Dog-Friendly Days Out and Things to Do
Leave no person (or dog) behind with these fun dog-friendly day out activities. Whether you're staying at one of our dog-friendly campsites or simply looking for new dog-friendly things to do near you, we’ve rounded up some of the best activities and places to visit with your four-legged friend.
1. Dog-friendly beaches
From the sun-kissed shores of the Cornish coast to the windswept bays of the Highlands, the UK is home to some of the globe's most incredible beaches. Yet, only a handful of them welcome dogs throughout the entire year. Find fantastic places to take your four-legged pal for a walk using our guide to the best dog-friendly beaches in the UK.
2. Dog-friendly pubs
Saying farewell to your furry friend when you’re heading to a no-dogs-allowed zone can be tough. Thankfully for all the dog lovers out there, the UK has plenty of dog-friendly pubs dotted all over. As a result, we’ve compiled a list of the best dog-friendly pubs for both you and your canine to enjoy.
3. The Lake District National Park, Cumbria
The Lake District is the perfect place to take your canine companion. There are so many dog-friendly activities and things to do in the national park, including scenic walks, pubs, cafes, and even boat rides.
Drive time: 15 minutes from Windermere Club Site
4. Nine Ladies Stone Circle, Derbyshire
Enjoy a scenic walk with your dog to the Nine Ladies Stone Circle, a small but fascinating early Bronze Age site nestled on Stanton Moor, Derbyshire. With no formal car park, you’ll need to park in a roadside lay-by and follow a 700m woodland trail to reach the stones. According to local legend, the circle represents nine women turned to stone for dancing on a Sunday. It’s a peaceful spot for history lovers and the perfect place for a rewarding dog walk.
Drive time: 14 minutes from Bakewell Club Site
5. Kenilworth Castle, Warwickshire
Castles make for a great day out with the whole family, and Kenilworth Castle in Warwickshire is no exception. This impressive medieval fortress was once home to royalty and played a key role in English history. Climb the tower built to impress Queen Elizabeth I and wander through the stunning Elizabethan gardens, lost for nearly 400 years before being beautifully restored. Dogs on leads are welcome throughout the castle grounds, making this a fantastic dog-friendly activity for history lovers and their canine companions.
Drive time: 32 minutes from Kingsbury Water Park Club Site
6. Bala Lake Railway, North Wales
A fun dog-friendly activity to do in Wales is to hop aboard the Bala Lake Railway, which winds through the breathtaking landscapes of Snowdonia National Park. Although there’s a small additional fee for your pooch, it’s well worth it. The narrow-gauge steam trains offer fantastic views of Bala Lake and the stunning surrounding scenery, making it a memorable outing for you and your dog.
Drive time: 17 minutes from Bala Club Site
7. The Eden Project, Cornwall
One of the UK’s most iconic attractions, the Eden Project features vast biomes filled with global plant life. While dogs aren’t allowed inside the biomes themselves, they are welcome in the extensive outdoor gardens, picnic areas, and walking routes. It’s still a great dog-friendly thing to do in Cornwall, especially for those looking to combine nature, art, and sustainability in one inspiring location.
Drive time: 21 minutes from Veryan Club Site
8. The Norfolk Broads, East Anglia
The Norfolk Broads offer a unique landscape of waterways, nature reserves, and picturesque villages, perfect for exploring with your dog. Enjoy riverside walks, dog-friendly boat trips, and peaceful picnic spots. It's one of the best dog-friendly days out in East Anglia for nature lovers and those seeking a slower-paced adventure.
Drive time: 11 minutes from Norwich Club Site
9. Battle of Hastings Grounds, Sussex
Enjoy a dog-friendly day out steeped in history at the Battle of Hastings grounds in Sussex, where the fate of England was sealed in 1066. Dogs on leads are welcome throughout the outdoor areas, making it easy to explore the site while following the audio tour. With scenic grounds and plenty of picnic benches, it’s a great spot to relax and soak up the atmosphere with your canine companion by your side.
