The Best Things to Do for Adventurous Travellers with Pets

Travelling with pets doesn’t mean you have to tone down the adventure. In fact, it can open the door to some of the most memorable experiences you’ll ever share together. Whether it’s cycling through countryside lanes, splashing along golden beaches, or venturing into wild landscapes, there are plenty of ways to blend exploration with paw prints. 

The key is finding places and activities that welcome four-legged companions while still feeding the thrill-seeker’s spirit. From scenic rides to cosy coastal stays, here are five activities that adventurous travellers (and their pets) will absolutely love.

Hiking in National Parks

There’s a particular magic in setting foot on a trail where every bend feels like a new secret. Hiking is one of the most rewarding activities for adventurous souls, and it becomes even richer when pets join in. National parks across the UK and beyond often welcome dogs, offering endless opportunities for mountain scrambles, woodland treks, and lakeside rambles. 

Imagine the crunch of gravel under boots, birdsong filtering through the trees, and your companion’s tail wagging with every new scent. It’s the kind of adventure that’s as much about the journey as the destination. Of course, it pays to plan ahead – check dog-friendly routes, bring enough water for both you and your pet, and know when to take breaks. 

Some trails even pass by rustic inns with open fires, where both paws and boots can rest. Hiking with pets isn’t just exercise; it’s a shared exploration of the earth’s untamed corners.

Cycling Through Scenic Landscapes

There’s something invigorating about the breeze in your face and the rhythm of wheels spinning on an open road. For travellers with pets, cycling can be a perfect way to explore vast areas while keeping things active and exciting. Many cyclists now use specially designed trailers so their dogs can safely tag along without missing out. 

Routes across Europe are particularly tempting, with the best cycling tours in France standing out for their mix of vineyard views, historic villages, and riverside paths. It’s not just about the scenery, it’s the shared sense of motion, the stops for water bowls under shady trees, and the chance to explore tucked-away bakeries or cafés en route. 

Just imagine pulling over beside lavender fields, stretching your legs while your pet noses around the grass. For those seeking adventure without compromising companionship, cycling tours offer a truly immersive and pet-inclusive escape.

Kayaking and Paddleboarding

Water adventures may not spring to mind immediately when travelling with pets, but many dogs are surprisingly at home on a kayak or paddleboard. With a good life vest and a calm approach, it can become one of the most unforgettable ways to share the water. 

Picture drifting along a quiet lake at sunrise, mist rising in ribbons while your dog sits up front, nose twitching at the scent of pine and water. Rivers, lochs, and even sheltered coastal bays open up endless routes for exploration. The pace is slower than cycling or hiking, but the closeness to nature is an amazing feeling – every ripple and every splash becomes part of the experience. 

For the truly adventurous, multi-day paddling trips with overnight camping stops can turn into epic journeys. And let’s be honest: few travel stories are better than saying your dog learned to balance on a paddleboard.

Beach Adventures

Few things compare to the joy of watching a dog sprint full-pelt across soft sand, ears flapping like sails in the wind. For adventurous travellers, beaches provide both relaxation and a playground for exploration. 

The south coast of England is particularly welcoming, with stretches that feel tailor-made for dog friendly getaways. Staying in one of the many cottages in Torquay that are dog friendly means mornings can start with salty breezes and shoreline walks before breakfast. 

It’s not just about the obvious fun of splashing in the shallows either – beaches often lead to cliffside trails, rock pools brimming with discoveries, and hidden coves that make every day feel like an expedition. Throw in a frisbee or paddleboard, and suddenly you’ve got an afternoon of adventure wrapped up in sand and sea spray. 

Camping Under the Stars

Sometimes the best adventures happen when the day ends. Camping, especially in remote or scenic spots, offers a way to slow down while still feeding that desire for exploration. Pets thrive in this environment, as it’s a sensory feast of rustling grass, crackling fires, and star-filled skies. 

Whether it’s pitching a tent in the Highlands, parking up a campervan near a forest, or finding a pet-friendly campsite by a lake, the experience feels both grounding and adventurous. Nights are spent under blankets of constellations, mornings start with dew-damp paws and steaming mugs of tea, and days stretch into long explorations nearby. 

For travellers seeking more than just comfort, camping creates a sense of freedom that hotels can’t replicate. Pets, too, seem to relish the simplicity of it all – snuggling close by the fire, dozing in the sun, or bounding through open meadows. It’s adventure in its purest form.

Summary

Adventurous travel doesn’t need to exclude pets, it can actually be richer with them by your side. From the excitement of cycling and the joy of seaside sprints, to wild hikes and starry-night camps, there are endless ways to explore together. 

Travellers willing to think creatively about their trips will find that bringing pets along only adds to the sense of adventure. After all, what’s better than a journey filled with both discovery and companionship?