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Welcome to the WOOF! Guide
…your companion to the best places to stay, eat and explore that don’t just cater for dogs but welcome them with open arms (and belly rubs!).
Whether careening down sand dunes, chasing scents along forest paths or dashing after salty sticks on the beach before curling up beside a roaring pub fire, the very best doggy days out offer a chance to let off steam then slow your pace in equal measure. Which is why you will find plenty of recommendations for restriction-free beaches, outstanding national parks and enticing country estates to visit in this guide as well as more unusual activities such as paddleboarding, gondola rides and dog-friendly festivals.
Of course, just because you’ve brought your dog on holiday doesn’t mean you can’t take in a bit of culture. There are a surprising array of cultural and rainy day activities that welcome pets from climbing aboard an historic tram to exploring Europe’s largest sculpture park, and from pottering around a model village to taking your pet to a “silent” cinema with snug blankets.
At the end of a long day, you and your canine companion will need somewhere comfortable to stay. Whether you’re after an elegant city hotel, boutique country spa or cosy walkers’ retreat, there are a host of heavenly places that provide more than just water bowls with thoughtful extras such as welcome treats, plush dog beds and washing stations for muddy paws.
Rambling over hill and dale, chasing tennis balls and ragging seaweed on the beach doesn’t half work up an appetite. Fortunately, there are a wealth of dog-friendly places to eat ranging from traditional pubs and beach-side coffee shacks to farm shop cafés and street food markets – with some places even providing dedicated pet menus!
Treating yourself to some much deserved time away doesn’t have to mean leaving your pooch behind, and we hope the WOOF! Guide will inspire many dog-friendly trips and happy memories for humans and hounds alike!
Publisher, Kingfisher Media
Did you know that on average a pencil can be sharpened 17 times, draw a line 35 miles long and can write 45,000 words?
On the fellside above Seathwaite, in the Borrowdale Valley, shepherds accidently came across the purest form of Graphite every found. Over 400 years later, learn how this discovery was transformed into current day pencil manufacture.
Located in Keswick, visitors enter the Museum through a replica graphite mine that would have been the source of the pencil industry more than three centuries ago. A journey to discover graphite and pencil manufacture from its humble beginnings as a cottage industry to modern day production.
Discover our Secret WWII pencil with hidden maps; one of the largest coloured pencils in the world measuring almost 8 meters; The late Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Pencil and the King’s Coronation pencil; miniature pencil sculptures; and much more.
We manufacture millions of pencils every year and have over 1000 colour options.
Friendly staff are on hand to answer any questions you may have and advise you on product choices. There’s more to a pencil than you think!
Derwent Pencil Museum, Southy Works, Main Street, Keswick, CA12 5NG Tel 017687 73626 | www.derwentart.com| kes_museum@acco.com
Plan your next trip with our guide to the best dogfriendly attractions & experiences.
Soak up some art, history or even catch a film with these dog-friendly attractions.
From high street fashion to stylish new togs for your pet, let our dog-friendly guide lead the way.
From cosy pubs to farm shop cafés and street food markets, there’s no need to leave the dog at home while you tuck into delicious local food.
trip away.
Whether an elegant city hotel, boutique country spa or cosy walkers’ retreat – these inviting places to stay will welcome your four-legged friend.
Luxury without limits at the Roseate Hotels
The idea of luxury travel has evolved. No longer just a human indulgence, the finest hotels are extending their warm welcomes to four-legged guests, ensuring that every family member experiences exceptional hospitality. Among the most distinguished names redefining pet-friendly stays is The Roseate Hotels & Resorts, a collection of elegant properties where tailored experiences, exquisite surroundings, and impeccable service meet a genuine appreciation for pets.
Roseate House London’s finest stay, just steps from Hyde Park.
Hyde Park has long been an oasis in the heart of London, a haven for both city dwellers and their dogs, offering tranquil morning strolls and leisurely afternoons. Just a stone’s throw away, Roseate House London provides a refined townhouse retreat where pets are treated as cherished guests.
Dogs arriving at the hotel are welcomed with a plush pet bed, healthy refreshments, and a collection of expertly crafted toys to keep them entertained in their home away from home. The highlight? A three-course gourmet menu for dogs, making dining a truly shared experience.
For guests looking to explore the city without their canine companion, Roseate House London offers a VIP pet daycare service, ensuring that London’s vibrant shopping, theatre, and dining scene can be enjoyed with ease.
The Roseate Edinburgh
A Scottish sanctuary with pet-friendly gardens.
For those drawn to the charm of Scotland’s capital, The Roseate Edinburgh offers a retreat of quiet sophistication. Housed in a magnificent Victorian mansion in the West End, the hotel embraces its historic grandeur while seamlessly catering to guests travelling with pets.
The experience begins with a specially curated ‘woof box,’ filled with treats and a toy, before heading into one of the well-appointed bedrooms, already set up with a plush pet bed. Your four-legged friend can enjoy the outdoor Roseate Garden while you relax with your favourite drink.
In the morning, indulge in a hearty breakfast in bed or bask in the sunlight of the glass-roofed conservatory before venturing out to the picturesque Dean Village, just moments away from the hotel. Edinburgh offers plenty of scenic walks with breathtaking city views, including Princes Street Gardens, The Meadows, and Inverleith Park.
The Roseate Villa Bath
A tranquil escape to Bath with spacious greenery & scenic walks. Set within the timeless Georgian streets of Bath, The Roseate Villa Bath is a sanctuary of tranquillity where dogs and their owners can unwind in an effortlessly elegant setting. Just across the road, Henrietta Park offers a perfect morning stroll, while for those craving adventure, the Bath Skyline Walk provides some of the most breathtaking views in the Southwest of England.
Designed with pet comfort in mind, the hotel offers a specially prepared ‘woof box’ on arrival, featuring treats from the famous Lily’s Kitchen and some toys for games in the park. For guests eager to explore, the Kennet & Avon Canal offers a peaceful waterside walk, leading all the way to Bathampton and Bradford on Avon. Even sightseeing isn’t off-limits: the city’s tour buses welcome dogs, ensuring that no member of the family is left behind.
Plan your next trip with our guide to the best dog-friendly attractions & experiences
Great days out
Careening down sand dunes, chasing scents along a forest path or dashing after salty driftwood sticks on the beach before curling up beside a roaring pub fire: surely the very best days out with your dog offer a chance to let off steam then slow your pace in equal measure. After all, it’s days like these that encapsulate what makes sharing your life with a dog so worthwhile.
While beaches, parks and the sweeping grounds of country estates are sure bets, trying new things with your pet such as messing around on boats, taking a dip in a lido or clambering aboard heritage vehicles at a dog-friendly museum can help you to make memories while strengthening your bond
With surf to cavort in and sand to dig, no one loves a beach more than a dog
through new experiences.
With surf to cavort in, soft sand to dig and space for even the most riotous zoomies, no one loves a beach more than a dog. While many beaches welcome dogs during the off season, some are a haven for dogs all year round with all the facilities you need for a hassle-free day out.
At low tide, Saunton Sands in Devon is truly enormous, reaching for four miles to Crow Point on the Taw Estuary. With soft sand, shallow waters to splash in and the expansive Braunton Burrows dunes behind, it’s understandably popular. A zoning system asks you to keep dogs on lead for a short while before setting them loose, while owners of
Saunton Sands in Devon is enormous, reaching for four miles to Crow Point on the Taw Estuary
nervous or reactive dogs might like to follow a marked trail from the car park through the dunes to access a quieter stretch.
