Wales is one of the top destinations for the year ahead, according to Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel Awards 2024.
Setting the travel agenda for the coming year, the awards feature 50 destinations worldwide split into categories including cities, regions, countries, sustainable destinations and value for money. From lesser-known corners of Spain to dramatic fjord landscapes of Greenland, there’s an adventure for everyone and every budget.
Mongolia, India and Morocco are among the best places to visit in 2024. Meanwhile, Donegal in Ireland was voted one of the best regions to visit, alongside Western Balkans’ Trans Dinarica Cycling Route and Kangaroo Island in South Australia.
In the best cities category, Nairobi, Paris and Montreal topped the list, followed by Mostar and Philadelphia.
Donegal in Ireland
Wales came fourth in the sustainability category, with experts praising its accessible walking routes and expansive rail travel. “A rail revamp in Wales – one of the world’s first countries to legislate for sustainability – will expand the planet-friendly possibilities of exploring the nation’s wild, wonderful west,” says the team in the guide.
“You can get around fairly easily without a car: out-of-the-way Pembrokeshire National Park is pretty accessible and set to become more so. New train stations and increased services are being planned for South Wales’s main rail line in early 2025.”
Looking for some inspiration? Take a look at the full list below:
The best countries for 2024
- Mongolia
- India
- Morocco
- Chile
- Benin
- Mexico
- Uzbekistan
- Pakistan
- Croatia
- St. Lucia
The best regions for 2024
- Western Balkans’ Trans Dinarica Cycling Route
- Kangaroo Island, South Australia
- Donegal, Ireland
- País Vasco, Spain
- Southern Thailand
- Swahili Coast, Tanzania
- Montana, USA
- Saalfelden Leogang, Austria
Saalfelden Leogang, Austria
The best cities for 2024
- Nairobi, Kenya
- Paris, France
- Montreal, Canada
- Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Manaus, Brazil
- Jakarta, Indonesia
- Prague, Czech Republic
- Izmir, Turkey
- Kansas City, Missouri
Montreal, Canada
The best places for sustainability
- Spain
- Patagonia, Argentina and Chile
- Greenland
- Wales’ trails
- The Portuguese Way / Caminho Português de Santiago
- Palau
- Hokkaido, Japan
- Ecuador
- Baltic Trails of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania
- Eco-lodges of South Africa
The best places for value
- The Midwest, USA
- Poland
- Nicaragua
- Danube Limes, Bulgaria
- Normandy, France
- Egypt
- Ikaria, Greece
- Algeria
- Southern Lakes & Central Otago, New Zealand
- Night trains, Europe
The best dog-friendly cottages in the UK
1 Woodheads, Lake District
A magnificent first floor apartment, 1 Woodheads, sits nine miles from Lake Windermere and is part of a Regency-style villa with views out towards Morecambe Bay and the distant Pennines. Here, you’re only half a mile from a year-round dog-friendly beach – imagine your beloved pet bounding across stretches of sand, as well as through nearby forest glens.
Back at your luxury dog-friendly cottage, period features are combined with elegant style to create a visual feast. You can serve up summery salads in the super-smart dining room or in the garden. On balmy evenings, with the veranda doors all opened wide, tease out some tunes on the piano, inspired by an aperitif and the wondrous views.
Sleeps: 4
Dogs allowed: 1
Beach House, Suffolk
This large Victorian house is perfect for those looking to gather a big group of friends or generations of family in serious style – not forgetting space for three dogs. There are gorgeous sea views from the open-plan kitchen, a cosy living room with a wood burner and a games room in the basement, complete with home cinema system, pool table and piano for endless entertainment. There are also four floors of restful rooms to keep everyone happy.
While it is hard to leave this comforting dog-friendly cottage cocoon, there’s also direct beach access to Kessingland’s long, unspoilt beach. This is the ideal spot to let the dogs run around on from morning to night. For a trip further afield, there’s the charming seaside towns of Southwold and Lowestoft.
Sleeps: 15
Dogs allowed: 3
Tenbury Cottage, Shropshire
Situated deep in rolling South Shropshire countryside, with a wealth of walks direct from the door, plus 12 acres of lush farmland to explore, Tedbury Cottage is perfect for a dog-friendly escape. The Clee Hills and Mortimer Forest are both within easy reach, too, and when you’re not out exploring the cosy interiors provide the lovely place to relax.
The interior design of this open-plan house is tasteful, with neutral and pastel colours dominating the palette. You can make the most of the separate stables, which house a rather unique bar with a fireplace. Simply bring your own beer, stoke up the wood-burner and test your skills at traditional darts. Dogs, physically fatigued from their rural adventures, can conk out in front of the fire.
