Dog-Friendly Days Out UK

Finding attractions that welcome dogs transforms holidays and weekends. While some venues restrict dogs, many actively welcome them, and knowing where to go ensures you can enjoy full days out without leaving your four-legged companion behind. From stately home gardens to boat trips and outdoor attractions, the UK offers excellent options.

This guide covers the types of dog-friendly days out available and how to find them.

Types of Dog-Friendly Attractions

National Trust Properties

The National Trust is generally excellent for dog owners.

What's Usually Dog-Friendly:

• Gardens (most)
• Grounds and parkland (most)
• Tea rooms with outdoor seating (many)
• Some cafes indoors (varies)

What's Usually Not:

• House interiors
• Formal garden sections (some)
• Specific wildlife areas

Tips:

• Check specific property before visiting
• Lead required in gardens
• Poo bags essential
• Some have dedicated dog-friendly routes

English Heritage Sites

Many castles and historic sites welcome dogs.

What's Usually Dog-Friendly:

• Castle grounds
• Outdoor areas
• Ruins and exterior spaces

What's Usually Not:

• Indoor exhibitions
• Some maintained gardens

Tips:

• Excellent for exploring with dogs
• Leads usually required
• Check specific site policies

Gardens

Many gardens welcome dogs on leads.

Dog-Friendly Gardens Often Include:

• RHS Gardens (Wisley, Harlow Carr, etc.) - most welcome dogs
• Private gardens open to public (many)
• Botanic gardens (varies)

Tips:

• Always check before visiting
• Leads essential
• Stay on paths
• Clean up immediately

Boat Trips

Many boat operators welcome dogs.

Types of Dog-Friendly Boats:

• Seal watching trips
• River cruises
• Lake steamers
• Coastal tours
• Ferry services

Examples:

• Lake Windermere steamers
• Norfolk seal trips
• Cornwall coastal cruises
• Scottish loch cruises
• Thames river boats

Tips:

• Book in advance mentioning dog
• Check size/number restrictions
• Bring water and treats
• Some charge for dogs

Steam Railways

Many heritage railways welcome dogs.

What to Expect:

• Dogs on leads welcome on many
• Some restrict to certain carriages
• May charge for dogs
• Scenic journeys with your dog

Examples:

• North Yorkshire Moors Railway
• Ffestiniog Railway
• Dartmouth Steam Railway
• Severn Valley Railway

Tips:

• Check specific railway policy
• Book mentioning dog
• Bring water
• Ensure dog is comfortable with trains

Country Parks

Excellent for dog days out.

What Country Parks Offer:

• Walking trails
• Open spaces
• Often cafes
• Visitor centres
• Varied terrain

Tips:

• Usually excellent for dogs
• Lead rules vary
• Some areas may restrict dogs
• Great for exercise

Beaches

The ultimate dog day out for many.

Beach Days Include:

• Walking and running
• Swimming
• Exploring
• Picnics

Tips:

• Check restrictions (seasonal at some)
• Bring water and bowl
• Clean up after dog
• Watch for hazards

See our Beach Holidays guide.

Forests and Woodlands

Forestry England and similar welcome dogs.

What's Available:

• Walking trails
• Mountain bike trails (for you)
• Cafe stops
• Play areas
• Wildlife watching

Tips:

• Usually very dog-friendly
• Lead rules for specific areas
• Watch for wildlife
• Check for logging activities

Finding Dog-Friendly Attractions

Before You Visit

Always Check:

• Website for dog policy
• Phone if unclear
• Recent reviews mentioning dogs
• Any restrictions or requirements

Questions to Ask:

• Are dogs allowed?
• Where can dogs go?
• Are there restrictions?
• Is there a charge for dogs?
• Water available?