Across the Bristol Channel, the glorious Gower Peninsular has 46 miles of coastline to explore. The Times votes Rhossili Bay “the UK’s number one dog-friendly beach”, thanks to its three miles of restriction-free golden sand. Low tide gives brief access to Worm’s Head, a sea serpent shaped tidal island named after the Norse word ‘wurm’ meaning ‘dragon’ with a blowhole that booms and hisses during stormy weather. Fuel up at The View, a laid-back cliff top cafe with a dogs’ menu featuring locally-made natural treats and free pawpachinos.
With a picturesque freshwater stream snaking across the sand, nearby Three Cliffs Bay is one of Wales’ most-photographed beaches. There’s a dune path for dogs to tear along and a shop selling dog-friendly ice cream. Meanwhile on the Gower’s northern western shore, Whiteford Sands feels far more remote: a dune and pine plantation that emerges onto a wide estuary beach with views of Britain’s last remaining cast-iron lighthouse.
Talking wild and remote, the east coast of England boasts some of our most beautiful and untamed beaches. In Suffolk, Covehithe offers a stark reminder of the power of the sea.
Since the 1880s, the North Sea has bitten off some 530 metres of land here, and remnants of this once prosperous small town protrude from the cliffs in folded pipes and bathroom tiles. It’s a wild and elemental place, where dogs can bolt across the empty sands, leap over skeletal tree trunks and catch scents of the rabbits that burrow the sandstone cliffs. Further north, Holkham is simply magical with sands that stretch for miles, a chance to take in Norfolk’s famous big skies. The tide pulls back to reveals an expanse of hard sand that’s great for dogs with hip or leg problems. Lucky pups staying at The Victoria, a 4-star hotel moments from the beach, receive a complimentary bag of “game bones” from the Holkham Estate, towels for their sandy paws, a cosy bed and plenty of fuss, while owners can dine in the dog-friendly restaurant.
Doggy dips
Although dogs can’t join you for a swim all year round, many open air lidos offer (prebooked) doggy dips on the last day of the season. Some even allow owners to get in with their pets, too! An iconic Cornish landmark jutting into the harbour at Penzance, Cornwall, Jubilee Pool hosts an annual “Dog Day” in November. Filled with saltwater on a high tide, it’s unheated but at least you l
Rhossili Bay on the Gower Peninsular
won’t have to worry about chlorine on sensitive dogs’ skin, and there are plenty of steps and ramps for easy access. The event also features a dog show with categories for “Waggiest Tail”, “Best Trick” and “Dog The Judge Would Most Like To Take Home”, and last year’s fancy dress competition winner was a mer-dog with a rainbow tail.
Each October, Grade II-listed Sandford Parks Lido in Cheltenham hosts an annual dog swim in the heated 50-metre pool. While, art deco Saltdean Lido, near Brighton, organises “Dogtember” where furry friends can run, jump, slide, swim and splash to their heart’s content within the secure site on consecutive weekends throughout September, with doggy ice cream and a drying service.
Messing about in boats
“Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats”. While not every canine feels comfortable on the water, there are many who would invariably agree with Ratty on his declaration from Wind in the Willows. Whether its puttering along the unhurried backwaters of the Norfolk Broads, embarking on an adventurous canoe trip or hopping aboard a leisurely Lake District steamer, boat trips can
A Cocker Spaniel Dog in Richmond contemplates the dog-friendly SUP lessons available on the Thames
be an excellent way to spend time with your four-legged friend.
A half-day canoe trip with Wye Valley Canoes is an invigorating experience. Travelling from Glasbury to Hay-on-Wye lets you discover this glorious stretch of the River Wye, navigating its twists and turns before taking time to amble around this renowned book town.
Seeking calmer waters? In Bradfordon-Avon, Wiltshire, The Lock Inn cafe hires Canadian canoes for a paddle on the serene Kennet & Avon Canal. A two-hour trip brings you to Avoncliff where you can cross a Grade II-listed aqueduct passing 18 metres above the River Avon. The Lock Inn overlooks a lock, so you can engage in a spot of “gongoozling” (the canalside equivalent of train-spotting) while your pup tucks into the cafe’s free dog biscuits afterwards.
For a truly unique experience, bring your dog aboard a Salt Marsh Sail from Wells-NextThe-Sea, Norfolk, with Coastal Exploration Company. Ensconced aboard an engineless mussel flat, the tide carries you deep into the otherworldly salt marsh where you can pause for an hour or so – foraging for samphire and cockles, and tucking into one of Norfolk’s best locally-sourced lunches – before letting the outgoing tide pull you back to the quay.
Love to SUP? Paddleboarding with your dog is a great way to explore urban backwaters. In Richmond, London, Back of Beyond offers dog-friendly SUP lessons on the River Thames, paddling around Eel Pie Island and calling in at dog-friendly pub. While in Liverpool Docks, doggies go free on a private SUP with your PUP session with Liverpool SUP Co. They also offer tailored sessions to help you build your confidence.
For something more leisurely, hop aboard one of the traditional Lake District paddle steamers that have been travelling over Ullswater for 160 years, giving glimpses of islets and tranquil bays that are inaccessible on foot. The Ullswater Way, a 22-mile roundthe-lake footpath, links all four steamer piers, allowing you to hop off and walk back to where you started – a fantastic doggy day out.
Heritage train rides
Heritage rail enthusiasts will be pleased to hear that many attractions allow dogs to ride the rails. Built in 1873 to transport iron ore down to the mainline, the sevenmile Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway is a beautifully preserved narrow gauge railway snaking from the Lake District’s only coastal town through fern-draped fells and forests towards the flanks of England’s highest mountain, before pulling into Dalegarth. Opportunities for walkies from one of its seven halts abound.
In Eryri (formerly Snowdonia), the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway pulls you into the heart of the national park, passing ancient oak woodlands and waterfalls. The many climbs and bends in the 13-mile journey from the coastal town of Porthmadog to the old slate quarries of Blaenau Ffestiniog, give ample opportunity to look back at the smart maroon carriages.
Meanwhile, the Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat lets you explore the glorious South Devon coastline by train, bus and paddle steamer, with plenty of time to potter around an independent high street, historic naval town and 600-year-old fortresses along the way.
For an even more exhilarating ride, there are cable cars, gondolas and cliff railways that can transport you – and your dog – to lofty peaks that would take hours of hiking to reach. In Matlock Bath in the Peak District, it’s hard to miss the Heights of Abraham cable car as it soars across the Derwent Valley. Once at the summit, let your pooch lead the way through the 60-acre estate, following the 30-minute Waggy Tails Trail over Masson Hill before settling into the Terrace Cafe.
Built on the north face of Aonach Mòr, Britain’s eighth highest mountain, the Nevis Range Mountain Gondola is one of its kind. Designed to transport skiers to the slopes, it’s also a scenic short cut for hill walkers, paragliders and mountain bikers. Dogs ride for free, and there are two viewpoint trails at the top. Dogs are also warmly welcomed at the Pinemarten Café and Snowgoose Restaurant.
Finally, on the Exmoor coast, the waterpowered Lynton and Lynmouth Railway lifts you from lovely Lynmouth to its clifftop twin Lynton. Dogs may be offered a treat at the ticket kiosk or you can spoil them with a special Cliff Railway stamped doggie biscuit at the Cliff Top cafe, before setting out to explore the Valley of Rocks. Just make sure you keep them on a lead so they don’t chase the wild goats at the top!
With curious follies to snuffle around, ancient woodlands and acres of parkland, Britain’s stately homes are fantastic places to visit with a four-legged friend. The l
L Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, Cumbria
I The Heights of Abraham cable car, the Peak District
National Trust welcomes dogs at 87% of its properties and has a handy pawprint rating system to choose the best places to visit.
