10 Dog-Friendly Days Out and Events in the UK

You’ll find fantastic dog-friendly events across the UK, from DogFest’s multi-location tour at stunning stately homes like Blenheim Palace to Goodwoof’s premium experience at Goodwood Estate. Try Paws in the Park for splash zones and agility, the All About Dogs Show’s touring festivals, or Chatsworth Country Fair‘s Peak District setting. Don’t miss Dogstival in the New Forest, festive Christmas markets, or hands-on agility workshops at local training centres. Each event offers unique activities perfectly tailored to create unforgettable memories with your four-legged companion.

DogFest: Multi-Location Festival Fun Across the UK

When you’re looking for the ultimate dog festival experience, DogFest delivers an unmatched weekend adventure across seven stunning stately home venues throughout England. From May through September 2025, you’ll find this touring festival at magnificent locations including Ragley Hall, Knebworth House, Tatton Park, Blenheim Palace, and Harewood House.

Each two-day event transforms sprawling parklands into activity-packed zones where your dog can try agility, dog diving, scentwork, and parkour.

You’ll enjoy world-class demonstrations from canine athletes, breed meet-ups, and the popular Big Dog Walk. The festival creates a vibrant festival atmosphere with live music performances and engaging displays throughout the weekend.

Expert zones provide free advice on training, nutrition, and health from qualified professionals.

Day tickets start around £20, with weekend passes at £37.

The DogFest Plus upgrade includes premium parking, fast-track entry, and special perks for an enhanced experience.

Goodwoof at Goodwood Estate: Premium Dog Festival Experience

The prestigious Goodwood Estate in Chichester transforms into a dog lover’s paradise each May, hosting Goodwoof—one of the UK’s most elegant canine festivals. You’ll discover two days of premium entertainment at The Kennels, featuring competitions like Barkitecture kennel design and sheepdog trials alongside wellness workshops by MARS Petcare.

Your ticket includes everything from dog yoga and disco sessions to expert advice from vets and behaviourists. You can enjoy have-a-go activities like flyball, browse the Literary Corner, or sip champagne at the Taittinger Bar while your dog explores Fido’s Lido. The event runs from 09:30 when gates open until 17:00 daily.

Children under 12 and dogs enter free, though you’ll need to pre-book your four-legged friends. The estate provides complimentary parking and maintains an inclusive atmosphere where families create lasting memories together.

Chatsworth Country Fair: Peak District Adventure

Moving from the manicured elegance of Goodwood, Chatsworth Country Fair offers you a completely different but equally spectacular dog-friendly adventure in the heart of Derbyshire’s Peak District. Set across 122 acres of stunning parkland surrounding Chatsworth House, this three-day event (4th-6th September 2026) welcomes your four-legged friends throughout the showground.

You’ll enjoy Grand Ring entertainment featuring military bands and aerobatics, plus up to 70 hot air balloons ascending together. Your dog can participate in racing events while you explore rural pursuits and the vintage fun fair.

The Fine Food Village and Shopping Village showcase local artisan producers, with celebrity chef demonstrations adding culinary excitement. Enhance your culinary skills with hands-on cookery masterclasses led by professional chefs.

Book before 30th September 2025 to save £12.50 per ticket through the official website only.

Paws in the Park: Aquazone and Agility Action

If you’re seeking Britain’s most extensive dog event where every tail wags with excitement, Paws in the Park delivers the ultimate canine adventure across multiple locations.

Your dog can splash through the K9 Aquazone’s Dash n Splash, tackle agility courses, or sprint through flyball competitions. These have-a-go activities welcome every breed and ability level.

You’ll find two main events: Sussex at South of England Showground (May 17-18, 2025) and Kent at The Kent Showground (September 20-21, 2025). Both run 9:30am-5pm daily with dog-friendly camping available.

Your pooch enters free while you’ll conserve money booking human tickets online.

Beyond competitions, you’ll enjoy arena displays, gundog scurries, cani-cross, and search-and-rescue demonstrations. Dog training clubs from across the UK participate to share their expertise and showcase different canine sports.

Trade stands, food options, and shaded areas ensure comfortable family weekends.

All About Dogs Show: Touring Festival Excellence

Five major showgrounds across England host the All About Dogs Show, Britain’s premier touring dog festival that brings all-encompassing canine entertainment directly to your region. You’ll discover five confirmed 2026 locations: Trinity Park Suffolk, Newbury Showground Berkshire, Newark Showground Nottinghamshire, Hylands Park Essex, and Norfolk Showground—all scheduled as weekend events from April through August.

Your dog can participate in fun shows with novelty classes, try have-a-go agility activities, and watch arena demonstrations featuring stunt dogs. You’ll access expert talks from trainers and behaviour specialists while browsing thousands of dog products across extensive trade stands. Winners receive rosettes for their achievements in the various competitions and activities.

Free parking and advance ticketing make attendance convenient, while bank holiday scheduling maximizes your leisure time. The festival supports both pedigree and mixed-breed communities through dedicated meet-up areas.

