The most dog-friendly cities in the UK have been ranked – and there's one clear frontrunner when it comes to beautiful walking trails and dog-friendly establishments. But it's likely not the first place that springs to mind.
Quaint countryside cities and towns such as Cirencester in the Cotswolds, Bath or Stratford-Upon-Avon get a lot of airtime as dog-friendly areas thanks to their incredible scenery. But, it's a Welsh underdog that's the most well-equipped for dog walkers and their canine friends, according to recent research.
The outdoor experts at Millets have crunched the numbers to come up with the UK’s most dog-friendly cities, analysing key factors like the number of parks, vets and dog-friendly hotels and pubs to stop off in during countryside rambles — and it's Wrexham that has come out on top.
The unassuming town of Wrexham in Wales is characterised by its historic architecture and famous football club (at least, since Ryan Reynolds took over as co-owner in 2021), but it's not a destination we often see spotlighted.
Yet for dog owners, it's an idyllic spot, scoring 9.01 out of 10 in the criteria set by Millets. Seven trails are suitable for dogs near the city, including Minera Mineral Branch and Caergwrle Castle.
The 6.1 km walk at Minera Mineral Branch is a particularly interesting route, taking walkers through the Minera Lead Mines and Country Park. The park spans 53 acres of historical woodland where you can see archaeological sites, including 18th-century mines.
There's also a wealth of dog-friendly pubs to enjoy, such as The Lemon Tree and The Royal Oak, as well as the Greyhound Inn and The Dog and Pickle. What's more, 36% of the city's accommodation also allows dogs.
In second place, Northampton scored an impressive 8.58 out of 10, with 40% of accommodation options in Northampton being dog-friendly. There are also 54 vets in the city, meaning you’re always nearby to help if needed.
The Scottish city of Aberdeen came in third place, scoring 8.33 out of 10. This is mainly due to the choice of 36 dog-friendly restaurants in the town, including local favourites Shepherds Rest, Ma Cameron’s, Brig O’don and Cafe Harmony. There are also 22 dog-friendly pubs in the city.
10 most dog-friendly cities in the UK
- Wrexham (Wales)
- Northampton (England)
- Aberdeen (Scotland)
- Swansea (Wales)
- Southampton (England)
- Dunfermline (Scotland)
- Llanelli (Wales)
- Derby (England)
- Plymouth (England)
- Bristol (England)
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