If you’re heading to Crufts, your journey will look very different depending on where you’re starting from. We travel up from the Isle of Wight, which means 200 miles on the road each way – a proper road trip. But you might be coming across from Cornwall via the A30 and M5, up from Kent or Essex through the M25, or down from the North along the M6, M1 or A1.
And while Crufts is all about dogs, most of us aren’t actually taking our own. Which means this is one of those rare trips where you can choose a stop purely because you want to – not because it ticks every dog-friendly box. Instead of defaulting to a service station, why not make a weekend of it? Stop somewhere beautiful. Book somewhere you’ve been meaning to try. Stretch your legs somewhere worth stretching them.
If you’re doing the miles anyway, you may as well make something of it.
South Coast & Isle of Wight
If you’re travelling up from Portsmouth, Southampton, Brighton or (like us) the Isle of Wight, your route will likely take you up the A3 or M3 before cutting across the M40 towards Birmingham. It’s a straightforward drive, but long enough to justify breaking it up. These stops work particularly well either as an overnight pause before Crufts or a relaxed coffee stop on the way home.
Oxford
Ideal if you’re travelling up from Portsmouth, Southampton or the Isle of Wight via the A3/M3. Oxford sits neatly just off the M40 and makes a brilliant overnight stop. Riverside walks, beautiful architecture and plenty of independent places to eat – it turns the journey into a mini city break.
DOG recommends: Walk around the colleges. Eat at Dishoom. Stop for a drink at The Oxford Wine Cellar (if you’re not designated driver).
Godalming
If you’re travelling up from the South Coast or coming off the ferry and heading north via the A3, Godalming makes a really lovely first stop. It’s just a few minutes off the main road, with a pretty high street, good independent coffee spots and riverside walks along the Wey. Easy to dip into, easy to leave – and far nicer than defaulting to a motorway service station.
DOG recommends: Coffee at The Journalist. Browse the Interior shops. Eat (or stay) at The Ragged Robin.
Cornwall & Devon
For those coming up from Cornwall or Devon, this is a proper mileage day. You’ll likely join the M5 before heading across towards Birmingham, so choosing somewhere just off that corridor makes all the difference. Whether you want to turn the trip into a weekend away or simply avoid a service station, these stops sit conveniently along the way without adding unnecessary time.
Bath
If you’re travelling up from Cornwall or Devon via the A30 and M5, Bath works beautifully as an overnight stop just off the M4. It feels special – Georgian streets, excellent food, and somewhere that genuinely feels worth the detour.
DOG recommends: Coffee at Mokoko. Stretch your legs in Royal Victoria Park. Eat at The Marlborough Tavern.
Cheltenham
A practical and elegant option just off the M5 before you cut across to Birmingham. Regency architecture, good restaurants and easy access onward. A very sensible halfway point from the South West.
DOG recommends: Stay at The Wheatsheaf Inn. Stop for coffee at the New England Coffee House (Stow-On-The-Wold). If you want to stretch your legs, walk around and search for street art.
Cirencester
If you’re travelling up the M5 or cutting across the A417, Cirencester makes a lovely smaller stop. Cotswold stone streets, a large park for a stretch, and far calmer than stopping in a city.
DOG recommends: Stay at The Swan in Ascott-Under-Wynchwood. Coffee stop at Fire & Flow. Grab a sandwich from Gilbertine.
Kent & Essex
If you’re travelling across from Kent or Essex, you’ll probably loop around the M25 before heading north via the M1 or M40. It’s not the longest journey, but traffic can make it feel like one. Stopping somewhere just beyond the M25 ring can make the drive far more enjoyable — especially if you want to start Crufts feeling refreshed rather than frazzled.
St Albans
If you’re coming across from Kent or Essex via the M25 and heading up the M1, St Albans is perfectly placed. It offers a proper city feel without London chaos, plus a large park for a relaxed wander before the final stretch.
DOG recommends: Enjoy a fancy Indian at Moka or burger from Craft & Cleaver. Coffee or brunch at Hatch. Wander the cathedral and gardens if you fancy stretching your legs.
Cambridge
If you’re travelling across from Essex or East Anglia before heading towards the M11 and across to Birmingham, Cambridge makes a brilliant stop. It’s easy to dip into for a wander along the River Cam, a good coffee and a change of pace before the final stretch. It also works beautifully as an overnight stay if you’d rather split the journey into two.
DOG Recommends: Caffeine stop at Bould Brothers Coffee. Try a Chelsea bun from Fitzbillies. Stretch your legs with the River Cam walk
North West
Coming down from Liverpool, Manchester, Lancashire or further north along the M6? You’re in luck — Birmingham is relatively accessible from this direction. That said, it’s still worth planning a stop, particularly if you’re travelling early or turning Crufts into a weekend away. These options sit neatly along the M6 corridor and are easy to dip in and out of.
Chester
If you’re travelling down from Liverpool, Manchester or further north along the M6, Chester is a beautiful overnight option. Historic streets, riverside walks and plenty of character – it makes the trip feel like a weekend away.
DOG recommends: Walk the historic Chester City Walls. If you’re stopping over for the night, visit the zoo while your dog is at home. Dinner at The Forge.
Peak District
If you’re travelling down from the North West or North East and want to properly stretch your legs before reaching Birmingham, Padley Gorge is a brilliant option. Just off the A6187 in the Peak District, it’s ideal if you’d rather swap a quick coffee stop for a longer woodland walk. Think winding streams, stepping stones and fresh air before the final stretch towards the NEC.
DOG recommends: Enjoy Padley Gorge for a long walk. Visit Derwent Dam for a short stroll. Stop for a pub lunch at The Pack Horse.
North East
If you’re heading down from Newcastle, Durham, Leeds or Yorkshire via the A1 or M1, you’ll likely have a clean run south towards the Midlands. It’s a simpler drive than some of the cross-country routes, but still long enough to justify a proper break. These stops work well as either an overnight base or a final pause before reaching the NEC.
York
If you’re heading down from Newcastle, Durham or Leeds via the A1, York is an excellent overnight stop. Walkable, characterful and easy to navigate before continuing south.
DOG recommends: If you like a strong coffee, stop off at 200 Degrees. Grab a Yorkshire pudding wrap from The Yorkie Pud. Walk the Shambles.
Harrogate
If you’re travelling down from the North East or Yorkshire via the A1, Harrogate makes a very civilised stop before continuing south. Elegant spa-town architecture, wide streets and plenty of independent cafés make it feel like more than just a pit stop. It works well either as a relaxed coffee break or an overnight stay if you want to turn Crufts into a proper weekend away.
DOG recommends: Stop at Betty’s for afternoon tea. It’s not dog friendly, so it’s a good opportunity to try it while your dog is at home. Browse the interior shops. Grab a cheeky hot chocolate at Hotel Chocolat.
However you’re travelling to Crufts, a little planning can turn a long drive into something you actually look forward to. Whether you make a night of it somewhere beautiful or simply swap a service station for a proper coffee stop, it’s worth making the journey part of the experience.
If we’ve missed a key stop along your route – somewhere brilliant to eat, drink, stay or stretch your legs, send us a DM on Instagram and let us know. The best recommendations always come from this community, and we’ll keep adding to this list each year.
Emma 💁🏼♀️Oscar, Archie & Henry 🤍🐾
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