A happy English Bulldog with gray, white and tan fur sitting on a fluffy beige blanket on a wooden bench with a dark green backrest. She is sitting in the Pet Den on Innisfree Irish Ferries ship. The bulldog is looking directly up toward the camera with an open mouth and its pink tongue sticking out, appearing to smile. She is wearing a pink and black harness with a small Union Jack flag patch on the front.

Thinking about taking your four-legged friend on an unforgettable cross-channel adventure? Travelling with your dog on Irish Ferries has never been easier thanks to the dedicated onboard Pet Den, making it the perfect starting point for the ultimate dog-friendly road trip from Ireland to UK. In this complete guide, we are sharing our first-hand Irish Ferries pet travel review, breaking down the essential pet passport requirements, and taking you inside the comfortable Pet Den lounge where you can sail right alongside your pup. From crossing the Irish Sea to checking into luxury treehouses and boutique dog-friendly hotels, here is how to plan a seamless, stress-free ferry trip and driving holiday with your dog.

If you already follow our adventures, you know we are absolute suckers for quirky, luxurious, and completely off-the-grid accommodations. But there is one major condition for our road trips: our beautiful English bulldog, Bonnie, has to come too.

A happy English Bulldog with gray, white and tan fur sitting on a fluffy beige blanket on a wooden bench with a dark green backrest. She is sitting in the Pet Den on Innisfree Irish Ferries ship. The bulldog is looking directly up toward the camera with an open mouth and its pink tongue sticking out, appearing to smile. She is wearing a pink and black harness with a small Union Jack flag patch on the front.

We recently packed up the car in Ireland, crossed the Irish Sea, and set off on the ultimate road trip through the rolling hills of Wales and Southern England. It was a journey filled with golf buggies, polo matches, wood-fired hot tubs, and the most delicious food.

Grab a glass of wine and your furry best friend…here is how to pull off an unforgettable, dog-friendly road trip across the water.

The Journey Begins: Crossing the Irish Sea with Irish Ferries

Taking your dog from Ireland to the UK is incredibly straightforward, but it does require a bit of prep. Here is everything you need to know about travelling with your dog from Ireland to UK.

Bringing Your Pet on Irish Ferries

Pets are welcome on Irish Ferries ships, but they must be declared at the time of booking and meet the required entry guidelines for pets. A maximum of 5 pets is accepted on a single booking. On their Irish Sea routes, you will need to select to book your pets to either: stay in your vehicle, stay with you onboard if there is a Pet Den on the ship you are travelling on or they can stay in a kennel.

The Boring (but Essential) Checklist

Before you even think about packing the dog treats, head to your vet. To travel between Ireland and the UK, your dog needs:

  • A valid EU Pet Passport (issued in Ireland) *since April 2026, EU pet passports are no longer valid for Great Britain residents.
  • An ISO-compliant microchip.
  • A valid Rabies Vaccination (administered at least 21 days before travel).
  • Tapeworm Treatment: This is a crucial one! You don’t need the dose to travel into the UK but a vet must administer this treatment and log it in your pet passport between 24 and 120 hours (1 to 5 days) before you arrive back into Ireland. Don’t forget to book a UK vet midway through your trip to get this done before heading home!
A hand holds up three passports against the blurred background of a vehicle interior and an Irish Ferries check in point. In the foreground is a bright blue European Union Ireland "PET PASSPORT" with the EU flag's gold stars. Tucked behind it are two burgandy Irish passports with text in Irish ("An tAontas Eorpach").

The Irish Ferries Experience: Inside the Pet Den

We opted to sail with Irish Ferries, and honestly, it changed the game for how we travel with Bonnie. Historically, you had to leave your dog in the car or book an isolated kennel. But Irish Ferries features a dedicated Pet Den onboard ships like the Ulysses and Isle of Innisfree.

The Pet Den lounges are available on the following Irish Ferries ships across their different routes:

  • James Joyce & Ulysses (Operating the Dublin to Holyhead route)
  • Isle of Innisfree (Operating the Rosslare to Pembroke route)
  • Oscar Wilde & Isle of Inishmore (Operating the Dover to Calais route)

As we were starting our adventure along the Pembrokeshire Coast we opted to sail on the Isle of Innisfree.

