10 Surprisingly Dog-Friendly Days Out

July 01, 2022 4 min read

Dog friendly spa day

There are loads of dog-friendly days out for you to enjoy. Dance along at a dog-friendly music festival. Visit a Petrifying Well, say hello to the animals at a dog-friendly zoo and go back in time to visit the 'olden days'.

Visit a zoo

If your dog is super friendly and loves meeting new pals, have a look at the Cotswolds Wildlife Park. Whilst there are a few places that are off-limits, most of the wildlife park allows dogs where you can enjoy meeting the inhabitants, as long as your dog is on a lead.

Take your dog, and their lead, and head off to make new friends and socialise with some dog friendly wildlife.

Dance at a music festival

Visiting a music festival with your dog might be music to all your fluffy ears. Nestled in the gorgeous Derbyshire countryside is the Dog Lovers Festival which is a family feel good event where every body is welcome. There’s on-site camping, a fun dog show, food and drink plus plenty of entertainment for you, and your dog.

Dog friendly music festival

Ride in a cable car

With views to enjoy across the Derwent Valley, you can plan a fabulous trip at the Heights of Abraham. Enjoy a ride in the cable car, a chance to eat in the dog friendly café, and choose two (or both) delightfully doggy trails. There’s a brilliant guide that this dog friendly tourist attraction has put together, so you know what to expect before you arrive. 

Shop ‘til you drop

Your home town has probably got a few dog-friendly shops and cafes, but taking your dog on a shopping trip isn’t always an option. We think it’s great that the majority of the 90 plus stores at Junction 32, in West Yorkshire, accept dogs. You’ll find a helpful list of the small number of places where you’re unable to take your dog.

Plan your visit, see what shops you can grab a bargain from and refuel your energy supply at one of the dog friendly cafes.

Play on a beach

Okay, there are loads of dog friendly beaches across the UK, and there are also plenty where dogs are not allowed through the spring and summer months. We understand the reasons why these rules are in place, so it’s always best to plan ahead and check which beach will be best for you. Some have no restrictions throughout the year, whilst some allow dogs on leads through the summer season.

Northumberland has a stunning coastline. Seahouses has a ‘bit of everything’. A lovely harbour where you can watch the boats, there are some great fish and chip shops for the obligatory chippy lunch and the wide sandy beach is perfect ball games and paddling in the sea (if you dare).

Luxury doggy spa

Ever wondered how you can get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and include your dog? The luxurious Devonshire Hotels offer a Canine Retreat where your dog gets to be pampered, whilst you can too. A four-poster pet bed, outdoor dog bath and a special doggy dinner are all part of the package.

Your dog can enjoy dinner with you in the hotel where you can all relax and recharge in the sumptuous surroundings.

Watch a film

There’s not much that beats snuggling up to our dogs whilst watching the tv. At Picturehouse, you can experience all the joy of the big screen, with your dog included!
Check out their listings to see their dog-friendly screenings this summer for a fun outing that’s well organised for you and your dog.

Explore a castle

We all know our precious pups are suited to their roles of Lord or Lady of the manner. And now you can show them where their relatives lived out their days in style. Scarborough Castle in North Yorkshire is one of more than 40 dog friendly castles and forts you can visit this summer.

From checking out the site of the Battle of Hastings, through to taking in the incredible views of the Yorkshire Coastline, you can enjoy a trip around England and plan a visit to some impressive castles, that welcome dogs and their servants alike.

Step back in time

One of the best days out! Beamish has recreated English towns and villages from the 1900’s upwards. Ride on a tram, see what it was like to shop in ‘the olden days’, visit a dentist, farm, colliery . . . the list is endless. It’s a full day of exploring, playing and being absorbed into 20th century life.

The best part is, your dog is welcome, on a lead, and free of charge. There are some buildings where you may have to wait outside whilst the rest of your party explore, but there are plenty of green areas to take a stroll. You can pick up a handmade dog biscuit, tried and tested by the Beamish farm dogs.

Gasp at the Petrifying Well

A magical place, brimming with legends, history, and natural wonders to delight everyone. As England’s oldest visitor attraction, The Petrifying Well has been enticing people since 1630, to marvel at the ‘petrified’ items. You can explore Mother Shipton’s cave, home of England’s most famous Prophetess.

Dogs can enjoy exploring with you, the only place they’re not allowed is the adventure playground. But don’t worry, Knaresborough is a beautiful town with gorgeous streets to meander along, dog friendly cafés, and a long stretch of river to walk by with your dog.

Visit dog friendly Knaresborough and Mother Shipton's cave

Let us know if you've got some unusual, dog-friendly places that we can explore this summer.