UK holiday 2026 recommendations

[Userss8807]

Hi all,

We are looking for some recommendations for a UK holiday in 2026.
I know this seems early but some places I have looked are already fully booked!

Thinking Cornwall, Wales, Norfolk…not too worried about the travel.

We are a family of 5 with a dog, kids will be coming up to 14, 12, 9.

Thanks in advance x

Anything specific you’re looking for?

We loved Northumberland for dog friendly beaches - vast expanses of sand, very clean and unspoilt ( we stayed in Seahouses)
Whitby area is also lovely.
Wales - love Pembrokeshire around St David’s/Tenby.

Or are you looking for recommendations for a specific caravan park/hotel?

We also adore Northumberland and go most years for a long weekend, we have also done many full weeks there so I guess looking for somewhere different.

I guess we are looking for lovely beaches but then also fun things to do for the kids if the weather isn’t great that the dog can come do too - understand most of these things will still be outside.

We are open to accommodation, we do camp too but the dog will only really be a puppy still at 9 months old so we feel a full week camping would be too much for them until they are more used to the tent.

Pembrokeshire. Some of the loveliest beaches are dog friendly all year round, including Barafundle Bay, Newgale, Newport Sands and parts of Saundersfoot beach. My tweens enjoyed Pembroke Castle and Heatherton World of Activities, both of which you can take your dog to.

Thank you! Do you mind sharing where you stayed?

We stayed at Celtic Haven near Tenby

It's not hot on the tourist trail but the Fife coast (the bit between Elie and Crail) has good beaches, plenty of walking and outdoor things to do and you can get into St Andrews, Dundee and Edinburgh for day trips if the weather isn't great.

Thanks everyone!
I will look into all these ideas, I’m definitely finding these types of holidays harder now the kids are getting older.

We had a lovely holiday in Cornwall, near Hayle. The children had surf lessons (on even in poor weather) and the beach is dog friendly.

Thanks @Caterpillargirl23 would you mind sharing where you stayed? Our kids are interested in the idea of surf school too.

@Userss8807 We stayed at Sandyacres, Hayle. There's a campsite and holiday cottages (we used Aspects). I think the campsite / surf school and cafe are one company so if you camp you might get a discount on the lessons.
You'll need strong legs getting from the beach to the carpark, it's a steep walk.
There's a Lidl nearby too.

@Caterpillargirl23 thank you, I’ll have a look

We love the New Forest. Lots of gorgeous beaches close by. Sandbanks approx 40mins away. Loads of places to walk/explore on bikes. Lots of lovely little towns to visit. Day trip to the Isle of Wight. Really dog friendly. Love it.

Thank you, I have had a look and your right it looks amazing!

Im starting to reconsider camping…the accommodation is so expensive, almost on par with a holiday abroad…would we be crazy to camp?!

Camping is the best when you've got the weather, but the worst when it rains. Also I wouldn't take the dog camping. There are some static caravan sites nearby but I don't think they are dog friendly.

Another vote for Hayle-we are currently here with our teenagers and dog….beautiful dog friendly beaches and not too far from St Ives and Penzance for busier crowds. Plenty of activities to do- water sports, Adrenaline Quarry, crazy golf, foot golf etc.

North Wales has lots to offer, Surf isn't as good as Cornwall but ideal for beginners, Abersoch and Rhosneiger both have surf schools but in two totally different location. Llyn Peninsular is lovely with loads of walks and good beaches.

Borth also has a Surf School, forgot about that one!
Some places to look at Llandudno, Conwy, Criccieth, Llanbedrog, Abersoch, Nefyn. If you like Fish Chips and Bingo, Town just off the A55 all the usual stuff large market funfair, holiday camps clubs and pubs, its not for everyone but lots of people love it. But drive inland 2 miles and it's a much more tranquil place.
Dyserth water fall, Aber Falls are both nice. Chester and Liverpool are about 1.1/4 hours drive from Towyn too both worth a visit.

Thanks everyone…I think we are leaning towards Hayle/around gwithian beach.

Wales is defo on the list too though for next time.

Now to just decide if we camp/caravan/chalet. The thing about doing a caravan is the cost, it’s easily another £1000 on top of the camping cost but like someone said if the weather is bad it’s not going to be much fun.

Benbecula.