Ellen Drowne
20 June 2023
The Peak District is one of the most dog-friendly locations in the UK. Covering 555 square miles in the heart of England, it touches five counties - Derbyshire, Cheshire, Staffordshire, Yorkshire and Greater Manchester. This central location makes it easily accessible and a very popular holiday destination for humans and canines alike.
The first of Britain’s national parks (designated in 1951), the Peak District’s rugged mountains and expansive lowlands are pawfect for all kinds of dog walks, from challenging treks to gentle strolls. Canines of all shapes and sizes will love sniffing out new trails. For those who aren’t as keen on long treks, there are plenty of dog-friendly towns and villages, pubs, restaurants, and attractions to visit.
If you’re wondering what to do with a dog in the Peak District, read our guide to dog-friendly things to do in the Peak District for some holiday ins-paw-ration then browse our pet-friendly cottages by clicking the button below.
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Dog-friendly walks in the Peak District
Wondering ‘where can I walk my dog in the Peak District?’ Well, wonder no more: whether your dog loves a fast-paced, adventurous romp or enjoys a simpler, more sedate walk, there are walking routes to suit pups of all ages and sizes. This selection of Peak District dog walks is a good place to start. After a fun day out on the trail, head back to one of our Peak District lodges and log cabins for a well-earned rest.
The Goyt Valley
The Goyt Valley is a particularly good place for walkies – including trails that are great for off-lead dog walks in the Peak District. Delve into the woods and stroll around expansive reservoirs at your leisure. Routes range in length and difficulty - from a 2-mile riverside walk to a more challenging 12-mile trek from Fernilee to Castle Naze. The reward is the breathtaking views along the way.
- Why your dog will love this: The variety of walks on offer is simply paw-some
- Best for: All dogs, really, as the routes differ in length, terrain, and difficulty – take your pick!
- Stay nearby: Beehive Cottage - Peak | Sleeps 2 + 1 dog
Mam Tor
If you are heading for the Peak District to experience the rugged moorland, then the Eastern Moors near Sheffield are the best; you’ll find spectacular scenery in abundance when visiting one of the most famous landmarks in the area – Mam Tor. There is a 3-mile circular walk from the Mam Nick car park, which affords fabulous views of over the Edale Valley to Kinder Scout. Alternatively, take time to enjoy the 6.5-mile walk up from Castleton.
- Why your dog will love this: The views will make them feel like the world’s top dog
- Best for: Fairly active doggos, as while the route is mainly on a decent stone footpath, there are some steps and steep climbs
- Stay nearby: Glen House | Sleeps 6 + 2 dogs
Linacre Woodland
For a 5.5-mile waterside walk, try the Linacre Woodland which is set around three reservoirs – here you can walk around the water’s edge and through the adjoining forest, enjoying the abundance of wildlife as you go. Perfect for simple, easy-going walks, but there is also some uneven ground and steps so take care whether you’re on two legs or four.
- Why your dog will love this: The mix of waterside and woodland will ensure plenty to see and smell along the way
- Best for: Dogs who enjoy a simple stroll through bluebell-carpeted woodland
- Stay nearby: Hidden Cottage | Sleeps 4 + 1 dog
Monsal Trail
The Monsal Trail follows the route of an old railway for 8.5 miles between Blackwell Mill, in Chee Dale and Coombs Road, at Bakewell, and passes through various tunnels. There is no traffic, and it is relatively flat so it’s great if you don’t want to climb.
- Why your dog will love this: The lack of traffic means Fido can explore to his heart’s content
- Best for: Dogs who don’t like climbing too many hills
- Stay nearby: Black Spout Cottage | Sleeps 3 + 1 dog
Monsal Head
This figure-of-eight walk allows you to enjoy Headstone Viaduct from several vantage points – including when you cross it – and takes you to a picturesque waterfall on the River Wye. You’ll cross the river and take in part of the Monsal Trail. At 2 miles long, it makes for a wonderful outdoor adventure with the doggo. While it mainly follows paths and roads, you do cross a field near the river at one point.
