Dog-Friendly Cities

To help pet owners decide where to go with their four-legged friends, we’ve created a comprehensive guide to the most dog-friendly cities. We analysed the top cities based on the quality and reliability of their groomers, vets, dog-friendly parks, accommodation and eateries to uncover the ultimate destinations to visit with your pet.

Liverpool is the ultimate destination to visit with your pet, earning an overall dog-friendly score of 7.11. The city received a top score of 8.1 for its vets, an impressive 8.2 for dog-friendly eateries and 6.9 for parks.

Many venues in Liverpool welcome four-legged visitors, making it easy to explore the city without leaving your pup behind. Located in the city centre, Liverpool ONE features various dog-friendly establishments that extend to its shops, bars and restaurants. For a scenic stroll, Sefton Park provides plenty of green space and walking trails, while The Royal Albert Dock is a great waterfront spot with several dog-friendly cafes and pubs.

In second place is the seaside city of Brighton, with a dog-friendly score of 7.05. Brighton scored an impressive 8.3 for its overall dog friendliness, earning 8.3 for its parks, 8.2 for its eateries and 7.7 for its vets.

This southern city offers scenic strolls along its pebbled beaches (outside of seasonal restrictions), as well as the popular Stanmore Park, featuring vast open spaces and woodland walks – perfect for an off-lead run. The Flour Pot Bakery welcomes dogs inside while serving up artisan pastries and coffee, and The New Club on the seafront offers a relaxed atmosphere and stunning views.

Concluding the top three dog-friendly destinations is Glasgow, with an overall score of 6.76. This Scottish city was awarded 7.5 for its dog-friendly eateries and 6.2 for its accommodation and parks.

Glasgow boasts many dog-friendly spots to explore with your pet. Singl-end Café & Bakehouse is a popular choice, offering a welcoming atmosphere for dogs and delicious homemade dishes. For outdoor adventures, Pollok Country Park provides vast green spaces and scenic woodland trails, perfect for a long walk. Kelvingrove Park is another great option, with plenty of open space and riverside paths.

Chichester is the best city to visit for dog-friendly parks, with an overall score of 8.5. Priory Park offers open green spaces and picturesque walking paths, making it a great spot for a relaxed stroll with your pup. Oaklands Park provides plenty of room for off-lead play, along with stunning views of the South Downs. For a more adventurous walk, Kingley Vale Nature Reserve features ancient yew forests and winding trails, perfect for an energetic outing.

Tied for second place for their dog-friendly parks, York and Brighton & Hove both earned an impressive score of 8.3.

In York, Rowntree Park offers a peaceful riverside setting with open spaces and shaded walking paths. Hob Moor is a fantastic off-lead area with vast fields for dogs to explore freely, while Homestead Park features beautifully maintained gardens for relaxed strolls.

Meanwhile, Brighton is packed with scenic spots for dog walks. Queen’s Park is a charming green space with shaded areas and plenty of room to play. For a coastal walk, Hove Lawns offers beautiful sea views and a refreshing breeze, making it a favourite among local dog owners.

In third place is Lincoln, with a strong 7.9 score for its green spaces. Hartsholme Country Park is a top choice, featuring lakeside trails, woodlands, and open fields perfect for off-lead adventures. Boultham Park provides a mix of wide grassy areas and shaded pathways, ideal for a relaxing stroll. For those looking for a longer walk, West Common offers vast open land where dogs can roam freely, while South Common provides beautiful hillside views over the city.

Salford stands out as a top location for dog groomers, after achieving an overall score of 8.2. Dogzbody Spa is a local favourite, designed to feel like a warm and welcoming home, featuring cosy rugs, a TV, comfortable seating, and even a coffee machine. Meanwhile, Prestige Paws is renowned for its expert styling and indulgent spa treatments.

Edinburgh cements itself as the hub for dog-friendly eateries, with an impressive score of 8.9. Popular locations include The Palmerston, a stylish eatery known for its welcoming atmosphere and high-quality food. The Scran & Scallie, a cosy gastropub, is a favourite among dog owners, offering a relaxed setting and traditional Scottish fare. The Blue Bear Café is another top pick, serving up delicious brunches while happily accommodating four-legged visitors.

Liverpool ranks as the best city for top-quality veterinary care, with an overall score of 8.1. The city is home to highly rated clinics such as The Liverpool Vets, an award-winning vet in the city centre. White Cross Vets is another standout spot, while Adams Vets has multiple locations across the city, offering everything from routine check-ups to emergency care.

Amid the excitement of travelling with your furry companion, it's easy to overlook key items. To help you stay prepared, we've put together a list of must-have essentials for a stress-free trip with your dog!

• Dog bed
• Collapsible water bowl and a bottle of water
• Dog food and bowl
• Leads and waste bags
• Dog toys
• A copy of the vet records
• Pet insurance for your holiday
• Dog medication
• Crate, carrier or seat belt
• Grooming supplies

Feeling inspired to explore a new city with your pup? Why not uncover hidden gems of the Midlands, or discover how to plan a weekend in Manchester.

Accor conducted a survey of 661 British pet owners in March 2025.

To uncover the UK’s most dog-friendly cities, we collected data on facilities catering to our four-legged friends. Using the Google Places API, we searched within a 5km radius of each city centre for dog-friendly parks, eateries, accommodation, veterinary care, and grooming facilities. Each facility was scored out of 10 based on quality (average review rating) and reliability (number of reviews), weighted at 60% and 40% respectively, and normalised to a 0-10 scale. The final city rankings were determined by combining these scores equally, highlighting the best places for pups and their owners to enjoy a tail-wagging experience.