With its 1,800 acres of parkland, snowdrop swathed trails and centuriesold trees, Ickworth Estate in Suffolk is an pleasure ground for dogs. The woodlands are particularly wonderful with trees dating back to the 1600s, den-building areas for families. The Porter’s Lodge cafe has everything your dog could ask for with cosy beds and blankets, free snacks and dog-friendly muffins. Plus, once a month Ellie from Smart Nose Dog Training hosts free training classes and dog parkour, a low impact experience that helps your dog learn to go over, under and around obstacles. For those visiting with less agile pets, you can hire dog trailers at the cycle hire hub. Nearby luxury hotel The Ickworth rolls out the red carpet for dogs with their ‘A La Bark Menu’ and a tempting Waggy-Tails Afternoon Tea.
A 17th-century red-brick mansion set within 90 acres of colourful formal gardens, sweeping parkland and a serpentine lake, Tredegar House, on the edge of Newport, is a sight to behold. Dogs have long been part of the Morgan family – look out for First Viscount Tredegar’s beloved Skye terrier ‘Peeps’ captured in canvas on the walls. While dogs aren’t allowed inside, well behaved pups can stroll along the seven oak avenues that splay out from the house like the spokes of a wheel, potter about the dog-friendly secondhand bookshop and run free in a 20acre off-lead area.
Love looking around inside? Eastnor Castle, Herefordshire, is one of Britain’s few historic estates that allows dogs in the house as well as the grounds. Once you’ve marvelled at the richly decorated interior with it medieval armour, fine art and tapestries,
The National Trust welcomes dogs at 87% of its properties & has a pawprint rating system to choose the best
you can explore the glorious lakeside trail, an arboretum with exotic trees sown at the height of the Victorian plant collecting craze and the Knight’s Maze, a yew maze that’s so challenging you’re encouraged to take an escape map with you.
If you rather like the idea of losing yourself, Hawkstone Park Follies transports you to a fairytale world of grottos, caves, crags and follies nestled within 100 acres of parkland in Shropshire’s red sandstone hills, a conjuring of the 18th-century ideal of a ‘sublime landscape’. Climb Grotto Hill, a former copper mine, with its tangle of passages and chambers; cross the Swiss Bridge, designed to form part of a rustic scene from Switzerland; and let your dog follow animal scents through rambling rhododendron jungles.
A spot of culture
On a rainy day, finding pet-friendly indoor attractions can prove tricky. Fortunately, a handful of compelling museums welcome our cultured four-legged friends – and some even let them interact with the exhibits! Dogs can join you in clambering aboard vintage buses and an old fire engine at the wonderfully interactive Dundee Museum of Transport. While at Ryedale Folk Museum, North Yorkshire, they can sniff around 20 recreated buildings including a thatched manor house, 1950s post office and a traditional cobblers. While few mining attractions allow dogs underground, at the Derwent Pencil Museum, Keswick, you can get a brief taste of it when you enter the museum via a replica graphite mine. This quirky museum charts the history of pencils from its humble beginnings of a cottage industry to modern day production. Along the way, discover curious artefacts such as secret WW2 pencils with hidden maps, an eight-metre colouring pencil and tiny miniature pencil sculptures. ■
Dogs are welcome on the railway lift that connects Lynton and Lynmouth in Devon
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Discover our dog-friendly destinations, perfect for making memories with your four-legged friends. From tranquil waterside retreats to countryside escapes, your next getaway starts here.
Tattenhall Marina, Cheshire
Long Ashes Park, Yorkshire
Roydon Marina Village, Essex
PUP CULTURE
Soak up some art, history or even catch a film with these dog-friendly attractions
1
Visit a miniature world I
Even miniature breeds will appear mighty at Babbacombe Model Village, Torquay, where 13,000 model folk inhabit 400 tiny houses, factories and stately homes. New displays open all the time with recent additions including a West Country fishing village, a celebrity mansion and a pocket-sized Paignton Zoo. Dogs (on leads) are free to wander around the fouracre site.
2
Take in some art
Art galleries rarely welcome dogs, which is a shame for culture seeking canines. One notable exception is Newlyn Art Gallery, near Penzance, which showcases 125 years of creativity on the Cornish coast. Well-behaved dogs are also allowed into the gallery café, Fika, where water bowls are provided, the gallery shop and the sunfilled garden.
3
Sculpture club
Sculpture parks combine ‘walkies’ with a chance to contemplate compelling works of art. Europe’s largest, Yorkshire Sculpture Park, welcomes dogs on lead almost everywhere within the 18th-century estate, with well-placed water bowls and doggy ice cream to break up a tour. Meanwhile, nestled in a sheltered valley with sweeping views over St Michael’s Mount, Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens is a sub-tropical paradise where sculptural plants rival the inspiring art.
4
Step back in time l
Mainly open air attractions, living history museums are great places to visit with a pet in tow. Dogs can join you on the lower decks of some 60 historic trams at Crich Tramway Village, Derbyshire. While at the Weald and Downland Museum, West Sussex, they can enter many of the 50 historic buildings from a plumber’s workshop to a Medieval shop as well as discovering a sculpture trail that winds its way through part of the 40-acre woodland site.
5
Visit a county show I County shows are exhilarating places to visit and many host dog shows alongside a wonderful array of stalls selling natural treats, hand-crafted coats and trinkets. An annual event in Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Hampshire, the South Downs Show lets you enter your four-legged friend into a fun range of categories from “Cutest Puppy” to “Most Like the Owner” and “Waggiest Tail”. A dedicated dog zone provides grooming demos, dog first aid demos and nutrition advice.
6
Take a trip to the flicks
You might be surprised to learn that they are many dogfriendly cinemas across the UK. One of our favourites has to be the Rooftop Film Club at Bussey Building, perched high above the bustling Peckham streets, in south
County shows are exhilarating places to visit and many host dog shows alongside a wonderful array of stalls
7
Walk the line
east London. Dogs don’t need a ticket to join you, and will be provided with blankets and bowls of water. Like a silent disco, cinema goers wear headphones to watch the film so our four-legged friends won’t be bothered by loud noises.
East London’s public art trail, following the line of the Greenwich Meridian between Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and The O2, makes for an usual dog walk. The whole route takes around five hours so pack a water bowl and treats. An interactive map shows the art and landmarks, which include a 115m high coiling structure (the UK’s tallest sculpture) and a giant double helix made entirely of shopping trolleys.
8
Go to a festival
Kicking back at a festival is the highlight of many peoples’ summers, but why should our pets miss out of the all the fun? Fortunately, the UK has a flourishing dog festival scene. The “Glastonbury of the dog world”, Dogfest takes place in seven stately homes across the UK. Activities include hay bale racing, dog diving, agility courses and a splash zone, together with breed meet ups, celebrity guests and talks from experts in grooming, nutrition and behaviour. ■
DISCOVER OUTLET SHOPPING IN THE HEART OF SOMERSET
Clarks Village in Street is located within the green heart of Somerset, offering premium brands with savings of up to 60% off RRP all year round in an unbeatable dog-friendly environment.
With a vibrant mix of shops including Barbour, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Rituals and many more you’re sure to find superb savings with every visit!
