Pawsitively Perfect Getaways! The Best UK Cities for a Tail-Wagging Staycation Revealed

With spring finally on the horizon, households across the UK are searching for the perfect destination for a staycation. In the last decade, there's been a 19% increase in families choosing to travel with a four-legged friend, with over half of pet owners choosing to take their dogs, cats and even rabbits away with them. Shared adventures, whether strolling across scenic beaches or exploring vibrant cities, provide ample opportunities to make special memories, combat loneliness, and strengthen the bond between pet and owner.

Finding pet-friendly accommodation, however, can be a tricky task, particularly when booking a city break. With this in mind, researchers at Kennel Store have compiled a ranking of the best UK cities for pet-friendly accommodation. From cosy guest houses in Perth to swanky ground-floor apartments in Carlisle, make your next staycation pawsitively perfect with our handy guide!

Preparing Your Dog's Home Before You Travel

Before you embark on your pet-friendly staycation, it's essential to ensure your dog's home environment is properly set up for your return. A quality dog kennel and run provides a safe, comfortable space for your dog whether you're away for a weekend or planning regular trips throughout the year.

Why a Permanent Kennel Matters for Travelling Dog Owners:

• Routine and Security: Dogs thrive on routine. Having a familiar, comfortable kennel to return to after travel reduces stress and helps them settle back into normal life quickly.
• Safe Outdoor Space: After being cooped up during travel, dogs need a secure outdoor run where they can stretch their legs and decompress in a familiar environment.
• Weather Protection: UK weather is unpredictable. A weatherproof kennel ensures your dog has shelter if you return home late or need outdoor space during poor weather.
• Training Consistency: Regular travellers benefit from having a consistent home base for their dogs, making it easier to maintain training and behavioural routines.

At Kennelstore, our premium wooden dog kennels and runs are designed for UK weather conditions, with pressure-treated timber, insulated floors, and industry-leading guarantees. Whether you're a frequent traveller or planning your first staycation, investing in quality accommodation for your dog at home is just as important as finding pet-friendly hotels away.

The Top 10 Cities for a Pet-Friendly Staycation: Mapped

The Top 10 Cities for a Pet-Friendly Staycation: Data Breakdown

1. Perth: 46.08% of accommodation is dog-friendly
2. St Davids: 41.12% of accommodation is dog-friendly
3. Carlisle: 35.42% of accommodation is dog-friendly
4. St Asaph: 34.93% of accommodation is dog-friendly
5. Lichfield: 33.78% of accommodation is dog-friendly
6. Wrexham: 31.03% of accommodation is dog-friendly
7. Armagh: 30% of accommodation is dog-friendly
8. Gloucester: 28.36% of accommodation is dog-friendly
9. Exeter: 28.35% of accommodation is dog-friendly
10. Ripon: 28% of accommodation is dog-friendly

Perth

Perth, a charming city with a rich heritage, is a fantastic choice of destination for someone planning to travel with a canine companion. Situated on the banks of the River Tay, Perth offers a fascinating blend of cultural attractions, scenic views, and pet-friendly spaces. With an abundance of riverside walks and picturesque parks, Perth seamlessly combines bustling city life with natural beauty.

Perth has something of a reputation for being pet - and particularly dog-friendly. The majority of pubs and cafes welcome dogs, as do several higher-end establishments. Brew & Chew, renowned for its traditional cream teas, even boasts a separate dog menu, featuring pupcakes, sausages and puppuccinos! For a tasty evening meal, check out the Glover Arms. Craft beer bar and restaurant BrewDog, meanwhile, hosts dog pawties, providing party hats and dog ice cream sundaes to pooches hoping to celebrate their birthday in style!

Scone Palace, a stunning site with over 1000 years of history, permits dogs on its sprawling grounds, as long as they're well-behaved and on leads. For beer lovers, there's Cullach Brewing, Perth's only independent taproom, which has always been dog-friendly.

