It’s always nice to plan a day out with the family, but if you’re anything like me, you probably hate leaving your dog at home while everyone else heads off for some fun, I just feel so guilty!
Luckily, there are plenty of fantastic spots in and around Aylesbury that welcome our four-legged family members, so everyone can enjoy the adventure together. Check out my favourite local days out for you and your dog.
Just remember to consider your dog and their own individual needs when planning a day out so that your dog does enjoys it and does not find it too stressful.
Stowe Landscape Gardens
Stowe Landcape Gardens (National Trust) are just outside Buckingham, beautiful gardens scattered with statues and buildings to explore, you can wander for hours. Dogs welcome all year round in all areas except the café, however there is covered seating in the courtyard. They even have a dog trail designed from a dog’s perspective. Over Easter there is the Easter Egg Hunt to keep the children busy too.
Entry is free for National Trust members. Family Ticket £46.80
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/stowe/features/walking-your-dog-at-stowe
Wendover Woods
Wendover Woods is perfect for exploring, with various walking/cycling trails, orienteering as well as a new play trail there’s lots to keep everyone busy. The younger children can enjoy following the Stick Man Trail and afterwards a quick stop in the café to refuel.
Parking charges apply; £3.50- £13
www.forestryengland.uk/wendover-woods
Chiltern Open Air Museum
Chiltern Open Air Museum is a large site with over 30 historic buildings to explore. Interactive areas for the children to enjoy. During the holidays there are special activities on Terrific Tuesdays and Lambing days. Dogs are welcome on-lead over the site but not inside the buildings, there is livestock present in some areas.
Adult: £17
www.coam.org.uk/visit
Rushmere Country Park
Rushmere is a great destination for a day out with your dog. It features a dedicated “Dog Fun Area” where dogs can safely enjoy some off-lead freedom, along with a variety of scenic walking routes to explore on-lead. It’s the perfect spot if you’re looking for a mix of both off- and on-lead options all in one place.
Parking charges apply; £3 - £7
www.greensandtrust.org
Ashridge Estate
Ashridge Estate, managed by the National Trust, offers miles of trails through woodlands and open countryside, making it a very popular spot for dog walkers. While dogs are welcome, they need to be kept on leads in certain areas, especially where there is grazing livestock, so it’s worth keeping an eye out while exploring.
hwww.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/essex-bedfordshire-hertfordshire/ashridge-estate
Willen Lake
Willen Lake is a spacious park offering lakeside walks and woodlands. The park also has a large playground and a ride-on train for children, plus a dog-friendly café where well-behaved dogs are welcome on the ground floor, so the whole family can enjoy a fun day out together.
Parking charges apply; £1.50 - £14
www.willenlake.org.uk
Cotswold Wildlife Park
A little further to travel but Cotswold Wildlife Park, as one of the only wildlife parks to welcome dogs, is certainly worth a visit. With over 250 species to see, beautiful gardens, a train ride and play park there is lots to entertain you for all the day. Dogs are to be kept on a lead and under control, they aren’t allowed into any buildings or areas where animals are free roaming.
Adults: £16, Children £10.50 (discounted online tickets), no charge for dogs.
https://www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk/
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