Until the arrival of the promising summer weather, it seemed that the ongoing recession, the weakness of the pound and the prospect of having to stay in the UK for the Christmas season held little (if any) advantages. However, now that it looks like the weather will remain warm for at least the foreseeable future (fingers crossed), those of us with dogs will no doubt be happy that, of all the pet-friendly vacation destinations, South England be particularly accommodating. .

Kent
If you live in the London area, Kent is a great destination in terms of accessibility for you and your dog. The rolling countryside around the town of Tenterden is ideal for dog walkers, and can even be explored by train on the Kent and East Sussex Railway, which allows you to travel with your dog at a ticket price of £1.00. The county is also known for its Roman history, which is well exemplified by attractions such as Richborough Fort and the Towers at Reculver. Both attractions allow dogs on site, though they must be on a leash.

Devon
With its stunning moors on Dartmoor, or seaside walks on the north coast, Devon is fantastic for walking with or without the dog. In much of Dartmoor, dogs are fine on and off leash, but be aware of restrictions near sheep grazing areas, and also take care to plan your walks with the help of a map in case of dangerous areas such as quarries and cliffs. Historic sites like Okehampton Castle in central Dartmoor and Totnes Castle in the south also accept leashed dogs.

Dorset
Bearing similarities to Devon, Dorset is a largely rural county. However, it is the Jurassic Coast that is perhaps of most interest to dog walkers reading this. The Southwest Coast Path runs through Lime Regis (a top destination for keen fossil hunters) and up to the highest point on the South Coast at Golden Cap. Inland, certain destinations like Abbotsbury Abbey and Knowlton Church are dog-friendly, as long as they’re on a leash.

Cornwall
Of all the counties, Cornwall is probably the most dog-friendly. Not only is the county home to an abundance of coastal, inland walks, as well as outdoor attractions and gardens, but the area offers a wide range of accommodation, from pet-friendly cottages to rent, and a wealth of facilities for camping and hotels. Trevarno Garden near Helston is a Victorian garden spread over 35 acres with some off-leash dog friendly areas. The Tamar Valley is also a beautiful place to walk along the river.