Wondering what to do on a dog-friendly holiday? You’re in the right place as our guide to the most enjoyable trips to take with your animal companion will take you on a journey through Europe’s greatest days out and adventures that you’ll both love.
Europe’s cities and mini-break spots are full of dog-friendly attractions when you know where to look so we’ve compiled the very best fun days out that your four-legged friends are sure to love.
Best Things to Do with Your Dog
To treat all your travelling companions to an experience that even your pet will remember, dog-friendly family days out are a great way to travel.
Europe is your oyster with easy travel routes from P&O Ferries and regular crossings that you can drive on board to make taking your dog on holiday in Europe super simple.
Paddling in Portugal
You may never have considered kayaking with your dog but if your pet pal is confident around the water, this could be an unforgettable and exciting experience for the both of you.
Europe’s most scenic rivers and lakes make kayaking an amazing aquatic adventure and perching your pet on your boat will take this activity to a whole new level. For pets that can’t swim, you can also buy lifejackets and personal floatation devices designed specifically for dogs.
One of the standout areas to kayak with your dog on holiday is the Algarve. This area of Portugal’s coast has calm waters to suit all skill levels and atmospheric caves to explore. Driving from Lisbon takes just over two and a half hours via the A2 and will be a road trip to remember with views across the Atlantic.
With P&O Ferries, bringing a kayak on board is simply a matter of measuring your vehicle with any additional objects like this attached. When you come to book your vehicle pass simply enter the complete dimensions. For a dog-friendly beach holiday, you can pack your paddling gear and towels, inflatables and much more into your car.
Once you’ve packed everything you’ll need on your road trip, check out our guide to the best beaches for dogs in Europe to plan sunny days out that you’ll all adore.
Dog Walking Holidays
Hadrian’s Wall is a British beauty spot that makes an amazing place to take your dog for an active dog walking holiday.
This iconic Roman relic stretches from the east coast of England to the west. This World Heritage Site has views that let you see Scottish mountains across the border on a clear day so keep your eyes peeled!
Dog-friendly walks around this historic hotspot have no stiles along the route making things easier for both of you – Northumberland National Park offer digital routes to download.
One thing to remember is that you must keep your dog on a lead at all times to avoid scaring any grazing sheep or cows along the way.
Driving from Edinburgh takes around two and a half hours via the A68. From P&O’s port in Hull it takes just over three and a half hours on the A19. This amazing trail is a great place to take your dog if you spend any time in Britain so we suggest you add it to your travel plans next time you visit.
Fishing in France
Our next amazing active holiday idea for your European travels is great for any pups that like being near the water.
Paris is a city known for its café culture, impressive architecture and marvellous museums but did you know it’s also fantastic for fishing?
As the third-longest river in France, the Seine gives you plenty of space to cast a line and is home to a huge range of fish species including perch, pike, catfish and more.
If fishing is one of your favourite things to do with your dog, securing the catch of the day surrounded by Parisian landmarks will be a tourist trip to remember.
One thing to remember before fishing on public waterways in France is that you need to carry a permit and you can purchase one in sporting goods stores or a tourist office.
Dutch Dog Friendly Attractions
Named after the Dutch Queen Beatrix, Beatrixpark and its canals in Amsterdam is an off-leash park that’s great for a day out with your dog. You can let your pet roam free and they’re even allowed to splash about in the water.
On top of its great green attractions, the dog friendly attraction’s architecture makes it well worth a visit – it was even named a city monument in 2005.
For those of you on a family holiday, Beatrixpark also has children’s play areas to keep little ones entertained while you explore this open space.
Planning European routes can be complicated but Amsterdam is an easy to reach destination for onwards travel from Rotterdam and you can drive in just over an hour via the A4.
Bringing your car on board with P&O Ferries is an easy process that lets you explore Europe without having to stress about missing that last bus and gives you space to pack all the dog treats needed to keep your pooch pleased.
Cosy Cottage Breaks with Your Pooch
How does curling up in front of a roaring fire with a blanket and your beloved best dog pal sound? Well, for a stay in one of the UK’s cosiest beauty spots, the National Trust offers more than 200 dog-friendly holiday cottages.
To make your dog friendly holiday even better, your pet stays for free in all of their properties. For a visit to the Lake District and its stunning views, you can choose the perfect pad for you and your dog to snuggle up in and spend your stay having wonderful walks in some of Britain’s most beautiful open spaces.
Excited about your European tour with your pet pal? Book with P&O Ferries today and start getting ready for your next amazing adventure!
