‘There are even surfing lessons for pooches’: readers’ favourite dog-friendly places in the UK
28.07.2023 - 15:35
/ theguardian.com
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
Oban is a true doggie delight. We stayed a night there with our lovely Evie, a border collie. At the Lorne Bar dogs are not only welcome, but they have their own menu! After local walks and a stroll through the harbour, which Evie found had a lot of interesting smells, we popped in for a drink and a bite. Dog options include sausages and butchers’ dry food and can be accompanied by Belgium doggy beer or “paw” secco (0% alcohol). Evie opted for the sausages and found there was even more to enjoy in the town than her morning walk by the harbour, with all its interesting smells, suggested.Hannah Kay
Guardian Travel readers' tips
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The coastal walk between the beautiful beaches of Aberporth to Tresaith, west Wales is spectacular. Both beaches allow dogs without restrictions between September and May, but in summer there are some areas of sand where they are not permitted. Both beaches have soft golden sand, beautiful views and, often, sightings of dolphins – the largest population in Europe. Tresaith is home to a waterfall where the River Saith flows over the cliff top. Many pubs and restaurants in Ceredigion are dog-friendly and we’d recommend The Ship Inn, Tresaith, which has a terrace with panoramic views, and the Driftwood Cafe, Aberporth, which has treats for furry ones.Sinead Evans
Stonefield Castle Hotel, near Tarbert on the shore of Loch Fyne, was everything we wished for – dogs are made very welcome and there are 24 hectares (60 acres) of woodland gardens to explore. Our room had a stunning view of the loch and a full Scottish breakfast set us up for a day spent exploring the Kintyre peninsula. At night we relaxed in the bar, where it’s OK for dogs to eat too – we all thought the food was delicious!Susanna C
We try to take our dog Tito for a break straight after our summer holidays, to say sorry for leaving him at home. The best so far has been Porthcurno, Cornwall.