40 Fun Dog-Friendly Things to Do in England

England is a wonderful country to holiday in with a dog, no matter if England is your home or you’re on a visit to the UK with your dog. Whether you prefer the countryside, want to visit the cities or instead explore the country’s long history, there’s no shortage of dog-friendly things to do in England. Take your pick from this list of ideas!

#1 Walk Along the Thames

Your dog might not be able to join you heading inside of many of London’s famous sights, from the Tower of London to its many free museums, but instead head for a walk along the banks of their Thames with your pup by your side.

Start at the eye-catching Tower Bridge (perhaps visit inside, see below), close to the battlements of the Tower of London. Then head along the south side of the river (perhaps detouring by Borough Market), on past the Globe Theatre and the Tate Modern.

Just after the London Eye, cross Westminster Bridge to Westminster, home to the Houses of Parliament and the famous Abbey. Perhaps detour via 10 Downing Street, before walking with your dog through St James’s Park to wrap up your walk outside Buckingham Palace.

Find out more about dog-friendly things to do in London

#2 Step Inside Tower Bridge

While most of the tourist attractions on the above walk don’t allow pet dogs inside, there is one dog-friendly attraction en route: Tower Bridge. This eye-catching bridge across the Thames up a mixture of industrial history, glorious views and a touch of excitement, plus dogs are welcome to join you.

I recommend pre-booking tickets so you can skip the queue, with no entry fee charged for dogs. Firstly head up inside the bridge’s northern tower, stopping to watch the short informative video. Up on the walkways, the bridge offers some of the best views in London that you can access with a dog. Plus see if you’re brave enough to stand on the glass floor section!

Don’t also miss visiting the engine rooms – follow the signs from the southern tower of the bridge. Note that during busy times the number of dogs may be restricted, plus of course your pup needs to stay on a leash and always be supervised. 

#3 Go Punting on the Cam

What’s more typically English than going for a punt? While there’ multiple places that you can do this around England, nowhere is probably more iconic than a classic punt ride on the River Cam in Cambridge.

A punt ride is one of the best ways to view Cambridge’s colleges, especially if you have a dog, with pet dogs generally not allowed on college grounds. However, they are allowed to join you on most punt rides.

There are multiple companies that offer guided punt tours in Cambridge and allow dogs onboard, including Cambridge Chauffeur Punts, Scudamore’s and the Traditional Punting Company. Dogs are also welcome in most self-rental options, whether punts, canoes or kayaks. Double check the rules before booking.

Check out my full guide to dog-friendly Cambridge

#4 Stroll Along Chester’s Walls

One of my favourite dog-friendly cities in England is historic Chester, located close to the Welsh border. Dating back to Roman times, the city has a wealth of historic sites to explore, often with your dog at your side.

One of the highlights of the city is its walls, the most intact city walls anywhere in England. The 2 mile (3km) long walls long walls date back to Roman times, although they have been modified extensively over the years. And unlike the city walls in York and Chichester, dogs are welcome to join you on them.

There’s plenty more historic sights to see along the way, from the multiple medieval towers to the elaborate and more recent Eastgate Clock. Don’t miss detour from the walls to visit the interior of Chester Cathedral, with well-behaved dogs on a short leash welcome to join you in most parts of the interior.

Find out more dog-friendly things to do in Chester

#5 Go Hiking in the Lake District

One of the other most dog-friendly places in England is the Lake District. During my visit I spotted many dogs accompanying their visiting owners. Naturally, one of the highlights of any visit to the Lake District, especially if visiting with a dog, is heading out hiking.

I recommend the hike up Catbells, near the Derwentwater. It’s not too long or difficult, but far from a stroll, a 3.5 mile (5.6km) loop hike, that can be lengthened with a detour to the lake. It’s perfect for a morning or afternoon adventuring with your pup.

#6 Or in the Peak District

Another great dog-friendly region for hiking with your dog is the Peak District. There are countless public footpaths that criss cross the region with dogs welcome on them – one of the hardest things is choosing which path to follow!

