A recent study by DogFriendlyHotels.com reveals the top dog-friendly regions and cities across the UK for 2024, offering useful insights for pet owners planning their next holiday.
The research highlights locations with pet-friendly accommodation, making it easier for travellers to choose destinations that welcome dogs and ensure a seamless experience for both owners and their pets.
Cambridge Ranks as the Most Dog-Friendly City
According to the study, Cambridge tops the list as the most dog-friendly city in the UK, with 46.3% of its hotels accepting dogs. Out of 244 hotels in the city, 113 are listed as pet-friendly on TripAdvisor, making it an ideal destination for dog owners looking for a variety of accommodation options. Cambridge’s high percentage of dog-friendly hotels sets it apart as a top choice for those travelling with their four-legged companions.
Carlisle Excels in Dog-Friendly Hotel Quality
While Cambridge leads in overall pet-friendly accommodation, Carlisle takes the top spot for the quality of its dog-friendly hotels. The study shows that 28.4% of Carlisle’s pet-welcoming hotels hold 4 or 5-star ratings, making it a standout for dog owners seeking higher-end accommodations. In addition, Carlisle ranks second in the overall percentage of dog-friendly hotels, with 31.9% of its total hotels catering to pets, solidifying its position as a top destination for pet owners.
Durham, Gloucester, and Plymouth Among Top Performers
Other cities making the list for dog-friendly accommodations include Durham, Gloucester, and Plymouth. Durham takes third place overall, with 20.4% of its hotels welcoming pets. Out of 93 hotels in the city, 19 are pet-friendly, making it a suitable destination for dog owners.
In the South West of England, both Gloucester and Plymouth emerge as notable cities for pet owners. In Gloucester, 20.3% of its hotels are listed as dog-friendly, while Plymouth offers 17.1% of its accommodations as pet-friendly options. These cities continue to strengthen the South West’s reputation as a welcoming region for those travelling with dogs.
London and Liverpool Present Opportunities for Growth
Despite being home to around 1 million dogs, London presents a significant opportunity for the growth of pet-friendly hotels. While the capital boasts 4,698 hotels in total, only 4.4% (208 hotels) are listed as pet-friendly on TripAdvisor. This figure highlights the potential for hoteliers in London to expand their offerings to accommodate the growing number of dog-owning travellers.
Liverpool, ranking as the least dog-friendly city in the study, also presents potential for growth. Currently, only 3% of its hotels offer pet-friendly accommodation, despite its popularity as a tourist destination. With growing demand for pet-friendly travel options, Liverpool could benefit from an expansion in pet-friendly services in the coming years.
East of England Leads as the Most Dog-Friendly Region
The study also sheds light on regional trends, with the East of England emerging as the UK’s most dog-friendly region. In this area, 27.48% of hotels cater to pet owners, offering a wide range of dog-friendly accommodations. The South West of England follows closely behind, with 23.23% of its hotels welcoming pets, further cementing its reputation as a top region for dog owners seeking scenic getaways.
Greater London, despite having the highest number of hotels in the UK, continues to lag behind in dog-friendly offerings. The relatively low percentage of pet-friendly hotels in the capital suggests an untapped opportunity for the hospitality industry to expand its services to meet the growing demand from dog owners.
As pet ownership in the UK continues to rise, the demand for dog-friendly travel options is also growing. The findings from DogFriendlyHotels.com’s study provide valuable insight into the cities and regions that are leading the way in offering pet-friendly accommodations. While cities like Cambridge and Carlisle set the standard, there is clear potential for growth in areas like London and Liverpool, where dog-friendly options remain limited. The expanding market for dog-friendly hospitality offers opportunities for hotels to cater to a new and growing customer base in 2024 and beyond.
