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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.
One of the main elements of planning any holiday is where you’re going to stay. Thankfully, there’s a lot of choice on the Isle of Man. If you’d prefer a self-catered cottage, these are some highlights:
On the east coast, Thie Ma Chree is a lovely recently refurbished single-storey self-catering cottage. It’s next to the old Manx Electric Railway and boasts an elevated sea view. There’s just one bedroom (the only place pets aren’t allowed), so it’s ideal for couples or solo travellers.
Oie Vie Cottage is pronounced 'Ee Vy' in Manx and actually means 'Goodnight'. And hopefully you – and your dog – will have a good night’s rest here. It’s in the rural countryside, not too far from Ballaugh beach and surrounded by beautiful walking trails so it’s a great choice for active travellers.
In the north west of the Isle of Man, this is another great dog-friendly option and great base with lots to do in the immediate area, including convenience shops and a highly-recommended country pub, The Raven. There are local public transport links too if you want to explore other towns and hubs. If you have a car, the Ballaugh Curraghs is a short drive away and known for great birdwatching.
A slightly larger cottage, sleeping up to 4 guests, this coastal retreat is just a stone's throw from the beach. Being in the heart of Old Laxey is also beneficial because you’re close to pubs, shops and restaurants. And, at the end of a busy day, you can enjoy panoramic views of Laxey Bay from this newly-restored cottage.
If you’re looking for pet-friendly accommodation steeped in history, then this 18th century fisherman's cottage is a great choice. Despite being charming, with desirable features such as a log burner and slipper bath, it also has modern amenities such as a shower room and fitted kitchen. There’s also a really spacious enclosed garden to enjoy and walks within a conservation area just outside the door.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