Some of our favourite dog-friendly cafes and restaurants

• The Maltings
• The Twa Tams
• Compass Cafe
• BrewDog
• Brew & Chew

Some of our favourite dog-friendly accommodation

• Dunallan Guest House
• Sunbank House Metro Hotel
• The Parklands Hotel
• Scotia Bed and Breakfast

St Davids

Nestled along Wales' rugged coastline, St Davids is something of a hidden gem. With a mediaeval charm, imposing architecture and serene surroundings, this picturesque place is the UK's smallest city. Take your four-legged friend on an adventure through winding streets and ancient ruins, stopping for a locally sourced bite to eat in one of the city's independent cafes.

Dogs are even welcome on boat trips around Ramsey Island. Opt for a wildlife tour and spot seals, dolphins, Peregrines and Choughs. Dogs are also allowed on the grounds of St Davids Cathedral, which is arguably the most important religious monument in Wales.

Many of St Davids's restaurants and bars are proudly canine-friendly. If you're craving pizza, book a table at Grain, which offers local craft beer, antipasti and dough balls. For something a bit different, travel slightly further afield to the harbour village of Solva, which is just over 3 miles away. Mamgu Welshcakes is a firm favourite with both residents and visitors to the area and serves traditional Welsh fare in a variety of ways. Dogs are allowed in the cafe.

Some of our favourite dog-friendly cafes and restaurants

• The Farmers Arms
• The Bishops
• The Mill
• Mamgu Welshcakes
• Grain
• 35 Main Street

Some of our favourite dog-friendly accommodation

• The Grove Hotel
• St Davids Cross Hotel

Carlisle

Carlisle, a historic city in Cumbria, boasts a network of beautiful parks, scenic trails and green spaces, providing ample opportunities for dog walks and other outdoor activities. Bitts Park, which lies adjacent to the River Eden, combines expansive lawns with riverside paths and is the perfect place for a riverside stroll. Steeped in culture, Carlisle is a captivating destination for history buffs and pet lovers alike.

Stroll through Carlisle Castle - where well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome - and experience nine centuries of fascinating heritage. Dogs are unfortunately not permitted in Carlisle Cathedral, but they can enjoy a wander through the grounds.

If you're feeling peckish, check out the Queen Inn in Great Corby or the Howard Arms on Lowther Street. With a carefully curated menu, fresh food and plenty of local produce, these traditional pubs are firm favourites with residents and visitors to the region alike. For something special, book a table at the Pentonbridge Inn, which boasts a Michelin star and three AA rosettes. This fine dining establishment gets much of its fresh produce from Netherby Hall's walled garden.

Some of our favourite dog-friendly cafes and restaurants

• Perntonbridge Inn
• The Queen Great Inn
• Bartons Yard
• Howard Arms
• Greyhound Inn

Some of our favourite dog-friendly accommodation

• Carlisle Station Hotel
• Crossroads House
• The County Hotel
• Crowne and Mitre Hotel

The 10 Worst Cities for Pet-Friendly Accommodation

1. Wolverhampton: 6.39% of accommodation is dog-friendly
2. Cambridge: 8.28% of accommodation is dog-friendly
3. City of London: 10.44% of accommodation is dog-friendly
4. Oxford: 10.5% of accommodation is dog-friendly
5. Westminster: 10.7% of accommodation is dog-friendly
6. Birmingham: 11% of accommodation is dog-friendly
7. Leicester: 11.08% of accommodation is dog-friendly
8. Bristol: 11.16% of accommodation is dog-friendly
9. Salford: 11.57% of accommodation is dog-friendly
10. Londonderry: 11.8% of accommodation is dog-friendly

Wolverhampton

If you do decide to visit Wolverhampton, here's where to go.

Some of our favourite dog-friendly cafes and restaurants

• The Royal Oak
• The Mermaid
• The Oakham Arms
• Codsall Station

Some of our favourite dog-friendly accommodation

• Novotel
• Ramada Park Hall Hotel
• Redwings Lodge

Cambridge

If you do decide to visit Cambridge, here's where to go.