Shop and dine together and discover the
doggie menu at Bill’s Restaurant and many dog friendly eateries including Wagamama, Prezzo and Slim Chickens
As proud winners of the 2024 Dog Friendly Shopping Centre Award – with our very own Canine Executive Officer (CEO) - our stunning outdoor setting, landscaped gardens, wide paved walkways and dog friendly stores and team make Clarks Village the perfect day out for you and your dogs! We look forward to welcoming you soon
www.clarksvillage.co.uk
SHOPPING
From high street fashion to stylish new togs for your pet, let our dog-friendly shopping guide lead the way
One of the joys of exploring a new destination is dipping into local shops and, surprisingly, you don’t need to leave your dog behind to indulge in a little retail therapy. So whether you’re looking for a keepsake to remember your visit or wanting to kit your hound out in weather-ready gear to explore the local hills, let our guide lead the way.
Travelling with your dog doesn’t mean sticking to window shopping. There are a vast array of high street chains and department stores where you can shop with your four-legged friend. Landmark West End
Looking for a keepsake or want to kit out your hound? Let us lead the way
department store Liberty welcomes dogs of any size – although their policy also suggests you leave extra time to shop as their staff may stop to make a fuss of your pet.
All John Lewis stores welcome wellbehaved dogs, while you can carry small dogs into Selfridges. In fashion store Paul Smith, you can browse their capsule dog collar and leash collection with your pup, while wellbehaved dogs are also welcome in the Apple Store, Waterstones, Seasalt, Fat Face, White Stuff, Oliver Bonas, The White Company and Anthropologie – with some stores even
leaving out water bowls and treats. Of course, individual stores have their own policies, so it’s always worth calling ahead or checking with a member of staff.
Shopping centres
Want to make a day of it? Some entire shopping centres are dog friendly, too. Only 46 minutes by train from London Marylebone, designer outlet Bicester Village draws 7.3 million visitors each year with its 150 boutiques and the whisper of 60% off a designer handbag. The luxury outlet, which includes famous names such as Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, Prada, Gucci and Burberry, welcomes dogs in selected restaurants and boutiques and their Guest Concierge will be delighted to cater for your four-legged friend’s needs.
On the stunning Solent waterfront in Portsmouth, Gunwharf Quays has over 90 dog-friendly designer shops ranging from fashion, shoes and sportswear to homewares, lifestyle and beauty. Le Creuset even has a colourful stoneware bowl outside for our canine companions. With 60 parks and open spaces and miles of beautiful seafront, the Hampshire city makes a great day out.
At its peak, Battersea Power Station was supplying a fifth of London’s electricity. After decades of sitting derelict, it is now open to the public as one of London’s most exciting and innovative new destinations. Inside you’ll find 40 stores and 25 restaurants that welcome well-behaved dogs on leads from Abercrombie & Fitch and Ralph Lauren to Mulberry and Zara.
Trendy London boutiques
The UK’s pet capital with over 300,000 dogs (that’s around 9% of the country’s dog population), it’s not surprising London has a wealth of pet boutiques peddling everything from stylish togs for discerning pets to spa-worthy grooming services and expert nutritional advice.
In the heart of Belgravia, dog and cat outfitters Mungo & Maud create elegant design-led accessories. Their style is minimalist with an understated edge and a strong use of natural materials whether in their signature woven pinstripe cotton dog beds, hand-stitched leather collars or soft woollen blankets.
Set among the trendy boutiques of Seven Dials in Covent Garden, Bow Wow London is a true destination for dapper dogs. Expect a thoughtfully curated collection sourced from around the world with products ranging from sherpa fleece lined tweed coats and beautiful
Japanese harnesses by Toto and Pal to fisherman’s style oilskin raincoat with Breton stripe lining.
Every Sunday, a vibrant flower market springs up on Columbia Road in London’s East End as vendors peddle everything from bucketfuls of tulips to eight-foot banana trees. It’s a compelling feast for the senses, albeit one best appreciated early in the morning or after 2pm to escape the crowd. Among the grade II-listed terraced houses that line the street in every shade, small but perfectly formed Dog Walk Style is a playful concept store – just the place to find a printed puffer coat for your poodle or a corduroy baseball cap for your corgi.
Priding themselves on their nutritional expertise, The Hound Hut – a boutique pet shop and dog grooming salon in the Oval – is dedicated to ensuring their canine customers lead happy and healthy lives. Their staff are exceptionally knowledgable and more than happy to help you choose from an extensive range of wet and dry food. Use their in-store l
L Liberty of London welcomes dogs of any size j Bicester Village I Columbia Road Flower Market, London
scales to work out the best portion size for your dog’s weight.
Finally, family-owned Pet Pavilion has played a big part in the London dog scene since 1995 and now has nine branches across the city. Known for its premium products, these welcoming stores sell everything from luxurious dog beds to grooming products, their knowledgeable staff on hand to help with advice and recommendations.
Shopping in the South West
The South West has a wealth of dog shops. Amongst the gorgeous Georgian architecture and leafy garden squares of Bristol’s Clifton neighbourhood, Alfie and Bella is forging a real sense of community with local dog owners. Here you will find smart wax cotton coats and handsome Bert’s Bows tweed bandanas alongside cute eco dog toys and a pick ‘n’ mix chew table set for kings. Speak to their attentive staff for sound nutritional advice.
In the heart of Bradford on Avon, pet shop, cafe and grooming salon The Dog House is a truly joyful place to shop. Pop in to try on their handmade dog fleeces, which come in dashing stripes and wonderfully wild leopard prints, or to try a tennis ball inspired iced cookie from the in-house dog bakery. Keep
In Bristol Alfie & Bella are forging a real sense of community with local dog owners
an eye on their social channels for breed meet ups, such as “Sausage Dog Sunday”. With ancient woodlands, honey-hued towns and the 102-mile Cotswold Way, the Cotswolds is a dream destination for dogs and their owners. While it may look small from the outside, Tetbury Pet Shop is a veritable wonderland of thoughtfullychosen toys, collars, leads, beds, blankets and natural treats. Visiting dogs are greeted
Left: The Doghouse, Bradford on Avon.
Right: Alfie & Bella, Bristol
with a free puppychino upon arrival (made with healthy ingredients like salmon oil). In nearby Broadway, The Cotswold Dog Boutique sells a beautiful range of tweed dog collars in every shade, as well as oneoff knitted dog jumpers and natural treats ranging from buffalo ears to Himalayan yak milk chews.
Not far away, in the heart of Cheltenham, the wonderfully named Be More Bob is inspired by the owner’s Borderdoodle. Winner of Gloucestershire’s Independent Shop of the Year 2022, the store focuses on ethical and British-made toys, leads, collars and beds. It’s also the South West’s largest stockist of Ruffwear. Woofy and nervous dogs are just as welcome and you can even book a personal shopping Sunday lot if you need the store to yourself.
A trip to the north
From the Lake District’s rugged fells to the wild moorlands of the Peaks, the north of England has some superbly dog-friendly places to visit with no less that four national parks. If you’re looking to kit your pooch out with some weather-ready gear, look no further!
Barks & Co has five stores across the Peak District region, and their highly
knowledgeable team are on hand to assist with fitting harnesses and coats. Their twostory Bakewell store is packed to the rafters with everything from you need for the hills from waterproofs to pet first aid kits. Fresh snacks are dropped off daily by Wilson’s Dog Bakery.
As one of the UK’s most dog-friendly destinations, the Lake District is brimming with pet boutiques. Paws by the Lake in picturesque Ambleside specialises in outdoors gear for active dogs. While in Keswick, Podgy Paws has some seriously rugged wear for intrepid dogs from storm proof coats to pet carrying backpacks and protective dog goggles. Fancy a longer walk? Podgy Paws can also arrange dog buggy, stroller and back pack hire.
