Dog-friendly off-peak staycations

Norfolk 

This lovely county, with over 100 miles of rugged coastline, has long been one of England’s hidden gems. But it’s fast-becoming a favourite staycation destination for dog-friendly holidays; at Sawday’s we’ve seen a 150% increase in searches for places to stay in Norfolk this year. The vast open spaces and diverse landscape means it rarely feels crowded here, even in summer, but autumn is our favourite time to visit when you’ll find beaches and coast paths all to yourselves, so your dog can run free and you can stretch your legs and breathe in the sea air. 

Stay at: Shangri-La is an architecture designed house for 6, sitting just behind the sand dunes at Waxham beach, one of the counties best-kept secrets. 

Cornwall 

Cornwall’s wild moors, echoing coves, blustering cliffs and the folds of the hills hide a wealth of cultural and culinary experiences that go far beyond a day at the seaside, so it’s no surprise it’s one of our favourite destinations for dog-friendly beach holidays. Visit outside of the season and you might be surprised by sleepy villages, friendly local pubs and abandoned beaches. 

Stay at: Bedruthan Hotel & Spa has stunning sea views as well as an indoor pool and spa for chillier days if the weather turns. 

Pembrokeshire 

An autumn visit to Pembrokeshire is sure to leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated; if you’re anything like us you might find yourself yearning to go back again and again. It’s home to the UK’s only coastal National Park. It’s much smaller than most national parks, making it ripe for exploring with your dog. Read more about our five reasons to visit Pembrokeshire with your dog.

Stay at: Llys Meddyg hotel is well placed for exploring Pembrokeshire’s hills, coastal path and sandy beaches. 

Kent 

Lavender fields, orchards, vineyards and, of course, oysters – Kent has a lot to offer. The trendy seaside towns of Margate, Whitstable and Deal are some of our favourite weekend retreats from the city. Visiting in the off-peak months means a slower pace, where you can spend that little bit longer mooching through pretty streets and finding dog-friendly pubs. Finish off the day with fish and chips on the beach. Perfect. 

Stay at: Groups of friends will love Heron House in Whitstable, where dogs are welcome too and you can walk to the beach. 

Dorset 

Famed for its stunning stretches of Jurassic coast, Dorset is an idyll of rolling countryside, quintessential villages, towering cliffs and quiet coves. Away from the crowds, explore the Isle of Purbeck; sweeps of meadow and marshland hide quiet villages and run down to a coastline offering cliffs, caves and solitude once you move on from the ever-popular Durdle Door. Or enjoy a classic snapshot of south coast seaside at West Bay, visiting out of summer means the crowds of holiday makers have already headed home and you and your dog will have plenty of space to roam.  

Stay at: The Old Watch House in Lyme Regis has been part of the harbour front for 300 years and couldn’t be better placed for supplies of the day’s glorious catch. 

Written by
Claire Maguire 

Claire combines her twin loves of writing and travel to create inspiring blog content. Rudi combines his twin loves of baths and chasing squirrels to excuse getting as muddy as possible whenever he can. He hates missing out, so finding dog-friendly places is an absolute must. Claire loves a place with a stunning interior and is thankful Rudi is well-behaved enough to leave it the way they find it, unless there are slippers to be eaten.