Keswick top spot for dogs in UK

The Cumbria town of Keswick has been named the UK’s most dog-friendly town in this year’s Kennel Club’s Open for Dogs Awards, taking the top dog spot from over 28,000 towns and businesses.

The awards, voted by dog owners, were started six years ago with the aim of making Britain more dog-friendly and of recognising towns and businesses which go out of their way to make dogs welcome.

With dogs welcome in many shops, cafés and pubs in the town, as well as woodlands and fells nearby for walkies, Keswick has long been recognised as a top spot for the family pooch. As Keswick dog owner Alison True said: ‘Where else in Britain could you walk your dog through the woods into town to run your errands at the post office and bank, then call at the pub for lunch before taking a taxi home?’

Kennel Club Secretary Caroline Kisko said: ‘Keswick is a great example of the many towns that have already adopted a wonderfully dog-friendly atmosphere and are reaping the benefits of being open for dogs.

‘The people of Keswick show that they are willing to go above and beyond for their own four legged friends, as well as those that are just visiting, which is consistent with the UK’s love affair with dogs.’

Our guide to caravanning and camping with dogs has all the tips you need to bring your pooch on holiday with you, with around 3,300 parks listed on Pitchup.com as dog-friendly. There are 230 campsites and parks listed in Cumbria, with over 135 welcoming dogs.