Amber-hued leaves floating off the trees, crisp morning walks and steaming bowls of comforting soup mean that autumn is upon us. As we depart from one season to another, the search for your next holiday destination complete with a canine companion in tow has begun.
When summer comes to an end and the evenings begin to draw in, it is often met with an air of sadness, but there has never been a more enticing time to embark on an adventure with your faithful four-legged friend. We round up our top five destinations in which to enjoy the perfect dog-friendly getaway.
A region once established as a Medieval Kingdom, West Sussex is now a hugely prominent tourist destination and with over half of the county made up of protected countryside, there is no shortage of space for fun with your four-legged friend. Lace up those walking boots, immerse yourself in the surrounding opulent air and delve into the washed greens of the north or blissful beaches of the south.
Where to stay: Romany, Ammonite, The Matchbox, Studio Fold
Serenity is a word that completes any sentence when describing The Lake District, the home of breathtaking scenery along with an assortment of elegant forests, fells and glittering lakes. A sanctuary for dog-friendly walks, this destination will have you exploring the peaks that rise from the undisturbed waters below (until toes and paws are ceremoniously dipped, of course).
Where to stay: Winterfell, Figtree House, Skyline
Famous for its golden sandy beaches and vast stretches of dramatic coastline, come October when the seasonal dog ban is lifted, there aren’t many better locations to spend time with your hound than Cornwall. With a plethora of dog-friendly coastal paths to explore, you will find yourself immersed in hidden bays and remote coves, perfect for discovering some of the counties rich history.
Where to stay: Tangle Belle, Sweetpea Cottage, Juneberry, Swallowtails
An authentic view of a time gone by; the Cotswolds is a genuine nod to the England of yesteryear. Combining a patchwork of greens across the rolling countryside with its famed honey-hued cottages, this destination promises magical walks in abundance. The renowned Cotswolds Way provides a chain of footpaths covering over 100 miles which are superb for the whole family, including canine companions.
Where to stay: The Flower Press, Evania, Atticus, Zamani, Avalon Manor
Home to exemplary views, ancient granite summits and otherworldly woodland, Dartmoor National Park is in the heart of Devon. Isolated yet captivating, this destination hosts a wealth of dog-friendly walks and pubs scattered across the craggy landscape, all of which are perfect for those well-deserved pit-stops along the way.
Where to stay: Peacock Blue, The Pomegranate Tree, The Riddle