On my visit to the Peak District I climbed to the top of the Mam Tor, a 510m-high peak that’s a popular destination for hikers, thanks to its panoramic views and east of access. There’s a carpark not far below its summit, just outside of Castleton.

Another option is to hike up to Mam Tor from Edale Station. I recommend this 5 mile (7.8km) round route that also visits Back Tor, although the final section is alongside the road. There are frequent trains to Edale from both Manchester or Sheffield.

Find out more dog-friendly hikes in my Peak District guide

#7 Get Up Close to Avebury Henge

While the more famous Stonehenge may get all the attention, I recommend instead visiting the nearby Avebury Henge if you’re holidaying in England with your dog. While dogs are not surprisingly not allowed at Stonehenge (unless you make do with a view from a nearby field, ideally with binoculars), at Avebury it’s a different story.

There’s no entry fees or entry gates, just merely a parking fee to pay. Then you’re free to wander around and explore the henge, that in this case stretches over hundreds of metres. Just make sure your dog stays on a leash as there’s plenty of local sheep out grazing in the fields too (plus lots of sheep poo to avoid, too).

Best of all there’s far few visitors and you can get right up to the stones, making for a far more magical impression at this dog-friendly stone circle.

#8 Visit the Cute Village of Alfriston

One of my favourite villages in the whole of England is Alfriston, located in the shire of East Sussex, just a short detour off the A27. Take a wander through the cottages and small shops of the village to the village green, surrounding the imposing St Andrew’s Church.

Close by is the former Alfriston Clergy House, built in the 14th century and the very first property purchased by the National Trust, although dogs are naturally not allowed inside.

Perhaps stop instead at Badgers Teahouse at The Old Village Bakery. Well-behaved dogs are allowed in the back courtyard of the teahouse and the cream tea served on fine china is delicious.

#9 Explore the Cotswolds

I can’t mention cute English villages and not also mention the Cotswolds. Whether it’s an outdoorsy weekend in the countryside that you’re after, not far from London, or you want to stop and wander through endless quintessentially English villages, perfect for Instagram, the Cotswolds is the perfect choice. And that includes if you have a dog, with many dog-friendly options available, including cottages to rent.

My favourite village out of the ones we visited was Castle Combe. The perfect place to stop for a short meander, and a cup of tea or lunch, it’s hard to believe that not far away is the Castle Combe Circuit car-racing track. Other highlights include Blockley and Bourton-on-the-Water. For more dog-friendly ideas, check out this listing from the Cotswolds website.

#10 Visit a Dog-Friendly Wildlife Park

Exploring cute villages aren’t the only dog-friendly option available when you visit the Cotswolds. Did you know that it’s also possible to visit a wildlife park in the region with your dog by your side?

Dogs on a leash are allowed to join you for a visit to the Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens. Note though there are some areas of the park that they can’t be taken into, including areas with free-roaming areas, naturally, plus inside most animal houses. Double check the latest rules at the park.

#11 Explore the Colleges of Oxford

The city of Oxford is centred around its prestigious university. Unfortunately, as far as I know, dogs are not allowed inside any of the colleges, some of which are otherwise open to the public with an entry fee at certain times.

However, it’s still possible to take a wander through Oxford, passing its many beautiful colleges and other sights. Don’t miss taking in the exquisite exterior of the distinctive Radcliffe Camera, part of the Bodleian Library, plus of course the Bridge of Sighs.

Extend your walk with a stroll along the Christ Church Meadow Trail. This 1.5 mile (2.4km) long walking trail circles around the historic meadow behind Christ Church College, with dogs on a leash permitted. Note though that dogs are not allowed inside the Oxford Botanic Garden.

Check out my complete dog-friendly Oxford guide

#12 Frolic on a Dog-Friendly Beach

While the weather in England may not always be the best beach weather, even in summer, your dog will love you regardless for taking them to a dog beach in the UK.

There’s plenty of dog-friendly beaches scattered all around England, with some of the most idyllic options in Cornwall and along the coast of Devon. For a comprehensive list of all dog-friendly beaches, head to The Beach Guide.