Drive time: 26 minutes from Normans Bay Club Site
10. Old Sarum, Wiltshire
Another great dog-friendly thing to do in the UK is to explore the ancient remains of Old Sarum in Wiltshire, an impressive Iron Age Hillfort dating back to around 400 BC. The site features two massive earth banks separated by a deep ditch, offering a fascinating glimpse into early British history. With 29 acres of open space and panoramic views of the Wiltshire countryside, it’s a perfect place for a peaceful walk with your dog.
Drive time: 4 minutes from Salisbury Club Site
11. Donnington Castle, Derby
Another dog-friendly castle, which is a must-visit, is Donnington Castle in Derby. Explore the remains of the 14th-century castle, once visited by both Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. Today, you can see the remains of large defences, once in place to protect the castle and gatehouse. Dogs on leads are welcome to explore.
Drive time: 25 minutes from Conkers Club Site
12. Hailes Abbey, Gloucestershire
Explore the grounds of Hailes Abbey in Gloucestershire, with your four-legged friend in tow, before heading into the museum to discover the stories of medieval monks who once inhabited the abbey. Make use of the free audio guide on your walk around the grounds.
Drive time: 10 minutes from Winchcombe Club Site
13. The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Cornwall
Once hidden beneath decades of overgrowth, the Lost Gardens of Heligan were rediscovered just 25 years ago when a hidden doorway was found among the ruins. This remarkable restoration has brought the historic estate back to life, making it one of the most enchanting dog-friendly things to do in Cornwall. Dogs on leads are welcome throughout the gardens, so you and your four-legged friend can explore the magic together.
Drive time: 19 minutes from Veryan Club Site
14. Dunure Castle, Ayrshire
Dunure Castle stands tall above the bay below. In August 1563, Mary Queen of Scots stayed at Dunure for three days. By the mid-1700s, the castle had become a ruin and has been left in the same state ever since. The grounds make a great place to take your dog; however, keep them on a lead due to the cliff-edge on which the castle stands.
Drive time: 11 minutes from Culzean Castle Club Site
15. Barnard Castle, County Durham
Barnard Castle in County Durham was built during the latter half of the 12th century and is set high on a rock above the River Tees. There is plenty of space for kids and dogs on leads to explore. There are picnic benches and a small selection of snacks and drinks available.
Drive time: 7 minutes from Barnard Castle Club Site
16. Muncaster Castle and Gardens, Cumbria
Explore 70 acres of wild woodland and beautifully maintained gardens surrounding this impressive 13th-century castle. Muncaster Gardens is famously haunted, adding a touch of mystery to your visit. Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome in the gardens, making it one of the most memorable dog-friendly activities in Cumbria.
Drive time: 4 minutes from Ravenglass Club Site
17. Whitby Abbey, Yorkshire
Enjoy a paw-tastic day with your four-legged friend on a dog walk like no other around Whitby Abbey in Yorkshire. Together with your dog on a lead, discover the majestic Gothic ruins that inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula novel while soaking in the incredible coastal beauty of the North Sea.
Drive time: 29 minutes from Scarborough Club Site
18. Wollaton Hall, Nottingham
Set within 500 acres of rolling parkland, Wollaton Hall is a stunning Elizabethan mansion that welcomes dogs on leads throughout the grounds. With deer roaming freely and plenty of space to explore, this is a relaxing and scenic dog-friendly activity for families and their four-legged companions.
Drive time: 18 minutes from Nottingham Club Site
19. Margam Country Park, Wales
Spread across 1,000 acres of parkland, Margam Country Park in South Wales is a fantastic place for a long dog walk with historical sights and wildlife encounters along the way. Dogs on leads are welcome in most outdoor areas, and there’s plenty of space for them to roam. It's an ideal dog-friendly activity for families visiting the Welsh coast.
