Best Things to Do with Dogs in the UK

As a nation devoted to its pets, planning a day trip with your dog is getting easier and easier. Whether that’s a day at the beach, a nice meal, or a dog-focused festival, venues across the country are eager to host you both. From walkies to treats, here are the best things to do with dogs in the UK.

Before you bring your dog on a CrossCountry train, be sure to read through our guidance on travelling with pets.

Best Dog-Friendly Places in the UK

Thousands of pubs, restaurants, hotels, and cafés across the UK are dog-friendly. Here are some of the very best that go the extra mile to make your experience unforgettable.

Best Dog-Friendly Hotels

A stylish city break does not have to mean leaving your canine best friend at home. These hotels let pets enjoy the luxury too.

Please note: CrossCountry is unable to support with any hotel-related queries or booking requests. For further information, please contact the hotels mentioned directly.

The Grand Hotel, Birmingham

The Grand Hotel in Birmingham welcomes pets subject to its current size and weight restrictions, with up to two pets permitted per room for a fee. Dogs must be kept on a lead in public areas, while some hotel spaces, including Madeleine Bar and Isaac's Restaurant, are off-limits to pets. Advance booking is required, making it a convenient option for exploring Birmingham with your dog.

Its central location also makes it a useful base for a city escape, giving owners the chance to combine sightseeing, shopping, and dog walks with a comfortable hotel stay.

Watergate Bay Hotel, Newquay

For a seaside escape, Watergate Bay Hotel in Cornwall is particularly sought-after. Dogs are welcome on the beach throughout the year, and well-behaved dogs can join their owners at The Living Space and The Beach Hut restaurants. Dog-friendly bedrooms are available, although not every room accepts dogs, so check availability before booking.

Watergate Bay is a wonderful holiday destination, being easily one of the best beaches in Cornwall. It’s ideal for active, fun-seeking families, but equally well-suited for a reflective solo trip with a dog. If you’re looking to stay at the fantastic dog-friendly Watergate Bay Hotel, Newquay is the closest train station.

You can reach Newquay with ease from all over the UK by train. For example, if you are travelling from Birmingham New Street or Bristol Temple Meads, catch a CrossCountry train to Par station, then connect with an alternative provider to Newquay.

Best Dog-Friendly Pubs and Restaurants

Enjoying a meal out with your dog might sound tricky, but plenty of eateries welcome four-legged guests. These establishments are the perfect pit stop after a walk.

Sheffield Plate, Sheffield

If you’re an urban pet owner on the hunt for some great street food in Sheffield, you’ll find a wide variety of cuisines and flavours at Sheffield Plate food hall. The venue consists of multiple food kitchens, with options ranging from Thai and South American food to Sri Lankan, Greek, and Japanese/Korean fusion dishes. While all this amazing food is best kept on the table and out of your dog's reach, Sheffield Plate does provide water and dog treats.

Sheffield Plate is a good option for dog owners travelling as a group, particularly when everyone wants something different to eat. It’s a ten-minute walk from Sheffield station, which you can reach with CrossCountry from locations such as Leeds and Derby.

The Scran & Scallie, Edinburgh

The Scran & Scallie in Edinburgh's Stockbridge neighbourhood is a great choice. It’s the ideal Scottish pub experience with menu highlights such as seared Orkney scallops, haggis, neeps & tatties, and the fabulous Scran & Scallie fish pie. The pub welcomes all, including adorable dogs!

Pair a meal with a stroll around Stockbridge Market and the nearby open spaces for an easy dog-friendly afternoon in Edinburgh. The Scran & Scallie is a thirty-minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley or about sixteen minutes by bus.

Pen & Wig, Cardiff

For visitors exploring Cardiff, Pen & Wig is a relaxed and welcoming pub on Park Grove. The pub goes above and beyond to make your dog comfortable, as they believe they are truly part of the family. Expect cosy corners, water, and a full dog menu courtesy of Sir Woofchester.

While your dog enjoys a well-deserved post-walkies treat, you can browse the human menu. We recommend trying the delicious flatbreads. Alternatively, if you visit on a Sunday, try the mouthwatering roast dinner with perfectly crisp roast potatoes and plenty of gravy.

If you’d like to visit Pen & Wig from Cardiff Central, it’s roughly twenty minutes walking distance.

Newbold Comyn Arms, Leamington Spa

Newbold Comyn Arms is one of our favourite pubs in Leamington Spa, with a spacious beer garden and plenty of nearby walking routes. Well-behaved dogs are welcome in the bar and garden, and they’ll love lounging in the green grass and saying hello to all the new people.

Newbold Comyn Arms holds lots of community events throughout the year, like the Newbold Festival with non-stop live music, summer drinks, and free entry. They also host weekly events like Fish & Fizz Friday.

If you’re keen to visit Newbold Comyn Arms, it’s a thirty-minute walk from Leamington Spa station, perfect for a dog walk through Jephson Gardens. Still looking for an eatery that allows pets? Check out our favourite dog-friendly cafés.

Best Dog-Friendly Activities in the UK

Taking your dog out on a day dedicated to them is so rewarding. Here are some amazing dog-friendly activities to try.

National Trust Parks

A National Trust park is one of the easiest ways to enjoy our uniquely beautiful British countryside. The Trust looks after parks, woods, gardens and coastline all across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. They even have a special system to help owners understand how dog-friendly each property is.

The National Trust's pawprint rating system ranges from one to three pawprints. Three-pawprint locations offer the best facilities and access, while one-pawprint sites provide a more limited dog-friendly experience. Owners should always check the guidance for the individual property, as access can differ across gardens, historic buildings, cafés, and walking areas.

To give your dog a real treat, choose a property with plenty of walking trails and finish with a dog-friendly café or picnic spot.

Dog-Friendly Festivals

Dogstival, New Forest

Dogstival promises the ultimate doggy day out in the New Forest. The event takes place at Burley Park and features dog shows, scent work, splash pools, and a pop-up dog beach, alongside plenty more for owners to enjoy.

The 2026 event was held in late May at Burley Park and has been confirmed for 2027. It’s just one of the amazing activities you can enjoy during summer in the New Forest. Even if you only attend for one day, allow time to explore the activity areas and give your dog plenty of breaks between the excitement.

To visit Burley Park, catch a bus from Brockenhurst station. You can get to Brockenhurst with CrossCountry from stations like Southampton Central and Reading.

Woofstock, Exeter

Woofstock UK is held in the grounds of Powderham Castle near Exeter. It promises dog shows, agility and obedience demonstrations, dog-related stalls, food and drink, plus live music and the chance to meet lots of like-minded dog lovers!

The closest train station to Powderham Castle is Starcross, a thirty-minute walk away or a short bus ride. If you’re visiting Woofstock from somewhere further afield like Bristol Temple Meads or even as far as Newcastle, catch a CrossCountry train to Exeter St Davids, then a connecting train to Starcross.

The festival has confirmed its return in September 2027. Why not plan a wider weekend visit to Devon, where you’ll find amazing beaches and nature reserves? We’ve also explored the best dog-friendly beaches in the UK, so you’ll have no trouble finding one that welcomes your pooch.

Please note that dog-friendly policies, including access, restrictions, fees, and booking requirements, may change. Always check with the venue or event organiser for the latest information before travelling.

If you’re planning to visit some dog-friendly places, don’t forget to book Advance rail tickets via our website or the CrossCountry app. Before you travel, make sure to check scheduled train times to find the best journey for you. If you need more information, you can contact us here.

Info

At the time of publishing, all information given is correct. Details of events, businesses, and locations included may be subject to change by third parties. Please make sure to check any details with organisers before you travel.