Most other beaches also allow dogs on them outside of the summer months (May to September), just check the signage. Make sure your dog stays under your control, even if they are off-leash, and always clean up after them, so that dogs continue to be welcomed.

#13 Stroll Along Brighton Promenade

Depending on the time of year that you visit Brighton, dogs may or may not be allowed on the pebbles of the beach in Central Brighton. However, dogs are allowed to join you year round for a walk on the promenade behind the beach, either down next to the shore or alongside the road.

There’s plenty to see along the way, including plenty of cafes, bars, shops and even the Brighton Fishing Museum. Just note that dogs need to be kept leashed at all times.

Perhaps rest your feet (and paws) and take a ride on the Volks Electric Railway. The world’s oldest still-working electric railway, dogs are welcome to join you for the 12 minute trip between the aquarium and the marina. There’s also no need to book tickets in advance, just turn up and queue.

Check out my full dog-friendly guide to Brighton

#14 Ride the Avon Valley Railway

For a longer dog-friendly train ride, hop onboard one of the steam or diesel train rides operated by the Avon Valley Railway, located not far from Bath. The railway operates along a preserved section of old track departing from Bitton Station, with rides operating most weekends, plus on additional days during school holidays.

The six mile long round trip from Bitton takes about an hour, with tickets quite reasonably priced. Dogs are welcome to join you aboard the train most of the time – just avoid some special events and the dining trains. There are water bowls at the station, plus I’ve also heard reports that dog-friendly ice cream is available!

#15 Explore Beautiful Bath

Bath is another place in England where you’ll likely to spot plenty of dogs exploring the historic city alongside their owners. While some of the famous attractions such as the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey are off limits to dogs, it’s still possible to explore much of the city with your dog.

Simply wander the city’s streets with your dog and view the exterior of its many grand buildings, many constructed from golden-hued Bath stone during the Georgian period. Don’t miss visiting both the Circus, a ring of townhouses, and the equally grand Royal Crescent. The city has been World Heritage listed.

Bath is also home to many gorgeous parks, many that are dog-friendly. Enjoy a wander with your dog through Royal Victoria Park (an off-leash park), the Bath Botanical Gardens, the Sydney Gardens behind the Holburne Museum and Henrietta Park.

Check out more dog-friendly things to do in Bath

#16 Walk Around Studley Royal Park

Another World Heritage site in England that you can visit with your dog is Studley Royal Park. A fine example of an English park, the park is located in northern England, about 30 miles north of Leeds.

Within the park are the remains of Fountains Abbey, a Cistercian abbey dating back to the 12th century that fell into ruin after the dissolution of the monasteries. More recently, the owner of the estate built the Royal Water Gardens, with ornamental lakes and a number of follies, plus some beautiful vistas back to the abbey.

Dogs are welcome to join you on a visit to the park, including wandering around the remains of the abbey, although not inside any of the few buildings on the site. I recommend stopping off at the tearoom next to the cascade at the end of your visit. Outside of the ticketed area there is also a large deer park, with walks suitable for on-leash dogs.

#17 Wander the Laneways of Medieval York

There’s many candidates for the best preserved medieval town in England, but my pick of them all is York. When visiting the city, one of the most popular things to do is simply wander through its narrow atmospheric lanes, lined with historic shops and houses, and luckily this is something that you can still do with your dog.

One of the most famous laneways in York is The Shambles, originally named after the Saxon word for “slaughterhouse” due to the many butcher shops lining the street. These days it’s home to The Shop That Must Not Be Named, a must-visit for Harry Potter fans, and is usually packed with selfie-taking tourists.

York is a great place for shopping – I discovered many delightful boutiques lining its streets. Ask whether your pup can join you inside, or just take inspiration from window shopping.

Find out more about visiting York with a dog

#18 Hop Onboard a Beatles Bus Tour

The city of Liverpool is famous for being the home of the Beatles – you can’t visit the city and not explore some of the sites linked to the famous four! One of the easiest ways to do so is on an open top bus tour.