20. Chatsworth House, Derbyshire
While dogs aren’t allowed inside the house, they are very welcome in the parkland and gardens at Chatsworth, one of the UK’s most beloved stately homes. Explore acres of landscaped grounds and riverside paths with your dog on a lead, then enjoy a coffee at one of the outdoor seating areas. A beautiful and classic dog-friendly activity near the Peak District.
Drive time: 20 minutes from Bakewell Club Site
21. Dartmoor National Park, Devon
Wild, rugged, and breathtakingly beautiful, Dartmoor is a paradise for adventurous dogs and their owners. Whether you’re wandering past granite tors, splashing in streams, or exploring ancient woodlands, this national park offers endless dog-friendly things to do near you. Just be mindful of grazing animals and keep dogs under close control.
Drive time: 6 minutes from Tavistock Club Site
22. Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary, Devon
If you’re looking for a dog-friendly day out, visit Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary in Devon, which is open all year round. Not only is this sanctuary home to hundreds of lovely donkeys, but it’s also free to visit and welcomes well-behaved dogs on leads. It’s the perfect place to take the whole family.
Drive time: 23 minutes from Charmouth Club Site
23. Milky Way Adventure Park, Devon
The Milky Way Adventure Park in Devon is the perfect place for a fun-filled day out with the whole family, including your four-legged friend. With the Cosmic Typhoon rollercoaster, mini golf, archery, and plenty more to explore, there is something for everyone. Dogs on leads are welcome throughout most of the park, apart from the indoor play areas and the bird of prey centre.
Drive time: 38 minutes from Bude Club Site
24. Rural Life Centre, Surrey
The Rural Life Centre, in Surrey, is a collection of artefacts showcasing the best in agricultural history. There are several exhibits to visit, including a non-functional playground, a village hall and a shepherd’s hut. Your dog will be treated as part of the family, provided they’re well-behaved and on a lead.
Drive time: 35 minutes from Horsley Club Site
25. The East Anglia Transport Museum
Step back in time at this open-air museum in Suffolk, where history lovers and dogs alike can enjoy a day out. Wander through vintage streets lined with trams, trains, and buses from yesteryear. This is a fully dog-friendly museum, and dogs are even allowed on board the historic vehicles. It’s a nostalgic and unique dog-friendly thing to do near you.
Drive time: 10 minutes from Kessingland Club Site
Tips for dog-friendly days out
Travelling with your canine companion means planning ahead to make your trip as smooth as possible. From checking local rules to packing the right gear, here are some top tips to help you make the most of your dog-friendly adventures.
1. Find a dog-friendly place to stay
If you’re staying overnight, be sure to choose dog-friendly accommodation. The last thing you want is to be turned away or face unexpected charges. That’s why all of our Club Sites welcome dogs at no extra cost.
Explore our dog-friendly campsites here.
2. Check rules and regulations before you leave
Some attractions may change their dog policies seasonally or have specific restrictions. Always check ahead to confirm whether dogs are allowed and what the rules are. For example:
- Do dogs need to stay on a lead?
- Are they allowed in the water?
- Are there dog-friendly zones?
3. Prepare for all weather
UK weather can be unpredictable, so come prepared. When planning dog-friendly things to do, consider the conditions:
- Pack plenty of water to keep your dog hydrated
- Bring an umbrella or portable shade
- On hot days, consider protective footwear if surfaces may burn sensitive paws
Check out our checklist for camping with a dog, so you don't forget a single thing while travelling.
4. Keep dogs on a lead
Unless signs state otherwise, always keep your dog on a lead. This keeps them safe, protects wildlife, and shows respect for other visitors.
5. Clean up after your dog
It goes without saying, always clean up after your dog. Pack extra dog waste bags just in case, and if there’s no bin nearby, take it back to your campsite or home to dispose of properly.
6. Have fun!
Planning a dog-friendly day out can be stressful, but make sure you take the time to have fun and enjoy spending time with your furry friend.
Send us a picture of your camping adventures with your dog by tagging us on Facebook or Instagram.