- Why your dog will love this: A waterfall, viaduct and gorgeous scenery – they’ll be in heaven!
- Best for: Dogs keen on water
- Stay nearby: Top Cottage | Sleeps 2 + 2 dogs
The Bakewell Loop
At just over 3 miles, this circular route is the perfect way to take in the wonderful scenery surrounding Bakewell. You’ll navigate public bridleways, grassy tracks and sections of road, and the going is relatively flat and easy, so your canine companion should have no complaints. Plus, when you’re done, you can reward yourselves with a stop at one of Bakewell’s cafes and eateries.
- Why your dog will love this: It’s an easy-going route through attractive countryside
- Best for: Hungry hounds inspired by the prospect of cafe-based treats at the end
- Stay nearby: Rambler’s Cottage Bakewell | Sleeps 4 + 1 dog
Dog-friendly attractions in the Peak District
The Peak District boasts an abundance of visitor attractions to suit all tastes, many of which welcome dogs. It doesn’t matter whether you’re an outdoor activities enthusiast or more interested in history and heritage, there is something for everyone. Here are some suggestions for you and your canine companion to sniff out.
Chatsworth
This fascinating house is set in a 105-acre garden, with a farmyard, playground and surrounding park and woodland ensuring a delightful day out for all ages. The garden and park at Chatsworth House are dog friendly, so long as your top dog is kept on a lead due to the local wildlife, but the house is out of bounds to all hounds apart from assistance dogs. This handy guide shows you all the pawsome walks you can embark on during your visit.
- Why your dog will love this: They will feel like lord or lady of the manor as they roam the grounds
- Best for: Canine fans of period dramas like Downton Abbey
- Address: Chatsworth, Bakewell, DE45 1PP
- Stay nearby: Peak Garden Cottage | Sleeps 4 + 2 dogs
Castleton Caverns
For a truly unique dog-friendly adventure, head underground with a visit to Blue John Cavern, Treak Cliff Cavern, Peak Cavern or Speedwell Cavern – or check out all four of them! These caverns offer a fascinating exploration of Blue John stone and the mining industry surrounding it. Britain’s rarest mineral, it was found in the Castleton area by the Romans around 2,000 years ago. Blue John is home to eight of the 15 veins of this gorgeous stone, and touring Treak Cliff gives you a chance to view impressive chambers lined with Blue John stone formations, fossils, stalactites and stalagmites. Canine friends are welcome to hop on the boat which transports visitors through Speedwell Cavern and are also welcome to explore Peak Cavern, which hosts a number of events and light shows throughout the year - providing a fantastic way to see the Peak District's culture and landscape at the same time! Dogs must be kept on leads.
- Why your dog will love this: The caverns make an exciting and unique canine adventure
- Best for: Curious pups who will enjoy going underground
- Address: Blue John Cavern, Mam Tor, Castleton, Hope Valley, S33 8WA | Treak Cliff Cavern, Buxton Road, Castleton, Hope Valley, S33 8WP | Peak Cavern, Peak Cavern Walk, Castleton, Hope Valley, S33 8WP | Speedwell Cavern, Winnats Pass, Castleton, Hope Valley, S33 8WA
- Stay nearby: Lower Apartment | Sleeps 2 + 3 dogs
Heights of Abraham
The Heights of Abraham are well worth a visit with the doggo by your side. They can join you on the cable car up over the Derwent Valley, with stunning views to keep the whole group entertained. At the summit, there are 60 acres to explore – plenty for any adventurous pooch to take in. While dogs aren’t allowed in the caverns, the Waggy Tails Way finishes at the exit to the caverns, so it’s easy for the group to split up briefly and take in everything the tourist attraction has to offer.