An indoor seating area onboard the Pet Den on Irish Ferries, featuring rows of light-coloured wooden tables and chairs. Along the right wall, there is a booth seating with dark green cushions set against a large mural decorated with paw prints, line drawings of people with pets, and an Irish Ferries logo. A single person sits at one of the booth tables in the distance.

The Pet Den Rules

  • Must be booked in advance (spaces are strictly limited!).
  • Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times.
  • Restricted breeds must wear a muzzle. (Restricted breeds currently are American pit bull terrier, English bull terrier, Staffordshire bull terrier, Bull mastiff, Doberman pinscher, German shepherd, Rhodesian ridgeback, Rottweiler, Japanese akita, Japanese tosa & Bandog).
  • Owners must stay with their pets and clean up after them.

The Pet Den is a bright, comfortable, indoor lounge area where you can actually sit with your dog during the crossing. No separation anxiety for them, and no stressing for you. It even has direct access to a designated outdoor pet walkway deck so your pup can stretch their legs and get some fresh sea air. On the deck there were water bowls and an artificial grass area for your dog to pee on. If your dog is anything like Bonnie (who will only pee on grass!) this is a game changer. We have travelled with Bonnie once before by ferry and she didn’t enjoy the experience. It was on a sailing to France with a different company and we stupidly didn’t book a pet cabin in time so he had to stay in the kennel. She hated every second of it and we were so stressed. We only wished for a safe indoor space to sit with her, so the introduction of the Pet Den on Irish Ferries completely changes the way that you can travel with your dog. You can tell that they have properly considered people who are travelling with their pets and the whole experience is so lovely and stress free. There is a wall of photos dedicated to their pooch passengers and members of the Irish Ferries team even came to check all dogs were happy before setting off.

Two circular, dark green stickers placed on a light brown wooden plank floor. Each sticker features a white paw print graphic with a small arrow pointing upward inside the centre of the paw pad, serving as directional floor markers.
A woman with reddish-brown hair tied back sits on a green-cushioned booth at a wooden table, smiling and hugging an English Bulldog. The bulldog, wearing a pink harness, is sitting on the bench next to her with its mouth wide open in a big yawn. The background features a white wall with blue line art doodles of people walking pets and animal paw prints.
An English Bulldog wearing a pink harness stands on artificial green turf area, peeking out from behind a green post. A person wearing khaki pants and white sneakers with red stripes stands to the right, holding the dog's pink leash.
A white-framed photo collage board titled "Sea Dogs" written in cursive inside a large, turquoise heart shape. The board is covered with dozens of Polaroid-style instant photos of various dogs. Each photo has a handwritten name written on the white bottom border in blue or black ink, including names like Rua, Sky, Rosie, Lucy, Teddy, Rocky, Maisie, Rosco, Barney, and Roxy.
A full-length shot from behind of a man walking a small English Bulldog on a leash down a long corridor of the Irish Ferries ship Innisfree. The man is wearing a dark grey hoodie with "SURF CLUB VENICE BEACH" printed on the back, khaki cargo pants, a black baseball cap, and white sneakers with red stripes. The corridor has light wood-patterned flooring, windows on the left wall with dark blinds, and advertisements on the right wall.

The only downside was that there wasn’t any easy access to snacks/drinks for the humans onboard, particularly if you are travelling by yourself. There was a menu on a television screen and a QR code on your table to access the ship’s food menu but no actual way to order without having to go to the snack bar/restaurant yourself. This wasn’t really an issue for us as we were travelling as a couple and one of us could stay with Bonnie while the other went to get refreshments but we could see this being an issue if you are travelling by yourself with your dog. Even a vending machine in the Pet Den would be helpful. There was also a menu for cute dog treats but again there was no obvious way of ordering them. It really wasn’t a big deal, more a minor inconvenience but we feel like Irish Ferries are just missing a trick here.

