Staycation: The 'surprising' UK cities that are best for a pet-friendly holiday - top 10 list

Plymouth revealed as top UK staycation |

GB NEWS

Sarra Gray

By Sarra Gray


Published: 13/09/2025

- 07:00

Taking your furry friend on holiday? Some parts of the UK will be more accommodating than others

Families planning to getaway with their pets will find the warmest welcome in Inverness, where nearly two-thirds of Airbnb properties accept four-legged guests.

Fresh research looked at accommodation listings throughout the UK and discovered that Scotland's Highland capital leads the nation, with 63.2 per cent of its rentals opening their doors to pets.


It turns out Scottish destinations dominate the rankings for pet-friendly stays, according to the research by Pet Insurance Deals. Perth secured second position with 58.3 per cent of properties welcoming animals, while Dundee claimed fourth place at 56.3 per cent.

Smaller cities consistently outperform major tourist hotspots when it comes to accommodating families who can't bear to leave their pets behind during holidays.

Houses in Inverness

Inverness ranked highly for a UK break with pets

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London might be the nation's capital, but it's not ideal for pet owners seeking holiday accommodation. The city ranks a lowly 65th place, with just 22 per cent of Airbnb properties accepting pets.

Scotland's major cities fare even worse. Edinburgh manages only 21.7 per cent pet-friendly rentals, while Glasgow drops to 18.2 per cent - making them particularly challenging destinations for families travelling with animals.

So opting for a lesser-known destination over the most popular spots could be your best bet for some quality time with your pets. And pet owners hoping to explore Britain's most famous cities during half-term might need to reconsider their plans.

The complete rankings show England's Carlisle taking third place with 57.8 per cent of properties accepting pets, offering 37 pet-friendly options among its 64 listings.

UK's most pet-friendly city for a staycation

  1. Inverness - 63.2%
  2. Perth - 58.3%
  3. Carlisle - 57.8%
  4. Dundee - 56.3%
  5. Norwich - 53.4%
  6. Plymouth - 51.9%
  7. Stoke-on-Trent - 50.8%
  8. Derby - 50%
  9. Worcester - 50%
  10. Hereford - 49.7%

Northern Ireland proved the most challenging region for pet owners hoping to escape new holiday memories with their furry friends. Lisburn sits at the bottom of the rankings with just 15.1 per cent of properties accepting pets. Belfast was only slightly better, at 15.9 per cent.

Norwich, Norfolk

For an English getaway with your pet, consider Norwich

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Managing director at Pet Insurance Deals, Tom Sadler, said: "These results show the vast differences in pet accommodation options across the UK, with some surprising locations taking the top spots.

"Surprisingly, smaller cities often provide more pet-friendly options than major tourist destinations. For pet owners planning their 2025 holidays, looking beyond the typical tourist hotspots could significantly increase their accommodation choices.

"Scottish cities perform particularly well, with three in the top four spots, offering beautiful scenery and outdoor spaces perfect for pets.

"Many pet owners consider their animals part of the family and don't want to leave them behind during holidays. Knowing which cities offer the most pet-friendly options helps families make informed decisions about their staycation plans."

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