Dog-friendly days out in the Peak District

Days out, Pet friendly, Rural

Posted by Ed on 22nd November 2021

Dog-friendly Peak District

You and your dog will have a tail-wagging time visiting attractions across the magnificent Peak District, a spectacular destination synonymous with long, rambling walks and breathtaking views.

These days, a lot of tourist spots have become dog friendly to attract even more people, and the Peak District is no different. With quaint towns and villages to get to know, plenty of pet-friendly pubs to drop by and a wealth of wonderful cottages that welcome four-pawed pals, it is no surprise that the Peak District is a favourite among dog-lovers.

If you have yet to find your perfect dog-friendly cottage, venture through our collection for a wide range of retreats including pet-friendly holiday lets with warming wood burners, hot tub cottages welcoming dogs, and big properties with wonderful gardens offering plenty of space for your daily round of fetch.

Dog-friendly Peak District cottages

For more pet-friendly inspiration across the whole of the country, browse our guide to dog-friendly days out around the UK.


The Heights of Abraham

The Heights of Abraham, Matlock Bath

Take the cable car up to The Heights of Abraham in Matlock Bath for a wonderful dog-friendly day out. Perhaps the best of the high-profile destinations, it includes a maze of trails up Masson Hill, a pair of grand show caverns, and cable cars that span the valley presenting views to make you go 'wow'. 

Most of the attractions are outdoors and dogs are permitted to walk on a lead around the hilltop park, although they are not permitted inside the caverns or any of the buildings on site. Be sure to keep your playful pup well-watered as the hills there mean business and the views are well earnt. It’s a great day out for the whole family – both two-legged and four-legged.

Highlights

  • Tinker's Shaft is at the very top of the hill boasting a remarkable view
  • The old spiral staircase at Victoria Prospect Tower - it's quite a hike!
  • The Woodland Adventure play area is perfect for excitable kids

All Matlock cottages


Crich Tramway Museum

Crich Tramway Museum, Crich

Dog owners are not only welcomed but encouraged to visit the Crich Tramway Museum. Your lovable pooches are allowed on all the trams and around the museum except for inside the cafes and children’s play areas. The museum has an admirable collection of operational and show trams within an authentic period setting.

There’s more to the museum than the impressive trams though; there’s also a woodland walk with a sculpture trail – funded by the Countryside Trust. Crich is so good, it even has its own pub, The Red Lion, rebuilt ‘brick-by-brick’ from its original location in Stoke-on-Trent. Even better – the pub has its own real ale exclusive to the tavern, brewed by Wentwell Brewery. Make sure you include a visit to Crich during your dog-friendly holiday to the Peak District.

Highlights

  • The recreated period street lined with buildings rescued from across the UK
  • Take a ramble along the Woodland Walk and Sculpture Trail
  • Enjoy a locally-brewed pint of Wentwell at dog-friendly pub, The Red Lion

All Crich cottages


Arbor Low Stone Circle and Gib Hill Barrow

Arbor Low Stone Circle and Gib Hill Barrow, Monyash

Like most outdoor National Heritage Sites, at Arbor Low Stone Circle and Gib Hill Barrow, ‘man’s best friend’ is welcome on a lead. Set high up on atmospheric moorland, Arbor Low Stone Circle is a Neolithic stone monument and the perfect place for you and your canine companion to uncover ancient history. The far-reaching views only add to the ambience and are what make this such a unique and special destination. Afterwards, head over to the large burial mound of Gib Hill Barrow which is accessible via stiles. 

Within an earthen bank and ditch, a circle of some 50 white limestone slabs, all now fallen, surrounds a central stone ‘cove’ – a feature found only in major sacred sites. Nearby is enigmatic Gib Hill Barrow, a large burial moundNational Heritage

Highlights

  • Panoramic views of this breathtaking part of the Peak District
  • The intriguing circle of around 50 white limestone slabs at Arbor Low Stone Circle
  • The dog-friendly Jug & Glass Inn is just the place for a sit down after your hill-top ramble

All Monyash cottages


Dog on Mam TorMam Tor near Treak Cliff Cavern

Treak Cliff Cavern, Castleton

Step inside this stunning showcave to see impressive stalagmites and stalactites, and soak up the otherworldly atmosphere that exists below the surface. Located near ancient Castleton in the enchanting Hope Valley, Treak Cliff Cavern is a popular visitor’s attraction ideal for a family day out or trip with friends.

