around.  One of these is Bamaluz, which you’ll find near Porthgwidden Beach and the harbour.  Aside from being dog-friendly, the beach is not crowded, unlike its neighbouring beaches.

In the centre of St Ives is Lambeth Walk beach, another spot to explore and relax with your dog.  However, one important thing to note about this beach is that it will not exist during high tide. So, if you plan to come here, check the tide times before heading out.

4. The Yorkshire Dales, Yorkshire

The Yorkshire Dales National Park is another dog-friendly place in the UK, offering many fun adventures and activities for you and your pet.  It’s in the northwest of England, between the Lake District and North York Moors National Park.

If you don’t mind taking longer treks, consider climbing the Yorkshire Three Peaks with your pet – the Ingleborough, Pen-y-Ghent, and Whernside.  Depending on your and your dog’s physical ability, you could conquer all three peaks in one day.  But you should take a slower approach to avoid stressing out your dog.

If you prefer taking easy walks with your dog, take the Ingleton Waterfall Trail.  It’s a short, scenic trail taking you to the stunning Ingleton Waterfalls, passing through lush oak woodland.

5. Ullswater, The Lake District

Ullswater Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in the Lake District, a wonderful place to explore with your four-legged friends.  Its glistening waters, cascading waterfalls, and craggy fells offer the perfect backdrop for bonding with your pet.

One of the best things to enjoy in Ullswater is riding the Ullswater Steamer, a dog-friendly visitor attraction offering the perfect day out for your furry friends.  It sails to the four piers around the lake, and you can get off at any of these piers to soak up the lake’s spectacular scenery.

If you prefer to take walks instead of exploring the lake on a boat, you can take the path from Howtown to Glenridding.  It’s one of the countless trails that take you to the shores of the lake.  The route starts in Howtown and runs along the southern shoreline.

The trail stretches 6.6 miles before ending in Glenridding, where you can ride a steamer back to where you started.  Your walk will take you through lush woodlands and open moorland, offering breathtaking views across the glistening lake waters and the majestic peaks of Hellvellyn.

6. Lincoln, Lincolnshire

Offering the perfect blend of stunning countryside, charming city, and gorgeous coast, Lincolnshire has everything that you and your pet seek for a fun getaway.  Explore historic towns and villages and embark on off-the-beaten-path adventures towards hidden valleys, rolling hills, and its award-winning beaches.

You will find safe and scenic dog-friendly walks around Lincoln.  One of these is the Willingham Woods Way, which takes you through lush woodlands with little streams and ponds on the way, perfect for those who want to take a splash during their hike.  Enjoy possible sightings of wildlife during your exploration, including ducks and deer.  The circular trail is a favourite of avid hikers, walkers, and cyclists.  It’s 3.5 kilometres long and is suitable for all levels.