The Beatles Explorer welcomes well-behaved dogs to join you onboard, as long as you’re considerate of the other passengers. Each bus tour lasts 90 minutes and departs once or twice a day during most of the year.

Along the way you’ll stop at Penny Lane, Strawberry Field, the childhood home of Paul McCartney and drive past the legendary Cavern Club, with lively and informative commentary throughout the bus trip. Don’t miss getting a selfie with the Beatles statues at Pier Head.

#19 Cruise on Lake Windermere

Given how dog-friendly the Lake District is, it’s no surprise that dogs are allowed on Windermere Lake Cruises. There’s a variety of cruise options on offer, from short return trips that start at 45 minutes to open-ended passes that are great for combining with a hike along the foreshore.

Naturally dogs are required to be on a leash and well-behaved on the boat, but there’s no restrictions against them even coming inside the cabin. Although unless the weather is bad the best spot is out on the deck with the wind in your hair, taking in the peaks around you.

#20 Explore the Street Art in Shoreditch

England is home to plenty of fabulous street art. While dogs aren’t usually allowed inside art galleries, there’s nothing stopping them from exploring the galleries on the street, including the many works in Shoreditch in the East End of London.

We visited Shoreditch in London and discovered it’s one of the most dog-friendly areas of the capital. And as well as the impressive collection of street art to discover, perfect for a long walk with your dog, there’s also plenty of bars and restaurants to hit up, plus markets on the weekends to trawl.

This map is getting a little old, but is still a good starting point for your explorations. Alternatively, join one of the regular walking tours, who would probably be happy to have your dog join the group. And don’t forget to include your dog in some street art photos for Instagram!

#21 Or the Murals in Bristol

Another city famous for its street art is Bristol, home to the mysterious Banksy. The city has held many street festivals of the year, including regular editions of Upfest, Europe’s largest street art and graffiti festival, that has gifted the city with many murals.

Going on a street art walking tour is a must when visiting Bristol, and the perfect activity for exploring the city with your pup by your side. I followed the walking tour set out in my Lonely Planet guidebook, but there are plenty of self-guided walks when you search online. Or join one of the tours run by Bristol Street Art Tours.

Naturally, one of the highlights of a street art tour in Bristol are the multiple Banksy works that can still be found on the city’s walls. Three of his most popular works, Well Hung Lover, The Mild Mild West and The Girl With Pearl Earring (or Pierced Eardrum), are conveniently pinned on Google Maps and accessible with a dog by your side.

#22 Visit the Durdle Door

If you’re visiting the Dorset coastline, make sure you head to the Durdle Door. Not far from Weymouth, the “Door” is an impressive limestone archway that you may recognise from multiple films. Dogs are allowed at the Durdle Door, including the adjacent beaches, although keep your dog on a leash near the cliff edges.

To access the Durdle Door, there’s a paid car park on the cliff tops, next to the Durdle Door Holiday Park. It’s then a five minute walk down to the arch viewpoint, or continue down to the beaches either side. It’s also possible to walk to Durdle Door from Lulworth Cove, another nearby scenic spot.

The coastline around the Durdle Door is known as the Jurassic Coast, due to the rock formations and fossils exposed along the coast, many dating to the Jurassic period. It’s the only natural site in England listed on the World Heritage list. Consider staying at these dog friendly cottages in Lyme Regis, a great place from which to explore the coast.

#23 Walk Along the White Cliffs of Dover

Another scenic stretch of English coastline are the famous White Cliffs of Dover. They’re a striking sight if you’re taking the ferry to or from Dover with your pup. But the cliffs are also wonderful to enjoy from up on top.

Head to the National Trust visitor centre up on the clifftop above the port, where there is a large paid carpark. It’s also the starting point for miles of walking paths. The National Trust has put together some guidelines for walking dogs.

Dogs are allowed off a leash except for during the nesting bird season from March to July, plus around the ponies. It’s also a good idea to keep your dog on a leash when close to cliff edges. Afterwards head to the tea rooms, with dogs allowed at the outdoor tables and water bowls provided.

