Shropshire Star

Top dog-friendly attractions in the Midlands and Shropshire

There's nothing better in the summer months than enjoying the sunshine and scenery with man's best friend.

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Top dog-friendly attractions in the Midlands and Shropshire

Here in the Midlands and Shropshire we're spoilt for choice with places to enjoy with our four-legged friends - in no particular order, here are our top picks of dog-friendly attractions...

Himley Hall and Park - Himley, Dudley

Himley Hall is a stunning early seventeenth-century house that can be explored by visitors, as well as its gardens and pond that surround it.

The site is home to many woodland walks suitable for dogs and bikes, and ponds that are thriving with local wildlife. They host regular events for all the family both in the stately home.

As well as this, they also have a quaint cafe with home-made goodies for you to recharge after a long, busy day.

Baggeridge Country Park - Sedgley, Dudley

Baggeridge Country Park is a beautiful area of countryside on the doorstep of the Black Country.

Being set back from the roads, its secluded delights are revealed to you as you explore further and is perfect to tire out your four-legged friend with it's extensive trails.

The park has numerous outdoor facilities suitable for dogs with bowls for food and drink littered across the area as well as a park for the little ones and spots for wildlife enthusiasts to see their favourite creatures in their natural habitat.

Cannock Chase Forest - Cannock Chase District, Cannock

Cannock Chase Forest is an area of outstanding natural beauty, comprised of a mixture of woodland, open heath land and the remains of early industry.

The area has much to offer in the way of outdoor adventure with amazing bike and hiking trails for those of all fitness and experience levels to observe the splendour of nature and keep your dogs fit and active.

Their cafe and information area is welcoming to dogs if you want to grab a bite to eat and rest your legs.

Top dog-friendly attractions in the Midlands and Shropshire

Lickey Hills Country Park - Lickey, Birmingham

Lickey Hills is home to a wide array of natural habitats

Covering an area of 524 acres the Lickey Hills Country Park is one of Birmingham’s most varied and treasured parks.

With a variety of flora and fauna the park offers a beautifully scenic walk for visitors and their dogs, with the helpful addition of dog bins throughout their trails.

Sutton Park National Nature Reserve - Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham

Enjoy the wide variety of easily-accessible trails on offer at Sutton Park.

Delivering a sense of wilderness within an urban environment, visitors to Sutton Park can enjoy the scenery with their dogs on a series of easily-accessible trails.

Sutton Park is Birmingham's largest park, covering 2,400 acres consisting of woodlands, heathlands and wetlands.

There are opportunities to enjoy walking, jogging, angling, nature watching, orienteering, play areas, restaurants and use bridle paths and cycling routes within the park.

Bantock House Museum and Park - Finchfield Road, Wolverhampton

Bantock Park supplies a quick and easy walk for all dog lovers.

With it's extensive fields, simple trails and scenic gardens, Bantock Park provides the perfect scenery for a quick walk and relax with your dog.

As well as this you can also grab a drink, ice cream or even a hearty meal from their on-site cafe with a dog-friendly seating area or visit the historic house with a range of historical attractions inside.

Bistro Viola - Solihull, Knowle

Come into Bistro Viola for a dog-friendly atmosphere and a bite to eat.

The quaint and quirky Bistro Viola specialises in Mediterranean cuisine and tasty baked goods, in an environment that is friendly and welcoming to pooches.

Take your dogs inside for a rest and a drink of their own whilst perusing their extensive menu from light bites, afternoon tea, artisan coffee and dishes from across the Mediterranean including their very own breakfast dish.

Top dog-friendly attractions in the Midlands and Shropshire

Hawkstone Park Follies - Weston-under-Redcastle, Shrewsbury

Go exploring with man's best friend across the varied Hawkstone Follies.

The Follies is an historic woodland fantasy with cliffs, crags, caves, deep woods and a series of extraordinary monuments built over 200 years ago.

Centred around the Red Castle and Grotto Hill, it offers visitors hours of excitement and stunning views of the Shropshire countryside and beyond with extensive, scenic trails featuring an array of ravines, towering cliffs, follies, intricate paths and more.

The Green Dragon - Little Stretton, Church Stretton

For a great atmosphere, traditional pub food and a place that welcomes your dog The Green Dragon in Church Stretton is perfect.

Dogs are welcome in both the garden and main bar area so you can enjoy your pint a meal in their company.

You can choose from a variety of real ales and cider to wash down a variety of high-quality meals such as bangers and mash, traditional fish and chips, faggots and peas or something from their ever-changing specials board.

Ginger and Co Coffee - Princess St, Shrewsbury

In the main square of Shrewsbury lies a unique gem of a cafe that welcomes dogs with open arms.

Ginger and Co Coffee offer a loving environment for dogs with a warm and vibrant atmosphere and a great selection of homemade sandwiches, cakes, biscuits and coffees with vegetarian and vegan options available.

Top dog-friendly attractions in the Midlands and Shropshire

Ironbridge Antiques, Arts and Crafts - Dale End, Ironbridge

With a wide array of local arts and crafts, stunning antiques and an onsite tearoom, Ironbridge Antiques, Arts and Crafts offers a perfect pit-stop on your lengthy dog walks.

The shop boasts over 60 local trade stores filled with curious items, including ones for your dogs such as beds made from up-cycled jumpers and treats aplenty.

Upon arrival at their tearoom, your dog will be treated to a biscuit and a bowl of water as you tuck into a selection of home-made coffees, teas and cakes.