Dog-friendly holidays on the Isle of Man: top tips and accommodation recommendations
Enjoying an ice cream on the beach, relaxing in a pub garden, or hiking scenic trails. Sharing moments like this with your dog could make a holiday more joyous, memorable and rewarding.
But for pet owners, you need to weigh up the joys of shared adventures against the potential challenges of travel logistics and accommodation. Will the trip be enjoyable for your dog? Are there pet-friendly hotels or restaurants? And what about the long car or ferry rides? Luckily, if you’re planning a holiday to the Isle of man, we’ve got all the details you need.
How dog-friendly is the Isle of Man?
The Isle of Man is a welcoming destination for dog owners, with plenty of opportunities for both you and your pet to enjoy. Of course, a lot of this centres around dog-walking spots, such as the numerous beautiful beaches, and other open spaces for dogs to roam.
What’s particularly interesting about the Isle of Man, though, is its Dogs Welcome Scheme. Designed to encourage and facilitate dog-friendly tourism, it recognises hospitality businesses which meet certain criteria to welcome dogs (and their owners). For example:
The requirements for dog-friendly businesses include staff training, well-marked designated dog-friendly areas, and water bowls. Businesses, such as cafes and pubs, must also provide local information on popular dog walking spots and consider offering dog treats and spare dog poo bags.
The requirements for dog-friendly self catering accommodation include pet washing facilities, dedicated bin for waste disposal and numerous extras should be available on request such as: refrigeration facilities, torch and nightlights, and water and food bowls.
This scheme takes the guesswork out of planning a trip with your dog, making it easier to enjoy your holiday outings. More than anything, it showcases that the Isle of Man values and accommodates pet owners.
Some of our favourites places to visit include the Boatyard Restaurant in Peel, the Tea Junction in Douglas, and the Raven Pub in Ballaugh but there are lots of dog-friendly establishments. Plus, dogs are allowed on Isle of Man Steam Packet ferries, making it so easy to bring them along.
Dog-friendly hotels on the Isle of Man
If you’d rather stay in a hotel or guesthouse, there are dog-friendly choices too, including:
1. Arrandale House & Apartments, Douglas
Conveniently located in the centre of Douglas, Arrandale House & Apartments offers comfortable guest rooms and fully equipped self-catering apartments. It’s family-run and a lot of amenities and attractions are within walking distance, so an all-round great choice.
2. Comis Hotel & Golf Resort, Santon
Set in 250 glorious acres in the breathtaking Manx countryside, this is one of the more luxurious choices. This 4-star hotel boasts a spa, sauna, indoor pool and an 18-hole championship golf course. There are a selected number of dog-friendly rooms, which include a dog bed, bowl and treats, so make sure you say you plan on bringing your dog with you when you book.
3. Ramsey Park Hotel, Ramsey
A contemporary hotel overlooking Mooragh Lake and nearby the coast, there are stunning views each way you look. It’s situated in Ramsey, the second largest town on the Isle of Man, so there’s plenty to do before retreating to your dog-friendly room at the end of a busy day.
4. Caledonia Guesthouse, Douglas
Just 50 metres from the beach, on the Douglas Promenade, this guesthouse is close to popular attractions such as the Electric Railway and Gaiety Theatre. And while it's steeped in Victorian history itself, it boasts plenty of modern amenities so you, your family and dog can have a relaxing trip.
5. Sefton Express, Ballasalla
Situated just across the road from Isle of Man Airport, the Sefton Express is the perfect base for exploring the South of the Island, or for travellers looking for convenience and exceptional quality.
6. Hydro Hotel, Douglas
The Hydro Hotel is a well established family run hotel situated on Douglas promenade. Built in 1910 this 56 bedroom hotel offers modern facilities whilst retaining much of its original charm. The hotel is open throughout the year and welcomes all guests whether on business or leisure.
7. The Welbeck Hotel, Douglas
Whether visiting the Isle of Man for business or pleasure, with a range of spacious hotel rooms and self-catering apartments the George family welcome you to the award winning Welbeck Hotel Isle of Man.
The hotel is open throughout the year to help ensure your stay in the beautiful Isle of Man is both enjoyable and successful. Located in the centre of Douglas this 3 star hotel offers a great choice of holiday accommodation in the Isle of Man.
FAQs
Can I take my dog on the ferry to the Isle of Man?
Yes, you can. Steam Packet ferries allow dogs. On the Manxman, there’s a range of comprehensive pet-friendly facilities, including a lounge and cabins, and an outdoor area for your dog to go to the toilet. On the Manannan, there are secure kennels on the car deck or your dog can stay in your car. It’s up to you to decide what’s most suitable for your pet.
Do dogs need a passport to go to the Isle of Man?
This depends on where you’re travelling from. If you’re travelling from Great Britain, there’s free moment of dogs (except banned breeds), cats and ferrets. That means you can travel freely without any health or passport requirements. For other countries, you should check the latest advice from The Isle of Man Government.
Does the Isle of Man have dog-friendly beaches?
Yes, there are lots of dog-friendly beaches on the Isle of Man. Some of the best include Ballaugh Beach, Gansey Bay, Fenella Beach, Glen Wyllin, and Dhoon Bay Beach – all of which welcome dogs all year round. Just pay attention to any signposts or markers indicating restrictions; for example, there may be seasonal rules on keeping dogs on leads around areas popular with ground-nesting birds.
Sail onboard Steam Packet ferries with your dog
There are lots of great reasons to take your dog on holiday with you. And with great pet-friendly accommodation options and the Isle of Man’s welcoming approach to dogs, it’s the perfect destination for an adventure with the whole family. That adventure starts with the ferry – sailing with Steam Packet ferries to the isle couldn’t be easier with kids travelling for free and plenty of dog-friendly facilities.