Why Roof Boxes Are Essential for Dog Owners
Taking your dog on a UK road trip is one of life’s great pleasures, but it comes with unique challenges. Between dog beds, crates, food storage, water bowls, toys, and all the gear needed for your furry friend, your car can quickly become cramped and disorganised. This is where roof boxes become invaluable for dog owners.
Most dog owners need roof boxes for road trips to accommodate bulky items like dog crates, large beds, and bulk food supplies. A roof box keeps your car interior clean, organised, and comfortable for your dog while ensuring you have everything needed for a successful pet-friendly adventure. Renting a roof box saves hundreds of pounds compared to buying, especially if you only travel with your dog a few times per year.
This comprehensive guide covers five of the best dog-friendly road trip routes across the UK, complete with dog-friendly beaches, off-lead areas, pet-welcoming accommodation, and essential packing tips for travelling with your four-legged companion.
Route 1: Dog-Friendly Cornwall Road Trip
Distance: Varies by starting point (260 miles from London)
Drive Time: 5 hours from London
Best Time to Visit: May-September (warmer weather, more dog-friendly beaches open)
Perfect For: Beach-loving dogs, coastal walks, family trips with pets
Dog-Friendly Beaches in Cornwall
Cornwall offers some of the UK’s best dog-friendly beaches:
- Fistral Beach, Newquay – Dogs allowed year-round. Large sandy beach perfect for running and playing. Excellent facilities nearby.
- Watergate Bay – Dogs welcome all year. Two miles of golden sand with stunning cliffs. Great for long walks.
- Perranporth Beach – Dogs allowed year-round. Three miles of sand, perfect for energetic dogs. Beach cafes welcome dogs.
- Gwithian Beach – Dogs welcome outside peak season (May-September restrictions). Beautiful dunes and wide beach.
- Porthcurno Beach – Dogs allowed year-round. Stunning turquoise water and dramatic cliffs. Less crowded than other beaches.
Pet-Friendly Accommodation Tips
- Book early: Dog-friendly accommodation fills up quickly, especially in summer
- Check policies: Some places charge extra for dogs (£10-£20 per night)
- Look for dog-friendly features: Enclosed gardens, nearby walks, dog bowls provided
- Consider self-catering: Cottages and holiday lets often more dog-friendly than hotels
- Beach proximity: Choose accommodation near dog-friendly beaches for easy access
Dog Gear Packing Tips for Cornwall
Cornwall trips with dogs require specific gear:
- Dog beds and blankets: Keep in roof box to save car space. Essential for comfortable accommodation stays.
- Beach gear: Towels for drying dogs after beach time, portable water bowls, and beach toys.
- Food storage: Bulk dog food and treats fit perfectly in roof box, keeping car organised.
- Wet gear storage: Separate wet towels and beach gear from dry items using roof box organisation.
- Dog crate: If your dog uses a crate, transport it in the roof box to maximise car space.
- Recommended roof box size: 400-500 litres for families with dogs, 300-400 litres for couples with one dog.
Route 2: Dog-Friendly Lake District
Distance: Varies by starting point (280 miles from London, 80 miles from Manchester)
Drive Time: 5 hours from London, 1.5 hours from Manchester
Best Time to Visit: Year-round, but spring and autumn offer best walking conditions
Perfect For: Active dogs, hiking adventures, mountain walks
Dog-Friendly Walks and Trails
The Lake District offers endless dog-friendly walking opportunities:
- Grasmere to Rydal Water – Easy 3-mile walk around beautiful lakes. Dogs welcome on leads in some areas, off-lead in others.
- Catbells – Popular fell walk with stunning views. Dogs welcome but keep on leads near livestock.
- Buttermere Circuit – 4.5-mile circular walk around Buttermere Lake. Dogs welcome, mostly off-lead areas.
- Tarn Hows – Easy 1.5-mile walk around picturesque tarn. Dogs welcome on leads.
- Loughrigg Fell – Moderate walk with incredible views. Dogs welcome, off-lead in appropriate areas.
Pet-Friendly Pubs and Cafes
- The Drunken Duck, Ambleside – Award-winning pub with dog-friendly bar area. Water bowls provided.