The north’s many vibrant cities have great dog-friendly shopping, too. In the 1960s, before it became filled with bohemian bars and indie record stores, Manchester’s Tib Street was lined with pet shops selling everything from goldfish to monkeys. Located at number 75, Dog Shop Mcr is proud to continue the tradition with its tempting range of sustainable and healthconscious accessories to keep the city’s dogs well fed and looking dapper. Expect trendy puffer jackets, teddy sweaters, and leads l
Left: Be More Bob, Cheltenham.
Right: Barks & Co, Bakewell
Below: Dofos, Edinburgh’s oldest pet shop
adorned in plaid, raver smilies and Pride rainbow stripes.
A wee trip to Scotland
With its leafy gardens, elegant Georgian terraces and charming mews houses, Stockbridge is one of Edinburgh’s most sought-after neighbourhoods. Only a few minutes from the bustling city centre, it maintains a distinctly village feel, peppered with butchers, bakeries, delis, fishmongers and other independent stores. It’s here you will also find two of the city’s best pet stores.
Edinburgh’s oldest pet store, family-run Dofos has been providing superior quality nutrition for dogs since 1953 and now has three stores in the city: on Leith Walk, South Gyle Crescent and Stockbridge. You can’t miss the Stockbridge store with its black painted stone walls and large mural of a beaming spaniel. Inside, the industrial design is smart yet playful with colourful collars displayed on copper pipes, a wall of natural treats and a neon sign above the counter boldly exclaiming “I licked it so its mine”.
A five-minute walk brings you to Just Dogs, a ‘wee’ shop packed with treats, accessories and toys known for its welcoming atmosphere and knowledgable staff, some of whom are qualified trainers. If you’re not sure how to find
it, simply follow the trail of local dogs dragging their owners in store for a treat and a fuss.
A few miles east of Edinburgh city centre, charming Portobello has a bustling high street packed with independent bookstores, boutiques and seafront cafes that spill out onto the pavement. At weekends, the city’s dogs descend here to sprint on the two-mile stretch of sand. Join them before visiting Harry’s Treats, a dog bakery serving muffins, cupcakes, cookies, tarts and shortbread with flavours ranging from peanut butter to haggis, neaps and tatties.
Tasty treats
Fancy some light refreshments on your shopping trip? There are dog-friendly cafes, and then there are ‘bonefide’ canine cafes –destinations that cater for pets as much as their owners. At Dewkes Doggy Café in Sketty, Swansea, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee draws you in through a boutique stacked with homemade treats, toys and gifts to a charming seating area at the back. Dewkes started out making natural, healthy grain-free meals and treats like chewy chicken jerky and crunchy pork scratchings, and you can still pick these up in store.
In Cromer, Norfolk, Doggie Diner has both a human and a hound menu, the latter featuring
Ostrich Croissants & Puppachinos are on the menu at Dewkes Doggy Café in Swansea
long way for their all-day breakfast rolls and renowned freakshakes, while dogs love eagerly lap up their ‘personalised pup cups’. Potter a few doors down to their doggie boutique.
Unsurprisingly, London has a wealth of furry-friendly cafes. Pawsitive Cafe in Notting Hill provides a calm and ambient environment where you can treat your dog to dishes like steak and veggies or “build your own” meals served in decadent gold raised dog bowls. Every element from the serene decor to the ball pit, ramps and places to curl up reflect the owner’s dream of creating a place where we can nurture our wellbeing while spending quality time with our pets.
Also in Notting Hill, Verve London is a flamboyant cafe bar, glamorous grooming parlour and pet boutique – specialising in stylish Italian leather and Swarovski crystal studded collars – all under one roof.
a fabulous range of Woofins, Pupcakes and Bonescuits alongside more traditional marrow bones and chews, washed down with Woof Dog Beer, Pawsecco or Champaws.
Inspired by the time short-haired dachshund Big Gav refused to wait outside while his owner went into a cosy cafe to order, The Long Dog Cafe, in the heart of Aberdeen’s West End, provides a friendly atmosphere for dogs and their humans. People travel a
Finally, opposite an entrance to Bushy Park in Hampton Hill, Paws for Coffee exudes a similarly warm and welcoming vibe with dog-friendly seating indoors or a heaterwarmed seats outside. Their dedicated dog menu includes dog sausages, stuffed calf’s hoof, chicken feet or a bag of sprats, all priced between 70p and £2. For humans, their pastries and Oreo chocolate brownies are to die for. ■
Below: Dewkes Doggy Café, Swansea
Ivy & Duke: luxury handmade dog beds, crafted in Manchester
At Ivy & Duke, we are a small, family-run business with a passion for creating luxury, handcrafted dog beds that provide the ultimate comfort and support. We believe every dog deserves a bed as comfortable as their owner’s, which is why we use highquality memory foam to cushion joints and promote restful sleep through all stages of life. Whether you have a playful pup or an older dog in need of extra care, our beds offer the perfect place to rest and recharge.
Proudly made in our Manchester factory, each Ivy & Duke bed is crafted with care and attention to detail. From laser-cut labels to hand-sewn covers, every stage of production happens in-house to ensure the highest quality. We offer a wide range of styles, from timeless luxury fabrics to practical waterproof covers – all fully removable and machine washable for easy cleaning.
For those looking for a bespoke solution, our Travel Mats, Muttress, and Pedigree beds can be made to measure, ensuring a perfect fit for unique spaces or the back of your car. We cater to dogs of all shapes and sizes, from tiny terriers to gentle giants like Great Danes.
We’ve also teamed up with our sister brand, [www. coolsoftsleep.co.uk]CoolSoft, to create The Ivy & Duke X CoolSoft Pet Cooling Mat—the ultimate way to keep your dog comfortable in warm weather. Unlike traditional blue pet cooling mats that rely on refrigeration and can leave condensation on your floor, our cooling mat uses Cool-
Soft’s unique cooling fabric, which instantly regulates your dog’s body temperature and wicks away moisture. It contains no gels or toxins, making it a safer alternative for your pet. Simply pop it in your dog’s bed or the car boot to help them cool down after a long walk or a hot summer’s day. Plus, it’s machine washable for easy care.
Beyond our luxury dog beds, we also offer personalised blankets, pillows and christmas stockings embroidered with your dog’s name for an extra-special touch. Perfect for creating a cosy corner at home, these personalised pieces make thoughtful gifts for any dog lover.
You can even treat yourself with one of our stylish, reusable tote bags—perfect for carrying your shopping or dog-walking essentials. Just like our dog beds, our totes are made to last, with a durable design and comfy straps for easy carrying.
Treat your dog to the bed they deserve. Visit our factory showroom at Unit 7, Castle Industrial Estate, Beresford Street, Manchester, M35 0HD, where you can bring your dog to try out our beds in person. To avoid clashes with other dogs, please email us in advance at hello@ivyandduke. co.uk or call 0161 660 5534.
Prefer to shop from home? Explore our full collection online at www.ivyandduke. co.uk, where you’ll find the same dedication to comfort, quality, and craftsmanship that defines our brand. At Ivy & Duke, we don’t just make dog beds—we create a place where your dog can truly feel at home. ■
E: hello@ivyandduke.co.uk
T: 0161 660 5534.
W: www.ivyandduke.co.uk
Use code WOOFGUIDE for 10% off your first order
FANCY A BITE?
From cosy pubs to farm shop cafés and street food markets, there’s no need to leave the dog at home while you tuck into delicious local food
Rambling for miles over hill and dale, chasing tennis balls, greeting every human or canine you come across… it doesn’t half work up an appetite. Time to track down somewhere for a bite to eat. While some eateries just accept dogs, others welcome them wholeheartedly with healthy treats, home-baked pupcakes and dedicated pet menus.
