To celebrate National Pet Month (1 April – 7 May), we’ve rounded up 10 of our favourite things you can do with your family pet this summer…
Great British Dog Walk
Where and when: Ickworth Park, Suffolk, 5 May.
The perfect day out whether you have a dog or not, this fun event organised by Hearing Dogs for Deaf People has a 3k or 8k walk you can join in around the beautiful grounds of Ickworth Park, plus lots of fun things to do including a dog agility course, craft stalls and BBQ. Visit hearingdogs.org.uk or call 01844 348100 for details and a sponsor form.
All About Dogs
Where and when: Brentwood Centre, Brentwood Essex, 6-7 May
One of the fastest growing festivals for all things canine! As well as being able to see some of the world’s most interesting breeds, there are agility and racecourses, stalls, clubs and rescue charities on hand to answer questions and a showing event. Visit allaboutdogs.co.uk for details or call 01702 549623 to book tickets.
Rose May Fete & Fun Dog Show
Where and when: Ringsfield Village Hall, Beccles, Suffolk, 7 May
Ideal family day out for families and their furry friends, activities include fun dog show, arena show, craft stalls and BBQ. Visit thegooddogguide.co.uk. for details.
Hunstanton Fun Dog Show
Where and when: Glebe House School, Hunstanton Norfolk, 12 May
As well as fly ball display you can watch dogs dancing, fun daschund racing and enter your dog into the dog show with plenty of prizes. Stalls and refreshments available all day. Visit hunstanton-info.com or call 01485 534481 for details and entry forms.
Paws in the Park
Where and when: Newton Park, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, 20 May
This popular event organised by St Nicholas Hospice in partnership with Swayne Partners Vets is a great place to see some of the county’s finest dog display teams and to show your pet in a fun competition which includes Best Dressed Royal Wedding Guest! Visit stnicholashospicecare.org.uk or call 01284 715580 for details.
Festival of Dogs
Where and when: Stradsett Hall, Norfolk, 3-4 June
Dogs and families will love all the fun events that take place in this nationally organised show including fancy dress competition, agility and arenas shows, farmers market, plus refreshments and walks around the grounds. Visit festivalofdogs.co.uk or call 01728 685307 for details.
Just Dogs Live
Where and when: East of England Showground, Peterborough, 6-8 July
Bring your pet to one of the best dog events in the UK, with plenty of room to explore, you can find tips on training, dog body language and grooming plus join in some fun agility and race events on the day. Visit eastofenglandarena.com or call 01733 363500 for details and sponsor forms.
Dog Fest
Where and when: Knebworth House, Hertfordshire , 7-8 July
One of the fastest growing national events this one takes place in the pretty grounds of Knebworth House. Events include a fun Canine Carnival, an activity ring, Dogs with Jobs and competitions. Visit dog-fest.co.uk or call 01483 791770 for details.
Jimmy’s Festival 2018
Where and when: Jimmy’s Farm, Wherstead near Ipswich, Suffolk, 21-22 July
The perfect way to spend a high summer weekend, this brilliant line up of music including Happy Mondays. There’s some fabulous food and drink stalls plus lots more fun at a two-day festival in the stunning Jimmy’s Farm location which welcomes. Families and their doggy companions all welcome. For details and to book tickets, visit jimmysfestival.co.uk
Canvey Island and Thorney Bay
Where: Canvey Island, Essex. March to September
Pick a good sunny day and head for picturesque Thorney Bay on Canvey Island, Essex. As well as a long sandy beach the RSPBS has a sanctuary on the beach where you can spot many coastal birds including Lapwing and Redshank and there’s no restrictions for dogs. Read our guide to the top 10 dog-friendly beaches in the East of England
