Shacks, is this the holiday your dog would book if they had thumbs?
For families across the UK, dogs aren’t just pets – they’re part of the family. And increasingly, that means they come on holiday too. But while “dog-friendly” breaks are everywhere, finding somewhere that genuinely puts your dog first is still a rarity.
Shacks, a collection of off-grid cabins set in nature, is quietly redefining what dog-friendly travel can look like – by designing the entire experience with dogs in mind, not as an afterthought.
Space, calm and freedom
Set in peaceful countryside locations, each Shack cabin is immersed in nature, with open landscapes, woodland and walking routes right from your doorstep. There are no busy hotel lobbies, no noisy neighbours, and no overstimulation – just a slower, quieter kind of stay that suits dogs who need space.
The difference is immediate. Step outside and, in most cases, dogs can roam freely (livestock permitting). No wrestling with leads, no crowded paths – just space to sniff, explore and unwind after a day of adventure.
Many cabins also feature fully enclosed outdoor areas, offering peace of mind for owners and freedom for dogs. It means you can enjoy your morning coffee or relax in an outdoor bath as the sun sets, while your dog safely explores nearby.
A warm welcome – for them, too
At Shacks, the dog-friendly experience starts from the moment you arrive.
Each canine guest is welcomed with a thoughtfully curated “Canine Menu” hamper, complete with training treats, a long-lasting chew, an “earl greyhound” teabag for a dog-friendly brew, poo bags and playful activity cards.
There’s also a soft dog towel and bowl ready and waiting, and at some cabins, an outdoor shower – perfect for rinsing off muddy paws after long countryside walks.
Inside, the approach is refreshingly relaxed. Forget fragile interiors or strict rules – this is a space where muddy paws are welcome. Dogs can stretch out, settle in, and yes, even join you on the bed if that’s your thing.
More than just dog-friendly
This shift – from simply allowing dogs to actively designing for them – is clearly resonating with holidaymakers.
In 2025 alone, Shacks hosted over 768 dogs, reflecting a growing trend: people are choosing holidays that feel just as good for their pets as they do for themselves.
And it’s not hard to see why.
Time spent in nature has been shown to reduce stress and improve wellbeing, for both humans and dogs. Long walks, fresh air, new scents and the absence of crowds create a calmer, more balanced rhythm – something many families are actively seeking.
A new kind of luxury
Perhaps that’s the real appeal of a stay like this.
It’s not about five-star extras or packed itineraries. It’s about something simpler – space to breathe, time to reconnect, and the freedom for your dog to be fully part of the experience.
Shacks keeps things straightforward when it comes to pricing too. Dogs are charged at £35 per stay, with no extra fee for multiple dogs – the cost covers the whole pack. Owners are simply asked to be mindful that some cabins may not suit several large, high-energy dogs.
Drifters
Britain’s beautiful canals and rivers are a great place to visit at Easter, when the countryside is bursting with new life. Canal boat holiday-makers can enjoy cruising slowly through the spring countryside with ducklings on the water, blossom on the hedges, nesting birds in the trees, lambs playing in the fields and bluebells in waterside woodlands.
Drifters (www.drifters.co.uk) offers the choice of over 500 boats from 40 bases across England, Scotland and Wales. All Drifters operators provide hirers with boat steering tuition and pets are allowed on board most boats.
Drifters 2026 Easter break prices start at £689 for a short break (3 or 4 nights) on a boat for up to 4 people, £1,030 for a week.
- Cruise through the Bath Valley to Claverton and back
On a 4-night mid-week break from Devizes in Wiltshire, boaters can travel along the beautiful Kennet & Avon Canal to Claverton and back. The journey takes boaters past a series of canalside pubs, including the Barge Inn at Seend, the Canal Tavern at Bradford on Avon and the Cross Guns at Avoncliff. There are eight locks to pass through each way and two magnificent Bath stone aqueducts to cruise across. Once at Claverton in the beautiful Bath Valley, boaters can moor up to visit the American Museum at Claverton House and Claverton Pumping Station. The journey to Claverton and back travels 32 miles, passes through 16 locks (8 each way) and takes around 16 hours.
***The 66t ‘Wily Fox’ narrowboat for up to 4 people is currently available for a mid-week break from Devizes (7-10 April 2026) for £675, saving £358. Price includes diesel, gas, damage waiver, bed linen, towels, canal map, life jackets, parking and tuition. Pets are extra, charged at £35 each.
- Cruise to Market Drayton, famous for its gingerbread
On a 4-night mid-week break from Drifters’ base at Brewood on the Shropshire Union Canal in Staffordshire, boaters can cruise to the historic market town of Market Drayton and back. The journey travels through the Staffordshire countryside, passing a series of villages with historic canalside pubs, including the Boat Inn at Gnosall and the Junction Inn at Norbury. The route also passes Cadbury’s Wharf at Knighton, where chocolate crumb used to be transported to Bournville. Boaters will pass through Woodseaves Cutting, full of vegetation and wildlife. When they reach the Market Drayton visitors’ moorings, boaters can walk into the town, famous for its gingerbread men. The journey to Market Drayton and back travels 42 miles, passes through 12 locks (6 each way) and takes around 19 hours.
