Dog-tired? Feeling a bit ruff? Maybe it’s time to paws for a while and enjoy a break away – doggy style! After all, summer is finally here, which means we need to find every way possible to put our feet up and bask in the UK sunshine, while it lasts.
But as pet owners well know, sometimes our furry friends aren’t quite so welcome – planning a break away can be problematic. The thought of taking your dog to the dreaded kennels or some such place-of-pure-evil, can easily result in sheer terrier (soz!). So we’ve checked out the options for dog-friendly breaks and found plenty of ways why woofy shouldn’t miss out on the action…
Holiday cottages
There are a huge range of UK cottages that offer Fido-friendly accommodation. Pack up your things and take a road trip to a scenic destination of your choice, unwinding with the WHOLE family. We particularly like pet-friendly breaks at Sykes Cottages – prices for a Cornwall retreat start from £226 for seven nights.
Hotels
Another option is taking your furry friend to a dog-friendly hotel, they will love the adventure – and the comfy bed! Best Western Hotels offer dog-friendly accommodation in various destinations including a scenic spot in Grasmere, a beach retreat in Hastings and a stay in the grand old city of York.
Holiday Parks
Plenty of UK holiday parks encourage dog stays with locations specifically chosen to ensure your canine has plenty of space for stretching his/her legs. Parkdean offers 22 dog-friendly parks in stunning locations, such as Embo beach in Scotland, St Minver in Cornwall and Trecco Bay on the coast of Wales.
Doggy yoga retreats
After dog yoga graced our screens in both Made in Chelsea and The Only Way is Essex, spiritual retreats for owner and dog are slowly creeping into the mainstream. If you fancy channelling your canine energy, Naked Dragon offers ‘transformational dog retreats’ in the Welsh countryside, which come with the inspirational tagline: “Happy Dogs = Happy Owners!”. There’s energy balancing, animal communication (my favourite), healing and even an arts and crafts workshop. Displaying your pooch’s artwork is optional.
Canal boat holidays
If you fancy taking to the water this summer and sniffing out various tow paths, then you’ll love a soothing canal holiday! Boats amble along at around 4mph and there’s plenty of outside space for soaking up the sun, enjoying the fresh air and letting your mane trail in the breeze. Black Prince offer a range of dog-friendly narrow boat holidays throughout waterways of England, Scotland and Wales.
Doggy Bootcamp
If you and your buddy are carrying a bit of extra weight or simply fancy getting beach-ready together, then doggy bootcamp is the way forward. NuBegggings in Devon launched a doggy bootcamp last year, encouraging dogs and their owners to work together to win the battle against fat. Prices begin from £2,900 per week for owners and their dog, inclusive of plush accommodation, organic meals, training, therapy and support sessions.
Pampered pooch holidays – just for them!
Going abroad? Forget the kennels. Treat your dog to a pampered break of their own – after all, they deserve it! Paw Seasons have two properties in Wiltshire and one near Bristol, and will care for your mutt for around £50 a night. This includes snuggly sofas to sleep on, a large garden area for play, and a professional wash and dry. Alternatively, The Essex Pooch Palace (where else) will home your dog in a pod that’s decked out Posh ‘n’ Becks style. Dogs are given plenty of attention and daily exercise, and prices start from just £21 per night for a private pod.