Dog-friendly places to go in the summer

Summer is the perfect time to get out and about with our dogs, but it's easy to fall into the routine of visiting the same places. 

Discovering new dog-friendly days out can offer lots of benefits, including fresh sights, smells and sounds for your dog to enjoy. They might even make new friends along the way!

Beaches, country parks, lakes and woodlands are some of the best options for dog-friendly places to go over the summer. These offer opportunities to exercise, explore and cool off. 

When possible, plan outings for cooler days or during cooler mornings and evenings to reduce the risk of heatstroke. 

From National Trust sites to beaches, country parks and woodland walks, there’s plenty of dog-friendly things to do over the summer.

English Heritage and National Trust sites are home to some of the UK’s most impressive historic buildings and countryside, but many of them are also dog friendly. However, you’ll probably need to keep your dog on their lead and follow any codes of conduct, so your dog doesn’t disrupt anyone else’s visit.

A few favourite dog-friendly attractions include Scarborough Castle, a dramatic ruin in the North of England with fantastic views over the coast and surrounding area; The Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall, one of the UK’s most popular botanical gardens, which is now dog-friendly all year round; and Cotswold Wildlife Park, which is home to over 160 animal species. 

Travelling with your dog on public transport? Watch our video on how to make the experience as stress-free as possible for your dog.

A day at the beach is the perfect chance for you and your dog to get into the summer spirit. No matter where you live in the UK, you’re never more than 70 miles from the coast. 

You’ll find dog-friendly beaches all across the UK, but Cornwall is one region where you’ll be spoiled for choice. With 250 miles of coast and 220 beaches that are dog-friendly all year round, there’s plenty for you and your dog to explore. Some of the best dog-friendly beaches in Cornwall include:

● Porthkidney: This mile-long sandy beach welcomes dogs all year round and offers plenty of space for running, playing and exploring. Its size makes it suitable for both sociable dogs and those that prefer quieter walks. Take care near the northern end, where stronger waves attract surfers.

● Holywell Bay: Known for its golden sands and stunning scenery, Holywell Bay is dog-friendly year-round. Lifeguards patrol the beach during the summer months, and nearby facilities make it a convenient choice for a day out.

● Whitsand Bay: Stretching for four miles along Cornwall's south coast, Whitsand Bay offers plenty of room for dogs to roam. It's best visited at low tide, when even more sand is exposed for walking and play. Bear in mind that access involves a steep walk down, which might not suit senior dogs or owners with limited mobility. 

● Mawgan Porth: This sheltered beach near Newquay welcomes dogs all year round and remains spacious even at high tide. Rock pools, caves and a stream provide plenty of opportunities for exploration.

● Penhale Sands: One of Cornwall's largest beaches, Penhale Sands offers miles of open sand and dunes for dogs to explore. Popular with local dog owners, it's a great choice for sociable pups and long coastal walks.

To keep your beach visits as safe as possible, follow these top tips.

If your dog gets excited or anxious, the last thing you want is for them to run off. Keep your dog on a lead, especially in busy areas or when walking along cliffs. If they have reliable recall, you can let them off when you’re sure it’s safe.

This is something you should always do when visiting a beach, whether or not you’ve got your dog with you. Tides can come in very quickly, trapping people and animals in exposed areas. Make sure you know when the tides come in and go out so you can plan a safe trip. 

Saltwater and sand can irritate your dog’s skin. Give them a thorough clean, brush, or bath when you get home and pay special attention to their paws, where salt and sand can cause damage. 

If you’re passing one of Petplan’s Dog Wash sites, they’re the perfect place to get your dog feeling clean and fresh. 

Woodland walks and country parks

This is something you should always do when visiting a beach, whether or Woodlands and country parks are great options for summer, as they often provide plenty of shade. If your dog loves swimming, choose somewhere with a lake, river or stream where they can cool off on a hot day. 

Some popular options include Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire, the New Forest in Hampshire, Symonds Yat in Herefordshire and Grizedale Forest in the Lake District. It’s also worth checking your local council’s website for dog-friendly nature reserves and country parks. 

After a long country walk, head to your local dog-friendly pub and enjoy a drink and some food with your dog by your side. In addition to bowls of fresh, cool water, many pubs now offer doggy menus with treats and meals for your dog to enjoy. 

You could even plan a day trip around a walk with plenty of fields and green trees that loops back to a pub. National Trails is a great place to find walks all across the UK, and a quick internet search will help you find the nearest pub. 

Dogs love exploring new places, so why not try a new park this summer. While your dog’s favourite park might form part of their routine, the new sights and smells of somewhere different can offer lots of mental stimulation. 

Don’t be surprised if your dog is a little overexcited or nervous at first. Just give them plenty of time to explore their new surroundings on the lead and give them lots of positive reinforcement. 

If you live near one of Petplan’s Dog Adventure Parks, they’re the perfect place to train and exercise your dog in a secure enclosure. They also include agility equipment designed to support your dog’s physical and mental wellbeing. 

To make sure your day out goes smoothly, follow these top tips:

● Double-check dogs are allowed: Before heading out, double-check that dogs are definitely allowed and whether any seasonal restrictions apply. Some beaches don’t allow dogs from May to September, so checking before you leave can save a wasted trip. 

● Refresh your dog’s training: Days out with your dog are a lot more enjoyable when your dog is well-trained. Check their recall and basic commands, plus make sure they’re confident in the car or on public transport. 

● Pack the essentials: Bring plenty of fresh water, a portable bowl, poo bags, leads and treats. If you’re expecting your dog to swim, pack a couple of towels too. 

● Keep your details up to date: Make sure your dog’s collar has an ID tag with your phone number on it, and their microchip details are up to date. If your dog does run off on a day out and goes missing, these details increase the likelihood of you being reunited. 

● Know the signs of heatstroke: Very hot days can increase the risk of heatstroke. Make sure you know the key signs, including heavy panting and lethargy. Remember, certain breeds like Pugs and French Bulldogs are more prone to heatstroke. If there are weather warnings in place, it’s always best to stay home and keep your dog cool and comfortable. 

If you’re worried about how your dog is coping with the heat over the summer, it’s always best to ask your vet for advice. If you have dog insurance with Petplan, try our free Pet Expert Chat feature, which connects you with experts, any time of the day or night.