***The 55ft ‘Sir Bruin’ narrowboat for up to 6 people is currently available for a mid-week break (4-10 April 2026) from Brewood for £823, saving £91. Price includes damage waiver, pets, tuition, fuel, gas, parking, buoyancy aids and bed linen.
- Navigate to Hawkesbury Junction and the Greyhound Inn
On a weekend break from Drifters’ base at Braunston on the Grand Union Canal in Northamptonshire, canal boat holiday-makers can cruise through the countryside to Hawkesbury Junction and back. The route goes up the North Oxford Canal and through a series of villages, including Hillmorton with its Stag & Pheasant pub and Newbold with the canalside Barley Mow pub. The journey passes through the outskirts of Rugby and close to the village of Brinklow with its motte and bailey castle ruins. At Hawkesbury Junction, where the North Oxford Canal meets the Coventry Canal, boaters can moor up to visit the popular Greyhound Inn. The journey to Hawkesbury Junction and back travels 46 miles, passes through 8 locks (4 each way) and takes around 14 hours.
***The 40ft ‘Malvern’ narrowboat for up to four people is currently available for the Easter weekend (3-5 April 2026) for £689. Price includes diesel, gas, damage waiver, cancellation protection, parking, tuition and first pet. Mobile Wifi is available at a cost of £20 per holiday.
- Boat to Birmingham & visit Cadbury World
On a short break from Drifters canal boat hire base at Alvechurch on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal near Bromsgrove, boaters can travel lock-free to Birmingham. Along the way, they can stop off at Bournville to find handmade Easter eggs in the World’s biggest Cadbury shop at Cadbury World. With more canals than Venice, canal boats can travel right into the heart of Birmingham and find over-night moorings at Gas Street Basin. From there, it’s a short walk to Brindleyplace and city centre attractions, including the Sealife Centre and Planetarium at Birmingham’s Science Museum Thinktank. The journey to Birmingham and back travels 22 miles and takes around 10 hours. There are no locks to go through.
***The 49ft ‘Golden Crested Wren’ narrowboat for up to 4 people is currently available for a weekend break (3-6 April 206) from Alvechurch for £999. Price includes a non-refundable damage waiver, bed linen, towels, car parking, three pets, buoyancy aids, tuition and Wifi. A fuel deposit of £60 for a short break is payable with the balance of hire. Fuel costs are based on use, approx. £10-15 per day.
- Join the Easter Gathering at the National Waterways Museum Ellesmere Port
Over the Easter Weekend the National Waterways Museum at Ellesmere Port in Cheshire will celebrate its 50th anniversary and the start of the summer boating season with a large boat gathering, live music, children’s activities and guided tours. The Museum was recently transformed into 19th century graving docks in Dublin and the toll house became ‘The Angel’ pub for Stephen Knight’s spectacular House of Guinness series on Netflix. From Drifters’ base at Bunbury on the Shropshire Union Canal near Tarporley in Cheshire, it’s a 10-hour journey to Ellesmere Port, perfect for a week away. Along the way, boaters pass through the ancient City of Chester. The journey to Ellesmere Port and back travels 42 miles, passes through 24 locks and takes around 20 hours.
***The 67ft luxury ‘Cybnus’ narrowboat for up to 6 people is currently available for a week (3-10 April 2026) from Bunbury for £1,730. Price includes boat hire, gas, car parking, tuition on arrival, buoyancy aids, bed linen towels and one pet. There’s a compulsory £50 damage waiver and a £110 fuel deposit. Charge based on use, circa £10-15 per day. Up to two extra pets are charged at £35 each for a week-long break.
- Cruise through the Staffordshire countryside to Drayton Manor Theme Park
On a week-long holiday from Great Haywood on the Trent & Mersey Canal in Staffordshire, narrowboat holiday-makers can cruise to moorings close to Drayton Manor Theme Park. Along the way, they will pass through Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Fradley Nature Reserve, and a series of villages with canalside pubs. There are visitor moorings between Tolson’s Footbridge and Coleshill Road Bridge on the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal, and from there it’s a short walk to Drayton Manor Park. The journey there and back travels 48 miles, passes through 10 locks (5 each way) and takes around 22 hours.
***The 65ft luxury ‘Leo II’ narrowboat for up to 4 people is currently available for a week (4-11 April) from Great Haywood for £1,440. Price includes boat hire, gas, car parking, tuition on arrival, buoyancy aids, bed linen towels and one pets. There’s a compulsory £50 damage waiver and a £110 fuel deposit. Charge based on use, circa £10-15 per day. Up to 2 extra pets are charged at £35 each for a week-long break.
- Star gaze in the Brecon Beacons
Isolated from the main canal network, the beautiful Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal runs through Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park, designated an International Dark-Sky Reserve. This peaceful waterway has very few locks, offers canal boat holiday-makers incredible mountain views, a series of historic village pubs to visit and on clear nights, views of the Milky Way. On a weekend break from Goytre Wharf, near Abergavenny, boaters can cruise lock-free to Llangynidr and back, passing the Lion Inn at Govilon and the Bridge End Inn at Llangattock along the way. The journey to Llangynidr and back travels 32 miles and takes around 13 hours.