- Why your dog will love this: The excitement of ‘flying’ through the air in a cable car
- Best for: Adventure-seeking hounds with a head for heights
- Address: Matlock Bath, DE4 3NT (there is no on-site car park but the website explains where to park)
- Stay nearby: Stowe Cottage | Sleeps 2 + 5 dogs
Thornbridge Estate
Set in 100 acres of parkland, the Grade II-listed Thornbridge Hall is a fabulous day out. You can walk the formal gardens and enjoy some fabulous Peak District views or take a tour of the house and find out all about the history of this family home. Dogs on leads are welcome in the cafe and gardens, but not on the house tours. With so much to see, a trip to Thornbridge is bound to set tails wagging.
- Why your dog will love this: The gardens are home to an abundance of sights and smells
- Best for: Green-pawed pups with an interest in horticulture
- Address: Thornbridge Hall, Baslow Road, Ashford in the Water, Bakewell, DE45 1NZ
- Stay nearby: The Cotton Reel | Sleeps 4 + 1 dog
Peveril Castle
Looming above Castleton, the ruins of Peveril Castle make a great dog-friendly destination when on holiday in the Peak District. The keep dates back to 1176. As well as offering a captivating insight into the castle’s history, you can also pause a while and take in the awe-inspiring views of the surrounding countryside, out over the Hope Valley.
- Why your dog will love this: It’s a bracing uphill trek but well worth the effort for the views
- Best for: Canines who want to be king or queen of the castle
- Address: Peveril Castle, Market Place, Castleton, S33 8WQ
- Stay nearby: Alice Cottage | Sleeps 6 + 2 dogs
At the end of a fun-filled day at the Heights of Abraham, Chatsworth or Blue John Cavern, nothing could be more appealing than a soak in a hot tub, so check out our cottages with hot tubs.
Dog-friendly places to eat, drink and shop in the Peak District
A particularly fun part of any dog-friendly Peak District adventure is sniffing out those pubs, cafes and restaurants where canines are just as welcome as humans. Indeed, there are many dog-friendly pubs in the Peak District. Let’s take a closer look at some of the Peak District’s top pet-friendly places to grab a drink, a bite to eat, or a bargain!
Dog-friendly Bakewell
Bakewell, the home of the delicious tart and pudding, has plenty of dog-friendly pubs, eateries, and shops to choose from. Here are just some of the reasons why Bakewell is a great place to visit with your dog.
Serving delicious food and with a beer garden where you can spend a relaxing afternoon with your pooch in the sunshine, The Manners is one of the top dog-friendly pubs in Bakewell.
- Haddon Road, Bakewell, DE45 1EP
When it comes to a dog-friendly cafe in Bakewell, The Honey Bun Cafe hits the mark. Cosy and welcoming, with a great line of sandwiches, jacket potatoes, cakes and much more, it gets the woof of approval.
- 1 Water Street, Bakewell DE45 1EW
With a name like that, you know doggo is in for a treat when you visit Barks & Co Bakewell. Bowls, beds, leads, toys, harnesses – you name it, they stock it! After shopping, stroll along the River Wye. The company also has a branch in the lovely Peak District village of Rowsley.
- 1 Portland Square, Bakewell, DE45 1HA
You can enjoy all of these dog-friendly places to visit in Bakewell while staying at one of our holiday cottages in Bakewell.
Dog-friendly Buxton
The charming spa town of Buxton is well worth a visit during your dog-friendly holiday in the Peak District. Here are three reasons why:
Dogs and bookworms should head to High Peak Bookstore and Cafe. It’s home to an extensive collection of fiction and non-fiction titles to please the most discerning bibliophile. Relax in the dog-friendly cafe after browsing the packed shelves.
- Ashbourne Road, Buxton, SK17 9PY
This former coaching inn dates back to the 17th century. You and your canine companion can expect a warm welcome, great food and drink, and a beer garden to laze away sunny summer afternoons in one of the top dog-friendly pubs in Buxton.
- 33 High Street, Buxton, SK17 6HA
When your pooch deserves a bit of holiday pampering, book them into Le Moulin Pooch, the magnificently named doggy spa and boutique in Buxton’s Cavendish Arcade. Previous customers love to bark about the great service they received.
- Cavendish Arcade, Cavendish Avenue, Buxton SK17 6BQ
Pampered pooches might be interested in our fur-bulous collection of luxury cottages in the Peak District.
