The UK is a playground of adventures and let’s be honest, those views are always better with a wagging tail by your side.
Forget the guilt of leaving your four-legged best friend at home. Whether you’re seeking an epic hike into nature or a stroll through exotic gardens, there is an adventure waiting for every breed and energy level. We’ve rounded up 8 pet-friendly UK adventures and experiences to check out with your furry friends.
1. Scafell Pike
Lake District
For those who live for a challenging ascent and those all-important ‘summit selfies’, Scafell Pike is the ultimate dog-friendly hike. Standing at 978 meters, Scafell Pike is the highest point in England and offers a rugged, boulder-strewn terrain that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into another world. This popular mountain hike for canine companions starts at Wasdale Head, where a steep but well-defined path leads you through the dramatic heart of the Lake District.
Be prepared for a workout: the final stretch involves navigating a vast plateau of jagged rocks that can be tough on sensitive paws, so it’s best reserved for dogs with a good level of fitness and perhaps a pair of protective booties. Safety is paramount when tackling a peak this iconic, so keep your furry friend on a lead at all times. Be aware that local Herdwick sheep are famous residents here.
Once you’ve conquered the ‘Pike’ and soaked in the 360-degree views, head back down to the Wasdale Head Inn, a legendary climbers’ pub that welcomes both walking boots and tired paws with equal enthusiasm.
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2. The Eden Project
Bodelva, Cornwall
Referred to as the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’ by the Times when first opened, the Eden Project in Cornwall proves that you don’t need a passport to take your pet on a tropical escape. While the humid Biomes themselves remain a dog-free zone to protect the delicate exotic plants, the vast outdoor gardens are a canine paradise.
You and your furry companion can trek through miles of winding paths that showcase temperate flora from around the globe, all while navigating the striking architecture of the bubbles nestled in the Cornish landscape.
The Eden Project has gone above and beyond to be truly pet-friendly. You’ll find designated dog waste bins, water bowls scattered throughout the site, and even doggy ice cream available from the on-site cafés. Plus, there’s plenty of outdoor seating allowing you to refuel with a local pasty while your pup rests at your feet.
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3. Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens
Burford
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It’s rare to find a great, family-friendly zoo that welcomes dogs, but Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens is a truly unique find. Set against the backdrop of a stunning Victorian manor house and 160 acres of parkland, Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens is one of the few places in the UK where your dog can embark on a walking safari.
As you stroll along the sun-drenched lawns, you and your furry companion can come face-to-face with grazing rhinos or check out the daily penguin feedings at 11am and 3pm. With plenty of water bowls scattered around and an abundance of shaded picnic spots overlooking the giraffe walkway, your dog won’t feel like they’re missing out. Plus, there are over 1,500 animals from over 250 species to uncover – so the whole day is sorted!
While dogs are welcome on short leads throughout the grounds, there are a few ‘paws-off’ zones, including the indoor animal houses and the free-roaming lemur exhibit, to ensure the residents aren’t spooked. You can even hop aboard the narrow-gauge railway together for a whistle-stop tour of the park’s grounds. It is a fantastic way to enjoy the beauty of the Cotswolds without having to choose between your dog and the kids.
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4. Canoe Wild
Canterbury
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For a change of pace that trades wildlife parks for tranquil waterways, look no further than Canoe Wild in Canterbury. Operating along the gentle, meandering stretches of the River Stour, this is the ultimate doggy day out. You can opt for a short hour-long hire or choose the scenic 2.5-hour trek from Fordwich to Grove Ferry. Small to medium dogs are welcomed aboard their stable Canadian canoes, allowing you and your furry co-pilot to take in the sights of overhanging willows, reedbeds and local wildlife – including the area’s famous beaver.
Both the Fordwich and Grove Ferry sites are perfectly positioned near dog-friendly local pubs like the George & Dragon or the Grove Ferry Inn, making it easy to grab a post-paddle pint and a bowl of water for your companion.
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5. GoBoat
London
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If your pup is more of a city slicker than a rural explorer, GoBoat London offers a unique way to see the capital without a single crowded Tube ride. With four central locations, including the charming canals of Paddington and the wider waters of Kingston, GoBoat provides eco-friendly, electric boats that you captain yourself.
You can rent an electric picnic boat and best of all, GoBaot actively encourage ‘doggy deckhands’. They even have a ‘Weekday Pooch’ discount code, which is often available. It’s a peaceful way to navigate the canals with up to 8 humans and your dog.
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6. Jacobite Steam Train
Fort William
If you’ve ever wanted to combine a touch of cinematic magic with the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands, the Jacobite Steam Train is your golden ticket. Known for its starring role as the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter film series, this iconic journey travels from Fort William to Mallaig, passing over the legendary Glenfinnan Viaduct.
While many heritage trains have strict rules, the Jacobite is famously dog-friendly, allowing well-behaved companions to join you in the standard carriages – just be sure to book a Standard Class ticket as dogs are not permitted in the First Class section or the passenger compartment carriages.
Once the train pulls into the coastal village of Mallaig, you’ll have plenty of time to stretch your legs and explore the bustling harbour before the return leg. The area is a haven for seafood lovers and several local spots allow you to tuck into a fresh catch with your pup tucked under the table. If you want to make the most of the stop, take a short walk along the coast to catch views of the Small Isles.
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7. Robin Hill Adventure Park
Isle of Wight
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For an island escape, hop on the ferry to the Isle of Wight and head to Robin Hill Adventure Park. Spanning 88 acres of rolling hills, ancient woodland and manicured gardens, the kids will be busy tackling the canopy skywalks and toboggan runs while you and your furry friend enjoy miles of winding trails through the Lower Valley or relax beside the tranquil ponds and tumbling water features of the Chinese-themed gardens.
The park is famous for its resident peacocks, so it’s a fantastic spot for a well-behaved pup to practice their focus amidst some very fancy feathered distractions. Dogs are welcome throughout the park on a short lead, and you’ll find plenty of shaded rest stops and water bowls near the cafés.
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8. Giant’s Causeway
County Antrim
For a truly otherworldly experience, head to the rugged coast of Northern Ireland to witness the Giant’s Causeway. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a geological masterpiece, famous for its 40,000 interlocking basalt columns that tumble into the Atlantic like a staircase for titans. Most of the site is remarkably dog-friendly, allowing your furry companion to navigate the hexagonal stones right alongside you. Just be sure to keep them on a short lead.
Beyond the iconic stepping stones, the area offers a network of coastal paths that provide spectacular views of the Causeway Coast without the crowds. The Clifftop Experience is a fantastic choice for high-energy dogs, leading you along grassy trails that overlook the organ-pipe rock formations and hidden coves below.
After you’ve both worked up an appetite, breathing in that crisp Irish Sea air, you’ll find that the nearby visitor centre and several local pubs in Bushmills are more than happy to welcome weary hounds with a bowl of water and a quiet corner to nap.
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