Dog-Friendly UK in Spring

Spring transforms the UK into a dog-walking paradise. Beach restrictions haven't yet begun, woodland floors carpet themselves in bluebells, and the weather offers perfect conditions for exploring without summer crowds or winter chill. For dog owners, spring represents the sweet spot between seasons.

This guide covers everything you need to know about travelling with your dog in spring, from the best destinations to important seasonal considerations like lambing.

Why Spring is Perfect for Dog Holidays

The Advantages

Quieter Destinations:

• Schools still in session (except Easter)
• Fewer crowds at popular spots
• Easier accommodation booking
• More relaxed atmosphere

Beach Freedom:

• Most seasonal restrictions don't start until May or later
• Full beach access at most locations
• Empty sands for running
• No competition for space

Perfect Walking Weather:

• Mild temperatures suit all breeds
• Not too hot for long walks
• Longer daylight hours
• Generally drier than winter

Natural Beauty:

• Bluebells in ancient woodlands
• Wildflowers on coastal paths
• Lambs in fields (observe from distance)
• Bird activity increasing

The Considerations

Lambing Season:

• March to May is lambing season
• Dogs must be on leads near livestock
• Some areas have additional restrictions
• Respect farmers and their animals

Variable Weather:

• Spring can be unpredictable
• Pack for all conditions
• Showers common
• Can still be cold, especially in Scotland

Easter Holidays:

• Two weeks of school holidays
• Popular destinations busier
• Book accommodation early
• Beaches more crowded

Best Spring Destinations

Coastal Destinations

Cornwall: Most beaches dog-friendly until mid-May. Quieter than summer. Coastal path at its best with wildflowers. See our Cornwall guide.

Norfolk: Year-round dog beaches. Spring migrants arriving. Quiet coastal villages. Seal pups at Blakeney. See our Norfolk guide.

Northumberland: Empty beaches. Castle ruins. Minimal restrictions year-round. Dramatic spring skies. See our Northumberland guide.

Pembrokeshire: Coastal path walking. Puffins returning to islands. Quiet beaches. See our Pembrokeshire guide.

Woodland Destinations

The Chilterns: Bluebell woods at their peak in late April/early May. Gentle walking terrain.

Forest of Dean: Ancient woodland coming to life. Excellent dog walking.

New Forest: Ponies and foals appearing. Woodland walks. Quieter than summer.

Lake District: Lower fells accessible. Woodland walks. Lakes still quiet. See our Lake District guide.

National Parks

Peak District: Moorland walking. Fewer crowds than summer. Lambing awareness needed. See our Peak District guide.

Yorkshire Dales: Daffodils and wildflowers. Village exploring. Quieter paths. See our Yorkshire guide.

Dartmoor: Moorland coming alive. Ponies with foals. Wild camping season begins. See our Dartmoor guide.

Snowdonia: Lower routes accessible. Waterfalls at best flow. Lambing on lower ground. See our Snowdonia guide.

Lambing Season: Essential Information

Understanding the Importance

Lambing season (typically March to May) is critical for farmers and their livestock.

Why Dogs and Lambing Don't Mix:

• Ewes are protective and stressed by dogs
• Even well-behaved dogs can cause sheep to panic
• Panicking sheep can miscarry or injure lambs
• Dog attacks on livestock are serious criminal offences

Your Responsibilities

Legal Requirements:

• Keep dogs on leads near livestock (always advisable, legally required in many areas)
• Farmers can legally shoot dogs attacking or worrying livestock
• Owners are liable for any harm caused

Best Practice:

• Always use leads near fields with sheep
• Stick to footpaths
• Give livestock wide berth
• If sheep are in your path, find alternative route
• Never let dogs chase sheep, even "playfully"

Choosing Spring Walks

Safer Options:

• Coastal paths (fewer livestock)
• Enclosed woodland
• Urban parks
• Beaches
• Moorland away from farms

Exercise Caution:

• Farmland footpaths
• Open countryside with grazing
• Fields marked with livestock
• Areas near farms

Bluebell Season

When and Where

Timing:

• Late April to mid-May typically
• Earlier in south, later in north
• Peak varies by year

Best Bluebell Woods:

England:

• Ashridge Estate, Buckinghamshire
• Micheldever Wood, Hampshire
• Hallerbos, Kent
• Blickling Estate, Norfolk
• Hardcastle Crags, Yorkshire

Wales:

• Coed y Bwl, Vale of Glamorgan
• Various National Trust properties

Scotland:

• Later flowering (May typically)
• Various woodland locations

Visiting with Dogs

Bluebell Etiquette:

• Stay on paths (don't trample flowers)
• Dogs on leads through sensitive areas
• Many bluebell sites welcome dogs
• Check specific location policies

Spring Weather Preparation

What to Pack

For Your Dog:

• Waterproof coat (showers common)
• Towels for unexpected rain
• Water bottle (warming weather)
• Tick treatment up-to-date
• Paw protection if walking on rough ground

For You:

• Layers (temperatures variable)
• Waterproof jacket
• Sun protection (spring sun stronger than expected)
• Good walking boots

Tick Awareness

Spring sees increased tick activity.

