The paw-fect hoof holiday, on the

Going on holiday represents a time to relax, rejuvenate, and explore new experiences; many of us eagerly anticipate our annual vacation for months on end. The UK has a lot to offer, from 31k of stunning coastlines, to 278k hectares of glorious wood pastures and parkland.

However, for pet owners, the thought of leaving their beloved companions behind can be disheartening. Fortunately, an increasing number of people are recognising the benefits of including their canines or equines – and even both, with enough support and assistance! - in their vacation plans. Pleasingly, there’s a wellestablished niche of the tourism industry that supports travelling with animals, especially dogs, in Great Britain; and in this article, we will highlight the unique opportunities that arise from these pawfect, extended family adventures.

WHY BRING YOUR FURRY FRIENDS ON HOLIDAY?

Most of us who own horses and dogs (and the two often go hand in handwhat’s another set of muddy paws, or a hairy item to sneak into the washing machine?); find that taking the animals on holiday allows for uninterrupted quality time with them, creating unforgettable memories. It also avoids the need for arranging pet-care, livery fees and kennelling for your animals while you’re away. The UK is packed with fantastic regions to visit, and whether it's exploration of a new, sandy beach, or a peaceful plod through woodland, out pets’ presence can bring comfort and a sense of familiarity and connection when we go away.

Canine Capers

Dogs’ enthusiasm and zest for life add an extra dimension of joy to any outdoor activity – they therefore make excellent companions for exploring nature trails, camping, or enjoying water activities like swimming or paddleboarding. Spending time in nature with a beloved dog also encourages us to be present, as they revel in the simple pleasures of exploring and playing, as many of us humans have seemingly forgotten to do. Dogs are, by their very nature, ‘in the moment’. Taking a dog on holiday can also be an excellent conversation starter, and a way to connect with fellow animal lovers in new locations; so if you are a lone traveller, holidaying with your dog can offer an organic way to make new connections and socialise.

Because taking dogs on holiday is so popular right now, there are websites devoted to finding you the perfect holiday venue. For example, pawsandstay.co.uk boasts a range of accommodations, from cottages to treehouses, promising: “Your dog will be warmly welcomed, not just tolerated, and you’ll be perfectly positioned to discover somewhere incredible, whether that’s hills and woodlands or white sandy beaches.” We especially love the treehouse on offer at Beneath the Branches in Sussex, a dog-friendly, spacious location on a farm close to the river Arun, close to dog friendly pubs and cafes, and suitable for two adults.

At the website caninecottages.co.uk/ guides, you can search for your perfect holiday based on regional searches, and the ‘Days out with your dog’ page has a wealth of information, allowing you to choose a dog-friendly attraction first, and then book accommodation close by. You can for example head to the Isle of Wight’s Blackgang Chine, reportedly the UK’s oldest amusement park, with your canine in tow, where in the Lands of Imagination, grown-ups, children and dogs can pretend to be cowboys, mermaids, fairies and more.

Equine Adventures

Bringing your equine on holiday allows you to keep your horse’s fitness going whilst having a break from your day to day life, and also experience a new location and perspective. Whether you are looking for a training holiday, perhaps to hone skills or learn a new discipline, or want to find a trail riding or farm-based trip that involves daily hacking and exploration of bridlepaths, there’s a trip for you and your horse in the UK.

If you want to find the perfect homestay with your equine, bedding down at a farm is a great option. The website farmstay. co.uk has a large selection of holidays available in the UK where you can take your horse with you. We love the sound of a horsey holiday at Hoe Grange, a traditional, family-run hill farm, set in the stunning Peak District National Park. At this location, the Pennine Bridleway and

You can also canter over 250 acres of privately owned farmland or book a guided ride. Watch your horse grazing in the paddocks from your self-catering log cabin or cosy glamping pod – dogs go free, and guests are welcome to feed the chickens and goats with permission; visit hoegrangeholidays.co.uk

• Luxurious self-catering log cabins and pods

• Stabling and grazing for six horses

• Access to Pennine Bridleway

• Routes for all abilities

• Log-fired hot tub and sauna

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