Herefordshire provides plenty of opportunities for your canine best friend to have a blast. There are many beautiful parks, scenic country lanes and dog-friendly National Trust properties to choose from.
This quaint county is filled with rolling hills, atmospheric woodlands and beautiful villages that offer plenty of outdoor fun and space for your dog to explore and release some steam. With so much variety on offer, Herefordshire is one of the most dog-friendly counties in the country.
If you’re unsure about where to take your faithful four-legged companion we’ve gathered 7 top things you can do with your dog in Herefordshire.
The Herefordshire trail is perfect for dogs
A particular favourite is the 150 mile Herefordshire trail that links the five market towns of Ledbury, Ross-on-Wye, Kington, Leominster and Bromyard, as well as some picturesque villages and hamlets for which Herefordshire is famous. This route has something for adventurous walkers and also families looking for a day out with parts of the trail seeing hills which are fairly steep to gentle riverside valleys to beautiful country walks through traditional Herefordshire orchards. This makes it perfect for almost all most mobile dogs as the spectacular countryside will be perfect for your funny friend to rummage through whilst you enjoy the landscape and explore the historic features, apple orchards, and so much more. Along the way make sure to keep you eyes peeled for the Herefordshire Trail logo which is there to mark certain way-points and to make sure to keep you on track if you are unsure of the way.
Walk along the Hereford Hillside
You can also choose Offa’s Dyke Path or the Wye Valley Walk if you want to see more hilly landscape. These routes are also close to the Welsh border and offer a scenic and challenging hike trail.
Visit Eastnor Castle, Ledbury
This enchanting castle at the foot of the Malvern Hills is a great place to visit with your dog. Aside from what the castle offers you, it has plenty of space for dogs to run around off-lead through the grounds and tree trails. They offer refreshment stops for your dog around the grounds.
It is also one of the few places that welcome dogs in the house as long as they are on a lead.
National Trust Days Out that are dog friendly
There are several National Trust properties that you can bring your fur-friend to. These properties include Berrington Hall, which allows dogs onto the grounds. There is significant work going on to the outside lake which means that From September to December of 2022 the woodland the area within the property which is named Moreton Ride and the lakeside walk will be closed. You can find more information about Berrington Pool restoration here. There are many other areas to keep you and your dog entertained with many parklands and gardens around the property.
In order to protect the wildlife at Berrington Hall dogs should be on leads at all times.
Protect the beauty of the property by picking up after your dog.
You have the option of exploring acres of woodland, fields and farms at Croft Castle and Parkland or Brockhampton Estate.
Explore the river at Ross-on-Wye
If you love the water, then this next activity is perfect for you and your dog. Straddling the River Wye, the town is a great place to explore with your dog. You can hop on a canoe and amble your way down the river. The nearby Goodrich Castle allows dogs on leads everywhere except for the tearoom.
Visit Hergest Croft Gardens, Kington
If you and your dog love flowers, then the Hergest Croft Gardens is a wonderful place to visit. Nestled in the heart of the Welsh Marches, the 70-acre garden offers access to the magnificent Black Mountains. The gardens have a collection of over 5,000 rare plants, trees and shrubs. Dogs on leads are welcome.
Grab some food at a dog-friendly pub
After a long day with your fur buddy, it’s great to have some dog-friendly eatery options. There are several pubs that welcome dogs. Some like the New Hope Inn go as far as offering a bowl of water and some doggie bites for your dog.
As always while in the glorious hereford countryside make sure to observe the countryside code at all times