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5 dog friendly days out in Derbyshire

The non-metropolitan county of Derbyshire is a unique day out and an absolutely mesmerising outdoor spot, which is hardly surprising considering that it is the majority portion of the Peak District National Park falls within it. Here are some of the best days out with your dogs in the area.

The Heights of Abraham

The Heights of Abraham

When The Heights of Abraham promise a day of fun, exploration and adventure for the whole family, they mean the whole family, dog-members included. It goes without saying that the dogs are welcome to explore the region and the greenery alongside you, but some people are concerned about the fact that you access the main area via cable car. Don’t worry – dogs travel in them free, just keep an eye on them because it can be a daunting first-time experience for your canine companion. The limitations mean that dogs are not allowed in the caverns – which is as much for the dog’s comfort as other visitors – and they cannot go inside buildings. They’re allowed in the cafe, though, who will give your puppy-pal some water if you ask. There are also bowls of fresh water scattered across the area. 

Visiting with dogs:

Dogs on a short lead welcome and travel free on cable cars.

Website: The Heights of Abraham

The Heights of Abraham

Address: Dale Rd, Matlock, DE4 3NT


Dovedale

Dovedale

This National Nature Reserve is a valley of ash woodland, bustling grasslands and wildlife-dense river. Dogs are welcome, though it is required that they stay on their lead, as there is farmland wildlife, like grazing cows, that are disturbed by those bundles of energy we call pets! There are walks available for varying degrees of skill and fitness, with gentle paths as well as steep climbs. There are bins in the car park and the stableyard, so be sure to take your own disposable bags to clean up after your dog and make sure the area you’re visiting is as beautiful for the next people as it was for you. 

Visiting with dogs:

Dogs welcome but please keep your dog on a lead to avoid disturbance to grazing livestock.

Website: Dovedale

National Trust

Address: Derbyshire, DE6 2AY


Peak District National Park

When you hear “Derbyshire” in the UK, you think “Peak District” without a second’s thought. The sweeping hills, babbling brooks, the quintessentially British wildlife and the numerous walking paths that allow you to see it all. Because this is a sensitive breeding site responsible for a lot of the regions biodiversity and environmental care, there are areas of the park dogs can’t be taken. There are dog-friendly attractions and numerous accommodation that allows family members of all species. Between the views, the paths, the scenery and the activities, there’s not much not to love about this special part of the world. 

Visiting with dogs:

Dogs welcome all year round but always keep your dog on a lead when you’re in fields with livestock.

Website: Peak District National Park

Peak District National Park

Address: Castleton, Hope Valley, S33 8WS


Peveril Castle

Peveril Castle

You’ll be amazed at how beautifully the castles in this area blend into the scenery. When you think of infrastructure in modern times, you think of jarring images, or city scapes. However, historically, castles and stately homes were placed in the most remote places, and built with rustic stone that really adds to the historically significant ambience of the region. This 11th-century ruin is one of England’s earliest Norman fortresses suitable to explore with your dogs, provided they’re kept on their leads. Enjoy panoramic views of the area, as well as a beautiful, sweeping walks and trails that lead you to and from it. 

Visiting with dogs:

Dogs are welcome on the site, but must be kept on a lead.

Website: Peveril Castle

English Heritage

Address: Market Pl, Castleton, Hope Valley, S33 8WQ


Arbor Low Stone Circle

Arbor Low Stone Circle

Nothing screams “prehistoric English heritage” quite like a stone circle, does it? While a lot of people might be tempted, on hearing that statement, to think of Stonehenge, that monument in Wiltshire is great but certainly not the only one worth visiting. Arbow Low Stone Circle in Derbyshire is a Neolithic henge that sits on a carboniferous limestone plateau which is called the White Peak area. Dogs are of course welcome – such is why it features as a top five on this list! – but they are to be kept on a lead, so that they aren’t tempted to try playing with grazing animals in the fields. 

Visiting with dogs:

Dogs on leads are welcome but must be kept under close control as there may be animals grazing.

Website: Arbor Low Stone Circle

English Heritage

Address: Long Rake, Monyash, Derbyshire, DE45 1JS


Derbyshire is a beautiful part of the world, bustling with things to enjoy – and there is no exception to that, even when your dogs are visiting with you. Just follow the rules and keep them under a watchful eye, and there’s no reason these places can’t be a great day-out for the whole family. 

Frequently asked questions

Are dogs allowed in the Peak District?

Dogs are welcome all year round in the Peak District but please always keep your dog on a lead and under close control when you’re in fields with livestock.

Are dogs allowed at The Heights of Abraham?

Dogs on short leads are welcome to explore the Heights of Abraham.

Can you take dogs on The Heights of Abraham?

Dogs can travel for free on the cable cars but please be considerate of others and help your dog to feel safe and remain calm.

Is Peveril Castle dog friendly?

Dogs are welcome to explore the castle you and can be taken into the visitors area on a lead.

Is Dovedale dog friendly?

Dogs are welcome but please keep your dog on a lead to avoid disturbing grazing livestock.


Dog friendly cottages in Derbyshire

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