August 26 - Love Letter: To Warwick's Four-Legged Visitors 🐕🦴🐩

Dear Warwick,

We need to talk about one particular group of visitors who seem to love you almost as much as we do.

They don't particularly care about your beautiful architecture. They're largely indifferent to your centuries of history. And we're yet to meet one who has stopped to admire the view down Castle Street.

But mention the words "walk", "park" or "pub" and suddenly they're extremely enthusiastic about everything you have to offer.

We're talking, of course, about the dogs. With International Dog Day (arriving on 26 August), it seems only right that this month's love letter goes to Warwick's four-legged visitors and the humans happily following behind them.

Because if you're searching for a dog-friendly day out in Warwick, or even somewhere to escape for a UK break with your dog, you've come to rather a good place.

Walkies, Warwick style

A great doggy day out really only needs one thing to begin with: a very good walk.

Fortunately, Warwick has plenty.

St Nicholas Park offers acres of green space alongside the River Avon, making it an easy starting point for a day exploring the town. From here, you can wander beside the river, take in views towards Warwick Castle and enjoy plenty of space for four-legged visitors to stretch their legs.

One of the winning canines from Warwick Racecourse's four-legged friend day.

Another favourite with local dog walkers is Warwick Racecourse. When the horses aren't racing, the surrounding common and open spaces provide plenty of room for a good wander, while still keeping you within easy reach of Warwick town centre.

Or, if you're looking to clock up a few more steps (and properly earn those refreshments), make a day of exploring the Grand Union Canal.

Start at the dog-friendly Cape of Good Hope, perfectly positioned beside the canal, before joining the towpath and heading out towards Hatton Locks. The impressive flight of 21 locks, known as the "Stairway to Heaven", gives you a destination to aim for while you swap Warwick's historic streets for waterside views and countryside.

And if you happen to be doing your exploring on a Friday, you could even call into Church Farm Brewery on the way back for their Friday night Tap Yard. A canal walk, a happy dog and a locally brewed drink waiting at the end of it? We think that's a fairly convincing Warwick itinerary.

And that's one of the lovely things about exploring Warwick with a dog. You don't have to choose between a countryside walk and a day in town. You can have a bit of both. Muddy paws one minute. Independent shops and lunch the next.

Speaking of independent shops...

There is one Warwick business where your dog may very quickly decide they're the customer and you're simply there to provide the credit card.

Dog Deli is something of a Warwick institution for four-legged visitors.

Dedicated entirely to dogs, it's packed with natural treats, chews and plenty of things likely to cause some serious tail wagging. If you're visiting Warwick with your dog, it's well worth adding a stop here to your itinerary.

Although be warned: walking past without going in once your dog knows what's inside may prove considerably more difficult on future visits. In fact, we'd argue that a holiday souvenir shouldn't only be for the humans.

Then comes the important question: pub?

After all that exploring, it's only reasonable that both ends of the lead deserve refreshments. Luckily, finding dog-friendly pubs in Warwick isn't particularly difficult.

The New Bowling Green Inn is brilliantly positioned for anyone heading to or from St Nicholas Park, making it an ideal place to turn "we'll just stop for one" into a rather leisurely afternoon.

Over on Smith Street, there's a new dog-friendly addition to discover in The Thirsty Bear, while The Craftsman and The Old Coffee Tavern are also ready to welcome four-legged drinking companions. Then, of course, there's The Black Pug. We'd argue the clue is very much in the name with that one.

And if your Warwick adventure involves staying overnight, The Four Penny Hotel offers another dog-friendly option where you can eat, drink and stay, making it particularly handy for anyone planning a dog-friendly weekend in Warwick.

And those are far from the only options. One of the joys of Warwick is just how many of its pubs, cafés and independent businesses are happy to welcome the member of the family who happens to arrive on four legs.

And that’s why Warwick is the sort of break where dogs don't have to be left behind while everyone else has the fun. They're part of the adventure. Which, judging by the wagging tails we see around town every day, is exactly how they like it.

So this International Dog Day, here's to you, Warwick.

For the walks.

For the parks.

For the pubs with water bowls waiting outside.

For the businesses that don't mind a little fur on the floor.

And for understanding that sometimes the very best way to explore a town is with a lead in one hand and absolutely no particular rush to get anywhere.

After all, when your travelling companion insists on stopping to investigate every lamppost, you tend to notice a lot more along the way.

With love,

Warwick Chamber of Trade ❤️❤️❤️