A scenic Lancashire beauty spot has been named one of the UK’s top 10 dog-friendly destinations.
The Forest of Bowland secured 10th place in a new ranking of staycation hotspots perfect for four-legged friends.
FitFlop, a footwear brand, analysed 25 of the UK’s most popular national parks and coastal regions, scoring each on dog-friendly accommodation, walking routes, pubs, and beaches with summer dog access.
While the Lake District topped the list, the Forest of Bowland earned its place thanks to 187 dog-friendly hotels and B&Bs, 27 accessible beaches, 51 walking routes, and 15 pubs.
A spokesperson for FitFlop’s innovation team said: "Whether you're wandering woodland trails or tackling uneven countryside paths, the right footwear can make all the difference.
"Our outdoor-ready styles feature biomechanically engineered support, contoured footbeds and targeted cushioning to help keep feet comfortable across a variety of terrains, so you can focus on your walk – not your feet."
The Lake District ranked highest overall, scoring 72 out of 100, with more than 500 dog-friendly walking routes and 100 welcoming pubs.
The Forest of Bowland earned a score of 28.
The top five was rounded out by the South Downs, Snowdonia, Dartmoor, and the New Forest, all of which offer a blend of trails, pubs, and accommodation that cater to dogs and their owners.
Six of the lowest-ranked destinations were coastal, reflecting more limited dog access to beaches.
The rise in dog-friendly holidays follows a decade-long increase in pet ownership across the UK, with 11.1 million Brits now owning a dog – around 30 per cent of adults.
FitFlop’s research found that 60 per cent of owners now bring their pets along on holiday.
Online trends mirror this shift.
In the past three months, Google searches for ‘dog friendly beaches near me’ and ‘dog friendly holidays’ rose by 22 per cent and 23 per cent respectively, while ‘staycation’ queries were up 22 per cent year-on-year.
Read more
Between Liverpool and the Lake District is a charming town packed with food spots
The peaceful Lancashire village cut off by the tide with a haunting history
Jet2 unveils Christmas market breaks from Liverpool Airport
The Lake District was praised for its wealth of trails, scenic routes, and dog-welcoming pubs.
One of the most popular routes circles Derwentwater.
The South Downs stood out for beach access, while Snowdonia led the rankings for pubs, with 156 dog-friendly options.
Share