They’ve been mining the unique Blue John stone here for over 300 years and the area is now a Site of Special Scientific Interest where you can bring the dog to explore alongside you. This attraction also happens to be near a footpath that leads to Mam Tor so if you have extra energy, why not enjoy a long dog walk to an iconic Peak District tor?

Highlights

  • A self-guided audio tour is a great way to discover this attraction
  • The Blue John Stone Experience offers you the chance to get hands-on
  • The Café on the Cliff is a delightful space for a spot of tea

All Castleton cottages


Peveril Castle

Peveril Castle, Castleton

Close to Castleton, Peveril Castle is one of the UK’s oldest existing Norman buildings. Henry II built the imposing building back in 1176 and, despite its ruined state, this English Heritage-managed property still casts an impressive silhouette. You and your furry pal can explore the grounds to your heart’s content and there's a visitor centre and shop you can pop into during your visit.

It is a great spot to head to if you’re staying in the Castleton region as a climb to the top of the hill, on which Peveril Castle sits, yields marvellous views of the Hope Valley for all the family and your four-pawed travel companion to take in.

Highlights

  • Epic views across the Hope Valley
  • The Visitor Centre’s interactive displays
  • Take a trip into the charming old town of Castleton for shopping or lunch

All Hope Valley cottages


Dovedale

Dovedale, near Ashford

Beautiful Dovedale near Ashford is a National Nature Reserve cared for by the National Trust and is one of the region’s most-visited dales. Pop by the visitor centre on arrival to get your bearings and pick up a map, then go walking in this beauty spot, take a picnic and enjoy a fun-filled day of adventure with your canine companion by your side.  

You’ll get to take in fantastic natural scenery including its ancient ash woodland, crystal-clear river and famous stepping stones that are great fun for kids and grown-ups to hop across during a dog-friendly day out – although your dog may need to use the nearby bridge to cross the river if they've only got little legs!

Highlights

  • The iconic Dovedale stepping stones
  • The footpath to Thorpe Cloud summit marked with blue posts
  • Wonderful wildlife that can be spotted such as dippers, herons, buzzards and ducks

All Dovedale cottages


Bakewell Stall Market

Bakewell Stall Market, Bakewell

The largest weekly market in the Peak District with upwards of 150 stalls located across two sites, Bakewell is just the place to head to for holiday souvenirs, locally sourced food you can cook back at your cottage, and generally shopping for whatever catches your eye.

The Bakewell Stall Market is a great place to visit where you know your dog will be welcomed rather than having to wait outside while you quickly pick up supplies – your canine companion might even find a tasty treat or chew toy for themselves! In fact, there are lots of lovely places to eat in Bakewell, and many are dog friendly, too.

Highlights

  • Bakewell tarts are a must-have iconic treat
  • Fresh local produce for top-notch dining during your holiday
  • The arched Bakewell Bridge is an ancient place to visit while exploring the town

All Bakewell cottages


Paw through this map to our favourite dog-friendly places to visit in the Peak District

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Dog on holiday

Dog-friendly holidays in the Peak District

After all that adventure, you and your canine companion will need a chance to rest and refuel, so why not head to one of the wonderful traditional pubs scattered throughout the Peak District? Our guide to dog-friendly pubs in the Peak District and Derbyshire highlights some of the best dining places that welcome dogs and their owners. One of them, The Navigation Inn in Buxton, has gone so far as to introduce a pub grub menu for our four-legged buddies. 

Take a look through our collection of dog-friendly holiday cottages in the Peak District by clicking the button below and find a wonderful place to unwind during your getaway to this spectacular region.

Dog-friendly cottages in the Peak District

Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing, please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.