Top Dog-Friendly Things to Do along the Great West Way

The Great West Way presents an exciting adventure, with its path encircling some of England’s most famous attractions, accompanied by plenty of spots to grab a bite to eat along the way.

What’s more, the Great West Way presents an excellent opportunity to bring your canine companion too! This diverse path is home to many dog-friendly attractions that can make your trip all more enjoyable. With many benefits to bringing your pet on holiday with you, there’s no greater time to tour historic monuments and explore some of nature’s most beautiful areas with your furry friend!

Cheddar Gorge

Situated in the depths of the Mendip Hills and within easy reach of the Great West Way, Cheddar Gorge is one of England’s most spectacular natural landmarks. The stunning gorge boasts awe-inspiring cliffs, holding fascinating secrets of prehistoric times.

The gorge has a large variety of attractions within it, accompanied by plenty of trails to explore on foot and a twisty road to discover by car. Venture up Jacob’s Ladder with your furry friend, a 274-step climb offering rewarding panoramic views of the Somerset Levels. Here, you can continue your hike along the Cliff-Top Walk, a 3-mile circular route. You might even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of Cheddar’s famous goats along the cliffs!

Horse-Drawn Boat Trips

The Kennet Horse Boat Company offers relaxing boat trips down the famous Kennet and Avon Canal. For a truly authentic experience, their horse-drawn boat tours offer a unique and environmentally friendly journey as you explore Berkshire’s beautiful countryside. With few left in the UK, this historic experience showcases horses walking alongside the canal, slowly guiding you downstream.

The tradition of horse-drawn boats dates back as far as 1760, when it was commonplace for horses to pull boats. While some may be able to drift on their own, the boats would often come upon stretches of water that required an extra bit of power to sail through. As such a simple and effective method of transportation, horse-drawn barges continued well into the 1960s, speaking to its popularity.

Kennet Horse Boat Company allow dogs to be brought along providing they’re well-behaved and kept on a lead, but it’s worth noting that they admit them at their discretion.

Stonehenge

Stonehenge – the fascinating monument that keeps on giving. Every few years we seem to learn something new about its mesmerising history, and it continues to puzzle even the greatest minds. The world-famous stone circle is a truly wonderful sight to behold and will certainly get you thinking about its purpose and history.

You might ask yourself how the stones got from their original location to the circle just outside Salisbury, or how they managed to balance the huge stones so perfectly that they’ve remained in place for thousands of years.

When you’re out in the field admiring Stonehenge’s construction, the good news is that your furry friend can be right by your side. While they’re not allowed to be present in the Monument Field itself, they are permitted throughout any of the National Trust’s Open Access fields, with the exception of certain designated areas where sheep may be grazing.

Vale of Pewsey

If you’re looking to visit quaint historic villages and majestic landscapes, the Vale of Pewsey in Wiltshire is an excellent destination. The history of the fascinating vale dates back to the 6th century, with some settlements thought to be even older.

There are plenty of authentic local pubs, shops and cafes to choose from as you explore its vast network of ancient footpaths. Or perhaps you’d prefer to head straight to the most well-known attraction in Pewsey – the White Horse carvings. Your dog is sure to appreciate the natural paths and will certainly be tired out after your day of exploration.

Windsor Great Park

Part of the Windsor Estate, Windsor Great Park offers 4,800 acres of ancient Royal landscape, featuring forests, grasslands, lakes, and gardens. Here, you will discover 1,000 years of history with the company of your furry friend. Dogs should be on leads at all times and are allowed everywhere except the Savill Garden and inside Cafés and Gift Shops.

Stretch your legs across the Long Walk, a tree-lined avenue over 2.5 miles with the ancient fortress of Windsor Castle at its end. Venture inside the Deer Park, home to the largest population of ancient oak trees in Europe! Take in breath-taking views at Virginia Water, featuring stunning lakeside reflections and hidden gems amongst its woodland shores.

Where will you explore first?

The Great West Way is an extensive trail, offering an incredible variety of dog-friendly activities along its route. These are just a few of our favourite options for you to choose from. Almost all walking trails will be dog-friendly, as will many outdoor monuments, while indoor attractions will typically accept trained service dogs. If you’re ever unsure, it’s always worth reaching out to the venue to ask.

Be sure to extend your Great West Way journey with a range of dog-friendly accommodation across the route…