Summer festival season isn’t just for humans anymore. Across the UK, a growing number of events are welcoming four-legged guests, giving dog owners the chance to enjoy live music, food, outdoor activities and plenty of tail-wagging entertainment together.
Whether you’re planning a weekend away around a dedicated dog festival or searching for dog-friendly music festivals UK visitors can attend with their pups, there are more options than ever. Better still, a festival break can be one of the best ways to bond with your dog, offering plenty of time outdoors and lots of opportunities to make memories together.
Here’s our guide to some of the best dog-friendly festivals the UK has to offer, along with nearby places worth exploring and dog-friendly places to stay.
Dogstival – New Forest, Hampshire
Held in Burley Park on the edge of the New Forest, Dogstival has become one of the UK’s best-loved dog festivals. The event combines live entertainment, dog shows, agility courses, breed meet-ups, training demonstrations and even a pop-up dog beach complete with pools and sandy play areas. There’s also live music throughout the weekend, making it one of the most popular dog-friendly festivals in the country.
Make a weekend of it
One of the biggest draws is the location itself. Burley is a charming New Forest village known for its free-roaming ponies and independent shops. For walks, head out onto the open heathland around Burley or explore nearby Rhinefield and Bolderwood. If you’re staying longer, Milford on Sea offers dog-friendly beach walks and coastal views without the crowds you’ll find in some larger seaside resorts.
For a post-festival pint, you’ll find plenty of dog-friendly pubs throughout the New Forest, many with large gardens and walking routes straight from the door.
Woofstock UK – Exeter, Devon
For anyone searching specifically for a dog-friendly music festival, Woofstock UK deserves a place on the list. Held at Powderham Castle near Exeter, the festival combines live music with dog shows, agility displays, flyball, expert talks and plenty of activities for dogs and owners alike. In the evenings, the festival transforms into a genuine music event where dogs are welcome alongside their humans.
Make a weekend of it
Powderham Castle sits just outside Exeter and close to Devon‘s beautiful coastline. Take some time to explore the historic city centre or head to Dawlish Warren, where dogs are welcome on parts of the beach throughout much of the year. For walks, the Exe Estuary Trail offers miles of waterside paths, while nearby Haldon Forest provides shaded woodland routes that can be particularly welcome on hot summer days.
DogFest – Various UK locations
Unlike many dog festivals UK visitors attend as a one-off event, DogFest takes place at several locations throughout the year, giving dog owners multiple opportunities to join the fun. Expect breed meet-ups, dog displays, have-a-go activities, shopping, expert advice and family entertainment, all centred around dogs.
Make a weekend of it
One of the advantages of DogFest is that each location gives you a different area to explore. The Yorkshire event at Harewood House is perfect for combining with visits to Harrogate and the Yorkshire Dales, while southern events can easily be paired with countryside walks and coastal escapes.
Wherever you’re attending, it’s worth arriving a day early or staying an extra night. Festivals can be exciting and stimulating for dogs, so having time to unwind afterwards often makes the whole experience more enjoyable.
Why festivals are great for bonding with your dog
Many owners wonder how to bond with their dog or even how long it bonding with them. The truth is that every dog is different, but shared experiences play a huge role in strengthening your relationship. Trainers often suggest spending quality time engaging with dogs in positive situations to help.
A well-organised dog-friendly festival can provide exactly that. A festival setting gives you opportunities to experience new environments together, practise training around distractions and build trust as your dog looks to you for reassurance.
So, if you’re wondering how to build a bond with your dog, focus on activities you can do together rather than simply being in the same space. Exploring new walking routes, taking part in agility sessions or trying scent work at a festival can all help strengthen your connection.
Festival tips for dog owners
Before heading to any dog-friendly festivals, it’s worth doing a little preparation.
- Check festival rules before you travel – some events require dogs to remain on leads at all times.
- Bring plenty of water and a collapsible bowl.
- Pack a cooling mat if warm weather is expected.
- Make sure your dog’s ID tag details are up to date.
- Give your dog regular breaks away from busy areas.
- Watch for signs that your dog is becoming overwhelmed or tired.
Not every dog enjoys large crowds, and that’s perfectly fine. The aim is to create positive experiences together rather than ticking attractions off a list.
Stay somewhere dog friendly
One of the best things about many dog-friendly festivals in UK locations is that they’re surrounded by fantastic places to stay. Choosing dog-friendly accommodation nearby means you can combine the festival with coastal walks, countryside pubs and time exploring local villages. Whether you’re heading to the New Forest, Devon, Yorkshire or beyond, turning a day at a dog festival into a proper getaway gives both you and your dog more time to relax, explore and enjoy summer together.
And that’s really what these events are all about – spending quality time with your four-legged companion, making memories and strengthening the bond you share!
