Summer Staycations with your Dog

Guide to summer staycationing with your dog

Summer in the UK doesn’t have to mean hopping on a plane or navigating airport chaos – especially if you’ve got a four-legged friend in tow. For us Londoners, there’s an abundance of dog-friendly experiences right on the doorstep or just a short drive or train ride away.

Whether you’re planning lazy afternoons in the capital’s parks or weekend escapes to the countryside, there’s no shortage of adventures to share with your pup. Just make sure you pack the essentials: Water bottle, poo bags…and treats!

If you’re driving, ensure your dog is secure in the car with a proper car seat and if using public transport, know the rules - most train companies allow dogs, but they must stay on leads. If you’re beach-bound, check ahead too, as not all beaches welcome dogs year-round.

Here are a few of our favourite staycation things to do:

Park life in the Capital

London is a dream for dogs who love green spaces. From the expanse of Hyde Park to Hampstead Heath, with its wide-open fields and designated dog-friendly swimming ponds, and the manicured grounds of Richmond Park (where you might spot a deer or two…NOT to chase), there’s no shortage of stunning strolls.

Our other favourites include:

Battersea Park – leafy and serene, ideal for a quieter weekday wander.

Greenwich Park – perfect for a sunny picnic with panoramic city views.

Victoria Park – spacious paths, a canal-side walk, and even dog-friendly cafés.

Epping Forest – A sprawling historic woodland on the edge of East London, with over 2,400 hectares to explore.

Wimbledon Common & Putney Heath – Peaceful trails, great views, and plenty of dog walkers.

Brunch with your bestie

Dogs are VIP’s at the Love My Human Town House! Enjoy a day out in Chelsea and pay us a visit, where you can explore a delicious menu lovingly designed for you (and them).

Highlights (for them) include our Duke Of Wellington – ground beef and grated apple and oat casing Wellington with braised red cabbage on a bed of creamed butternut squash, and our Loaded Pup Cup coconut cream with a topping of Love My Human cookies and goji berries or blueberry powder sprinkles.

While they’re lapping up our culinary delights, you can enjoy a delicious LMH All-Day Breakfast, Lunch, Desert or full traditional Cream Tea.

Take to the Thames

Why not add a bit of culture to your summer staycation? Thames Clippers now allow well-behaved dogs on board, making for a breezy boat trip past London’s landmarks. Failing that, a walk along the Thames Path is a fascinating way to incorporate some sights and history into your walkies!

The Cotswolds

Just a couple of hours from London, the Cotswolds offer picture-postcard villages, rolling hills, and cosy pubs. Base yourself in Broadway or Stow-on-the-Wold and enjoy countryside rambles and pub lunches. Check out:

The Bell Inn at Langford – a rustic, dog-friendly pub with rooms.

Cotswold Wildlife Park – dogs on leads are welcome in most outdoor areas.

Norfolk Coast

For beach lovers, Norfolk is a paradise – and many of its beaches are dog-friendly year-round. Head to Holkham Beach or Wells-next-the-Sea for wide, sandy stretches where your dog can run free. Stay at a local dog-friendly Airbnb or try The Victoria Inn near Holkham for a coastal treat.

The South Downs

A lesser-known gem that’s easily accessible from London by train or car. Walk sections of the South Downs Way, enjoy vineyard tours (many allow dogs on leads), and relax in a charming B&B. The Lamb Inn in Eastbourne is a great base, near dog-friendly beaches and trails.

The Chiltern Hills

Only about an hour by car or train from west London, these picture perfect rolling hills are perfect for scenic hikes, charming towns, and vineyard visits. Turville Village is a highlight and is a popular filming location (includes Vicar of Dibley), with quaint vibes and lovely trails. The Greyhound Inn (Letcombe Regis) is a cute country pub with dog-friendly rooms if you’re planning a sleepover.

Ashdown Forest (East Sussex)

Famous as the inspiration for Winnie the Pooh’s Hundred Acre Wood, Ashdown Forest offers magical woodland walks and peaceful open heathland. Pooh Bridge is a must-visit, then enjoy lunch at The Hatch Inn, a charming dog-friendly pub nearby.

Windsor & Runnymede
Walk together along the Thames Path, explore Windsor Great Park, or picnic on the historic Runnymede meadows (where Magna Carta was signed). The Fox & Hounds (Englefield Green) is just steps from Windsor Great Park and very dog-welcoming.