Study reveals the top 10 UK coastal destinations for a dogcation

From quaint seaside towns on England's south coast to historic villages in the north, the UK is full of destinations for pet parents to explore with their dogs. But which location is best for our four-legged friends?

To find out, Petsure gathered a list of 40 popular UK holiday destinations, ranking them based on the percentage of hotels, restaurants, spas and pubs that are dog-friendly, the number of vets in the local area, and the number of dog-friendly hikes. 

They also shared some top tips for packing and thoughts on pet travel insurance to help pet parents plan the perfect dogcation this summer.

You can find the full research here: https://www.petsure.com/blog/best-places-uk-dogcation

Lymington is a top choice for a dogcation this summer with 169 hiking trails

Lymington, Hampshire has the most dog-friendly hikes of all locations in the study, with 169 trails to explore. Walks vary from nature reserves to scenic coastal routes, giving pet parents and their dogs plenty of variety.

Over a quarter of restaurants there are also dog-friendly with 19 options for dining out, plus there are 57 dog-friendly pubs for a post-walk beverage. 

Lymington has 35 vet practices available within 20 miles or less. But pet parents should remember that for emergencies or out-of-hours care, they will need to find a vet in the local area that offers the specific services they need.

Bournemouth ranks second in the list with 58 vets available and 45 dog-friendly hotels to enjoy

Over a fifth of Bournemouth's hotels are labelled dog-friendly and the town boasts 87 hiking routes to explore. Pet parents have 35 dog-friendly restaurants to choose from, as well as 43 dog-friendly bars and pubs. The town also ranks high for veterinary care with 58 vets available, the second-highest number among all locations in the study.

Tynemouth has the highest number of vets within a 20 mile radius, with 71 overall  

Tynemouth, a coastal town in the northeast of England, ranks in third place thanks to its 71 vets and 25 dog-friendly hiking options. And with half of all hotels in the town welcoming dogs, you'll hopefully make easy work of finding a comfortable place to stay.

Dartmouth in Devon ranks fourth, followed by Bamburgh in Northumberland rounding off the top five. 

Pet insurance guru and dog parent Allie Simpson offers some tips on what to think about bringing with you on your dogcation to reduce stress.

Allie says, "When packing for a holiday with your dog, double-check you have everything you need to keep them comfortable, safe, and happy. 

"Essentials include your pup's lead, harness, and collar with an ID tag (needed by law). Don't forget bowls for food and water, plus enough food and treats to last the trip (and a bit extra just in case). 

"Keep your dog's vaccination records and microchip information easily accessible, and create a list of local vets in case of emergencies."

Allie Simpson at Petsure shares her thoughts on pet travel insurance

Allie says, "No one wants to think about their dog having an accident while you're enjoying a holiday together. But just in case they unexpectedly fall ill or have an accident, having pet insurance can give you peace of mind about unplanned vet costs.

"Remember to keep your dog's vaccination records and microchip information easily accessible. Create a list of local vet clinics and hospitals in case of emergencies and be sure to check their opening hours and services."