Christmas and New Year are great times to get away for a staycation, away from the season’s bustle. You’ll find fabulous, bracing winter walks for you and your pets to enjoy. Here’s our pick of some of the best.
Countryside
There are plenty of beautiful country trails to explore with your four-legged friend – and the end of the year offers stunning opportunities to enjoy them in their finest winter dress. In West Yorkshire, Hardcastle Crags boasts 24 km (15 miles) of footpaths, taking in tumbling streams, deep ravines, waterfalls and ragged rocks. There are waymarked trails to follow, and when you’re ready for a cuppa, a café welcomes dogs.
Take the stunning Four Waterfalls Walk in South Wales’s Brecon Beacons for a more adventurous outing. As its name suggests, the route takes you past four falls, each with its character. It’s a more challenging walk, but the rewards are tremendous: at the largest of the falls, Sgwd-yr-Eira, it’s possible to walk behind the cascade of water, giving a different—and thrilling—perspective.
Drama abounds at Killiecrankie in Perthshire, a striking river gorge steeped in history and offers many walks of varying lengths. Look out for the Soldier’s Leap, where a 17th-century Redcoat jumped 18 feet across Garry’s raging river. Dogs are welcome in the visitor centre.
A gentler experience awaits at Rowallane Gardens in County Down, one of Northern Ireland’s most beautiful gardens and home to a dazzling variety of trees and shrubs worldwide. Dogs must be kept on a lead in the gardens, but there’s a dedicated exercise field where they can run free, and they’re welcome in the house and café – back on the lead, of course!
Beaches
Winter is a beautiful time to enjoy the UK’s beaches, with the summer crowds gone and hundreds of miles of gorgeous shoreline in relative peace. The jewel in the crown is the magical Pembrokeshire coast, boasting more dog-friendly beaches (80+) than any other county. Highlights include Marloes Sands, whose expanses are dotted with rocky outcrops, and Barafundle Bay, a secluded gem off the beaten track (the nearest car park is more than half a mile away).
Further south, in Devon, you’ll find more than 60 beaches where your dog is welcome-try Soar Mill Cove, near Salcombe, with caves and rock pools to explore at low tide; it’s also a great place to watch a winter sunset. But you don’t always need to head out into the wilds to find some seaside walking. Just a 20-minute bus ride from Edinburgh is the long, flat, sandy Portobello Beach, a perfect spot for your dog to stretch their legs. Portobello is a famously dog-friendly spot – your dog might relish visiting Harry’s Gourmet Treats, the suburb’s dog-treat bakery.
If you like your shoreline to come with a dose of mythology, head to the Giant’s Causeway on the coast of County Antrim, whose world-famous hexagonal stones are said to be part of a pathway created by the giant Finn MacCool. You’ll need to keep your dog on a lead on the network of trails around the causeway, but it’s a magical, unforgettable experience.
History
Staying in the UK for a break offers an opportunity to get closer to some of the history that our islands are famous for. The 18th-century Culzean Castle in Ayrshire packs a big punch: the castle’s dramatic clifftop site forms one edge of a vast estate of gardens and woodland that contains 40 buildings and secret follies.
Cirencester Park in Gloucestershire boasts one of the UK's most beautiful and extensive estates. Its 6,000 hectares (15,000 acres) include woodland and broad, open walks. It was initially laid out as a deer park in the 1700s, and fallow deer roam the estate today. Look out for the world’s tallest yew hedge, which screens the estate from the town. Near Strangford Lough, Castle Ward is one of the UK’s most striking stately homes.
Remember, some attractions (especially stately homes and visitor centres) close on 24/25/26 December, so check opening times online before you visit.
Take your dog on a walk outside, and you’ll see why: on one side, it’s a Neoclassical mansion, but on the other, it’s a Gothic castle. After you’ve taken that in, go for a walk around the estate—there are many trails to explore and a dog exercise field where your pet can run free.
Finally, a must for dog lovers is Gelert’s Grave in Snowdonia. Starting in Beddgelert, a gentle stroll takes you along the banks of the river Glaslyn to the site where the legendary 13th-century hound, Gelert, is reputedly buried. Further along the trail, you’ll find a statue of Gelert himself, and by his. the grave is a plaque telling his moving tale. But we’ll leave you to discover that story for yourself.
PLACES TO STAY
Planning a Christmas or New Year break? Here are six dog-friendly places from Pets Pyjamas-visit petspyjamas.com to see all their properties, dotted throughout the UK
ENGLAND
The White Lion Hotel – Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire
HOTEL, 2 DOGS ALLOWED: Set in a riverside location and recently refurbished, it boasts the most extensive beer garden in town! The stunning countryside is within easy distance of the doorstep.
Bolberry Court – Salcombe, Devon
SELF-CATERING, 2 DOGS ALLOWED: Located on the southerly tip of Devon, in an area abounding with picturesque villages, magnificent coastal scenery and an array of stunning beaches.
SCOTLAND
Ballathie Country House Hotel Stanley, Perthshire
HOTEL, 2 DOGS ALLOWED: This hotel offers traditional opulence and classic style, surrounded by 360 hectares (900 acres) of private country estate for you and your dog to enjoy.
Find Me Out
Dalmellington, Ayrshire
SELF-CATERING, 2 DOGS ALLOWED: Get away from it all in this charming detached cottage, which sits on 1,200 hectares (3,000 acres) of undisturbed woodland and wetland.
WALES
The Appletree Pembroke, Pembrokeshire
SELF-CATERING, 3 DOGS ALLOWED: Sleeping up to eight people and ideally situated to enjoy the county’s many beautiful beaches, here’s a perfect spot for a family stay.
NORTHERN IRELAND
Seacoast Cottage Coleraine, County Derry-Londonderry
SELF-CATERING, 2 DOGS ALLOWED: Lovely detached cottage offering stunning coastal views in a beautifully peaceful setting. An easy drive away is the Causeway Coast and other attractions.
Conclusion
Whether you're longing for a brisk winter walk along a secluded beach, a tranquil amble through ancient gardens, or a chance to explore the rich history woven into Britain’s landscape, there’s something magical about a staycation with your four-legged friend. The UK’s diverse countryside, beautiful beaches, and historic sites offer you and your pet endless adventures and unforgettable memories. From scenic coastal cottages to grand countryside estates, pet-friendly accommodations ensure you can relax without leaving anyone behind.
So treat yourself and your loyal companion to the joy of the great outdoors this festive season. Discover hidden trails, wide-open beaches, and cosy hideaways that make Christmas and New Year unique. Wrap warm, pack your dog’s favourite treats, and explore some of the UK’s most captivating pet-friendly spots. Whether you’re after action or peace, history or nature, there’s no better way to celebrate the season!
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