UK road trip with dogs . Anyone done this .

[hattie43]

With the uncertainty around international travel at the moment I am not booking any flights . Last night I was looking at a friends holiday photos of Scotland and it got me thinking . I’m now retired and my time’s my own but how feasible is it to pack up the car and do a coastal road trip in this country , staying at b n b’s and hotels along the way . If you’ve done it were the dogs ( small ) an issue with seeing and entry into the tourist sites . Is the idea of it better than the reality .

Wehave done it, and yes there are some issues if you want to go sightseeing seeing. I have a lab, previously 2 labs, so in no way small.

Many museums, galleries, stately homes etc, do not admit dogs, even small ones.

Many restaurants likewise, which is absolutely fine, but it just means that DH & I have to do some sights alone , alternating etc, and fine dining is generally out, unless I can book a local dog sitter. Warm weather can be hard, as they can’t be in the car and you have to search for suitable walking

For us the walking , swimming , running etc that we do with our dogs definitely compensates.

If you were going abroad , where would the dogs be? I would just follow your usual dog care when on holiday.

We've done it in school summer holidays, and booked the odd day in a local kennels to enable us to do dog free activities.
On balance the dogs are still with us way more than they would be if we'd gone abroad.
So much easier (and cheaper) in October half term when dogs can just chill in the car instead though!

I've travelled Britain extensively in my camper van with my small dog.
It's been one of the most amazing things I've ever done.

Coastal and rural areas are mostly very dog friendly with lots of cafes, pubs and restaurants where dogs are made very welcome.

Some touristy places allow dogs, some not. If you're after theatre/galleries/museums obviously dogs aren't allowed but lots of other things e..g National Trust gardens and land often allow dogs. Just a bit of extra planning and research beforehand and you'll have the best time with your pups.