Traditional village pubs are always a good bet, but that’s only the tip of the dog-friendly iceberg.
From farm shop cafés to city-centre street food markets, there are plenty of opportunities to live your best foodie life without leaving the dog at home.
There’s nothing like retiring to a nice cosy pub for a bit of refreshment after a good walk, is there? Chances are, your furry friend agrees – and fortunately the countryside is chock-full of pooch-pleasing inns with water bowls by the door and treat jars on the bar. You never know, those
puppy-dog eyes might even score a tasty sausage or a swift half of flavoursome “dog beer”.
For the canine gourmand, the Three Greyhounds Inn in Knutsford, Cheshire, is a must-visit. Voted one of the UK’s top dog-friendly pubs by the Sunday Telegraph, this place takes its dog menu to the next level, with Belgian craft dog beers, dog fries and sausages galore. It’s also right next to Shakerley Mere Country Park, so both you and the hound can walk off your lunch with a
The Three Greyhounds in Knutsford was voted one of the UK’s top dog friedly pubs. Opposite: Rhossli Bay boasts a cliff top café called The View
lap or two around the lake.
Dogs and cows are often a recipe for disaster, but not at The Cow pub in Dalbury Lees. This dogfriendly boutique inn is set in a dinky little village mid-way between Derby and Ashbourne, and makes a great base for getting good and muddy in the Peak District. Despite their location in one of the most landlocked corners of England, they’re particularly hot on their seafood, and their catch-of-the-day is couriered overnight from the Cornish fishing fleet.
After a pooch-friendly mooch around the bookshops of Hay-onWye or a good yomp in the Black Mountains, you could stop in for a feed at the Felin Fach Griffin near Lllandovery in the Welsh Borders. Much of their hearty food is sourced from local estates and markets, and hill-tired hounds can settle down for a snooze in the bar or Tack Room. Come autumn, the kitchen closes for the first part of the week, and Tuesday night sees a guest food truck stop by the car park instead. You might find curry, pizza, burgers or just about anything else, but you’re welcome to take it inside and wash it down with a pint.
Country pubs get bonus points for being within striking distance of the big city – and The Potting Shed pub in Langley, Kent, makes a handy base for a day-trip out of London. In a rural setting just outside Maidstone, it’s got loads of great dog walks on the doorstep. You can explore fruit farms, woodland and cute country villages or even nearby Leeds Castle, then return for a good feed-up on local Kentish produce in the dog-friendly bar area.
Seaside eats
Did you know that in the UK you’re never more than 70 miles from the coast? There aren’t many things that get tails wagging like a great big stretch of open beach, so why not head for a day out at the seaside, complete with a bite to eat for you and the pup?
The glorious Gower Peninsular has acres of dog-friendly sand to explore, including Rhossili Bay –rated the UK’s number one dog-
friendly beach by The Times. After tearing around on wet winter days, dogs can gently steam in front of a roaring fire at laid-back cliff top cafe The View, which welcomes dogs inside and out. Its dog menu features treats from local natural treat makers as well as their own kitchen. They also sell locally made Marios dog ice cream, and offer free “pawpachinos” and water bowls.
At Rhossli Bay cliff top café The View dogs can gently steam in front of a roaring fire
For a spookier sort of seaside, head to East Anglia, which has the highest number of ghost towns in all of Britain. Dunwich, known as Suffolk’s Atlantis, is the most famous of these. Once a thriving port to rival London, the medieval town was completely swallowed up by storms and rising sea levels. At The Ship Inn in modern-day Dunwich, dogs can fill their bellies with free-range sausages and dog beer, while human companions tuck into maritimeinfluenced pub classics like softshell crab burgers or beer-battered fish and chips. After lunch, there are some lovely footpaths on nearby Dunwich Heath, and legend says you can still hear the tolling of longdrowned church bells.
From the Suffolk flatlands to the rugged Firth of Forth Coast, Drift in East Lothian is a cliff-top café with a cute little takeaway trailer and jaw-dropping views out to Bass Rock. Serving a bistro and cafe menu, the food is delicious, seasonal and 100% cooked to order. Dogs are welcome at the outdoor tables, and there are lead hooks to keep them l
safe. They’ve even got a private dog park that you can book online for training or off-lead play.
The only downside to the British seaside is that many beaches have seasonal dog bans, but this isn’t a problem on the Northumberland coast. Somehow its gorgeous, undeveloped beaches have remained mostly restriction-free. Set in the shadow of the ancient and imposing Bamburgh Castle, Bamburgh Beach features miles of soft sand for canine speed record attempts. When you’re done, you can retire for lunch at the Bamburgh Castle Inn in Seahouses. Serving fortifying roasts and pub grub – plus treats for good boys and girls – it’s got a dog-friendly dining area inside.
Street food
Street food markets work for everyone, whether they’ve got two legs or four. The more informal setting makes it less of an issue to take your furry friend along, and the huge range of different options means everyone in a group can get a bit of what they fancy (and the dog will no doubt get a bit of everything). And did we mention all those delicious smells?
Edinburgh Street Food is a unique independent street food hall in the heart of Edinburgh. Dogs are welcome inside and out, in a bustling space that hosts 11 traders, three bars and a variety of seating options. From Peruvian to Korean, there’s something to please every palate – including Rover’s. Recognising that dogs deserve a treat as much as their owners, they’ve teamed up with Dofos, Edinburgh’s oldest pet store, to offer a special doggie menu featuring venison sausages, chicken sausages and cheese bones.
Nowhere does street food markets quite like London, and many of them are dog-friendly. Mercato Metropolitano in Elephant & Castle is a good place to start, with more than 40 food vendors and a microbrewery all packed into an old paper mill. Just up the road near London Bridge tube are Vinegar Yard Market and Borough Market – one of the most
L Bamburgh Castle Inn I Edinburgh Street Food hall. l Borough Market, London
famous foodie experiences in the city. Elsewhere, there are mouthwatering food markets in just about every district of the big smoke, from funky community spaces like Pop Brixton and Greenwich Market to Bermondsey’s Maltby Street Market tucked away under the railway line.
In the north of England, Manchester is top dog on the street food scene. Among the most popular venues is hip hangout, Mackie Mayor, set in an old Victorian market near the Northern Quarter. You can get your fill of just about any cuisine on the planet, and there are always plenty of dogs looking appealingly up at their sticky-fingered owners. Head out towards Manchester Arena, and you’ll find GRUB, one of the city’s biggest dog-friendly street food spaces – with three bars and an everchanging line-up of food vendors from dumplings and tacos to pizza and Japanese okonomiyaki.
Thinking outside the box
Some of us are Labrador people, and some of us are Pomeranian people. When it comes to the ideal meal out, our tastes are as varied as our dogs – so here are a few more leftfield options.
When rain stops play, why not take your pup along to a board games cafe? There are dozens of these fun hangouts around the UK where you can indulge your love of nostalgia, strategy or fantasy world building – and many are dog friendly. Like Chance & Counters, which has five sites in Bristol (Gloucester Road and Christmas Steps), Birmingham, Cardiff and Leeds. Each venue has a library of over 500 board games, along with top-notch tipples and dog treats on the bar. Also dog-friendly are Thirsty Meeples, which has a library of 2,700 games in its Oxford branch, and warm and welcoming Sugar & Dice in Liverpool.
