The UK is undoubtedly a nation of dog lovers with almost a third of households owning at least one day! You only have to walk down the street to bump into dogs of all shapes and sizes, there are an estimated 11.5 million dogs in the UK alone that have taken the heart and mind of their owners. But the question, we wanted to know is where are the best places in the United Kingdom for dogs we scoured the web to find the best cities for dogs, the sources we found used green space percentage, dog-friendly beaches, hotels, cottages & holidays, dog-friendly job ads, dog training classes and dog-friendly bars and cafes to score each place on it's dog friendly-ness. So without further ado - let's dive on in to the best places and regions for your canine companion to visit for walkies.
If you are looking for a quick skim of our handpicked top 15 dog friendly cities then you are in luck, but keep scrolling for our views on each of the cities!
Top 15 Dog Friendly Cities In The UK
- London
- York
- Glasgow
- Manchester
- Cambridge
- Derby
- Leicester
- Nottingham
- Bristol
- Gloucester
- Northampton
- Oxford
- Leeds
- Cardiff
- Sheffield
London
Taking first spot is the UK's capital city London, with lots of green space, dog-friendly cafes and heaps of dog owners - you won't run short of things to do with your dog in London. London has over 3,000 parks in London including Green Park, Hyde Park & Richmond Park to take a stroll with your dog. The city boasts hundreds of dog-friendly cafes and bars and even Shopping Centres such as Battersea Power Station. Thousands of dogs call London home, so you'll never be far from an independent pet shop or dog walkers for that matter to make sure you have the best times during your visit!
York
Coming in second for the top dog-friendliest cities in the UK is the cathedral city in North Yorkshire, England - York. York is a beautiful place with over 25 parks and green spaces that is a top hit with dog owners. One of York's favourite parks is Rowntree Park which offers 30 acres, beautiful gardens, a scenic lake, and plenty of space for your pooch to explore. York also has many dog-friendly pubs and cafes, York sure is a city that won't disappoint you or your dog so grab your collar and lead and head to York! Alongside being a great place to take your dog York is full of history, heritage and architecture too to feast your eyes - for you and your family.
Glasgow
Our chosen third place among the UK's top dog-friendly cities is taken by Glasgow. Glasgow is the most populous city in Scotland, located on the banks of the River Clyde in west central Scotland. Glasgow boasts over 90 parks for you and your dog to explore. Pollok Country Park is a top favourite. Pick up a coffee from Pollok House where dogs are welcome in the tea garden. Kelvingrove Park is a top favourite offering riverside walks and panoramic city views. There is also a large number of dog-friendly cafes and pubs to choose from. Glasgow is a solid choice for dog owners.
Manchester
Manchester is a vibrant and fast-paced city that is full of dog lovers. The city offers plenty of parks, 160 to be precise, and lots of green space for your dog. The city, often stouted as a mini-London is also homed to over 60 pubs and cafes that are self-proclaimed dog friendly for you to enjoy food and drugs without having to leave the pup at home! Secret Manchester list their top 46 dog-friendly spots for you to enjoy!
Cambridge
Our 5th spot goes to the very beautiful Cambridge, county town of Cambridgeshire and is located on the River Cam, 55 miles (89 km) north of London. Cambridge is blessed with a number of green spaces that you can walk your pooch on including Parkers Piece, Christ's Piece and also along the riverbank. Accessible by all, these are great locations to give your dog a chance to sniff, explore and run! Cambridge is home to a number of dog-friendly cafes, pubs and restaurants too!
Derby
Derby shouts that it is the ultimate dog-friendly getaway and that dogs are warmly welcomed. Derby offers an extensive range of dog-friendly accommodations, beautiful parks, cafes and more. Alongside this Derby offers great walking routes, cafes, pubs and more. Derby doesn't disappoint as a place to explore with you and your dog.
Leicester
Sainsbury’s Bank Pet Insurance actually revealed Leicester as one the most dog-friendly destinations across the UK in a recent campaign. The city lies on the River Soar and is approximately 90 miles (140 km) north-northwest of London. Leicester has over 190 parks, lots of green space and pup-friendly pubs and cafes for you to enjoy. Leicester is definitely a top city in the UK for dogs.
Nottingham
Nottingham takes our 8th spot for top dog-friendly cities in the UK. Nottingham is located 33 miles (53 km) south-east of Sheffield and 45 miles (72 km) north-east of Birmingham. Nottingham is the legendary home of Robin Hood and definitely a great city to take your dog to. Nottingham boasts that there are plenty of places where both you and your dog are welcomed with open arms to experience the best of Nottinghamshire from walks, parks and more!
Bristol
In 9th spot is the beauty city of Bristol, built around the River Avon, it is bordered by the ceremonial counties of Gloucestershire to the north and Somerset to the south. Bristol provides plenty of stick-throwing opportunities, with hundreds of beautiful parks and green spaces offering plenty of outdoorsy fun where your dog can run off some steam, explore and have a holiday / staycation of their own. Particular favourites of local dog owners include Ashton Court Estate, Leigh Woods, Blaise Castle, Stoke Park and Snuff Mills on the outskirts of the city. Whether you are a family, just adults or just you and the dog - Bristol has something for everyone!
Gloucester
The very modest 10th spot goes to Gloucester, the city lies on the River Severn, between the Cotswolds to the east and the Forest of Dean to the west; it is sited 19 miles (31 km) east of Monmouth. There are over 200 areas of public open space in the city, including formal and informal green spaces, allotments, cemeteries, Robinswood Hill Country Park and Alney Island Nature Reserve - all great places to explore with your pooch.
