It’s the height of summer (believe it or not, because of the drizzly rain) and holiday season is in full swing, making it the perfect time for family outings.
Even if the British weather doesn’t cooperate, the seaside remains a popular choice for families. Are you on the hunt for destinations that will both entertain the kids and exhaust an energetic dog?
There’s a place within easy reach of Glasgow‘s well-connected hub that offers just that. Whether you live nearby, or will need to make a holiday of it, a trip down the Ayrshire coast provides stunning views, beautiful beaches and lively towns.
And there’s one destination that stands out – Girvan. Crowned the most dog-friendly town by the DogFriendly Awards, it’s one of the top spots for a day out with your furry friends.
The DogFriendly Awards named this Ayrshire town as the winner at a ceremony that was held at the prestigious London’s Kennel Club.
After beating over 100 other UK entrants, the local tourism organisation, Go Girvan, pulled out all the stops to ensure pets can enjoy a seaside getaway.
Go Girvan collaborated with local businesses and attractions to launch a dog-friendly sticker scheme and a new dog-friendly page on their website, so visitors can easily spot places that welcome dogs.
So far, over 30 businesses have joined the initiative, including cafes, pubs, shops and even a traditional amusement arcade.
Biosphere Bikes, a local bike hire firm, has expanded its offerings with the addition of two dog trailers, allowing pooches to join their owners on a nautical adventure to Ailsa Craig.
Boasting an award-winning beach, a plethora of walking paths, and a variety of pet-friendly places to stay, Girvan is hailed as the “pawfect destination” for dog-inclusive family holidays.
Best dog-friendly beaches across the UK
The DogFriendly Awards affirmed: “The majority of dogs love going to the beach, to run in the sand and splash in the sea.”
Here are 10 of the most dog-friendly beaches around the UK:
- Mudeford Beach in Christchurch, Dorset
- Filey, North Yorkshire
- Ballycastle Beach, County Antrim in Northern Ireland
- Blue Anchor Beach, Minehead in Somerset
- Aberavon Beach in Port Talbot, Wales
- Downderry, Cornwall
- St Bees, Cumbria
- Instow, Devon
- Cooden Beach, East Sussex
- West Mersea, Essex