If you’re more about Chardonnay than Catan, how about taking your faithful friend on a ramble around a vineyard. At Tinwood Estate, near Chichester in Sussex, they’re seriously pro-pooch, and you might come across their own resident Labs loafing about the place. Unlike most
wineries, they allow on-lead dogs to tag along on tours of the estate, and they can also join you for delectable modern tapas and Sunday roasts in the Vineyard Kitchen.
Some are Labrador people, & some are Pomeranian. When it comes to meals out, our tastes are as varied as our dogs
Sometimes getting your chops around the tastiest treats means going straight to the source. One of the UK’s biggest farm shops is Rhug Estate Organic Farm, a 6,700 acre organic farm in the Dee Valley with over 3,000 handpicked local products on sale including dog treats and toys. Dog-friendly Café Rhug channels the farm-to-fork philosophy with hearty breakfasts, light bites and freshly baked pastries at the counter. There’s an on-lead farm walk to stretch your legs (pick up a map from the shop), and takeaway options including their On the Hoof takeaway for award-winning burgers and a DriveThru serving toasties, pastries and superlative coffee.
Lastly, don’t forget about that great British pastime, “a visit to the garden centre and lunch at the café”. Many garden centre cafés welcome dogs with open arms and tummy rubs, and some love to go the extra mile. At family-owned Torwood Garden Centre near Falkirk, you’ll find Rousay’s – a special pet café serving home-made “pupcakes” and a doggy afternoon tea that includes “peamutt butter” cake, sausages, pick ‘n’ mix treats and an afterdinner tennis ball. Owners need not feel left out – they’ll sort you out with a human version too. ■
Dog-friendly inspiration for your next short trip away
WEEKENDER
Bookshops and canoe trips in Hay-on-Wye
Famous for its annual literary festival, Hay-On-Wye is brilliantly bookish all year round. It’s stacked with bookshops and pretty much all of them welcome dogs and well-behaved owners. It’s also a wonderful base from which to explore the twists and turns of the River Wye in a canoe – and local hire outfit, Want to Canoe, are happy to allow dogs in their boats.
Heritage steamers on Ullswater
Set in the north-eastern part of the Lake District National Park, Ullswater is surrounded by towering fells and epic walking. The 20-mile Ullswater Way goes all around the edge of the lake, and you can combine various stretches of the route with a ride on the Ullswater Steamers. Operating five heritage vessels, dogs ride for just £1 a go.
Big skies in North Norfolk
North Norfolk is a dog-lover’s dream. Most of its beaches are open to dogs year-round, and for more ambitious walkers, the 84mile Norfolk Coast Path follows
sand dunes and salt marshes from Hunstanton to Hopton-on-Sea. Head to the vast sands of Holkham Beach, where dogs are allowed to run free in most areas (a few bits have on-lead restrictions during nesting season). Canine guests at The Victoria will score a complimentary bag of meaty “Game Bones” from the Holkham Estate.
Fossil hunting and clifftop rambles on the Yorkshire coast
Head to the North Yorkshire coastline and the dog might not be the only one with her nose to the ground. The sandy beaches and rugged cliffs of this Jurassic coast are a rich hunting ground for fossils and semi-precious minerals like jet. Famous as the setting of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Whitby makes a great base – and the town even has its own Fuzzy Dog Bakery, conveniently located two doors down from an excellent human deli.
Retail
therapy in Manchester
A pawfect weekend away doesn’t have to be all about country cottages and muddy boots. If you’re more of a city break type, Manchester is full
Brighton is one of the most welcoming cities in the UK for waggy-tailed visitors – try Laughing Dog café in the Marina
of dog-friendly bars and cafes – and some, like Feel Good Club, even have dedicated dog menus. The city also does an excellent line in fancy shops for pampered pooches, including The Barkside MCR or Dog Shop in the Northern Quarter.
All aboard the Scillonian III Just off the tip of Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly boast an incredibly mild climate, glorious beaches and plenty
of walking trails. Getting there is an adventure in itself, and the famous Scillonian III ferry welcomes canine travellers on board. Stay at The Atlantic on St Mary’s – the largest of the five inhabited islands – and your furry friend will get a welcome pack that includes a bag of treats and a can of “Proper Dog” beer.
Beach strolls in Brighton L Brighton is one of the most welcoming cities in the UK for waggy-tailed visitors. The rolling hills of the South Downs National Park are just a short drive away, and the city itself is full of dog-friendly venues – including four-legged favourite, Laughing Dog café in the
heart of Brighton Marina. Dogs are allowed on all Brighton’s beaches from October to April, but there are some restrictions in high summer.
A city break in Edinburgh I Hilly and chock-full of green spaces, Edinburgh is walkies central. And there are beaches there too – including Portobello beach, just a short bus ride from the centre. While you’re in town, you’ll also want to pay your respects to the goodest boy that ever lived. Greyfriars Bobby famously spent 14 years guarding his owner’s grave, and there are several monuments to him around Greyfriars Kirkyard. ■
Whether an elegant city hotel, boutique country spa or cosy walkers’ retreat – these inviting places to stay will welcome your four-legged friend
A place to stay
Treating yourself to some much deserved time away doesn’t have to mean leaving your pet behind. Whether you fancy hitting the shops on a city break, settling into a cosy cottage right next to the beach or indulging at a boutique spa, there are plenty of wonderful places to stay that cater for dogs, with some even providing thoughtful extras such as welcome treats, plush dog beds and washing stations for muddy paws.
City breaks
You might wonder whether your furry friend will really enjoy a city break. But urban environments are full of new sights and smells for canine tourists – not to mention adoring
There are plenty of wonderful places to stay that cater for dogs
human fans and pawfect playmates for the more sociable hound. Plenty of bars and eateries allow dogs these days, and increasing numbers of hotels have started catering to a four-legged clientele.
At the pet-friendly Kimpton Clocktower Hotel in Manchester, dogs under 35kg stay free of charge, and they’ll deck your room out with thoughtful extras like bowls, mats and a plush dog bed. Your canine travelling companion is fine to join you in the Refuge bar and restaurant, and if you turn up on a Sunday they might even do you a doggy version of their lip-smacking Sunday roast. Moments from Oxford Road train station in the city centre, you can begin each day with a
The Roseate in Edinburgh really pulls out the stops when it comes to keeping your hound happy
waterside stroll along the Rochdale Canal.
Some hotels really pull out the stops to keep your hound happy, including The Roseate in Edinburgh’s leafy West End. Set across two gorgeous Victorian townhouses, the doggy package at this boutique hotel includes a bed, bowl and treats – and you can even get them room service with their very own pet menu.
A ten-minute walk from Haymarket Rail station, your dog can join you for a mooch around the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city centre, before relaxing with dinner and drinks in the hotel conservatory.
For the true VIP (Very Important Pooch) treatment, the ‘Ulti-Mutt Staycation’ package at The Treehouse Hotel in London, includes a Canine Concierge who will take care of all the necessities including a one-hour professional dog walk – ample time to pop to nearby Liberty – plus the comfort of Settle doggie beds and Beco treats. Rooftop bar, The Nest, has a dog-friendly vibe between 12pm5pm and is a riot of green foliage and natural materials with unparalleled 360-degree views of the city. Sunday brings ‘Drinks of the Woof’ with a special dog-friendly menu.
