With its wide open spaces, spectacular national park, and endless walking opportunities, Derbyshire should be top of your list of places to visit with your dog.
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Out and about in Derbyshire
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Dog-friendly attractions in Derbyshire
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Plan your perfect dog-friendly day out
Derbyshire is renowned for being a diverse region, with town and cities nestled in breathtaking countryside, accompanied by plenty of tourist attractions.
Probably the most well-known area of Derbyshire is the Peak District. Derbyshire can claim the first national park to be set up in Britain — the Peak District National Park — which covers more than 500 square miles, three-quarters of which lie in Derbyshire.
The national park is a great place for four-legged friends and offers some of the most amazing hilltop views in the UK. It is also one of the most popular walking destinations in this country and has something for everyone — from challenging treks and climbs up hills to gentle strolls in the countryside. Upon exploring the Peak District you will come across plenty of trails and routes that you can follow.
Out and about in Derbyshire
You're probably familiar with many of the towns, villages, and cities in Derbyshire. Derby is steeped in history and has a rich mixture of arts, tourism, and cultural venues. Buxton, situated in the northern part of the county, is referred to as the Bath of the north, and is one of the main holiday resorts in Derbyshire. It is surrounded by the national park and holds numerous festivals.
With its moorland setting, Glossop is an ideal base for exploring the north section of the county and the national park, and is a popular tourist spot. The village of Flash is the highest village in England at 1,518 feet above sea level. The main part of Flash clings to a hillside with most of the houses around the church.
In the Derbyshire Dales area you will find picturesque Bakewell, which lies in the heart of the Peak District National Park. Did you know that an elephant is buried in the market town? The animal escaped from a visiting circus in 1905 and ended up being shot dead by the local militia.
Another popular tourist town is Matlock Bath, situated on the edge of the national park.
Dog-friendly attractions in Derbyshire
There are so many things to do and see with your dog in Derbyshire. The county is home to one of the UK's best-loved historic houses, Chatsworth House, which is set in the Peak District and is the home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. It was one of the settings for the film 'Pride and Prejudice'. Although dogs are not allowed inside the house, the 1,000-acre park is open all year round. Dogs on leads are welcome in the gardens and park.
If you're looking to do something a bit different with your dog for a memorable holiday, Derbyshire has a number of attractions which are dog friendly. Crich Tramway Museum near Matlock welcomes canine visitors at the attraction, and has been recommended by Dogs Trust as a dog-friendly venue. It is one of the few museums to welcome dogs free of charge.
The Heights of Abraham, a major tourist attraction in Matlock Bath, is also dog friendly. It consists of a hilltop park accessed by a cable car from the village. Dogs are allowed on the cable cars and in the grounds of the hilltop park.
Plan your perfect dog-friendly day out in Derbyshire
Attraction - Why not begin your adventure in one of the Heights of Abraham’s famous cable cars, soaring up and over the Derwent Valley and into the village in the sky. Let your pooch lead the way through the Heights’s 60 acre estate, while you enjoy the panoramic views at every opportunity.
Walk - Staying in the Heights, why not walk the ‘Waggy Tails Way’ with your dog? You can pick up a copy of the guide at the ticket office on arrival.
Dogs are not allowed into the caverns due to the amount of small and exciting looking holes that they might run into! So the Waggy Tails Trail is a 25 to 30 minute walk over the top of Masson Hill which has been designed to finish just around the corner from the exit of the Masson Cavern, so you can be reunited with your group once they’ve finished their tour.
For plenty of sniffs and sounds, you can also explore the vast amount of woodland walks around the Heights.
Food & Drink - The Heights of Abraham also has a dog-friendly café and restaurant, with terraces open all season, so you can dine with your canine friend too!
Venturing a little further east is the Chequers Inn, an award winning country village pub set in the beautiful Derbyshire village of Stanton By Dale.
Dogs are extremely welcome and the Chequers not only boasts a doggie treat jar and water bowls, but also miles of dog walks straight from the car park - not to mention a resident pet photographer! The Chequers serves quality cask ales, ciders, and lager, as well as a huge variety of gins and other refreshments. You can enjoy Fish & Chips on a Friday from 12-2:30pm and 6-8pm and Sunday lunch from 12-4pm, as well as homemade, locally sourced bar snacks and proper cobs available at all times.
Accommodation - After a long day out walking in the fresh air with your dog, you’ll need somewhere comfortable to crash for the night.
Bolehill Farm Cottages are situated two miles from the centre of Bakewell, and boasts eight dog friendly self-catering cottages, lovingly converted from traditional farm buildings set within the heart of the Peak District National Park.
Your Dog members can receive a 5% discount when booking.
Did you know?
You can save on accommodation, restaurants and days out across Derbyshire and the rest of the UK for just £7.99 with the Your Dog Discount Card! (There are also over 100 different online sites included helping you save on everything you buy for your dog!)