- The Old Dungeon Ghyll, Langdale – Traditional pub welcoming dogs. Perfect after a day’s walking.
- Grasmere Gingerbread Shop – Dogs welcome in the shop. Famous for gingerbread!
- Waterhead Coffee, Ambleside – Dog-friendly cafe with outdoor seating. Perfect for coffee breaks.
- The Kirkstone Pass Inn – Dog-friendly pub with stunning mountain views. Dogs welcome in bar.
Hiking Gear + Dog Supplies
- Hiking equipment: Boots, waterproofs, and walking gear in roof box, leaving car boot for dog essentials.
- Dog hiking gear: Dog backpacks, collapsible bowls, first aid kit, and extra leads.
- Weather protection: Dog coats and blankets for changeable Lake District weather.
- Post-walk gear: Towels for drying wet dogs, spare blankets, and cleaning supplies.
- Recommended roof box size: 400-500 litres for hiking trips with dogs.
Route 3: Dog-Friendly Scottish Highlands
Distance: 500 miles from London, 300 miles from Manchester
Drive Time: 8-9 hours from London, 5-6 hours from Manchester
Best Time to Visit: May-September (better weather, fewer midges)
Perfect For: Adventure dogs, wild camping, remote landscapes
Wild Camping with Dogs
Scotland’s right to roam makes it perfect for wild camping with dogs:
- Legal wild camping: Scotland allows wild camping in most areas. Dogs welcome but must be under control.
- Keep dogs on leads near livestock: Essential for safety and legal requirement in many areas.
- Clean up after your dog: Always carry poo bags and dispose of waste properly.
- Respect wildlife: Keep dogs under control to protect ground-nesting birds and wildlife.
- Water safety: Be cautious near lochs and rivers. Not all dogs are strong swimmers.
Dog-Friendly Attractions
- Glen Coe Visitor Centre – Dogs welcome in outdoor areas. Stunning mountain views.
- Loch Ness – Dogs welcome on walks around the loch. Beautiful scenery and dog-friendly paths.
- Isle of Skye – Dogs welcome on most walks and beaches. Fairy Pools area is dog-friendly.
- Ben Nevis paths – Dogs welcome but must be fit and experienced. Keep on leads near other walkers.
- Highland villages – Many villages welcome dogs in shops and cafes. Always check first.
Long-Distance Travel Tips
- Regular breaks: Stop every 2-3 hours for dog exercise and toilet breaks.
- Comfortable crate: If using a crate, ensure it’s large enough and well-ventilated.
- Water access: Keep water bowl accessible in car, not in roof box.
- Temperature control: Never leave dogs in hot cars. Use roof box for gear, not dogs!
- Familiar items: Bring dog’s bed and favourite toys for comfort during long journeys.
- Recommended roof box size: 500+ litres for multi-day camping trips with dogs.
Route 4: Dog-Friendly Peak District
Distance: 150 miles from London, 30-60 miles from Manchester/Birmingham
Drive Time: 2.5-3 hours from London, 1-1.5 hours from Manchester
Best Time to Visit: Year-round, spring and autumn ideal
Perfect For: Weekend breaks, easy walks, dog-friendly villages
Off-Lead Areas
- Dovedale – Popular walk with stepping stones. Dogs welcome off-lead in appropriate areas.
- Mam Tor – Stunning hill walk. Dogs welcome but keep on leads near edges and livestock.
- Stanage Edge – Dramatic gritstone edge. Dogs welcome off-lead, but be cautious near edges.
- Chatsworth Estate – Dogs welcome in parkland. Some areas require leads, check signage.
- Bakewell to Monsal Trail – Easy walk along former railway. Dogs welcome on leads.
Dog-Friendly Villages
- Bakewell – Charming market town. Many shops and cafes welcome dogs. Famous for Bakewell Pudding.
- Castleton – Beautiful village with dog-friendly pubs and cafes. Great base for walks.
- Buxton – Spa town with dog-friendly establishments. Beautiful Georgian architecture.
- Edale – Gateway to Kinder Scout. Dog-friendly pubs and cafes. Perfect for walkers.