Walkers’ retreats
Hiking boots? Check. Gore-Tex jacket? Check. Muddy spaniel? Check. A walking trip is just
about as close to doggy heaven as holidays get. But what would be on your wish list for the perfect walking retreat? Walks from the door, dog-friendly pubs nearby, and a cosy place to return to at the end of a long day? Check, check, check…
Positioned at the end of a no-through road at the base of Helm Crag in the Easedale Valley, Lancrigg is a walkers’ dream. Here you can rise early and be straight out on the fells with walks from the doorstep to tumbling waterfalls, ancient woodland and a true Lakeland Tarn. Come evening, you can relax beside a log fire in the dog-friendly sitting room or order a hearty meal and pint of local craft ale from the slate topped Poet’s Bar overlooking the Grasmere fells. Dogs are welcome in eight of their 17 spacious ensuite rooms, and many have direct access to the garden for late night trips before bed. Make sure you fuel up for your hike by popping into the nearby village of Grasmere, described by Wordsworth as “the loveliest spot that man hath ever found”, to pick up a slab of Grasmere Gingerbread, a distinctive spicy-sweet cross between a biscuit and cake invented here in 1854. If you fancy switching your waterproofs for wedding attire, Lancrigg is also a top petfriendly wedding venue – and you just know Fido would love to be your ring-bearer. l
At pet-friendly
Kimpton Clocktower Hotel in Manchester, dogs under 35kg stay free of charge
With a two-mile sweep of sand and Atlantic surf literally outside the front window, Watergate Bay hotel offers everything from fine dining and beach yoga to surf lessons
Heading west across the Irish Sea, you’ll find the Mourne Mountains, Northern Ireland’s highest and most dramatic mountain range. The area inspired CS Lewis’s Narnia, and has become famous more recently as the location for Westeros in Game of Thrones. It’s also one of Ireland’s bestloved walking destinations – with ambitious mountain routes for experienced hikers, plus river valleys and a coast path for more casual strolls. Tucked beside the Shimna River in Newcastle town centre, The Hiker’s House offers a retreat to pause between explorations, to sip a morning coffee in the enclosed deck, toast marshmallows over the fire-pit or simply contemplate the quiet beauty of the mountains. Four-legged guests get Hiker’s House branded dog bowls, bedding and blankets, and guided hikes are available.
To relive the golden age of mountaineering, head to the iconic Pen-Y-Gwryd Hotel in Snowdonia, North Wales. Known informally as “the PYG”, this legendary climbing inn is so closely linked with Snowdon that the classic route up the mountain is literally named after the hotel. Inside, it’s deliciously unmodernised, with hobnailed boots hanging from the ceiling beams, gurgling plumbing and big roll-top baths where you can soak away the aches of the trail. The whole place
is straight out of a bygone era in the best possible way, and they still ring a gong for dinner in the traditional dining room. Dogs are allowed everywhere except the dining room, and you’ll almost always find a few hardy collies kicking back under the tables after a big day on the mountain.
Beaches on the doorstep
Sandy paws are happy paws. There’s nothing a dog loves quite so much as tearing around a beach, kicking up pebbles, ragging clumps of seaweed and charging out into the breakers. Save yourself vacuuming half a ton of sand out of the car by picking a dog-friendly cottage or hotel that’s right on the beach.
You could search all over the globe and still not find a setting quite like Watergate Bay in Cornwall. With a two-mile sweep of sand and Atlantic surf literally outside the front window, this seriously lovely hotel offers everything from fine dining and beach yoga to surf and SUP lessons. They’ll loan you a fancy Joules dog bed on request, and your pooch is welcome in two of the three eateries. If you fancy a slap-up meal at Zacry’s restaurant, the dogs will need to stay in your room, but they offer a monitoring service so you can keep tabs on your pet as you enjoy your crab ravioli.
You could search all over the globe and still not find a setting quite like Watergate Bay in Cornwall
Sometimes the teeniest accommodations can be the most thoughtful. Set in the picture-perfect seaside village of Robin Hood’s Bay on the North Yorkshire coast, Sunnyside Cottage offers each canine guest a Dogrobe for their stay, plus a treat jar, toy box, lead station, waterproof beds and feeding bowls. Famous for its history as a hotbed of smuggling, “Bay” – as the locals call it – is a throwback to the Victorian era, with steep, winding streets, cosy pubs and tiny shops. For walkers, the Cleveland Way longdistance trail runs through town, and it’s also the eastern terminus of Wainwright’s Coast to Coast path.
Winner of the Dog Friendly UK Self Catering awards for six years running, East Ruston Cottages in Norfolk offers a choice of
over 40 cottages dotted across the Norfolk coast and Broads where pets can feel truly welcome. Founder Sue Allen prides herself on a no restrictions policy: dogs stay for free, in unlimited numbers in some of their cottages, and with no banned breeds. They can even share your bed if you bring your own linen. All cottages have fully enclosed outside areas and are within walking distance or a short drive of 90 miles of accessible coastline. Special touches include snuggly throws, homemade dogs biscuits in the welcome packs, bowls, towels, dog beds, raised feeders, spare leads and a Mud Daddy for washing sandy paws – even steps so older dogs can reach the sofa.
Quirky places to stay
If your hotel tastes are a bit more eclectic, then there’s good news there too, because it seems like creativity and a love of dogs might just go hand-in-hand. There are loads of more unconventional accommodation options out there, and many of them will happily go the extra mile for a waggy tail.
How do you think your furry sidekick might feel about a night in a treehouse? Set in the Cotswolds, the Fish Hotel is a luxurious and charmingly quirky collection of treehouses and shepherd huts, plus more conventional hotel rooms if you prefer. It’s located on the l
East Ruston Cottages in Norfolk are a place where pets can feel truly welcome
Unwind in a Schenbothy at the Brucefield Estate, north west of Edinburgh
tranquil Farncombe Estate near Moretonin-Marsh, with direct access to 500 acres of prime dog-walking Cotswold countryside –and their dog-friendly package includes beds, bowls, towels and treats. The big selling point is their dedicated “pooch playground”, and there’s a “dunk your dog” station for cleaning the mud off when you’re done. Four-legged friends are also allowed to join you for dinner in the bar and lounge.
For achingly stylish Scandi-Scots relaxation in a snuffle-friendly woodland setting, you could unwind in a Schenbothy at the Brucefield Estate, north west of Edinburgh. These tiny wooden eco-lodges feature a mix of Scottish artisan furnishings and Nordic design, and each one has an outside deck and a firepit. They’ll give you dog beds, bowls, compostable poo bags and locally produced treats – plus a five-metre leash so you can sit outside without your best pal haring off after the local wildlife, which include rarities such as red squirrels and pine martens.
A touch of luxury
You might think that the more refined the hotel, the snootier they’ll be about nonhuman companions – but that couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, some places even offer extra pampering for the dog too.
Take Wildbrook Grange, on the outskirts of Bradford-on-Avon in Wiltshire. Set across the buildings of a Georgian model farm, dog-friendly bedrooms in this rustic-chic boutique hotel all have direct access to 11 acres of gardens. Your pet is welcome everywhere except the restaurant, and their “B&BS” (Bed and Breakfast Sausage) rate includes a dog bed, a warm sausage served each morning, and a welcome pack including tennis ball, treats and poo bags. If Rover is feeling particularly decadent, you could book a doggy afternoon tea with a “puppichino” or bowl of Posh Pooch dog wine (best enjoyed alongside their excellent human afternoon teas) – or they’ll help you celebrate their special day with a doggy birthday party. Pupcakes and party bags ahoy!
Just down the road, the Lygon Arms in Worcestershire is surrounded by paw-pleasing walking routes and lush gardens – with a dog-washing station to sluice off when you’re done. Alongside the hotel’s human fine-dining offerings (it has a partnership with celebrity chef James Martin), there’s also a dedicated dog menu, and they sell fancy dog merch including Ruff & Tumble dog robes and Le Chameau collars. For the real canine poseurs, you can even sign up for a doggy photoshoot with a local photographer. ■
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