An English Bulldog wearing a pink harness stands on an artificial green turf pet area on the deck of an Irish Ferries ship, looking away from the camera. A person wearing a grey sweatshirt and khaki cargo pants stands to the right, holding the dog's pink leash with one hand while keeping the other hand in their pocket. The surrounding deck features green flooring, white walls, and a window.


Nicola’s Tip: The Pet Den spaces sell out incredibly fast because it’s the most comfortable way to travel. Book your pet spot the exact same second you book your passenger tickets! Bring a familiar blanket and a non-spill water bowl to make the lounge feel like home. The den provides access to complimentary waste bags and water, but you should bring your pet’s bedding, toys, and bowls to make them completely comfortable.


Stop 1: Pembrokeshire, Wales – The Longbarn at Haverfordwest

After rolling off the ferry, our first destination was the beautiful county of Pembrokeshire. We checked into The Longbarn in Haverfordwest. There are two properties at The Longbarn, Zinc and Cedar. We were staying in their gorgeous property called Cedar. It was everything we love: rustic, beautifully designed, and one of the most dog-friendly places we have ever stayed. It is an absolute haven for dog owners because they truly understand that pets are part of the family. Instead of just tolerating four-legged guests, this rustic yet beautifully designed retreat rolls out the welcome mat with an entirely dog-friendly ethos, secure grounds, and plenty of space for your pup to explore. Bonnie loved our early morning walks around 9 acres of enclosed outdoor areas where she could stretch her legs. They also include information on some of Pembrokeshire’s finest coastal paths and walking trails if you do want to stretch your legs even further. It is the ultimate base where you can transition seamlessly from a day exploring Welsh beaches to a cosy evening cooking a BBQ completely stress-free with your dog right by your side.

A spacious, industrial-chic living room with a vaulted white ceiling and a prominent feature wall made of vertical corrugated grey metal. In the centre of the metal wall, a glowing orange neon sign reads "ZINC" beneath a rustic wagon-wheel chandelier with hanging Edison bulbs. The room features red leather chesterfield sofas arranged around a white media console with a television. Decorative elements include a large reproduction painting of Vermeer's "The Milkmaid", a large black wall clock, a wood-burning stove, and vintage industrial lighting fixtures. Double glass doors on the right open out to a garden area.
An English Bulldog stands inside a built-in, light sage green dog house that features an arched entryway. Above the opening, a small black sign reads "THE DOG HOUSE" in white lettering. To the right of the entryway, a brown ceramic dog bowl has a nameplate that reads "CEDAR". A silver metal bowl sits to the left near a textured grey curtain, and a couple of colourful dog toys lie on the floor of the dog house entrance.
A rustic, industrial-style shelving unit made of light wood planks and silver metal pipes sits against a white wall. The top shelf displays an assortment of decor, including a tall brown textured vase with dried seed pods, an antique wooden mantle clock, a silver chalice-style vase with dried hydrangeas, and small trinkets. On the wall above the shelf hangs a large rustic metal five-point star and two small framed vintage scissor displays. Two large copper pendant lamps hang from the ceiling in the foreground, framing the scene with warm, orange light. To the right, a window looks out onto lush green trees.
