It’s that tricky time of year for dog owners again when loud bangs and crashes fill the air, leaving many dogs feeling stressed and anxious. With searches for “how to keep your dog calm on Bonfire Night” increasing by 500% over the past 30 days, it’s clear that owners are looking for the best ways to help their dogs stay calm this Bonfire Night.
To help, the staycation experts at Canine Cottages have rounded up some of the most tranquil locations to escape to this Bonfire Night, using data on factors such as noise pollution, population, and the number of remote walking trails.
Canine Cottages has also teamed up with resident dog expert Dr Emma Scales-Theobald, to share why escaping to a peaceful location can benefit your dog’s health and wellbeing plus practical tips to help keep your dog calm this Bonfire Night.
These are the most tranquil destinations for an autumn escape
Pembrokeshire coast
This stretch of coastline in West Wales sits almost entirely within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, home to a population of just 21,000 across about 382 miles so you’re rarely surrounded by crowds.’
The area boasts over 260 miles of coastline and the iconic Pembrokeshire Coast Path (186 miles long), offering endless scenic walks with your dog along cliffs, beaches, and estuaries. Thanks to its national park status, the landscape is protected from heavy development, keeping things calm and unspoilt perfect for peaceful dog walks.
A low population density means fewer background noises and more chances for tranquil beach strolls. Must-visit spots include St Davids, Tenby, the Green Bridge of Wales, Barafundle Bay, and the stunning coastal trail itself.
Dartmoor, Devon
In the heart of Devon, the rugged landscape of Dartmoor offers one of the most remote-feeling escapes in southern England. The national park alone has around 285 distinct walking trails, giving you plenty of opportunities to find quieter routes away from the crowds.
As a protected national park, Dartmoor benefits from limited development, preserving its natural tranquillity. Its wide-open moorlands and forested valleys help keep noise levels low ideal for dogs that need calm surroundings.
Highlights include the Teign Gorge (Hunter’s/Fisherman’s Path to Castle Drogo) and dog-friendly villages like Moretonhampstead and Ashburton, where you can relax after a long day of walking.
The Lake District
With its dramatic fells, peaceful lakes and rolling valleys, the Lake District is one of the UK’s most tranquil regions. Its population density is just 17.1 people per km, giving visitors plenty of space to breathe.
The park also offers 2,223km of public footpaths and 925km of bridleways⁴, meaning you can easily find quiet trails for lakeside strolls or mountain adventures away from the busier areas around Windermere or Keswick.
For dog-friendly peace, head to the Langdale Valley, early-morning walks along Lake Windermere, or lesser-known fells such as Helvellyn’s eastern slopes.
The Cotswolds
Covering parts of Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, and beyond, the Cotswolds – a designated National Landscape (formerly AONB) – offer over 3,000 miles of public footpaths and more than 20 long-distance walking routes.
That abundance of trails means endless choice for you and your dog, from gentle canal-towpath strolls to scenic escarpment ridge walks. While not as sparsely populated as the national parks, the Cotswolds’ rolling countryside and pretty villages mean noise pollution remains low.
You’ll find peaceful spots in Stow-on-the-Wold, Bourton-on-the-Water, and countless hidden hamlets. Try an early-morning wander along the Cotswold Way or Thames Path, followed by a dog-friendly lunch in a cosy pub garden.
The Scottish Highlands
Stretching across vast swathes of northern Scotland, the Highlands are defined by immense space and a low population of around 236,000⁶ spread over thousands of square kilometres. Even on popular routes, it’s easy to find solitude.
With endless remote glens, lochs, and mountain trails, you’ll have your pick of peaceful places to explore with your dog. Think sunrise walks by the water, long forest rambles, or quiet hikes with sweeping views.
Favourites include Glen Affric, the West Highland Way, and the far-northern isles perfect if your dog thrives in wide-open, big-sky landscapes.
Northumberland Coast
Designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1958 and now a National Landscape, the Northumberland Coast covers roughly 138 km along 64 km of unspoilt shoreline.
It offers a winning mix of golden beaches, sand dunes, headlands and historic castles ideal for long, peaceful dog walks. With fewer visitors (especially outside peak season), it’s easy to find quiet stretches where your dog can roam freely and you can enjoy the fresh sea air.
