It’s official: Westward Ho! in Devon is the top dog-friendly destination for 2024, according to a new report by holiday lettings company, Canine Cottages.
The quaint seaside town near Bideford is most famous for its unusual name and is also home to a Blue Flag beach and one of Devon’s most popular swimming and surfing spots.
The dog-friendly destinations list has been released alongside Canine Cottages’ first travel trends report, which saw dog-friendly bookings rise by 36% (YoY) in 2023. What’s more, the report found that 75% of dog owners are planning to take their beloved pooch on holiday with them next year.
Canine Cottages compiled the top 10 destinations list based on the number of bookings already made for 2024 that include at least one dog. The full list is included below:
1 Westward Ho!, Devon
2 Keswick, Cumbria
3 Padstow, Cornwall
4 Alnwick, Northumberland
5 Tenby, Pembrokeshire
6 Southwold, Suffolk
7 Bude, Cornwall
8 Seahouses, Northumberland
9 Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire
10 Beadnell, Northumberland
Looking to book your next dog-friendly holiday? Find out more about some of the top destinations below:
Westward Ho!, North Devon
It’s no surprise that the humble town of Westward Ho!, located near Bideford, topped the dog-friendly destinations list, with so many great dog walks on its doorstep. The town isnamed after the novel by Charles Kingsley, which was released in 1855, and is part of the North Devon Area of Outstanding Beauty, hosting a breathtaking Blue Flag beach. There are some restrictions on the south end of the beach during the summer, but plenty of space elsewhere for beach zoomies.
Enjoy an afternoon at Northam Burrows Country Park, a Site of Special Scientific Interest which consists of around 253 acres of grassy coastal plain, perfect for well-behaved dogs to explore. Other great trails include the South West Coast Path and the Tarka Trail.
Once you’ve finished exploring, you’ll be pleased to know that Westward Ho! also has a great choice of dog-friendly independent shops, restaurants and cafes.
Keswick, Cumbria
The idyllic market town of Keswick is located north of the beautiful lake of Derwentwater and is part of the Lake District National Park, surrounded by an incredible mountainous landscape. Whilst being the perfect location for lots of long dog walks and adventures, Keswick also boasts an array of independent shops, boutiques and charming cafes.
If you love an adventure with your pooch, the Catbells walking route is an iconic climb where you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views. If you’re looking for a more laid-back stroll, visit the beautiful Mirehouse and Gardens, a family-run historic house located just outside of Keswick with incredible grounds and woodland to explore. Don’t forget to stop off for a hearty bite to eat at one of Keswick’s many dog-friendly pubs and restaurants.
Padstow, Cornwall
Set on the sparkling shores of Camel Estuary in North Cornwall, Padstow is the perfect dog-friendly spot, with everything you and your pooch could wish for. The charming town and fishing port is well-known for its delicious, five-star seafood, an array of ice cream shops and plenty of dog-friendly pubs and restaurants.
When it comes to dog walks, Padstow offers them in abundance. The Camel Trail is a relatively flat, surfaced walk that is perfect for the whole family. For dramatic coastline views and plenty of caves to explore, the Padstow to Harlyn Bay route is slightly more challenging and perfect for dogs that enjoy a paddle in the sea and a play in the sand.
Alnwick, Northumberland
Situated in the heart of Northumberland, Alnwick is a beautiful historical town with plenty to see and do for all the family, including stylish dog-friendly bars and bistros aplenty. With one of the most picturesque areas of countryside in the UK, Northumberland is packed with great walks, whether it’s a hilly hike or a stroll on the beach.
The iconic Northumberland Coast Path is the perfect place to begin your Alnwick adventures, where you’ll be greeted with sweeping beaches as far as the eye can see. For views of the breathtaking Alnwick Castle, walk the Craster to Dunstanburgh Castle route; great for those looking for a more gentle stroll with off-lead areas for dogs who love a good run-around.
Tenby, Pembrokeshire
This Welsh seaside town comes in at number five, offering beautiful dog-friendly beaches to explore, including Tenby South Beach and charming colourful houses that offer the perfect photo opportunity. Tenby Harbour is the perfect spot to watch the world go by and there’s no shortage of restaurants and cafes throughout the town, for when you’re ready to grab a bite to eat. Dogs are even welcome to cruise on boat trips so you can soak up the sea breeze with your best friend by your side. For those looking to enjoy a stroll, you’ll be pleased to know that there are plenty of dog walks and trials nearby too, such as the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.
Commenting on the findings of the report, digital PR manager at Canine Cottages, Sarah Pring, says: “We are so pleased to have launched our first dog-friendly travel trends report.
There are some really interesting findings, particularly around some of the most popular travel locations for 2024.
“It’s great that so many destinations are dog friendly now, especially with the rise in dog ownership, and we’re pleased to see that so many people are planning to take their dog on holiday next year.”
To read the full trends report, visit the Canine Cottages website here.