An indoor view peeking past a partially open beige paneled door into a stairwell area. A unique pendant light fixture, featuring a glowing Edison bulb enclosed in a minimalist, cubical metal rebar frame, hangs from a cord in the centre. The background reveals an olive-green painted wall and a staircase railing made of textured metal rebar. To the right of the doorway frame is a plain, light grey wall.
A view looking down a narrow allway with dark grey tiled flooring. The hallway walls are painted an olive green on the right, featuring a rustic wall sconce made from a circular wooden ring with an amber bulb glowing inside. An open beige paneled door in the centre leads into a brightly lit bedroom with white walls, where an olive-green metal console table, a vase of purple flowers, and a framed mirror are visible in the background. Another paneled door sits mostly closed on the right, and a glimpse of a stairwell is visible on the far left.
A bouquet of pink peonies.
An English Bulldog stands at the top of a small set of stairs in a hallway, looking slightly to the right with its tongue peeking out. The background features a dark olive-green wall decorated with a circular, sieve-like wooden light fixture containing a glowing amber bulb. To the left is a staircase handrail made from vertical metal rebar rods, and to the right is a white wall with a glimpse of an ornate, gold-rimmed mirror arrangement.
A cosy interior scene features a wooden tabletop in the foreground. On the left, a dark ceramic vase holds a lush bouquet of pink roses, magenta foxgloves, and green foliage. To the right, a stack of books includes titles like "WALES", "AROUND WALES", "Wilder Wales", "David Bellamy's PEMBROKESHIRE", and "PEMBROKESHIRE". In the soft-focused background, a black wood-burning stove glows with a bright orange fire, set against a corrugated metal wall.
A white clawfoot bathtub with chrome ornate feet sits against a wall covered in rustic, multi-toned vertical wood planks with hints of blue, yellow, and grey. The floor is tiled with dark grey slate squares. In front of the tub, a small wooden table with black hairpin legs holds a grey vase filled with bright pink flowers, a glass jar of bath salts, a burning candle, and a glass of rose wine. The wall above the wood cladding slopes downward under an alcove where small pitchers of dried flowers are placed.
An outdoor sheltered patio area under a wooden beam roof with string lights. A white metal dining table with a glass top sits in the centre, paired with several metal chairs. In the middle of the table, a white pitcher vase holds a rustic bouquet of purple alliums and tall green grasses. The back wall is made of corrugated grey metal, decorated with woven heart shapes and a wooden shelf holding various decorative items. To the right, a black rolling barbecue grill stands against the wall.
A stylized interior vignette features an olive-green metal console table situated beneath a large, wood-framed rectangular mirror. Arranged on the table's surface are three items: on the left, a textured white ceramic vase decorated with vertical brown stripes; in the centre, a slender, patterned ceramic vase holding a vibrant bouquet of large, purple allium flowers and green foliage; and on the right, a table lamp with a crackled metallic base and a cylindrical grey lampshade. The mirror behind the arrangement reflects the flowers and a bright, white-painted room with an angled ceiling and a skylight window.
A rectangular sign mounted on a textured white wall. The name "CEDAR" is cut out of a weathered grey metal faceplate, revealing a natural wood background underneath. The plate is secured at each corner by hex bolts.
An English Bulldog with a white, brown, and tan coat lies down on a dark grey tiled floor, looking directly at the camera with a serious expression. To the far left, a carved wooden furniture leg is partially visible. The background is softly out of focus, showing a glimpse of an indoor room with stacked firewood.

