With the chilly nights drawing in, walking your pooch may not be quite as enjoyable during the autumn and winter months. However, keeping your dog mentally and physically stimulated no longer has to be a dark, cold and gloomy chore as I’ve compiled a list of dog-friendly activities, walks and cafés you and your furry pal can explore in the months to come. This means you can still get out and about whilst having some fun at the same time!
Dog-friendly cinema screening “Frozen 2”
Fancy going to the cinema but would rather have your canine buddy with you? Well now you can! Greenwich Picturehouse is hosting a dog-friendly cinema screening of “Frozen 2” on Saturday 23rd November 2019 at 10am.
Date: Saturday 23rd November 2019
Time: 10am
Location: Greenwich Picturehouse, London
On Sunday 24th November 2019 pop along to animal charity Mayhew’s Christmas Fair where there will be lots of fun for humans and dogs alike! There will be:
Festive stalls for two and four-legged friends
Mulled wine and mince pies
The chance to visit the cattery and buy Christmas gifts for the residents
Games and prizes
A chance to meet Santa Paws!
Date: Sunday 24 November 2019
Time: 12pm - 4pm
Location: Mayhew Animal Home, Trenmar Gardens, NW10 6BJ
Spend the afternoon with your furry friend on the 12th floor surrounded by incredible views of the city at Savage Garden, on Sunday 1st December from 12pm to 4pm.
The website states that "VIPs (that’s Very Important Pooches to you!) will receive a Savage pupcake baked with delicious dog-friendly ingredients. Option to upgrade to pawsecco for furry friends for £20 extra each." What more could you ask for on a cold, wet winter's day?
Date: Sunday 1st December
Time: 12pm - 4pm
Location: Savage Garden, London
Cheltenham Animal Shelter - Big Festive Dog Walk
If you feel like getting a little more active, burning some energy, doing a good deed and meeting lots of like-minded dog lovers at the same time then this could be the walk for you. Taken from Cheltenham Animal Shelter's website: “The walk will last an hour starting at Cheltenham Animal Shelter and walking around Pittville Park. Once attendees arrive back at the shelter we welcome you to join us for mince pies and hot drinks. The day also includes use of our off-lead paddock, agility equipment, and behaviour advice with Rosie our canine behaviourist.”
Date: Saturday 21st December 2019
Time: 10am - 12:30pm
Location: Cheltenham Animal Shelter, Gardner's Lane, Cheltenham
Another group dog walk for those that like to stay active and socialise. Meeting up with fellow dog owners will make the time fly by and watching your pups playing and having fun will surely put a smile on your face!
Date: Weekly. Click on the title for exact dates
Time: 10am - 11am
Location: Central Bark, Clumber Park, Worksop
German Shepherd Rescue Elite Group Walks
A fabulous way to socialise your dog and a great way to meet other like-minded people. All breeds are welcome (not just German Shepherds) and the walks are held at various locations so hopefully there will be one near you.
Click on the title for various locations and further details on dates and times.
Fancy a walk with a twist? Then this may be the one for you! The Blue Cross has all the details on their website but to give you an idea, here's a snippet:
"Our brilliant after dark Christmas dog walks are back this December. Taking place at three Forestry England sites, you’ll get to see the forest as never before and raise money for vulnerable pets.
Setting off at sunset, follow our festive five kilometre glow in the dark trail. Meet Santa, enjoy carol singers hidden en route and spot the seasonal decorations hanging from trees strung with fairy lights.
Each event is beautifully unique and is a great evening out for all ages, two or four legged!
Last year’s Bark in the Dark at Christmas events all sold out, so don’t miss out this year."
Click on the title for full details, dates, times and to book tickets.
The Big Christmas Jumper Walk by Mad About Schnauzers UK
A great fundraising walk for Schnauzers in need by "Mad About Schnauzers UK". Walks are held in various locations so click on the title to find one near you. Donations aren’t compulsory but are gratefully received and of course Christmas attire is essential!
Date: Saturday 7th December 2019
Time: 10am
Location: Nationwide
This two mile walk takes you along the cliffs at Belle Tout to Lookout Hill. It was here that customs officers used to keep an eye out for smugglers lurking on the beaches below. Bring your four-legged friend for a walk and a fossil hunt, then stop off in the café for a warming cup of tea and a slice of cake. Dogs on leads are welcome throughout the visitor centre, shop and marked areas of the café. There’s also outside seating for busy days when the café is full.
Date: Open every day
Time: Various, see below
Countryside - dawn to dusk
Cafe, Visitor Centre & Shop - 10am to 4pm
Location: East Dean, near Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN20 0AB
For the beach lovers out there, winter doesn't mean you can't enjoy the fresh, crisp sea breeze with your best friend by your side. Here are a few dog-friendly coastal walks for you to explore:
Old Hunstanton Beach, Norfolk
Whitley Bay (south beach), Tyne and Wear
Cleethorpes Beach, North East Lincolnshire
Widemouth Bay (northern half), near Bude, Cornwall
Harlyn Bay Beach, Cornwall
Embleton Beach, Northumberland
Ballycastle Beach, County Antrim
Balnakeil Beach, Durness, the Highlands
Marloes Sands Beach, Pembrokeshire
A few things to remember when going for a stroll along the beach:
- Always clean up after your dog
- Some areas, including promenades, may ask you to keep your dog on a lead
- Many beaches have restrictions on dogs from around Easter time to the end of September. Check the council’s website for up-to-date information before you travel.
If you've been to one of these events or any others that I haven't mentioned we'd love to hear about it! Feel free to share your photos on our Facebook and Instagram page.