What to Look For Online

Good Signs:

• Explicit "dogs welcome" statement
• Dog-friendly routes marked
• Dog facilities mentioned
• Photos of dogs at attraction

Red Flags:

• No mention of dogs
• "Assistance dogs only"
• Complex restrictions

Day Out Essentials

What to Bring

Dog Supplies:

• Water and collapsible bowl
• Poo bags (more than you think)
• Lead (and spare)
• Treats
• Dog first aid basics
• Towel (if water likely)

For Longer Days:

• Dog food if spanning meal time
• Shade solution (hot days)
• Cooling mat (summer)
• Blanket (for resting)

Managing Your Dog

At Attractions:

• Lead at all times unless specified
• Under control throughout
• Clean up immediately
• Respect other visitors
• Watch for restrictions

Taking Breaks:

• Find shade in hot weather
• Water regularly
• Rest if dog seems tired
• Don't push too hard

Seasonal Considerations

Summer Days Out

Considerations:

• Heat management essential
• Shade needed
• Water critical
• Avoid midday at exposed attractions
• Hot surfaces

Best Activities:

• Water-based days (boats, beaches)
• Woodland walks (shade)
• Morning or evening visits
• Indoor-accessible attractions

Winter Days Out

Considerations:

• Shorter daylight
• Weather dependent
• Some attractions closed or limited
• Wrap up warm

Best Activities:

• Coastal walks
• Country park visits
• Heritage site visits
• Boat trips (if running)

Days Out by Region

South West

• Eden Project (grounds, check current policy)
• Many National Trust coastal properties
• Steam railways
• Coastal boat trips

Lake District

• Lake steamer cruises
• National Trust properties
• Forest walks
• Mountain centres

Yorkshire

• Steam railways
• Castle ruins
• Country parks
• Coastal attractions

Scotland

• Castle grounds
• Loch cruises
• Forest parks
• Coastal attractions

Wales

• Castle grounds
• Steam railways
• Garden attractions
• Coastal walks

Norfolk

• Seal trips
• Broads boat trips
• Nature reserves (some areas)
• Coastal attractions

Making the Most of Days Out

Planning

Before Setting Out:

• Confirm dog policy (things change)
• Check weather
• Plan travel route
• Identify dog-friendly food stops
• Know nearby vet location

On Arrival

Getting Started:

• Locate facilities
• Understand layout
• Find water points
• Note restricted areas
• Identify rest spots

Throughout the Day

Ongoing Management:

• Water regularly
• Rest when needed
• Respect rules
• Clean up always
• Monitor dog's wellbeing

When Attractions Aren't Dog-Friendly

Options

If You Want to Visit Non-Dog Attraction:

Take Turns: One person visits while other walks dog nearby.

Doggy Daycare: Some tourist areas have dog creches.

Return to Accommodation: Leave dog at cottage/hotel if permitted.

Choose Alternative: Find dog-friendly option instead.

Accepting Limitations

Some attractions can't accommodate dogs. That's okay. Plan trips around dog-friendly options and save others for dog-free occasions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are National Trust properties dog-friendly?

Gardens and grounds usually yes. House interiors usually no. Check specific properties.

Can dogs go on boat trips?

Many boats welcome dogs. Always check and book mentioning your dog.

Are there charges for dogs at attractions?

Sometimes. Varies by venue. Often free but check.

What if my dog isn't well-behaved around other people?

Work on training. Choose quieter times. Use lead throughout. Consider if busy attractions are appropriate.

Can I bring multiple dogs?

Usually yes, but check. Manage them responsibly.

What about hot weather?

Avoid exposed attractions in heat. Choose shade, water-based activities, or wait for cooler times.

Adventures Await

Dog-friendly days out across the UK mean your four-legged companion can share experiences beyond walks. From gardens to boat trips, heritage sites to country parks, finding the right attractions ensures wonderful shared memories.

Ready to explore? Always check policies before visiting, bring supplies, and enjoy discovering the UK's dog-friendly attractions together.

Luke enjoys days out with Charlie, Buster, Ember, Simba, Max, and Molly. The pack has discovered that boat trips, garden visits, and heritage site explorations add variety to any dog holiday.