That evening, we headed into town and ate at Waldo’s Lounge. It’s a fantastic, atmospheric spot that welcomed Bonnie with open arms (and plenty of ear scratches).

The storefront of "WALDO LOUNGE" painted in dusty rose and yellow tones with scalloped trim. The large, illuminated name sign sits above a recessed glass entryway with double doors, flanked by large windows labeled "CAFE" on the left and "BAR" on the right. A wooden A-frame chalkboard sign stands on a patterned tile floor in front of the entrance.

The next day was all about coastal exploring. We wandered through the iconic, colourful walled town of Tenby and the tiny, picturesque harbour village of Solva. Both are brilliantly dog-friendly with plenty of coastal paths for sniffing. We finished the day by firing up a BBQ back at Cedar, watching the Welsh sunset with Bonnie curled up at our feet.

An aerial, high-angle view of Tenby, a coastal town in Wales featuring rows of brightly coloured pastel buildings overlooking a sandy beach cove. In the foreground, a curved stone sea wall encloses a small harbour beach with a central blue building and a stone structure. Above the harbour, streets lined with yellow, pink, blue, and white multi-story houses sweep around the landscape. In the background, a second, larger sandy beach extends along the calm, greenish-blue sea under bright daylight.
A framed view looking down a narrow space between two historic buildings toward the open sea. On the left, a green storefront features a sign reading "PLANTAGENET" and a small "OPEN" sign; on the right, an old-fashioned black street lantern hangs against a weathered yellow stucco wall with blue drainpipes and climbing green vines. In the distant blue water, small rocky islands are visible under a cloudy sky.
A row of traditional white-washed cottages with textured stucco walls lining a narrow paved lane. The fronts of the cottages are heavily decorated with vibrant, overflowing hanging baskets of purple and red flowers, along with numerous potted plants along the base of the walls. One cottage features a contrasting coral-pink door.
A row of colourful, multi-story seaside buildings in shades of pastel yellow, blue, pink, and cream, built along the top of a historic stone fortification wall. In the background, a tall, slender stone church spire rises against a cloudy blue sky. A stone staircase on the right leads down the ivy-covered hillside.
A narrow, cobblestone alleyway lined with rustic stone and brick buildings, set up with outdoor cafe seating. An oval hanging sign reads "The Little Nook Est 2025". Small wooden tables, vibrant red and yellow metal chairs, a blue patio umbrella, and abundant hanging flower baskets create an inviting atmosphere under a string of overhead lights.
A high-angle view of a sandy beach cove nestled beside a stone harbour wall where several small boats are moored. Colourful houses stand on the cliffs overlooking the beach, and a small historic stone chapel sits next to a paved path where people are walking. On the sand and at nearby picnic tables, visitors are relaxing under a bright, partly cloudy sky.
A straight-on exterior shot of "SOLVA POTTERY," a two-story building painted entirely in bright cerulean blue under a grey slate roof with two stone chimneys. A central wooden door is flanked by two large display windows filled with pottery, and a sign reading Solva Pottery hangs above the entrance. A tall terracotta pot holding pink flowers stands next to the open doorway.
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Stop 2: The Vibrant Streets of Bristol

Next up, we crossed over into England and hit Bristol. We wanted a bit of city energy, so we checked into The Bristol Hotel, perfectly located right on the harbour.

Bristol is a city bursting with creative energy, maritime history, and an incredibly welcoming attitude toward four-legged travellers. Base camp for this leg of the trip was The Bristol Hotel, located right on the waterfront, making it so easy to step out and explore the vibrant harbour with Bonnie. The Bristol Hotel (part of the Doyle Collection) is a great choice for a city break with your pup because it effortlessly combines luxury with serious practicality. First and foremost is its unbeatable harbourside location on Prince Street; the moment you step out of the lobby, you are right on the waterfront, making early morning and late-night bathroom breaks completely stress-free.

A high-angle view of a restaurant dining area, in The Bristol Hotel, next to floor-to-ceiling glass windows, showing small, round wooden tables set with wine glasses and woven armchairs.
A cosy seating vignette in a dimly lit lounge showing an olive-green velvet sofa flanked by two mustard-yellow armchairs, arranged around a coffee table on a black-and-white checkered rug.
A lounge area in The Bristol Hotel featuring plush peach-coloured sofas, dark wood coffee tables, matching armchairs with patterned pillows, and round cream-coloured ottomans over a black-and-white checkered carpet.
A brown and white bulldog lies resting on the grey carpet at the foot of a large king-sized bed with a plush brown velvet duvet in a bedroom of The Bristol Hotel, a dog-friendly hotel in Bristol.
A close-up of a hand holding a clear plastic bag filled with bone-shaped dog biscuits, with a blurry bulldog looking up eagerly in the background.
A brown and white bulldog wearing a harness sits on a tiled floor at the base of a short flight of wide marble stairs leading into the hotel lobby of the dog-friendly Bristol Hotel.
Rear view of a person wearing denim shorts, a white t-shirt, a grey backpack, and a brown baseball cap, walking a bulldog on a leash along a covered tiled walkway outside "The Bristol Hotel."

The hotel warmly welcomes well-mannered dogs weighing up to 15kg. While pets aren’t allowed inside the main indoor restaurant, the hotel has a brilliant workaround: you can dine with your pup at their vibrant outdoor terrace tables at Rick’s right on the harbour, or take advantage of their excellent in-room dining service if you want to cosy up after a long day of sightseeing. It’s a luxury city stay where you don’t have to compromise on style or location just because you have your furry sidekick in tow.

Bristol is incredibly colourful and creative. We spent hours walking along the harbourside admiring the vibrant buildings and took a long walk up to the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge.

A scenic, high-angle view of the Clifton Suspension Bridge stretching across a lush green gorge under a clear blue sky, partially framed by green tree leaves in the foreground.