Sleeps: 4
Dogs allowed: 2
Cascade Cabin, The Highlands
What could be more romantic than getting away from it all in a log cabin surrounded by the trees of the Scottish Highlands? In this idyllic setting in the Heights of Achterneed, you can relax in the wood-fired hot tub or cosy up in front of the wood burner at night. Even if it rains, you can enjoy the outdoors with a clever covered egg chair on the scenic porch.
Like most dog-friendly cottages in the country, this woodland retreat is a paradise for furry friends, with plenty of walks on the doorstep. The kitchen is well-equipped for cooking up hearty meals in the winter or light bites to be enjoyed alfresco in the enclosed garden in the summer months. A cosy bedroom provides the perfect place to rest your head after a day of exploring.
Sleeps: 2
Dogs allowed: 1
The Scandinavian Lodge, North Norfolk
This rustic, Scandinavian-designed dog-friendly cottages is set in beautiful grounds in North Yorkshire. Between the lodge’s painted exterior, its sky-blue-sparkling hot tub and the vibrancy of its interiors, seasonal dreariness doesn’t stand a chance.
The open-plan living space is characterful and will delight children of all ages (as will the Smart TV with Sky). There’s a hammock on the first floor veranda, and it’s a great spot to swing and take in the view. Four-legged friends have their own space in the ‘Doghouse’ and walks across the North York Moors are a must-do.
Sleeps: 8
Dogs allowed: 2
The Chapel, Devon
Everything about this airy, light-flooded, dog-friendly cottage is deeply comforting, with an open-plan living area, sumptuous sofa and super-king-size bed for a blissful night’s sleep. Throwing open the large patio doors (which lead to a private garden and dining area) is another highlight here.
The location is yet another draw; it’s set in a pretty Devon village close to Lea Bay and surrounded by beautiful countryside and woodland to explore with your dog. Walking enthusiasts will also love that the South West Coastal Path is on the doorstep.
Sleeps: 2
Dogs allowed: 1
Pevensey Bay Beach Retreat, Sussex
Pevensey Bay Beach Retreat is a fantastic holiday home, right on the beach in Sussex, that cleverly blends contemporary living with seaside charm.
Panoramic sea views through the bi-fold doors, coupled with colourful accessories, hand-selected from Joules. Within walking distance is the village of Pevensey with its striking castle, now an English Heritage site.
Sleeps: 8
Dogs allowed: 1
Highfields, Derbyshire
It’s all too easy to imagine waking up in this spacious cottage and gazing out across the verdant, unspoilt Derbyshire countryside. The walks here are about as scenic as they get, with the National Forest just 10 miles away. For those looking for slightly higher octane thrills, Alton Towers theme park is also within easy reach.
The style of this property melds contemporary clean lines and classic interiors, so expect a large, open-plan kitchen-diner and living space, a chic breakfast bar and lots of cosy tartan and prints throughout. The garage houses a full-size table tennis table plus two sofas for spectators (or those waiting their turn). A haven for the whole family – and the dog, of course.
Sleeps: 6
Dogs allowed: 1
Bluebell Lodge, Cornwall
Just six miles from Padstow’s charming fishing harbour, Bluebell Lodge is a chic, eco-friendly dog-friendly lodge in a beautiful location. They can chase waves and sticks at one of the many fantastic sandy spots dotted along the north Cornish coastline, with Constantine Bay, Fistral Beach, Mawgan Porth Beach and Polzeath all within easy reach.
Back at base, dogs can enjoy the open-plan living space and garden while you fire up the BBQ and dine beneath the Cornish sky. Tranquil and trendy, the three bedrooms are tastefully decorated, and the family bathroom has a shower over the bath for hounds in need of a hose down.
Sleeps: 6
Dogs allowed: 2
Hoglets, the Cotswolds
Nothing short of charming, this dog-friendly cottage meets barn is the perfect cosy little bolthole for couples with a four-legged friend in tow. It’s located in the grounds of Overbury Estate, a part-family-owned agricultural estate that covers more than 1,500 hectares – so you can explore miles of unspoilt farmland full of footpaths and bridleways. This is all set in the small, peaceful hamlet of Conderton, which features a picturesque combination of honey-hued stone and thatched roofs.
Inside, traditional touches create a homely atmosphere, with a traditional bench, exposed beams, and an open-plan kitchen-dining-lounging space with French doors to let the light flood in. The bedroom has lovely garden views – and a king-size bed from which to drink them in.
Sleeps: 2
Dogs allowed: 1
Knockderry Lodge, Argyll and Bute
This impressive, architect-designed lodge overlooking Loch Long in beautiful Argyllshire is a truly five-star stay for those seeking the ultimate in comfort and luxury. Situated in an elevated position close to the village of Cove, the dog-friendly cottage is ideally located for enjoying water sports on Loch Long and Gare Loch, with opportunities for sailing, kayaking, windsurfing and more nearby.