#24 Explore Mining Ruins in Cornwall

While Cornwall is popular these days with summer holiday makers, in the centuries past it was home to a flourishing tin and copper mining industry, of which most mines have long since closed down. One of the most interesting old mines to explore is Botallack Mine.

The ruins of the mine are scattered along the hillside steeply sloping down to the treacherous rocks and wild sea below. Paths cross the slope, with dogs welcome to join you in your explorations. The most impressive remain are the engine houses, on the edge of a cliff.

#25 Hike Around Land’s End

Botallack Mine is not far not far from Land’s End, the westernmost tip of Great Britain. While the site is quite a tourist trap, with expensive attractions such as 4D movies and hefty fee for an official photo with the sign, it’s actually a great spot for a walk with your dog.

The adjacent West Penwith Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is home to a number of walks. One popular option heads along the northern coastline to Sennen Cove, three miles away. To avoid the expensive parking at Land’s End, instead park and start your walk in Sennen Cove. Just keep your dog on a leash, particularly around the cliffs.

#26 Head West to the Isles of Scilly

While Land’s End is the westernmost point of the Great Britain mainland, the Isles of Scilly are an archipelago of five inhabited islands located even further west. While I haven’t yet had the chance to visit the Isles, it’s just as easy to visit with your dog.

There are two ways of reaching the Isles of Scilly. The Scillonian passenger ferry departs from Penzance Harbour to St Mary’s and takes 2hr 45 minutes, while the quicker option is to fly on the fixed wing Skybus aircraft, which only takes 20 minutes from Land’s End. And both options are dog-friendly! An additional fee for dogs applies for both, with early bookings recommended.

While dogs are restricted from some beaches on the Isles of Scilly over the summer months, dogs are welcome on multiple beaches around St Mary’s year-round, including Town Beach.

#27 Admire Canterbury Cathedral

When I first visited England with my dog, I visited Canterbury Cathedral in southeastern England. Home to the archbishop of Canterbury, the most senior cleric of the Church of England, the cathedral is also on the UNESCO World Heritage list due to its historic importance.

However, I wasn’t able to take my dog inside during my visit – he had to stay behind. But an increasing number of cathedrals in England are welcoming dogs, including Canterbury Cathedral. After a successful trial in 2023, pet dogs are now allowed to join you on a visit to Canterbury Cathedral any day.

Pet dogs are allowed both on the grounds and inside the buildings, as long as they are kept on a short leash and you clean up after them. While an entry fee is charged for adults visiting inside the cathedral, there is no fee for dogs accompanying you. Note that pet dogs are not allowed to accompany you on guided tours or mini talks, or attend services.

#28 Wave to the Royals at Windsor Castle

Another important historic site in England is Windsor Castle. The oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, the original castle on the site dates back to the 11th century and it’s still one of the official residences of the British monarchy.

While pet dogs are not allowed to join you on visits inside the castle walls, you can still view plenty of the exterior of the castle with your dog by your side, including its towering walls and turrets. A great spot for a selfie with your pup is the King Henry VIII Gateway on Castle Hill, or head to the Long Walk and the State Entrance for a glimpse.

If you visit on a Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday, you can also view the Changing of the Guard. While the actual changeover takes place inside the castle and requires an entry ticket to see, you can still see the guards marching to the castle. The ceremony starts at 11am – check the Household Division website in advance to confirm when it is being held.

Check out my complete guide to dog-friendly Windsor

#29 Visit Beautiful Lyme Park

The beautiful Lyme Park is a National Trust property in the Peak District, made famous when it was a setting for the 1995 BBC adaption of Pride and Prejudice. While dogs are not allowed inside the large mansion, they are welcome in the surrounding formal gardens and parklands.

A variety of gardens have been planted around the home. Follow the Lakeside Walk for beautiful views of the house across the lake, along with meadows of jonquils in spring. You can they continue along the Rhododendron Walk or head to the Rose Garden and the Orangery. The Italian Garden is also a highlight with its symmetrical layout.