Dog-Friendly Bristol:

 Where to eat: We had a delicious meal at Harbour House, a beautiful waterfront restaurant that loves canine guests.

A street-level view of "Harbour House" restaurant in Bristol, a long, grey wooden building with a corrugated metal roof, large glass doors, and hanging flower baskets, shaded by overhanging tree branches.

 What to do: Take a dog-friendly ferry ride with Bristol Ferry Boats to see the city from the water, or let your pup burn off steam in the massive green spaces of Ashton Court Estate.

A wide shot of the river harbour in Bristol featuring a green and white ship and a dark barge labeled "Grain Barge" docked along the water, backed by rows of brightly coloured, multi-story houses rising up a hillside.
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Stop 3: Pure Luxury at Treehouse Retreats, Cowdray Estate

From Bristol, we drove into the heart of West Sussex to Midhurst, and wow… this next stay blew us away. We checked into Treehouse Retreats located on the historic Cowdray Estate.

This is the ultimate place to completely switch off, unplug, and relax. When you arrive, you are handed the keys to your own personal golf buggy to navigate the sprawling estate. The treehouse itself was pure luxury and packed with “dogs welcome” treats for Bonnie.

We zipped down to the local Cowdray Farm Shop to stock up on high-end supplies for our stay, and we even got to watch a live polo match on the estate grounds while we were there! It was an absolute dream.

An evening view of a rustic wooden treehouse nestled among dense green trees, featuring a wooden deck with a railing and warm string lights glowing along the edge of its slanted roofline.
A close-up, golden hour view of tall, dry wild grasses and seed heads swaying in a field, with soft, blurred background of green and amber tones.
A dark-coloured bulldog with white markings walks across a wooden deck past a round tree-stump coffee table set with wine glasses and a small platter of strawberries.
A close-up view of a round outdoor table on a deck holding two empty gin glasses and a wooden serving board topped with a wedge of cheese and fresh strawberries against a blurry green background.
An exterior shot of a modern, rustic treehouse nestled on a sloping hillside surrounded by a dense forest.
A woman relaxes in a large comfortable bed with neutral-toned linens inside a cosy luxury treehouse, reading a book titled The Hidden Life of Trees with a breakfast tray sitting nearby.
A close-up view of a bulldog sleeping peacefully on a blue-and-white checkered blanket draped over an outdoor lounger.
A woman sits on a wooden deck chair wrapped in a plaid blanket, holding a mug and smiling at a bulldog resting on her lap under a covered porch.
A woman wearing a dark swimsuit and a wool sauna hat smiles through the glass door of an outdoor, barrel-shaped wooden sauna.
Sunbeams and leafy shadows filter across a beautifully styled king bed with brown and beige pillows, flanked by warm, glowing sconces.
An outdoor wooden soaking tub sits on a deck next to a rustic wooden wall, with mugs, a book, and an old-fashioned radio resting nearby.
A cosy interior corner featuring a tan sofa with patterned pillows set against a rustic, weathered wood panel wall adorned with two framed portraits.
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Stop 4: Boutique Bliss at The Lookout at Homewood, Bath

We then turned back towards Somerset, stopping at The Lookout at Homewood, a stunning boutique hotel just on the outskirts of Bath.

If there is a heaven for dogs, this hotel is it. They don’t just “tolerate” dogs; they roll out the red carpet. They even have a dedicated little on-site shop filled with dog toys, curated treats, and accessories. We stayed in The Lookout, an ultra-private, gorgeous suite. Honestly, it’s the kind of place you check into and instantly start scheming how you can never leave. We had a fabulous dinner at their on-site restaurant, Olio, with Bonnie treated like royalty beside us.

