My Instagram feed is full of couples getting engaged at swoon-worthy spots across the globe, from Rome's Trevi Fountain to candlelit beaches in Mexico.
28.07.2023 - 15:35 / theguardian.com
On a Saturday morning in the Lake District, perhaps at the base of a popular fell or along the shores of a placid lake, you might think you were at a countryside Crufts. The region’s footpaths are bustling with spaniels, labradors and golden retrievers – and the ubiquitous cockapoo, of course – all in procession, dragging their owners up hills or along forested trails, tongues out, tails wagging, noses poised to sniff the behind of anything they might pass.
The Lakes often sells itself as the dog-friendly capital of the UK – and for good reason. I challenge you to find a Cumbrian pub that doesn’t have a jar of treats on the bar. But there are plenty more places for the UK’s increasing population of dog owners (29% of UK adults at the PDSA’s last count) to spend their holidays besides the Lakes.
Having spent the last three years romping around the UK and Ireland for my latest dog-friendly travel book, with my always-alert Manchester terrier Arty by my side, I’ve happened on some of the most (and least) dog-friendly destinations. I love Northumberland for its vast open beaches, Lincoln for its cavernous canine-friendly cathedral and Shetland for its utter emptiness – though be careful not to disturb the ground-nesting birds in spring and summer.
We dog owners are an intrepid lot, and almost anywhere you go you’ll find excellent dog-loving campsites, pet-centric cottages and hotels that offer as many amenities for your companion as they do for you. Here are 20 of the best.
If your dog is the type that prefers to lounge on plush cushions and sofas rather than rough it in a dog bed on the floor, Sunnyside is going to satisfy their daily napping requirements. This cottage in charming Robin Hood’s Bay, which has a dog-friendly sandy beach with no summer restrictions, is run by the local pet-shop owner, and they’ve thought of everything. There are spare leads, a dog toy box and even dog robes to help them dry off after a day on the beach. Your dogs are allowed on the furniture as long as you’re using the throws provided, and they can snooze in the bedroom with you. The village has lots of dog-friendly pubs and cafes for eating out – try Brambles Bistro. And walks along the coast will knacker out even the most energetic of dogs. Don’t miss a ride on the North Yorkshire Moors railway from Whitby to Pickering, too. From £235 for two nights, sleeps four, two small dogs or one large, baytownholidaycottages.co.uk
If sleeping amid a 1,000-acre woodland and waking to the sound of jays, woodpeckers and chaffinches is your bag, book into Brock. This wooden hut is a schenbothy – a Scandi-meets-Scottish tiny home built on the Brucefield estate just north of the Forth estuary. For dogs, there are beds and bowls provided
My Instagram feed is full of couples getting engaged at swoon-worthy spots across the globe, from Rome's Trevi Fountain to candlelit beaches in Mexico.
Northern Ireland's second city and Ireland's northern-most county sit rather snug together in the corner of the island of Ireland. But many are yet to discover the two make a fantastic combination for a twin break. Blending thought-provoking history, striking landmarks and an incredible natural world, Derry~Londonderry and County Donegal's Inishowen Peninsula offer everything you could wish for in a short, action-packed getaway.
Woolacombe Beach is where soft sand meets the wild Atlantic and is perfect for our pooches. It consists of a wide, three-mile long sandy stretch from Barricane Beach down to Baggy Point, but dogs are restricted in certain areas. Parts of it are surfing areas and some kiosks even offered boards and lessons for dogs, though I didn’t want to embarrass Bob and Bertrand – our lovely Beagles – by insisting they try. Other pet owners were not so bashful. There are lots of dog bins and the cafes have bowls of water for four-legged friends. The Barricane Beach cafe is run by animal lovers, has great coffee and great-value curry nights.Gayle
OAG, which dubs itself an “air travel intelligence company,” has released its top-10 rankings of the most and least punctual airlines in 2016. The group analyzed 54 million flight records using full-year data from 2016 to compile the list, and for the purposes of the study defined “on-time” as “a flight that arrives or departs within 14 minutes and 59 seconds (under 15 minutes) of its scheduled arrival/departure time.”
Looking for a new museum to add to your travel to-do list? TripAdvisor (SmarterTravel’s parent company) has released the Travelers’ Choice Top 25 Museums of 2018, including the top 10 worldwide and the top 10 in the United States, with some surprising frontrunners. The findings also highlight bookable ways to see each winner—think VIP tours and scavenger hunts—with some offering the added perk of allowing you to skip the lines to get in.
AirHelp, the online service that files complaints against airlines on behalf of passengers entitled to compensation for air delays or cancellations, knows a thing or two about air travel. Because it’s hard for the average person to understand air passenger rights and pursue a legal claim when they’ve been wronged, AirHelp is always going toe-to-toe with airlines and airports—and reveals once a year which ones that treat their passengers for the better (or worse).
With rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft taking over, you might be wondering where in the world it’s still possible to take a cheap taxi. Cabs aren’t dead, yet: These countries still heavily rely on them.
Mumbai is a vibrant and bustling city that offers something for everyone. From its diverse culture to its abundance of historic sites, Mumbai has something for every traveler. Whether you’re looking to enjoy the nightlife or explore the city’s many attractions, there is no shortage of things to do in Mumbai. These Mumbai Airbnbs put you in the heart of it all.
The rugged landscapes of the Outer Hebrides, off Scotland’s west coast, may be sparsely populated, but there’s a deep human history here, from ancient stone circles to traditional Gaelic culture. These interconnected islands have shaped a distinct way of life, not just in the Harris Tweed and whisky distilleries that travellers encounter, but also in the daily routines of remote fishing communities. Spanning over 150 miles, this island chain is stitched together by causeway, bridge, road and boat, meaning visitors can pick their own method — car, bike, bus or ferry — to make the most of this extraordinary destination.
If the Irish didn’t invent the pub, they’ve certainly espoused its cause with great vigour. The pub retains a pivotal place in Irish society. It’s the place where stories are narrated, deals and pacts are made, jokes are told and traditional music is heard.
Whether you want to keep fit while on holiday, or just explore new corners of the UK on foot, Jen and Sim Benson – authors of the new Wild Running: 150 Adventures on the Trails & Fells of Britain – have compiled their five favourite running routes in Britain.
Sometimes travel just doesn’t go to plan. We’ve all been faced with bumps in the road – and often they become the moments that make your trip. On other occasions, there’s nothing you can do but sit back, laugh and go with the flow. Here are ten people who had to do just that…