Some of our favourite dog-friendly cafes and restaurants

• The Free Press
• The Pickerel
• The Clarendon Arms
• Stem & Glory

Some of our favourite dog-friendly accommodation

• Novotel Cambridge North
• Hilton Cambridge
• Hotel du Vin & Bistro
• Gonville Hotel

The City of London

If you do decide to visit the City of London, here's where to go.

Some of our favourite dog-friendly cafes and restaurants

• The Street Easy
• Market Place Peckham
• NHow London
• Pawsitive Cafe
• Lost Souls Pizza

Some of our favourite dog-friendly accommodation

• Doubletree Hilton
• Canopy by Hilton
• The Zetter Hotel
• The Hoxton

Our Top Tips for Travelling with a Canine

Research pet-friendly accommodations and attractions prior to travelling

When travelling with a pet, thorough research is absolutely essential. We recommend ringing or emailing a venue or attraction prior to booking, even if you've read a pet-positive review, as their policy may have changed since then. Some hotels and other accommodations may also have restrictions, such as the size, type and number of pets that it allows.

Plan regular breaks on your journey

If it's your pet's first trip away, consider a holiday closer to home. When it comes to choosing your method of travel, make sure to factor in the length of travel, cost and how comfortable travelling will be for your four-legged friend. Travelling can be traumatic for dogs. We recommend investing in a high-quality portable dog crate or carrier. Pet travel agencies, such as Pets Abroad UK, can be counted on to provide expert advice on travelling with a pet.

Visit the vets beforehand

For peace of mind, it's a sensible idea to visit the vet before travelling with your pet, even if you only plan to travel locally. Make sure vaccinations and worming treatments are up to date. If your dog is not microchipped, doing this before travelling is essential. Planning for an emergency while away from home is key, no matter how unlikely one is to occur.

What to Do With Your Dog's Kennel While You're Away

If you have a dog kennel and run at home, proper preparation before travel ensures your dog returns to a clean, welcoming environment.

Before You Leave:

• Deep clean the kennel and run using our professional maintenance guide
• Remove all bedding, toys, and food bowls to prevent pests
• Ensure the structure is secure and weatherproof
• Check drainage systems are clear
• Lock all doors and hatches securely

When You Return:

• Inspect for any weather damage or debris
• Air out the kennel before reintroducing your dog
• Add fresh bedding and familiar toys
• Allow your dog to reacquaint themselves gradually

A well-maintained kennel provides peace of mind while you're away and a comfortable homecoming for your dog. Our Kennelstore range is built with durable, pressure-treated timber and designed to withstand UK weather, even when left unoccupied during your travels.

Why Kennelstore Customers Love Travelling

Many of our customers tell us that having a quality kennel and run at home gives them the confidence to travel more often. Knowing their dog has a secure, comfortable space to return to - whether they've been in boarding, with a pet sitter, or travelled with the family - provides invaluable peace of mind.

Our kennels are designed for:

• Long-term durability: 15-year to lifetime guarantees mean your investment lasts through years of adventures
• All-weather protection: Pressure-treated timber and weatherproof construction withstand UK conditions
• Easy maintenance: Raised, insulated floors and phenolic-coated surfaces make cleaning quick and simple
• Security: Robust construction and secure latches keep your dog safe whether you're home or away

Ready to create the perfect home base for your travelling dog? Explore our range of dog kennels and runs, hand-built in the UK with free mainland installation.

Plan Your Next Adventure

Whether you're heading to pet-friendly Perth, exploring the Welsh coast at St Davids, or discovering historic Carlisle, travelling with your dog creates unforgettable memories. And with a quality Kennelstore kennel waiting at home, you can travel with confidence knowing your dog has the perfect place to return to.

For more advice on caring for your dog's outdoor space, read our complete maintenance guide or browse our full range of wooden dog kennels.