Highlights include Bamburgh Castle, Beadnell Bay, and Lindisfarne where nature, history and tranquillity combine.
How being in tranquil destinations can benefit your dog’s health
New walks for mental stimulation
Getting away from your usual walking routes can be great mental stimulation for your dog. It provides them with plenty of new sights, sounds and smells even if you’ve visited the area before.
Dr Emma says: “Exploring new environments helps take your dog’s mind off any fireworks going off at home. The novelty of a new location offers enrichment and distraction, which can be especially beneficial during stressful periods like Bonfire Night.”
The calming power of sniffing
When dogs sniff, it releases dopamine the neurochemical that helps calm them and reduce anxiety.
Dr Emma explains: “Allowing your dog to sniff and explore freely can naturally lower stress levels. This can be particularly helpful for dogs who already suffer from generalised anxiety, or if fireworks have started in your area.”
Choosing rural or coastal destinations
Heading to a rural or coastal area during off-season can be ideal for anxious or reactive dogs.
“As these locations tend to be quieter, you’re less likely to come across other dogs or people,” says Dr Emma. “It also means you’re far less likely to hear or see fireworks, helping your dog stay calm and relaxed.”
Reducing everyday stressors
Being away from busy roads and city noise can have a huge positive impact on your dog’s wellbeing.
Dr Emma comments: “Modern life can be stressful for dogs too. Escaping traffic and crowds helps them unwind. It’s also safer fireworks can easily spook dogs, and in built-up areas that can lead to dangerous situations if they try to run away.”
Exercise, freedom and feel-good hormones
Visiting dog-friendly beaches or rural trails provides more opportunities to let your dog run off-lead or enjoy a long-line adventure.
“Increased exercise allows your dog to burn off excess energy and frustration,” says Dr Emma. “It also releases endorphins and dopamine helping to boost their mood, improve sleep and reduce stress. It’s a win–win for both of you.”
Tips on how to keep your dog calm this Bonfire Night
- Make your dog a soothing mixtape
In the lead-up to Bonfire Night, it’s important to mindfully start exposing your dog to the sounds of fireworks and bonfires, starting at a low volume this will help them view the sounds as ‘normal’ background noise.
- Building positive associations with their favourite treats
Creating a positive association with fireworks through a calm environment can decrease anxiety and help your dog overcome fear. There are a few things that you can do to alleviate stress for your furry friend. Dr Emma suggests: “On the night, provide them with their favourite treats when a firework goes off; it will encourage them to come to you rather than run away.”
- Create a comforting doggy den with pillows and blankets
A comfortable den becomes a sanctuary, offering dogs a sense of security during periods of loud noise, such as fireworks. To create a den, use blankets to cover a crate, place a blanket under a table, or find a peaceful spot under the stairs.
Dr Emma suggests: “To be extra comforting for your dog, create a den around its existing dog bed and in or near the same spot. It’s best to make a den a few days before fireworks night, so your dog can get used to it and get settled in.
4. Reducing triggering stimuli for maximum comfort
Dogs are highly sensitive to the sudden and intense stimuli caused by fireworks. The loud bangs, bright lights, and vibrations can trigger fear and anxiety, making them feel unsafe and overwhelmed.
Dr Emma says: “Dogs may believe something bad is occurring, which evokes their natural fight-or-flight response. This makes them scared and stressed, leading them to bark or run and hide.
“Because dogs bark at fireworks out of fear, it can be difficult to get them to stop barking at them. Instead, try to comfort and reassure your dog, and if possible, distract them.”
- Ensure your dog’s safety with distraction techniques
There are various other techniques you can practise to make the experience smoother and help your dog co-operate. Dr Emma adds: “Distract them by playing games with them and providing them with puzzle feeders to help show they do not need to be afraid of the sound. In anticipation of your dog being afraid of fireworks, you can get ready some calming products, such as a calming collar or calming plug-in room spray.”
Sarah Pring Canine Cottage’s digital marketing manager says: “We know how much our pets mean to us, and Bonfire Night can be challenging for them. That’s why we’ve found some of the UK’s most peaceful corners where dogs and their humans can enjoy calm walks, quiet evenings, and quality time together far from the bangs and bustle.”
If you’d like to find out more information, please visit: https://www.caninecottages.co.uk/guides/how-to-help-dogs-with-fireworks
