Dog Days Out: Perfect Places to Take Your Pooch

Dog-friendly pubs and cafes

For many people the ideal way to spend a Sunday is to go off on a nice long walk with your four-legged friend and finish off with a cream tea or a roast dinner and a glass of wine.

Thanks to us being a nation of dog lovers, a lot of pubs and cafes allow dogs, as long as they are well-behaved, and some even have special menus dedicated to our four-legged friends. Here are some of our favourite dog-friendly establishments which cater specifically to your pooch.

The Durham Ox, North Yorkshire

This traditional Yorkshire pub is a great spot to enjoy some local food after a long walk on the Dales. If you'd like to extend your stay and relax a little more, this dog-friendly pub has a number of converted farm cottages that you and your pooch can stay in.

General Havelock Inn, Northumberland

This dog-friendly pub is situated overlooking a river which is a perfect place to enjoy a drink or even some of the food on offer after a walk along the water's edge. Should your pooch have been for a swim there is a hose available to rinse them off and fresh water available.

Daphne's Restaurant, London

The capital has a range of cafes and restaurants which are dog-friendly, including this spot in Chelsea. The restaurant offers water bowls for dogs and Italian cuisine for their owners, with dogs being allowed in the conservatory area.

Hedley's Riverside Coffee Shop, Newcastle upon Tyne

The cafe has a 'doggy lounge' designed for you and your dog to relax with a coffee after enjoying one of the many walks along the river. They often have dog treats available and supply free doggy bags too.

Off the Rails, Isle of Wight

Located in an old station in Yarmouth, Off the Rails is not only dog-friendly but also has a menu especially for your furry friend. With a number of choices available you are sure to find something to suit your pooch and there are lots of choices for humans too.

Dog-friendly attractions

Some of the most well-known attractions allow owners to bring their dogs so that they can join in on the fun too. Many will ask that you keep your dog on a lead but are more than willing to cater to dogs to ensure that yours doesn't get left behind and can join in on the fun with you.

Cheddar Gorge, Somerset

One of the South-West's best-known attractions, Cheddar Gorge is dog-friendly which means you can visit the gorge as a whole family. You are even allowed to take your dog into the caves and the museum so you don't have to leave them behind at any stage of your day. This makes it a truly family-friendly attraction for you and your dog.

Windermere Lake Cruises, Lake District

If your pooch is a fan of the water, how about taking them for a cruise on one of the Cumbrian lakes? Enjoying a boat trip across the lake can be a great way to enjoy the scenery and the best part is that dogs travel for free so even if you're on a budget your dog can join you on the adventure.

Bodmin and Wenford Railway, Cornwall

This railway follows a beautiful path through the Cornish countryside and even crosses a viaduct at the River Tamar. What better way to enjoy the stunning views than with your best friend by your side? Another budget-friendly option as dogs travel for free on standard daytime services.

Beeston Castle, Cheshire

This castle is located in a 40-acre woodland park which is ideal for your dog to run off some steam. The medieval castle itself is located up on a rocky outcrop and on a clear day offers views from the Pennines all the way to the Welsh mountains.

Muness Castle, Scotland

A late 16th-century tower house, this is a perfect spot to learn some history with your dog. Dogs are permitted on the grounds, if kept on a lead, where you can wander around and enjoy the impressive architecture of the northernmost castle in the British Isles.

Dog insurance

Taking your four-legged friend out on adventures with you can be the perfect way to spend time and helps you ensure that your dog is truly a part of your family. However, if your dog should injure itself or get lost this can be an expensive and stressful end to your day out.

To give you peace of mind, you can get pet insurance tailored to the needs of your dog or puppy; and to you as the owner. For more information visit our dedicated dog insurance page or call Healthy Pets on 01730 230 564 to speak to a specialist adviser. Healthy Pets and Towergate are part of the Ardonagh Group.