The lodge has a slate deck running around the outside of the property with luxurious loungers, a funky picnic table for alfresco meals and a luxurious hot tub, where you can relax with a glass of something chilled and admire the view across the lawn down to the twinkling loch.
Sleeps: 4
Dogs allowed: 1
No.36 By The Beach, Devon
No.36 By The Beach is a contemporary beach house with plenty of space for everyone to spread out. Standing next to the Royal North Devon golf course and on the edge of the lively coastal village of Westward Ho! (blessed with a three-mile stretch of golden sand), the dog-friendly cottage offers wonderful views of the North Devon coastline both from the enclosed garden and from the full-width balcony.
Flourishes of Joules’ vibrant homeware complement the pad’s elegant interiors, from hand-picked dinnerware to luxurious bed linen. The cottage is reverse level: upstairs is the sleek kitchen/ dining/living area with a wood-burner and bi-fold doors onto the spacious first-floor balcony. The four bedrooms are at ground level, including a bunk bedroom to add to the holiday fun for children.
Sleeps: 8
Dogs allowed: 2
Cider House, Somerset
In this stunning detached converted cider house, you can expect inspiring interiors, beautiful countryside views – and space for as many dogs as people. The enclosed garden is the perfect spot for all to unwind in, while chickens and lambs grazing nearby add a sense of bucolic bliss to this Somerset spot, which stretches across nine tranquil acres. For a full Famous Five experience, there’s even apple pressing on offer in the autumn months.
The open-plan kitchen-dining-living area is framed with charming exposed beams, with plenty of space for everyone to relax, watch television or curl up with a book. The kitchen is very well-stocked, with fresh herbs growing on the windowsill and a utility cupboard for any laundry needs. Upstairs, two bedrooms complete the immaculate lodgings (the second can be made into a twin upon request).
Sleeps: 4
Dogs allowed: 4
Catcleugh Farmhouse, Northumberland
A stylish, rustic former farmhouse enjoying magnificent views over Catcleugh Reservoir, Catcleugh Farmhouse is located directly in Northumberland Dark Sky Park, Europe’s largest area of protected night sky. There are fabulous walking routes from the property onto the Pennine Way, so you won’t want to forget your walking shoes.
A wonderfully large and well-equipped dog-friendly cottage, here you have the ideal family base for an outdoorsy gang who are ready to wear themselves out in the Northumberland countryside.
Sleeps: 10
Dogs allowed: 3
Ochre, Devon
In a great location for you to explore both Devon and Cornwall, this contemporary dog-friendly cottages is set within a beautiful garden, too. With miles of rolling countryside views and a plunge pool less than 50 yards from the front door, it’s an excellent spot for couples or a family, plus their furry friends.
There’s glorious walking along the South West Coast Path and the equally popular Tarka Trail, plus Exmoor and Dartmoor to explore. Art lessons are available on-site for those wishing to enjoy a creative holiday.
Sleeps: 4
Dogs allowed: 3
The Old Tin School, North Yorkshire
This open-plan studio-style space in the heart of Yorkshire moorland is a romantic sanctuary for couples travelling with their dogs. High ceilings and large windows make it bright and airy, while industrial-style touches mixed with more traditional pieces create a warm and cosy contemporary feel.
You can do as much or as little at this dog-friendly cottage: spend lazy mornings in the wrought iron bed, go on scenic walks, including the Cleveland Way National Trail, and snuggle up in front of the wood burner with the pups snoozing at your feet.
Sleeps: 2
Dogs allowed: 2
Tawny Owl, Cornwall
Just six miles from Padstow’s charming fishing harbour, Tawny Owl is a chic, eco-friendly lodge in a beautiful location. The dogs can chase waves and sticks at one of many sandy spots dotted along the north Cornish coastline. Constantine Bay, Fistral Beach, Mawgan Porth Beach and Polzeath are all within easy reach, as is the impossibly pretty Port Isaac.
Back at base, everyone will love the open-plan living space and garden while you fire up the BBQ and dine beneath the Cornish sky. Tranquil and trendy, the three bedrooms are stylishly decorated, and the family bathroom has a shower over the bath for hounds in need of a hose down.
Sleeps: 6
Dogs allowed: 2
The Turret at Inchglas, Perth and Kinross
A Victorian Gothic revival mansion with plenty of period features including turret and exposed stone walls, this dog-friendly cottage in Scotland is a delight. It’s set amid landscaped gardens close to the heart of bustling Crieff. The town offers a splendid range of boutique and independent shops and quality eateries, while the magnificent Drummond Castle Gardens are nearby.
Inside, there is a large feature fireplace with beautiful, exposed stone walls and an electric wood burner for cosy nights in. There is a quirky, turret walk-in wet room with a shower and toilet, as well as a cosy double bedroom.
Sleeps: 2
Dogs allowed: 1