Northampton
Northampton is a town and civil parish in Northamptonshire, England. Northampton offers a taste of the countryside with your dog with it's beautiful forests and country parks to explore. Forests and park include Harlestone Firs Forest - a popular spot to tire out your dog, Daventry Country Park a great place to enjoy a 2.5 mile walk around the park and also to enjoy the scenic reservoir views alongside beautiful trees, nature and the culture of the city.
Oxford
Oxford is a city and non-metropolitan district in Oxfordshire, England, of which it is the county town. Oxford is a great city to take your tog to explore their parks but also a great city to explore too. Most shops and pubs not only allow dogs but actively welcome them. It is the norm to see water bowls and bowls of treats in shops and pubs. Oxford has a large number of dedicated walks for you and dog to enjoy too!
Leeds
Leeds is a city in the northern English county of Yorkshire. On the south bank of the River Aire, the Royal Armouries houses the national collection of arms and artillery. Many venues in Leeds welcome our four-legged friends, there are also lots of dog walks in Leeds just on our doorstep, with many delightful parks to explore with your pooch.
Cardiff
Cardiff is the capital and largest city of Wales. Cardiff had a population of 362,310 in 2021 and forms a principal area officially known as the City and County of Cardiff. Wales can be a great place to explore as a city break for both two and four legs. Cardiff sits right on the estuary of the River Severn, the waterfront and city streets are a great place to start with exploring the city. Alongside this, Cardiff as a large park to explore and allow your dog to let off some steam!
Sheffield
Sheffield is a city in the English county of South Yorkshire. In the city centre, the Millennium Gallery shows metalwork and art from Sheffield and around the world. It adjoins the Winter Garden, a large temperate glasshouse filled with plants. Sheffield boasts that you'll never need to leave your dog at home, something we know dog lovers hate, with hundreds of dog-friendly venues, cafes, pubs and coffee shops to explore alongside walks, shops and more!
FAQs
What cities in the UK have the most dog-friendly parks?
When it comes to dog-friendly parks in the UK, there are several cities that stand out. One of the top contenders is Bristol, known for its abundance of green spaces and pet-friendly amenities. With numerous parks and open areas specifically designed for dogs to roam freely, Bristol offers a haven for both canines and their owners. Another city worth mentioning is Edinburgh, which boasts a remarkable number of well-maintained parks that welcome dogs with open paws. From Holyrood Park to The Meadows, Edinburgh provides ample opportunities for furry friends to stretch their legs and enjoy the outdoors. Lastly, Brighton deserves recognition for its commitment to creating a dog-friendly environment.
What is the criteria for a city to be considered dog-friendly in the UK?
To be considered dog-friendly in the UK, a city must meet several criteria. Firstly, it should have an abundance of green spaces and parks where dogs can roam freely and enjoy outdoor activities. Additionally, the city should have a well-developed network of dog-friendly establishments such as cafes, restaurants, and shops that welcome four-legged companions. Adequate pet-friendly accommodation options, including hotels and rental properties, are also essential. Furthermore, a dog-friendly city should prioritize the provision of amenities like dog parks, grooming salons, and veterinary clinics to cater to the needs of canine residents. Lastly, the presence of responsible pet ownership initiatives and strict enforcement of leash laws contribute to creating a safe and harmonious environment for both dogs and their owners.
What amenities are available for dogs in the dog-friendly cities of the UK?
In the dog-friendly cities of the UK, there is a wide range of amenities available for our furry friends. Firstly, you will find an abundance of dog parks and green spaces where dogs can roam freely and socialize with other pups. These parks often have designated off-leash areas, agility courses, and even swimming ponds or lakes for dogs to cool off on hot summer days. Additionally, many cafes, restaurants, and shops in these cities are pet-friendly, allowing dogs to accompany their owners while they enjoy a meal or browse for goodies. Dog-friendly beaches are also a popular feature in these cities, providing ample space for dogs to run and play in the sand and surf.
Where are the best dog-friendly cafes or restaurants in the UK?
When it comes to dog-friendly cafes and restaurants in the UK, there are several cities that stand out. One of the top contenders is Bristol, known for its vibrant food scene and welcoming attitude towards dogs. From cozy cafes with outdoor seating to trendy eateries that provide water bowls and treats for furry patrons, Bristol offers a wide range of options for dog owners looking to dine out. Another city worth mentioning is Edinburgh, where many cafes and restaurants have designated areas specifically for four-legged guests. With its picturesque streets and dog-friendly establishments, Edinburgh provides a delightful dining experience for both humans and their canine companions. Lastly, Brighton deserves a spot on this list with its numerous pet-friendly cafes that cater to all dietary preferences, including vegan and gluten-free options.
So that is a wrap, this article was our top 15 UK cities for you and your dog aimed to suggest best places and adventures in the UK for hounds and humans alike. There are of course some other amazing cities we've not included such as Brighton & Hove, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Liverpool, Nottingham Arboretum, Plymouth, Pembrokeshire, Portsmouth and cities by the coast, shoreline or coastline. It was a hard list to curate as the UK offers some incredibly dog-friendly places to explore! We understand the life of a dog owner or pets can be challenging to find the best places, events and attractions but dog people tend to know what's best for their pooches and pups. If you have any cities or towns you'd like to suggest as a great trip for your four legged companion, please do let us know anything you feel is great! Also don't forget to follow us on Instagram too!