Route 5: Dog-Friendly Wales Coast
Distance: 200 miles from London, 70-150 miles from Manchester
Drive Time: 4 hours from London, 1.5-3 hours from Manchester
Best Time to Visit: May-September for best weather
Perfect For: Coastal walks, beach-loving dogs, adventure activities
Coastal Walks
- Pembrokeshire Coast Path – 186 miles of stunning coastal path. Dogs welcome on leads in most areas.
- Anglesey Coastal Path – Beautiful island walks. Many dog-friendly beaches and paths.
- Gower Peninsula – Stunning beaches and coastal walks. Many dog-friendly areas.
- Snowdonia coastal paths – Dramatic mountain and coastal scenery. Dogs welcome on appropriate paths.
Dog-Friendly Beaches
- Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire – Dogs welcome year-round. Stunning beach, often quieter than others.
- Rhossili Bay, Gower – Dogs welcome outside peak season. Three miles of golden sand.
- Newborough Beach, Anglesey – Dogs welcome in designated areas. Beautiful dunes and forest.
- Tenby North Beach – Dogs welcome outside summer season. Beautiful Victorian seaside town.
Essential Dog Travel Checklist
What to Pack
- Dog bed and blankets: Familiar items for comfort. Store in roof box to save car space.
- Food and water: Enough food for entire trip plus extra. Water bowls accessible in car.
- Leads and collars: Spare leads, collar with ID tag, and harness if needed.
- Toys and treats: Favourite toys for comfort, treats for training and rewards.
- First aid kit: Dog-specific first aid supplies, any medications, vet contact details.
- Cleaning supplies: Poo bags, wet wipes, towels, and cleaning spray for accidents.
- Documents: Vaccination records, insurance details, microchip information.
Roof Box Organization Tips
Maximise your roof box efficiency for dog travel:
- Heavy items at bottom: Dog food, water containers, and crates go at the bottom.
- Soft items on top: Beds, blankets, and towels on top to prevent crushing.
- Separate wet and dry: Use waterproof bags for wet gear after beach or walks.
- Easy access items in car: Water bowl, poo bags, and leads stay in car boot for quick access.
- Organise by activity: Group beach gear, hiking gear, and accommodation items separately.
Safety Considerations
- Never leave dogs in hot cars: Even with windows open, cars heat up quickly. Use roof box for gear, not dogs.
- Secure dogs in car: Use dog seatbelts, crates, or guards to keep dogs safe while driving.
- Regular breaks: Stop every 2-3 hours for exercise, water, and toilet breaks.
- Check accommodation policies: Always confirm dog policies before booking.
- Respect local rules: Follow lead requirements, beach restrictions, and local bylaws.
- Emergency contacts: Have vet contacts for your destination and route home.
Dog-Friendly Accommodation Tips
- Book early: Dog-friendly accommodation is limited and books up quickly, especially in popular areas.
- Check extra charges: Many places charge £10-£25 per night for dogs. Factor this into your budget.
- Look for dog-friendly features: Enclosed gardens, nearby walks, dog bowls, and dog beds provided.
- Read reviews: Check reviews from other dog owners to ensure accommodation is truly dog-friendly.
- Self-catering advantages: Cottages and holiday lets often more flexible than hotels for dogs.
- Be honest about your dog: Disclose size, breed, and behaviour when booking to avoid issues.
- Respect the property: Keep dogs off furniture unless permitted, clean up after them, and be considerate.
Ready for Your Dog-Friendly UK Road Trip?
Whether you’re planning a weekend break to the Peak District or a multi-day adventure through the Scottish Highlands, these five dog-friendly routes offer something for every type of dog and owner. With detailed information on dog-friendly beaches, off-lead areas, pet-welcoming accommodation, and essential packing tips, you have everything needed to plan your perfect pet-friendly adventure.
Remember, renting a roof box makes dog travel much more comfortable by providing space for beds, crates, food storage, and all your dog’s gear. Keep your car clean and organised while ensuring your four-legged friend has everything needed for a happy, stress-free road trip.
Rent a roof box for your dog-friendly adventure and start planning your trip today!