Summer Dog Festival Southport: Seaside Celebration

Experience Lancashire’s premier seaside dog celebration at the Summer Dog Festival Southport, where Victoria Park transforms into a spectacular canine wonderland on 28–29 June 2025.

You’ll discover fun dog shows welcoming all breeds, agility courses for every ability level, and interactive training demonstrations throughout both festival days from 10:00–18:00.

The seaside setting adds coastal charm to your family day out, with beach promenades just steps away from the festival grounds.

You can browse dog product stalls, enjoy food vendors, and participate in hands-on enrichment activities designed for dogs and owners alike.

Dogs Direct UK’s event combines charity fundraising with community celebration, creating opportunities for local traders while supporting dog welfare causes.

Whether you’re seeking training inspiration or simply celebrating your four-legged companion, this accessible parkland venue delivers entertainment for all ages. With its 5-star rating and established reputation, Victoria Park continues to provide exceptional experiences for festival-goers and their beloved pets.

Dog Lovers Festival at Elvaston Castle: Music and Activities

Where else can you enjoy live tribute bands while your dog splashes in a dedicated swimming pool? The Dog Lovers Festival at Elvaston Castle combines music and canine fun across three days in Derbyshire’s historic parkland.

Running 1–3 August 2025, this tribute festival features rock, pop, and classic party bands while your four-legged friend enjoys the K9 Aqua Sports pool and interactive dog zones.

Weekend tickets start from £39.75, with day passes from £25.75. You’ll find have-a-go activities, demonstrations, and a shopping village packed with dog accessories and treats. Children aged 12 months and over need a ticket to attend the festival.

The lakeside grounds at Elvaston Castle Country Park provide the perfect backdrop for this family-friendly weekend.

Camping’s available with 7m x 6m pitches, multiple water points, and on-site food vendors ensuring both you and your dog stay comfortable throughout the festival.

Dogstival in the New Forest: Canine Sports Paradise

Whether your dog’s a natural athlete or simply loves splashing about, Dogstival transforms the New Forest into Britain’s ultimate canine sports playground. You’ll find flyball competitions with hurdle runs, agility courses featuring tunnels and weave poles, and scent work battles that’ll challenge your dog’s nose.

Water-loving pups can plunge into splash pools during dedicated swimming sessions.

The Naturo Main Arena hosts spectacular displays including terrier racing and stunt acts, while the Fun Dog Show offers nine classes with rosettes for every participant. Between events, you can unwind at the Muddy Paws Tavern where both you and your four-legged friend can enjoy refreshments and entertainment.

You can attend grooming masterclasses, canine MOT health talks, and even try doga sessions for relaxation.

Mark your calendar for 31 May-1 June 2025 at Burley Park. Use the DOGSTIVAL code for accommodation discounts at nearby Sandy Balls Holiday Park.

Dog-Friendly Christmas Events: Festive Fun Year-Round

Christmas markets and festive events across the UK roll out the red carpet for four-legged family members, proving you don’t need to leave your dog behind during the holiday season. Santa Paws at Winter Glow offers the ultimate dog-friendly Christmas experience with Father Christmas meet-and-greets, dog gifts, photos, and Mrs Claus’ bakery serving dog-friendly biscuits.

Bath’s Christmas Market welcomes dogs among 180 chalets set against stunning Roman and Georgian architecture.

Kingston upon Thames provides festive fun from November through December.

Chatsworth’s market combines Christmas shopping with Peak District walks.

Winchester’s atmospheric market sits beautifully beside the illuminated cathedral.

Keep dogs on short leads and visit early to avoid crowds at these magical destinations. The Winter Glow Light Trail welcomes dogs on designated days including late November and mid-to-late December dates.

Have-a-Go Activities: Agility, Flyball and Training Sessions

While formal dog sports might seem intimidating, have-a-go sessions at UK shows and training centres let you and your dog dip your paws into agility, flyball, and other activities without any prior experience. These taster sessions typically last 10-20 minutes and use simplified equipment focusing on fun rather than competition.

You’ll find agility sessions featuring jumps, tunnels and hoops that boost your dog’s fitness and mental stimulation. Flyball have-a-go lanes teach straight runs with low jumps and rolling ball releases.

Most providers welcome dogs from 4-6 months upward, though full-height activities start around 12 months to protect developing joints.

Multi-sport centres offer year-round workshops with professional equipment, whilst country shows provide casual try-outs using positive, reward-based methods perfect for nervous dogs. The sport has flourished with over 40 years of established practice in the UK, creating a wealth of experienced venues and instructors.

The Sum Up

You’ve got incredible options for memorable days out with your furry friend across the UK. Whether you’re drawn to premium experiences at Goodwood or prefer the relaxed atmosphere of local festivals, there’s something perfect for every dog and owner. Don’t wait – check event dates, pack your dog’s essentials, and book tickets early for the most popular festivals. Your four-legged companion deserves these special adventures, and you’ll create lasting memories together.