To see the gardens at their best, it’s best to visit during the summer months. Dogs need to be kept on a leash in the formal gardens, but there are some parts of the estate where dogs are allowed off-leash, including a huge expanse of moorland.

#30 Explore a Landscape Garden at Prior Park

Another beautiful dog-friendly park to visit England is Prior Park Landscape Garden. This garden is located on the outskirts of Bath and also run by the National Trust.

The landscape garden was constructed in the mid-18th century by local entrepreneur Ralph Allen, with influence from Alexander Pope and possibly help from Capability Brown. The natural-style garden sweeps down the slope to a gorgeous Palladian Bridge. During spring the hillside and glades are covered with wild garlic.

The gardens are open daily most of the year, but only on weekends over the winter months. Dogs need to be kept on a short leash throughout the gardens, with water bowls provided near the kiosk. With limited parking at the gardens, many visitors walk to the gardens from the centre of Bath.

#31 Walk Along Hadrian’s Wall

Just a couple of hours drive north of York, close to the present-day Scottish border, are the remains of Hadrian’s Wall. Built by the Romans to help fortify their hold over England 2000 years ago, it’s an interesting area to visit in England with your dog.

There’s a long-distance walking track that largely falls the ruins of the wall, stretching from coast to coast. But there’s also the chance to walk along individual sections of the path and visit specific sites.

One of my favourite places to visit was Housesteads Roman Fort, the most complete Roman Fort in Britain plus a location offering splendid views of the surrounding countryside and the wall. An entry fee is charged, with dogs on a short lead welcome. Alternatively, check out this guide to hiking along the section of nearby wall.

#32 Hike the Seven Sisters

There’s no need to leave London far behind for plenty of plenty of dog-friendly walks amongst wild countryside. Just a 75 mile drive south of London is the Seven Sisters Country Park. Part of the South Downs National Park, here the sea cliffs of the Seven Sisters meet the English Channel.

A great full day hike starting from the park is this 7-8 mile (11-13km) section of the South Downs Way. The trail heads east from the Seven Sisters Visitors Centre to the western edge of Eastbourne, from where you easily return to your starting point by bus.

Along the way you’ll pass not just the Seven Sisters Cliffs, but also Beachy Head and its Lighthouse, plus Burling Gap and its stairs to the beach below. Close to the Seven Sisters Visitors Centre, you can also detour to the wonderful Cuckmere Haven Beach, with dogs allowed off-leash on the beach year round.

#33 Cross Clifton Suspension Bridge

For a different type of scenic walk with your dog, head to Bristol in southwestern England, home to the Clifton Suspension Bridge. The bridge is one of two main attractions in the city designed by Brunel, one of the engineering giants of the 19th-century. While the SS Great Britain is off limits to pet dogs, instead head to the Clifton Suspension Bridge.

It’s easiest to access the bridge from Clifton Village. There are footpaths on both sides of the bridge, although one was closed at the time of my visit. If possible, I recommend crossing on one side and returning on the other if possible. That way you can enjoy the view in both directions.

Dogs are welcome to join you on walking across the bridge – just make sure you keep them leashed, although the walkway is quite secure. While there is a toll for vehicles crossing the bridge, it’s free for pedestrians and cyclists. Note though dogs are not allowed in the excellent free information centre on the southern end of the bridge.

Check out my dog-friendly Bristol guide

#34 Stay on a Country Farm

One of my favourite memories of visiting England with my dog was staying multiple times on farms, whether in a room of the main farmhouse or in a modern shepherd’s hut. There’s nothing more quintessentially English than the green rolling landscape of English farms, criss-crossed with thick hedges or historic stone walls.

And many farms welcome visitors for the night, including with well-behaved dogs. Just make sure you follow the rules around livestock, especially if your dog decides it wants to help herd the stock!

#35 Explore Birmingham’s Canals

While Birmingham is an often overlooked destination in England, it still has some charming parts of the city to explore, in particular the Canal District. Situated on the western edge of the city centre, the historic canals and locks are a great spot for a walk with your dog.