Dog-friendly Ashbourne
Steeped in history and with plenty of fascinating architecture to admire (including the 17th-century mansion and the Grade I-listed Old Grammar School), Ashbourne is a great destination to explore when touring the dog-friendly Peak District.
Conveniently located in Ashbourne’s Market Place, The Flower Cafe is a gem of a dog-friendly eatery. Serving breakfasts, lunches and a delicious array of snacks and sweet treats, with plenty of gluten-free and vegan options, it’s the pawfect place to refuel during a day exploring Ashbourne.
- 5 Market Place, Ashbourne, DE6 1EU
With a name like The Old Dog, how could we not feature this family-run, country pub? It’s one of the many dog-friendly pubs in the Ashbourne area. While it’s technically in the village of Thorpe, it’s only around 3 miles from Ashbourne, and well worth the visit, welcoming dogs all year round and in all weathers.
- Spend Lane, Thorpe, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, DE6 2AT
This independent pet store is ideal for stocking up on anything you might need while visiting Ashbourne with the doggo(s). Your furry pal can pick out their new toy from the well-stocked shelves, with friendly staff on hand to provide head rubs and perhaps a treat or two.
- 3 The Gallery, off St John Street, Ashbourne, DE6 1GP
Dog-friendly Matlock
The characterful town of Matlock has much to recommend it. Among the many reasons to visit Matlock is that your canine companion will be welcome as a valued member of the family.
Highly recommended among the dog-friendly pubs in Matlock is The Sycamore Inn. It’s the place to sample a fabulous range of real ales and tempting home-cooked food. On warmer days, the beer garden beckons – enjoy watching the action on the boules pitch while chilling with your top dog.
- 9 Sycamore Road, Matlock, DE4 3HZ
This dog-friendly cafe sits in the popular Hall Leys Park. There is a section inside where pets can sit with their well-behaved humans, and watch the world go by over a tasty breakfast or spot of lunch.
- Hall Leys Park, 38 Causeway Lane, Matlock, DE4 3AR
A one-stop pet shop, conveniently located in the centre of Matlock. Peak Paws and Claws is perfect if you need to pick up some dog food while you’re away, and also stocks a wide range of canine accessories and health products.
- 1 Bakewell Road, Matlock, DE4 3A
Other dog-friendly Peak District pubs and cafes
Having covered some of the Peak District’s top dog-friendly destinations, here are some more options for a drink or bite to eat.
Sat in a lovely location on the edge of the village of Hope, this 16th-century pub offers delicious homemade food, open fires and a wide variety of walks from the doorstep. Dogs are welcome in the pub and restaurant – and on sunny days, the beer garden is a delightful place to rest and refuel.
- Edale Road, Hope, S33 6ZF
The Hope Valley is a haven for outdoor sports enthusiasts including walkers, cyclists, horse riders and rock climbers. It makes sense that dogs will also enjoy roaming the area just as much as their human counterparts. Three Roofs Cafe is an ideal pit stop between walkies and is also close to attractions such as Peveril Castle and Blue John Cavern (both welcoming dogs on lead), and the popular walking destination of Mam Tor.
- The Island, Castleton, Hope Valley, S33 8WN
When checking out dog-friendly cafes in the Peak District, Pug and Pudding should be at the top of your list. Glowing reviews praise the ‘beautiful food’ and ‘friendly staff’, and customers – human and canine - are assured of excellent service. The relaxing atmosphere makes this a great place to stop off during a busy day of exploring and walking.
- 5 Market Street, Chapel en le Frith, SK23 0HP
Map of the dog-friendly Peak District
Explore the dog-friendly Peak District
The Peak District has much to offer the whole pack - beautiful scenery, exciting places to visit and more walks than you can wag a tail at. It doesn’t matter whether you’re on a short couple’s stay or a longer holiday with the whole family – plus the pooch! – we’ve got dog-friendly cottages for every occasion. Paw through our entire collection and sniff out your favourite.
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.