15 dog-friendly summer activities to enjoy with your pooch
Looking for ideas on where to take your furry friends during the summer months? The UK is packed with local dog days out and outdoor activities that perfectly complement your summer holiday. So, if you’re stuck for inspiration, check out our top picks for dog-friendly summer activities ideal for the whole family.
1. Take a cruise on Lake Windermere
Location: Windermere, Lake District
A visit to the lakes is a must while holidaying in the Lake District. So what better way to see it all than hopping on a Windermere Lake cruise? Depart from Ambleside, Bowness or Lakeside for a voyage of beautiful scenery. Plus, dogs are welcome to enjoy the sights too (they might need a life jacket on the smaller cruises or boat trips, just in case!)
2. Ride the Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway
Location: Lynmouth, Devon
For a unique and spectacular view of the North Devon coastline, take a ride on the Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway. This award-winning water-powered railway takes you down to the charming beach and coastal spot of Lynmouth – also known as England’s Little Switzerland. The railway itself is dog-friendly for a small fee. Plus, there’s a selection of pet-friendly pubs and cafes to indulge in local delights.
3. Walk barefoot on Bamburgh Castle beach
Location: Bamburgh, Northumberland
Bamburgh Castle beach is a spacious dog-friendly beach perfect for fun summer strolls. Overlooking the sands sits Bamburgh Castle, once a Norman stronghold. It’s a great spot for exploring the history of the area while soaking up the views. Keen surfers will also love the consistent swells, and of course, it’s a great place for your dog to play and paddle at the water’s edge.
4. Enjoy a walk in Lodge Park and Sherborne Park Estate
Location: Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
This National Trust estate is the perfect spot to tire out your four-legged friends. The location has miles of walking routes, including popular tracks such as the Family Fun Walk and Short Woodland Stroll. There’s also an abundance of wildlife to admire so remember to keep your pup on a lead. Some National Trust sites also have drive-in movie events that dogs can join in too.
5. Enjoy a day out at DogFest
Location: Knutsford, Cheshire
For the ultimate dog day out, treat your pooch to a fun-filled adventure at DogFest. This national event takes place across the UK, including Cheshire’s Tatton Park and always offers fantastic dog shows, live music, activities and displays. You can also teach your dog new tricks at a variety of workshops. Plus, don’t miss out on the big dog walk around the stately home and gardens.
6. Roam the Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens
Location: Burford, Oxfordshire
Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens is a great family-friendly attraction for a summer getaway. What’s more, you can bring your dog to join in the fun. The park offers a lovely stroll to see everything from lions to giraffes and monkeys. Just remember to keep your furry friend on a lead and look out for the restricted areas where animals may wander freely.
7. Explore the Lost Gardens of Heligan
Location: Saint Austell, Cornwall
This unique once-lost estate in the beauty of South Cornwall provides a fantastic location for long walks and exploring nature. There are miles of routes that take you through spots, including the Pleasure Grounds and the UK’s only outdoor jungle. You can also stop for a bite to eat in the dog-friendly Heligan Kitchen and Steward’s House. A free map on arrival shows all the doggy bins too.
8. Eat at the Doggie Diner
Location: Durham, County Durham
If you want to treat your dog to its own slice of heaven on holiday, visiting the Doggie Diner is a must. With locations in Durham and Cromer, a dedicated menu of dog treats is specifically made with your pooch in mind. Of course, owners can enjoy some delicious food too. What’s more, if there’s a special birthday coming up, you can arrange a pawty with a birthday cake and decorations included.
9. Visit Cheddar Gorge
Location: Cheddar, Somerset
Cheddar Gorge is a spectacular natural attraction that offers a great family day out. Explore the gorge and caves set in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Plus, head to the museum to learn the amazing history of this unique location. Dogs are welcome in all areas just remember to keep them on a lead, especially on the cliff-top walk.
10. Stroll through Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest
Location: Goudhurst, Kent
Dogs love nothing more than exploring woodland, so a trip to Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest makes a great day out. Home to a world-leading collection of conifers, this peaceful spot has miles of trails suitable for walking, hiking and cycling, all with your pup. The kids will also love the Play Trail, which features climbing frames, slides and a shipwreck.
11. Discover Corfe Castle Model Village and Gardens
Location: Corfe Castle, Dorset
Stop off at the charming location of Corfe Castle in Dorset for a fun day out at the Model Village and Gardens. With glorious landscaped gardens to explore, a fossil corner and giant games to play, everyone can join the fun. Don’t forget to pop into the tea rooms and enjoy a drink in the 17th-century courtyard in the sunshine.
12. Ride a steam train on the North York Moors Railway
Location: Pickering, North Yorkshire
Experience the beauty of the North Yorkshire landscape by train on the North York Moors Railway. This heritage steam train travels between Whitby and Pickering, and you can stop off along the route to explore the local area. Does your dog enjoy a train ride? If so, they’re welcome too for a small charge, so you hop on and off for an exciting day out.
13. Explore Itchen Valley Country Park
Location: Southampton, Hampshire
With 400 acres of water meadows and woodland to explore, your dog won’t want to leave Itchen Valley Country Park. Get everyone involved with the family-themed trail to discover the park’s fascinating nature and surroundings – you also get a prize at the end for your efforts. After all that fun, stop by the Woodland Café for a frozen treat and a well-deserved drink.
14. Wander Fairhaven Woodland & Water Gardens
Location: Norwich, Norfolk
Set on 130 acres and featuring over 3.5 miles of pathways, the Fairhaven Woodland and Water Gardens is a peaceful spot to explore. In the summer, the flora comes alive with colour, and there’s a host of activities such as paddleboarding, an outdoor cinema and unique trails dedicated to the whole family. The tearoom also provides a variety of food, drinks and much-needed ice cream for those hot days.
15. Burn off some energy at Heatherton World of Activities
Location: Tenby, Pembrokeshire
Heatherton World of Activities isn’t just packed with family-friendly activities – it features a dedicated agility course perfect for waggy tails. This specially designed area comprises ten obstacles that your dog will love. Plus, they can explore the park with you after having fun on the course. In addition, the ice cream shack has a range of dog-friendly ice creams.
