10 top things to do with your dog this spring
Traditional Open Canoeing,Weekend and Holidays10am- 5pm (weather dependent)
The Sudbury Boathouse, Sudbury, CO10 2BL
Hire a traditional open canoe and take your dog down the River Stour. There’s plenty of room for two adults plus a medium to large sized dog which can be hired from £25 for one hour, half or full days. Self-guide your canoe along the river taking in the stunning surrounding landscape. Stop off at a pub or pack up a picnic before heading back. Call in advance to check they are open as hire is weather dependent. www.outdoorhirecentres.com/sudbury.html
Holkham Beach
Beach Road, Wells, Wells-Next-The-Sea, Norfolk NR23 1DR
Holkham Beach is vast. With miles of dog friendly dunes, sandpits and even pinewoods on the estate, this is a popular location for dog walkers and bird watchers. Don’t worry though, it’s so big it won’t feel crowded at all. Parts of the beach are dog-friendly year round! www.holkham.co.uk/nature-reserve-beach/the-beach/introduction
Wrest Park, April to June
Silsoe, Bedfordshire MK45 4HR
Check out how the other half used to live and explore the magnificent gardens and woodland of Wrest Park with your pooch. Once home to the De Grey family, West Park was also a war hospital amongst other uses before being acquired by English Heritage in 2006. There’s a children’s play area and a very nice café and gift shop too. https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/wrest-park/
Doggy SUP & Canoe, May
Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
As the weather warms up, take to the water in Suffolk. Thanks to The Dog Back Packer, owners and their dogs can get active taking in the sights of the counties glorious waterways. SUP and Canoe River Journeys will be held on 5 May. Two hour or taster sessions are available where you can learn to paddleboard or canoe with your dog in tow. This is definitely one for all dogs that love to make a splash. www.thedogbackpacker.co.uk/Events
Framlingham Country Show & The Festival of Dogs, 13 & 14 April
Framlingham College, Collage Road, Framlingham IP13 9EY
A short distance from Ed Sheeran’s “Castle on the Hill” and in the stunning grounds of the prestigious Framlingham College, this show is not one to miss. The Festival of Dogs has a fun filled, packed programme throughout the day so make sure you get there early to take in the whole show. www.framcountryshow.co.uk
Explore Paw x Paw, 5 May
The Elveden Estate, Thetford IP24 3TQ
Brought to you by the Explore 4×4 team, Paw x Paw is a charity fun run or walk in aid of the Dogs Trust. This off road 5k course is designed especially for you and your furry companion. If you’re feeling energetic race to the finish or simply take your time and stroll the course at your own pace. www.explorepawxpaw.com/events/explore-paw-x-paw-the-elveden-estate/
All About Dogs Show, 5 & 6 May Brentwood and 26 & 27 May Chelmsford
Brentwood Centre, Doddinghurst Road, Brentwood, Essex, CM15 2NN | Hylands Park, Greenbury Way, Chelmsford, CM2 8FS
Take your four-legged friend and explore all the show has to offer including fun dog shows to take part in, stunt displays and have a go activities. From just £12 for adults, you also gain access to the Robin Hood Country Show with your All About Dogs Show tickets when booking for Brentwood. www.allaboutdogsshow.co.uk
DogFest, 11 & 12 May
Knebworth Park, Knebworth House, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2AX
Described as ‘the ultimate summer festival for dogs’ DogFest has a whole host of have-a-go activities including agility, obedience, flyball and so much more. Special guests include Supervet Professor Noel Fitzpatrick and presenter Clare Balding who lead two separate big dog walks. Meet ‘Dogs of Instagram’ stars and attend the breed meet up at the hound hangout. www.dog-fest.co.uk/hertfordshire
Click for your chance to win a family pass to DogFest
The Great British Dog Walk, 12 May
Ickworth Park, Horringer, Bury St Edmunds, IP29 5EQ
Take part in The Great British Dog Walk which raises funds for ‘Hearing Dogs’. Full paying adults and their four-legged companions receive a bandana. Keeping with the British theme, tea and cake are available to purchase during the event. If you get sponsorship for the event and raise over £50 you’ll receive a special certificate as a thank you. There’s dog agility, shows and games too! www.hearingdogs.org.uk/support/events/great-british-dog-walk-ickworth-park/
The Cambridgeshire County Show, 2 June
Wimpole Home Farm, Cambridgeshire, SG8 0BW
Now in its 20th year, The Cambridgeshire County Show is a fantastic traditional country show making it a great day out with something for the whole family to enjoy. Your four-legged friend is welcome to tag along, just make sure you leave the retractable lead at home! www.cambscountyshow.co.uk