Prevention:

• Ensure tick treatment current
• Check dogs after walks in long grass
• Carry tick remover
• Know signs of tick-borne illness

Spring Activities

Perfect Spring Activities

Beach Walking: Full access before restrictions begin. Empty sands. Invigorating conditions.

Woodland Walks: Bluebells, birdsong, dappled light. Magical spring atmosphere.

Coastal Path Walking: Wildflowers blooming. Migrating birds. Clear visibility.

Gentle Hiking: Perfect temperatures for longer walks. Not too hot for most breeds.

Garden Visits: Many dog-friendly gardens at their spring best.

What to Avoid

Lambing Fields: Keep distance from ewes and lambs.

Ground-Nesting Birds: Some coastal and moorland areas have ground-nesting birds in spring. Keep dogs on leads in marked areas.

Unprepared Cold Weather: Spring can still deliver cold snaps. Be ready.

Easter Holidays

Planning Around Easter

Easter falls in March or April, bringing:

• Two weeks of school holidays
• Busier destinations
• Higher accommodation prices
• More beach visitors

Strategies:

• Book accommodation early
• Visit lesser-known destinations
• Go midweek if possible
• Start walks early morning

Dog-Friendly Easter Destinations

Quieter Options:

• Northumberland coast
• Norfolk Broads
• Welsh Borders
• Scottish Borders
• Lincolnshire coast

Worth the Crowds:

• Cornwall (book ahead)
• Lake District (aim for quieter areas)
• Yorkshire coast

Month-by-Month Guide

March

Weather: Variable. Can be cold. Showers likely. Beaches: Full access almost everywhere. Countryside: Early lambing beginning. Best For: Coastal walks, early spring woodland.

April

Weather: Improving but unpredictable. Beaches: Full access continues. Countryside: Lambing in full swing. Best For: Bluebell woods (late April), coastal paths. Note: Easter holidays if Easter falls in April.

May

Weather: Generally pleasant. Warming up. Beaches: Restrictions begin at some beaches (typically mid-May). Countryside: Lambing concluding. Ground-nesting birds active. Best For: Late bluebells, coastal walking, bank holiday adventures. Note: May bank holidays bring crowds.

Accommodation Tips

Spring Booking

Advantages:

• Better availability than summer
• Often lower prices (except Easter)
• More choice of dog-friendly options
• Easier to find last-minute deals

Book Ahead For:

• Easter holidays
• May bank holidays
• Popular destinations
• Specific dog-friendly rooms

What to Look For

Spring-Specific:

• Drying facilities for wet dogs
• Muddy paw cleaning areas
• Enclosed gardens (for wet weather)
• Good walking from doorstep

Frequently Asked Questions

When do beach dog restrictions start?

Most start between Easter and mid-May, though this varies by beach. Many beaches remain unrestricted year-round. Check specific beach policies.

Can I walk in the countryside during lambing?

Yes, but keep dogs on leads near livestock. Stick to footpaths. Avoid fields with sheep if possible.

What's the best spring month for dog holidays?

Late April to early May offers best combination: bluebells blooming, most beaches still unrestricted, pleasant weather, pre-summer quiet.

Is spring good for all dog breeds?

Excellent for most breeds. Mild temperatures suit both heat-sensitive and cold-sensitive dogs. Perfect for longer walks.

Do I need to worry about ticks in spring?

Yes, tick activity increases in spring. Ensure preventive treatment is current and check dogs after countryside walks.

Are there dog-friendly bluebell woods?

Many bluebell locations welcome dogs. Keep to paths and use leads in sensitive areas.

Embrace the Season of Renewal

Spring offers perfect conditions for dog adventures across the UK. Empty beaches, flowering woodlands, and ideal walking temperatures create memorable holidays before summer crowds arrive.

Ready to explore? Browse our destination guides for spring inspiration, remembering to respect lambing season and enjoy this magical time of year.

Luke explores spring destinations with Charlie, Buster, Ember, Simba, Max, and Molly. The pack particularly enjoys empty beaches and bluebell woodland walks during these quieter months.