The Canal River Trust has put together these instructions for a 1 mile (1.6km) walk, starting at Livery Street and ending at the Mailbox. I walked it in reverse and found the section between Old Turn Junction and the Mailbox, past Gas Street Basin, the most interesting, with many pubs and eateries lining the route, many dog-friendly.

One point of interest not listed and worth detouring for is the Black Sabbath Bridge, formerly Broad Street Bridge (near point 8 on the walk’s map). The bridge is home to a bench showing the members of the band that formed in Birmingham – a great spot for a selfie with your pup!

Check out my dog-friendly guide to Birmingham

#36 Browse the Shops in Afflecks

Rainy days are a dampener when travelling with a dog, with most indoor attractions such as museums off-limits to pets. However, when last visiting Manchester I uncovered a great dog-friendly spot that’s indoors.

Afflecks is an indoor marketplace that dates back to the early 1980s in the North Quarter district. Taking up a whole city block, it’s home to over 60 independent shops, mainly alternative clothing boutiques, record stores and retro homeware stores, as well as cafes.

Best of all, well-behaved dogs with responsible owners are welcome inside – they “woof” dogs! Before or after, explore the rest of the quarter, known for its street art, quirky bars and independent shops, many that are also likely dog-friendly.

Find out more things to do in Manchester with a dog

#37 Head Underground in a Cave

The nearby Peak District is dotted with multiple caves, many that are open to the public. One publicly accessible cave that also recently started to allow dogs to visit is Poole’s Cavern, a limestone cave with stalagmites and stalactites on the edge of Buxton.

Dogs are welcome on both self-guided and the 45-minute long guided tours, except for the once daily No Dog Tour and some special events. They’re also welcome in the visitor centre and in the cafe, plus in the surrounding woodland and the country park. Dogs need to be kept on a short lead inside the cavern and a small fee applies.

Another dog-friendly cave nearby is Treak Cliff Cavern, just outside of Castleton. Famous for its deposits of Blue John stone, explore the caves on a self-guided tour. Well-behaved dogs on a short lead are welcome to join you, both in the cavern and the visitors area.

#38 Spot the Deer in Richmond Park

There’s no need to leave behind London to enjoy wild expanses of parkland. One of the best spots to visit is Richmond Park in West London, a massive 2500 acres of parkland. One of the eight Royal Parks in London, it’s home to ancient trees and herds of deer.

Dogs are allowed throughout most of Richmond Park. The one exception is the Pembroke Lodge Gardens, home to the King Henry’s Mound vantage point. Don’t miss visiting Isabella Plantation, home to a colourful azalea display each year during late April and early May. If you’re looking for deer, it’s best to head to the Flying Field, the Sports Pitches or the areas around Duchess Wood.

Note that dogs need to be kept leashed during the deer birthing season from 1st May to 31st July, plus in Isabella Plantation, around the lakes and ponds and when around deer year-round.

#39 Picnic at Hampstead Heath

Another large expanse of parkland within London is Hampstead Heath in North London. With over 800 acres to explore, there’s plenty of room for dogs to run off leash or play with other pups – it’s very popular with dog owners!

Dogs are allowed off leash throughout nearly all the Heath, except for a few areas near Kenwood House where they are prohibited or required to be on-leash – refer to this map. One of the most popular spot for picnics is Parliament Hill Fields in the south of the park, although be careful of other off-leash dogs stealing food.

The fields are also close to Highgate No.1 Pond, a dog-friendly swimming spot. Dogs are allowed inside a fairly large fenced area of the pond. If it’s too busy or your dog too timid, there’s also a smaller fenced area of the pond a little further along.

#40 Enjoy a Cream Tea

There’s nothing more quintessentially English than enjoying a relaxed cream tea, and there’s no reason that your dog needs to miss out. There’s plenty of teahouses that allow dogs to join you at your table, whether inside or just in an outdoor courtyard.

One of our most delightful cream tea experiences with our dog was at the Badgers Teahouse in Alfriston, where the cream tea was beautifully served on fine china. The biggest question is do you put the cream on first or on top of the jam??

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