***The 56ft ‘Red Naped’ narrowboat for up to 5 people is currently available for a mid-week (6-10 April 2026) from Goytre for £999. Price includes a non-refundable damage waiver, bed linen, towels, car parking, three pets, buoyancy aids and tuition. A fuel deposit of £60 for a short break is payable with the balance of hire. Fuel costs are based on use, approx. £10-15 per day.
- Float across ‘The Stream in the Sky’ to Llangollen
From Drifters’ base at Chirk on the Llangollen Canal in North Wales, the Eisteddfod town of Llangollen on the edge of the Berwyn Mountains can be reached on a short break. The route takes boaters across the UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, which stands 38 metres high above the River Dee, supported by 18 enormous pillars. On reaching Llangollen, boaters can moor up in Llangollen Basin to enjoy visiting the town’s independent shops, pubs and restaurants, as well as its Steam Railway and Horseshoe Falls. The journey to Llangollen and back travels 14 miles and takes around 7 hours. There are no locks, but there are two aqueducts and two tunnels.
***The 52ft ‘Princess Signature’ narrowboat for up to 6 people is currently available for a weekend break from Chirk (3-6 April 2026) for £1,125, saving £124. Price includes boat hire, non-refundable damage waiver, gas, car parking, tuition on arrival, buoyancy aids, bed linen, towels and first pet. Fuel is charged on return based on use, circa £10-15 per day. Second pet charged at £30.
For more information about Drifters boating holidays visit www.drifters.co.uk or call 0344 984 0322.
For more information about visiting the canals go to www.canalrivertrust.org.uk
Canine Cottages
Why the “secret season” is the best time for dog owners to visit the UK’s favourite holiday spots
For many families, a holiday wouldn’t feel complete without the dog. In fact, with 80% of dog owners taking their pets away with them in 2025, travelling as a full family unit – paws included – has become the norm rather than the exception.
And when it comes to choosing a destination, the British seaside still reigns supreme.
According to dog-friendly holiday specialists Canine Cottages, 62% of bookings in 2024 were for coastal escapes, proving that beaches, sea air and long shoreline walks remain a firm favourite for both humans and their four-legged companions.
But while summer might seem like the obvious time to plan a seaside getaway, experts say there’s a better option – one that savvy dog owners are increasingly turning to: the off-peak “secret season”.
What is the “secret season”?
The “secret season” refers to the quieter months at the start of the year, typically from January to March. While the weather may be cooler, the benefits for dog owners are significant.
More freedom for dogs (and less stress for everyone)
During peak summer months, many UK beaches enforce restrictions on dogs, often limiting access during the busiest parts of the day. But in the off-season, these rules are typically relaxed or lifted altogether.
That means more freedom for dogs to run, play and explore without being confined to leads or restricted zones.
It’s not just about convenience either. For dogs that are nervous, reactive or easily overwhelmed, quieter environments can make a huge difference. Empty beaches and peaceful coastal paths allow them to relax and enjoy the experience at their own pace.
For parents, that translates into a calmer, more enjoyable break too.
Five coastal destinations to explore
If you’re considering a dog-friendly seaside escape during the “secret season”, there’s no shortage of incredible UK destinations to choose from.
Newquay, Cornwall
One of the UK’s most iconic coastal towns, Newquay offers stunning scenery and a wealth of dog-friendly beaches. During the off-season, restrictions on popular spots like Newquay Beach and Watergate Bay are relaxed, giving dogs more freedom to roam.
There’s also plenty for families to enjoy, from scenic coastal walks to relaxed beachfront dining. Dog-friendly venues such as the Fistral Boardmasters Beach Bar and The Fistral Stable make it easy to include your pet in every part of the day.
Weymouth, Dorset
Perfect for families with younger children, Weymouth combines seaside charm with a wide range of activities. From scenic walking routes to the famous Jurassic Coast, there’s plenty of space for dogs to explore.
Attractions like Sandsfoot Castle and Nothe Fort offer a mix of history and adventure, while dog-friendly pubs such as The Ship Inn even provide treats for their furry visitors.
Whitby, North Yorkshire
Steeped in history and gothic charm, Whitby is famous for its connection to Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Dog owners can explore atmospheric landmarks like Whitby Abbey, where pets are welcome on leads.
After a bracing coastal walk, families can refuel at dog-friendly spots like Mister Chips or treat their pets at The Fuzzy Dog Bakery.
Tenby, Pembrokeshire
With its colourful houses and beautiful beaches, Tenby is one of Wales’ most picturesque destinations. The off-season offers quieter sands and more space for dogs to roam.
Families can enjoy attractions like Carew Castle or even take a boat trip to Caldey Island – a unique experience that welcomes dogs along for the adventure.
Inverness, Scottish Highlands
For those seeking something a little different, Inverness offers a blend of history, nature and adventure. From exploring Loch Ness to hopping aboard a dog-friendly cruise, there’s plenty to keep both kids and pets entertained.
Experiences like the Strathspey Railway even allow dogs on board, making it easy to include them in every part of your trip.