A view from a wooden porch looking out over a small gate and railing toward a vast green countryside with rolling hills and a distant house under a soft, overcast sky.
A wide aerial view of a sprawling stone country estate with dark tiled roofs, showing a patio filled with dining tables and cream-coloured umbrellas in the foreground, and the luxury pool area extending into the background.
A close-up shot of a small brown butterfly with a single black eyespot on its wing resting quietly on a stalk of wild field grass.
A crisp, top-down aerial view of a luxury hotel patio and pool area, at the Homewood Bath, featuring a long rectangular swimming pool, a smaller segmented hot tub pool, numerous lounge chairs, and scattered patio umbrellas.
A tranquil resort swimming pool area featuring a water fountain jet spouting into a bubbling pool in the foreground, with patterned lounge chairs and luxury cabanas lined up under dark umbrellas along the tiled patio.
A top-down view of a breakfast table showing a blue ceramic bowl filled with yogurt and divided rows of granola, berry compote, and pumpkin seeds, surrounded by glasses of orange juice, an iced coffee jar and a slice of toast with jam.
A brown and white bulldog sits contentedly with its tongue out on a sunny wooden deck in front of a grey outdoor hot tub with plastic steps.
A wide shot of a modern cabin with a wooden pergola and fencing nestled behind lush green bushes and trees, with a person in a white t-shirt visible on the deck.
A large grassy lawn featuring a white glamping yurt, a tall green giraffe topiary sculpture, potted olive trees, a colourful flag banner, and a decorative tasseled umbrella pole under a clear blue sky.

Dog-Friendly Bath & Beyond:

While based here, we did a bit of sightseeing:

 Bath: Very walkable and dog-friendly. Dogs are welcome to stroll the gorgeous Prior Park Landscape Garden.

 Wells Cathedral: A massive bonus—Wells Cathedral actually allows well-behaved dogs on leads inside the magnificent building! Bonnie was in her element especially because the weather was really sunny during our visit and it was nice and cool inside the cathedral

 Glastonbury: We walked up the famous Glastonbury Tor for spectacular views, a great hike for an active dog.

An interior view looking down the long nave of Wells Cathedral, featuring towering stone columns that curve into pointed Gothic arches. High overhead, a vaulted ceiling is decorated with delicate red pattern details along the central ridge. In the distance, the cathedral's famous structural "scissor arch" frames the choir area.
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Stop 5: Woodland Magic at Dittisham Hideaway, Devon

Our final stop took us deep into the rolling hills of Devon to Dittisham Hideaway. We stayed in the Owl Treehouse, a magical structure nestled high up in a lush, green canopy of trees.

The setup here was spectacular: a private deck, a BBQ, a hammock, and a wood-fired hot tub. It felt like living in a fairytale. It is the kind of magical woodland escape where time instantly slows down, wrapping you in a canopy of lush Devon greenery that feels entirely cut off from the rest of the world. Staying in a luxury treehouse here means waking up to panoramic valley views, spending peaceful afternoons swaying in a hammock, and ending the night star-gazing from a private, cedar wood-fired hot tub. While it’s incredibly tempting to never step foot outside the estate, your trip won’t be complete without exploring the local area, and the absolute best way to experience it is by splitting your time between the quaint village of Dittisham and the nearby historic town of Dartmouth. You can head down to the Dittisham waterfront (the drive isn’t for the faint hearted) to watch the boats, grab a drink at the famous Ferry Boat Inn, and ring the historic brass bell on the pontoon to catch a passenger ferry across the water.

A neatly arranged living room area inside a treehouse, highlighting a blue sofa with yellow throw pillows positioned in front of a metal bed frame with crisp white linens.
A close-up view of a modern, cylindrical black wood-burning stove with a roaring orange fire visible through its curved glass window.
A brown and white bulldog stands on a light-coloured wooden deck outside a unique, rounded wooden treehouse with large glass windows and shingled roofs.
A top-down view of a bulldog investigating a dog bowl resting on a large grey plush dog bed next to a rolled-up orange towel and a welcome packet labeled "Dittisham Hideaway."
An elevated, scenic view looking down onto several rustic red-and-grey glamping cabins tucked away in a verdant rolling green valley under a partly clouded sky.
A close-up shot of a dark metallic stag head sculpture with prominent antlers mounted onto the exterior wooden wall of a treehouse above a small wooden sign that says "Owl."
A peaceful shaded dirt path winding through dense green trees and lush bushes dotted with clusters of white flowers.
A bulldog sits proudly on an outdoor wooden deck directly beneath a silver hand-held dog shower attachment mounted to a weathered wood panel wall.
An interior shot of a luxury treehouse showing a cosy blue sofa dividing a living space from a bedroom area featuring a wooden dresser and a large mirror.
A wide view into the interior of a treehouse, revealing a high, vaulted ceiling with wooden rafters radiating outwards from a central circular skylight that looks out onto green tree leaves.

