Explore our dog-friendly holidays with secure gardens >
Dog-friendly holidays with enclosed gardens
Every garden in our collection is checked in person and categorised one of three ways, so you know exactly what you are booking when you book a dog-friendly holiday with us. Secure means fully enclosed with high walls and no gaps, enclosed means bounded on all sides but with lower fencing or some gaps, and open means the garden is unfenced with no boundaries. The category for each place is shown on every listing and is confirmed by the inspector who stayed there, not by the owner. Below you'll find all our cottages with enclosed gardens, for peace of mind on your next dog-friendly holiday.
What secure, enclosed and open gardens mean
We truly know how much our guests appreciate an enclosed garden when choosing a dog-friendly holiday (you've told us!). We have categorised our gardens to make sure you have all the information you need to make an informed decision for you and your dog/s when booking a place to stay. You'll find secure, enclosed, and open gardens in our collection, and you'll find all the details for each individual space on the place listing, from the height of the boundaries to the type of boundaries.
Dog-friendly holidays with secure gardens
We know the importance of an enclosed garden. Browse all our places with fully secure gardens, for complete peace of mind.
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What else we check in the garden
The fence isn't the whole story. When you're holidaying with a dog, it's the little details that can make a big difference.
Walks from the garden gate
A garden is brilliant. A garden with a walk straight from the gate? Even better.
We highlight walks from the door where they're available, so you can see whether your morning stroll starts with a lead clipped on at the garden gate or whether you'll need to hop in the car first. It's one of the things our guests have told us they value when choosing a dog-friendly holiday.
Some places have lovely enclosed gardens and walks right from the door; others give you a great garden but need a short drive before the proper adventure begins. Both can be brilliant – it's just useful to know which you're getting.
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Dog-friendly holidays
Take a look at our full selection of the best dog-friendly places to stay, which we've sniffed out across the UK.
Start exploringSome articles to inspire your next dog-friendly trip
Frequently asked questions
How high are the fences?
- For a secure garden, our benchmark is over 1.8m for fencing or walls, with secure gates and no gaps at ground level.
- An enclosed garden is fully bounded but can have fencing, walls or hedges below 1.8m, or gaps that a determined dog could potentially exploit. That's why we distinguish between secure and enclosed rather than treating every fenced garden as the same.
Can my dog be off-lead in the garden?
It depends on the garden category – and on your dog.
- Secure: suitable for most dogs to be off-lead, provided your dog isn't an exceptional escape artist.
- Enclosed: enclosed on all sides, but not necessarily escape-proof. Best for dogs who don't test boundaries.
- Open: there is no boundary, so your dog should not be allowed off-lead unless you're in an appropriate, safe area and you're confident they won't wander.
- Always check the individual listing, too, as there may be livestock, roads, neighbouring dogs or other local considerations to be aware of.
Who decides the garden category?
- We do. More specifically, it's the Paws & Stay inspector who personally visits and stays at the property.
- We don't simply rely on an owner's description or a few photographs. Every Paws & Stay place is personally inspected, so we can describe what you'll actually find when you arrive and include photos where possible, to help you decide whether it's right for you and your dog.
What if my dog is an escape artist or a digger?
- We love an adventurous dog. But if yours has turned escaping into a competitive sport, we'd recommend choosing a secure garden and reading the individual garden details carefully.
- Look out for things such as gaps, low boundaries, gates and nearby roads or livestock. And if your dog is happiest somewhere quiet and away from unexpected encounters, have a look at our remote dog-friendly cottages, too. Sometimes the best solution isn't just a taller fence – it's a place where you can relax without constantly wondering what your dog is plotting.
Are there gardens safe for more than one dog?
- Absolutely. We have places that welcome two, three, four, five and even unlimited dogs, with garden information shown on each listing so you can choose somewhere that works for your whole pack.
- If you're travelling with a small canine entourage, take a look at our dog-friendly holidays for multiple dogs. You'll find places where there's plenty of room for everyone to stretch out, sniff around and settle in – humans included.
- And remember: even a secure garden isn't a substitute for knowing your own dogs. Every hound has their own special talents, from squeezing through improbable gaps to discovering that the gate latch is actually a puzzle designed specifically for them. We give you the information; you know your dog best.
Dog-friendly Holiday Inspiration
Regions
Dog-friendly holidays in the UK
Dog-friendly holidays in Cornwall
Dog-friendly holidays in Devon
Dog-friendly holidays in the Lake District & Cumbria
Dog-friendly holidays in The Cotswolds
Dog-friendly holidays in Northumberland
Dog-friendly holidays in Sussex
Dog-friendly holidays in Wales
Dog-friendly holidays in Yorkshire
Dog-friendly holidays in Herefordshire
Cottages
Dog-friendly cottages in Cornwall
Dog-friendly cottages in Devon
Dog-friendly cottages in the Lake District and Cumbria
Dog-friendly cottages near a pub
Inspiration
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About Paws & Stay dog-friendly holidays with enclosed gardens
Where did Paws & Stay come from?
Paws & Stay came about because of the frustration many of the team at sister company Sawday’s and their dogs found when trying to travel. We kept seeing a big difference between what people meant by the term dog friendly. So, we started looking for the ones that really loved having dogs to stay.
How do we know each place is good enough?
Because we’ve inspected every single one in person. It’s the most important principle of how we work, because there’s simply nothing like being in a place to help us understand if it’s right for our guests. When we visit, we like to meet the owners, soak up the atmosphere and let one of our dogs have a good snuffle round. Then we describe it clearly and honestly on site, and you know if it’s somewhere you’d like to be.
What makes a place right for Paws & Stay
When we inspect, we look not only for a genuine feeling of welcome for your dog, but for a place that will make the humans smile as well. We work only with independent owners, who pour their passion and creativity into places to stay that defy the blight of bland, impersonal hotels and holiday apartments. We want to see bowls or blankets, an enclosed garden and maybe some extras for the dog, but also a place that has a real personality and gives you a feel for the part of the world you’ve chosen to holiday in.
Where will I find Paws & Stay places?
Well, we have dog-friendly holidays all over the UK! Whether you’re in Devon or Herefordshire, we choose our places for character and individuality, celebrating their differences. You can browse the areas we have places in here, or sign up to our newsletter and be the first to hear about our latest discoveries.
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