This historic county is bursting with multicultural wonders, famous for its battlefields and bursting with heritage and culture. To celebrate the Big Dog Walk taking place in Belvoir Castle, we thought it would be a good idea to celebrate this doggy destination. So we’re sharing some of our favourite dog friendly places in Leicestershire.
Enjoy a Dog Walk Around Belvoir Castle
Belvoir Castle is a stately home, built for the 5th Duke and Duchess of Rutland between 1801 and 1832. The venue is bursting with beautiful walking routes and gardens to explore with your pooch by your side. It’s no wonder why it was picked as a location for the Big Dog Walk.
The Big Dog Walk is the ultimate walkies for dog’s and their owners with a 2k, 5k or 10k route and staggered start times to choose from. Each route is guided by walk leaders who have pin-pointed pawsome pitstops for a drink and a rest.
This event is much more than a Sunday stroll. Back at the Event Village there will be plenty of have-a-go activities for dogs such as a Dogstacle course, shopping, expert advice, fun dog show, doggy splash park, and plenty of refreshments.
Fancy going? Use the code DOG20 for 20% off and visit The Big Dog Walk.
Enjoy One Of Leicestershire’s Dog Friendly Pubs
This county is packed with pretty pubs, from canal-side watering holes to rural gastropubs. Here’s a handy list of some of our favourite places.
The Geese And Fountain
After a stroll around Belvoir, you may be hankering for a bite to eat. The Geese And Fountain is the place to be. This award-winning pub needs to be booked in advance, but your dog is more than welcome throughout. In the pub, restaurant and the beer garden. They even whip up a batch of homemade treats to offer your pooch on arrival.
The beers are locally sourced within a 40 mile radius and their wines have been selected from organic vineyards across the world. Same goes with the food, all the produce has been carefully selected to ensure each dish provides a mouth-watering experience.
The Old Plough
The Old Plough in Leicester is well-known for it’s resident pooch Denzil the German Shepherd. He’s even appeared in the local newspaper on the news, and of course he has his very own Facebook page. Denzil loves to welcome four-legged friends and always ensures there’s plenty of bowls of water placed both inside and outside the bar. He even stocks doggy beer behind the bar! They serve plenty of delicious grub here for human friends, and of course a range of tasty tipples to wash it all down.
The Foxton Locks
Looking for a view? The Foxton Locks Inns can be found right next to the Grade II listed canal locks. If it’s sunny, take in the views of the barges floating by in the outdoor seating area. One thing that sets these canal locks apart is that they have the largest flight of staircase locks in England (ten locks and two staircases).
Pop into the pub with your pooch for some award-winning real ales and mouth-watering dishes. Dogs have a special section of the restaurant where they can dine with humans, complete with dog-print wallpaper. They even get doggy treat and a bowl of water.
Hop On Board The Great Central Railway
All aboard! This dog friendly railway is the perfect way to explore Leicestershire. Leave from Quorn & Woodhouse Station to see the beauty amongst Leicestershire’s rolling hills, including Swithland Reservoir and Brazil Island.
Train rides are available every weekend and usually during Bank Holidays. The railway has also won a number of awards including “independent railway of the year”, and a gold award for the East Midlands best visitor experience.
Sip Some Wine Next To Your Canine
There’s two great vineyards in Leicestershire which are both dog friendly. Hanwell Wine Estate, is a family-owned vineyard growing grapes for English Sparkling Wine. Together with your pooch you can enjoy vineyard tours and wine tasting. There’s also an on-site café, along with a fascinating calendar of rural arts and crafts workshops.
Rothley Wine is also another great vineyard set in the heart of England. Both dog friendly and wheelchair tours are available, as are tutored tastings, private wine-tasting parties and free self-guided tours.
Sniff Out History At The Bosworth Battlefield
The Battlefield Country Park is a great place to sniff out history, made famous for its battlefield where King Richard III lost his life and crown to Henry Tudor. Dog’s are allowed throughout the park, where you can enjoy audio and visual information about the battle and landscape. However dog’s. are not allowed in the exhibition and tea room.
Share Your Favourite Dog Friendly Places In Leicestershire
Did we miss one? Let us know in the comments below. The more we share dog friendly places as a community the more people we can help to create memorable moments together with their pooch.
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