A scenic, 30-minute cruise down the River Dart brings you straight into the nautical heart of Dartmouth, where you can spend the day wandering past colourful independent shops, visiting Dartmouth Castle, and enjoying incredible local seafood before returning to the absolute tranquility of your hideaway.

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However, being deep in the heart of a vibrant summer woodland comes with one major downside: ticks.

Over the course of our stay, we had to pull about 8 or 9 ticks off Bonnie. Because of Nicola’s history with Lyme disease, this gave us a massive fright. Ticks are no joke, especially in dense woodland or bracken during the warmer months.

Nicola & Ronan’s Top Travel Tips for Ticks:

  • Advance Treatment: Ensure your dog is up to date on their veterinary-grade flea and tick medication before your trip. It doesn’t stop them jumping on, but it stops them anchoring for long. You will still need to check yourself because a major way that humans get bitten by ticks is because their pets transport them into the house.
  • Pack a Tick Remover: No first aid kit should be without one and you should never travel without a proper tick-removal twister tool. DO NOT try to squeeze them or pull them with your fingers, as you can leave the head behind. This is especially important if the tick is full and squeezing it causes it to empty the contents of its stomach (including the Lyme bacteria if it is carrying it) into your bloodstream.
  • Daily Checks: Run your hands over your dog’s body every single evening…especially around the ears, neck, armpits, and toes. Dittisham Hideaways had an outdoor hot/cold dog shower so this was great to hose Bonnie down after every walk through the woods. Remember it is not just humans that can contract Lyme disease but dogs too!

Ultimately, packing up the car and heading off on a dog-friendly road trip across Wales and Southern England proved that you never have to sacrifice luxury to enjoy unforgettable pet-friendly holidays with your furry best friend. Thanks to the seamless experience of Irish Ferries pet travel and the comfort of the onboard Pet Den, travelling with your dog from Ireland to the UK has never been more accessible or stress-free. From cosying up in a rustic Welsh barn to soaking in a wood-fired hot tub high up in a luxury Devon treehouse, a dog-friendly vacation allows you to create incredible memories without leaving a family member behind. Just remember to prep your EU pet passport in advance, keep up with your tick prevention, and book your unique stays early. For more inspiration on curated, luxury getaways, follow our blog and let us know in the comments below where you and your pup are heading next!

About us

We are Nicola and Ronan Lavin experts in finding unique accommodation all over the world. Voted as No.1 Travel Bloggers in Ireland by Stellar Magazine and the Top 10 Travel Influencers in Ireland by readers of the Irish Independent, we are dedicated to helping you find authentic and immersive travel experiences to help you plan your perfect vacation.

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We’ve spent years exploring Ireland and have a real passion for finding the most unique places to stay — from dreamy luxury cabins tucked away in the woods to boutique hotels with a story to tell. We’re drawn to places that feel personal, thoughtful, and full of character. It’s not just about pretty interiors (although we do love those too), it’s about the feeling a space gives you. Somewhere that lets you switch off, reconnect, and make memories. That’s what we always look for, and it’s what we love sharing with you. We’re currently putting the finishing touches on a brand new guide featuring hundreds of the most unique places to stay and luxury hotels across Ireland. If you’re planning a romantic break, a wellness retreat, or just a cosy weekend away, this guide will be packed with inspiration. Sign up to our email list to be the first to hear when it launches — trust us, you won’t want to miss it.

**Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links meaning that if you book through one of our links we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps us create the wonderful travel guides that we do**

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If you liked this you may also like:

25 of the best Airbnb’s in Ireland for Groups and Families

Unique Places to Stay in Sligo

Unique Places to Stay in Westport

The Most Unique Places to Stay in Northern Ireland

Until the next stay,

Our Unique Stays by Nicola and Ronan Lavin

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