Top Dog Friendly Destinations in the UK for Shih Tzu Owners

Top Dog Friendly Destinations in the UK for Shih Tzu Owners
by Janice
Read Time:  4 minutes

More families and individuals are opting for destinations that warmly welcome dogs, offering a range of accommodations and activities tailored to pets' needs.

A shih Tzu adult dog is standing in a grassy area

Benefits of Dog-Friendly Holidays

Choosing a dog-friendly destination and accommodation in the UK comes with several advantages:

  • Inclusive Experience: Traveling with your Shih Tzu allows them to be part of your holiday adventures, enhancing the overall family experience.
  • Reduced Stress: Pets feel more at ease in familiar surroundings, reducing separation anxiety and ensuring a more relaxed vacation for both pets and owners.
  • Exploration Opportunities: Dog-friendly destinations often feature parks, beaches, and trails where pets can exercise and socialize, adding to the enjoyment of exploring new places together.

Research and preparation are crucial when planning dog-friendly holidays. Understanding pet policies, local regulations, and the availability of pet-friendly amenities ensures a smooth and enjoyable trip for everyone involved.

Choosing Dog Friendly Destinations in the UK

When planning a trip with your Shih Tzu in the UK, selecting the right destination is key to ensuring a fun and relaxing experience for both you and your furry friend.

Here are some of the top dog-friendly destinations to consider:

Cornwall

This region is renowned for its breathtaking coastline and numerous dog-friendly beaches. Locations like Watergate Bay and Porthcurno provide ample space for your Shih Tzu to run, play, and splash in the waves.

Cornwall also offers a variety of pet-friendly accommodations, ranging from cozy cottages to luxury hotels, ensuring a comfortable stay for you and your pet.

A beach in Cornwall, UKPhoto by angela pham on Unsplash

Lake District

Known for its stunning natural beauty, the Lake District is a perfect getaway for nature lovers and their dogs.

With its vast landscapes, scenic walks, and pet-friendly accommodations, this area provides a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

You and your Shih Tzu can enjoy leisurely strolls along picturesque trails, explore serene lakeshores, and relax in dog-friendly cafes and pubs scattered throughout the region.

Landscape of the Lake District UKPhoto by angela pham on Unsplash

Edinburgh

This historic city combines rich cultural experiences with ample green spaces, making it an ideal urban destination for dog owners.

Parks such as Holyrood Park and Arthur's Seat offer expansive areas for your Shih Tzu to explore and play.

Many of the city's attractions, cafes, and hotels are welcoming to pets, ensuring that you and your dog can fully enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Edinburgh together.

Landscape of Edinburgh, UKPhoto by Kate Bielinski on Unsplash

These destinations provide a range of experiences from coastal retreats where your Shih Tzu can splash in the sea to tranquil countryside escapes with scenic trails for leisurely walks.

Each location offers pet-friendly accommodations and amenities that cater to the needs of Shih Tzu owners seeking a memorable holiday experience.

Accommodations

When planning a dog-friendly holiday with your Shih Tzu in the UK, it's essential to choose accommodations that cater to both your needs and your pet's comfort. Here are some excellent options available:

Types of Accommodations

Hotels in pet-friendly destinations across the UK are increasingly accommodating to pets, offering designated pet-friendly rooms or floors.

These rooms often include amenities such as pet beds, food bowls, and sometimes even special treats upon arrival.

Some hotels go the extra mile with pet spas, grooming services, and pet-sitting arrangements, ensuring a luxurious stay for both you and your Shih Tzu.

For a more homely experience of your dog friendly holidays uk, consider renting a cottage or a holiday home. These accommodations typically come with fenced gardens or direct access to pet-friendly walking trails.

This setup provides ample space for your Shih Tzu to explore and relax comfortably without feeling confined. Many cottages also include pet-friendly amenities like secure outdoor areas and easy-to-clean flooring.

Bed and Breakfasts (B&Bs) offer a cozy and intimate stay with a personal touch. Many B&Bs in dog-friendly destinations welcome pets, providing comfortable rooms and often offering local knowledge about pet-friendly attractions and nearby walks.

Some B&B hosts are pet owners themselves and understand the specific needs of traveling with pets, ensuring a warm welcome for both you and your Shih Tzu.

Shih Tzu is running in the grass

Specific Places Catering to Shih Tzus

In popular destinations like the Lake District, you'll find a range of pet-friendly accommodations. Look for cottages or hotels near Windermere or Coniston Water, offering easy access to pet-friendly trails and scenic views.

Hotels in Ambleside and Keswick are known for their pet-friendly policies, with many offering rooms that overlook beautiful landscapes and provide convenient access to dog-friendly pubs and eateries.

Along the stunning coastlines of Cornwall, there are numerous cottages and hotels that warmly welcome Shih Tzus. Choose accommodations near renowned dog-friendly beaches such as Fistral Beach in Newquay or Porthminster Beach in St Ives.

These locations not only offer breathtaking views but also provide direct access to sandy shores where your Shih Tzu can frolic in the waves and enjoy the sea breeze.

In Edinburgh, pet-friendly B&Bs and hotels around the Meadows or Bruntsfield Links provide a perfect base for exploring the city with your Shih Tzu. These accommodations offer proximity to urban parks where your pet can stretch their legs and play.

Some hotels provide pet sitting services or have partnerships with nearby dog-friendly cafes, ensuring your Shih Tzu feels right at home while you explore the city's historic sites and cultural attractions.

Endnote

Choosing a dog-friendly destination offers numerous benefits, including an inclusive experience, reduced stress for your pet, and ample opportunities for exploration and socialization.

Research and prepare for your trip, so you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable vacation that caters to the needs of both you and your Shih Tzu.

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I hold an undergraduate degree in Psychology with a minor in biology, Early Childhood Education, and Nursing, and a Master's in Mental Health Counseling.

I'm a lifelong learner, a dog lover, and passionate about the welfare of animals. Though Shih Tzu is my favorite breed, I've also lived with Poodles, Maltese, Yorkshire Terriers, Beagles, English Bulldogs, Carin Terriers, and a Cocker Spaniel. Little critters that shared my space included guinea pigs, rabbits, chinchillas, hamsters, mice, tropical fish, and birds. (Oh, and one crayfish and hermit crab that my daughter brought home from school)

When not writing, reading, and researching dog-related topics, I love spending time with my 6 Shih Tzu dogs, husband, and family, as well as knitting and crocheting. She is also the voice behind Small Dog Place and Smart-Knit-Crocheting. Please visit my other two sites or send me a note.