Fancy getting festive on your winter break with the dog? Here’s our pick of dog-friendly festive days out where families and their furry friends can get into the Christmas spirit.
1. Mousehole Harbour Lights, Cornwall
The Mousehole Christmas lights are one of Cornwall’s most famous festive spectacles, so making a trip to this picture-postcard village a must if you’re planning a coastal Christmas getaway. Between 12 December 2024 and 05 January 2025 the harbour comes to life with twinkling lights in the shapes of boats, sea creatures and Christmas characters – making it the perfect location to end a scenic walk along the South West Coast Path. Once you’ve taken a twirl around the water’s edge, paws to warm your cockles over a pint of local ale and a slice of Mousehole‘s Stargazey pie at the pet-friendly Ship Inn.
2. North Pole Express, Foxfield Railway, Staffordshire
Hop aboard with Santa and his friends on an award-winning railway for families, rail enthusiasts and their dogs. Steam through stunning Staffordshire countryside and tuck into mince pies and Christmas tipples, while the children are entertained by Jack Frost, meet Santa and receive a gift. The North Pole Express runs from the last weekend in November until Christmas Eve.
3. Dog-Friendly Christmas Nights, Cotswolds Farm Park
Take a holiday with your hound in the stunning Cotswolds this Christmas, and enjoy a wonderful nighttime walkies through Cotswold Farm Park, under stunning installations and illuminations. Along the magical trail you and your canine can tuck into festive treats, feed the animals and roast marshmallows on the fire pit. Dogs go free on this enchanting journey that will lead you both into the festive spirit.
4. Winter Glow, Worcestershire
For a cracking Christmas experience with your canine companion, head to Winter Glow at the Three Counties Showground in Worcestershire. This festive event offers a unique opportunity for your furry friend to meet Father Christmas and get their own festive treat at a special Santa Paws session. Fill your boots with memories for both you and your four-legged companion, enjoy some baking with Mrs Claus, and join the Elf Circus Academy so you can learn to perform your own festive magic.
5. Meet Santa Paws at Dobbies Garden Centre
Give your canine companion their own festive experience this year, with a trip to see Santa Paws at Dobbies Garden Centre. Whether you’re holidaying with your hound in Andover or York, Dobbies Garden Centres throughout the UK have launched these special sessions for your furry to meet the big man himself in his grotto, where the elves will entertain your pooch, give them a special gift and capture the moment on camera. Dogs are also welcome in all Dobbies Garden Centre shops, and all events are run in conjunction with the Dogs Trust charity.
6. Christmas at Powderham Castle, Devon
From 25 November to 31 December 2024, ‘Christmas at the Castle‘ is back at the 600 year-old Powderham Castle in Devon, where imaginations can run wild and your four-legged friends can join in your adventures. A visit to Powderham is a treat at any time of year, but at Christmas it’s extra special, with an Illuminated Light Walk around the grounds, the castle adorned in Christmas decorations, Santa’s Grotto, and Christmas stalls serving festive fare. Dogs must be on leads and are not permitted in the Walled Garden and Deer Park. Entry is £1 per dog.
7. Ingleborough Cave and Grotto, Yorkshire Dales
Wend your way along the Ingleborough Estate Nature Trail in the Yorkshire Dales, through a steep river valley, tunnelling your way through beautiful woodland to Ingleborough Cave. Tread in the footsteps of early Victorian explorers as you journey into the spectacular geology of the cave – a truly magical location to find Santa’s grotto. At the entrance to the trail, The Old Sawmill Café will be serving a big Christmas barbecue, and you can also paws to post your letter to Santa at his Post Office.
8. Bath Christmas Market, Somerset
Who says dogs won’t enjoy Christmas in the city? We love Christmas shopping with the dog in Bath, where the cobbled streets are transformed into a magical festive shopping wonderland in the run up to Christmas. Take a stroll with the dog from Bath Abbey to the Roman Baths, experiencing the festivities, filling your bags with goodies from the twinkling chalets and paw-sing to enjoy festive food and drink. All whilst surrounded by some of Britain’s most iconic architecture.
Ready to enjoy some festive fun with your dog at your heels?
Check out our collection of dog-friendly cottages in stunning locations around the UK and find the perfect base for your Christmas break. Or save time and go straight to our list of last-minute dog-friendly cottages with availability this Christmas.
