Dog-friendly days out

No Peak District trip is complete without a visit to iconic Chatsworth. And dogs are welcome in the Gardens and the wider estate (where you’ll find wonderful walks). Time your visit for September when Chatsworth Country Fair is on (30 Aug-1 Sept) and it really turns into a dog-lovers’ dream. There are races and dog competitions for furry friends, including canine aqua sports (putting doggy paddle on a whole new level) and have-a-go scurries (that’s retrieving five canvas dummies against the clock!).

A music festival that welcomes four-legged friends? You betcha. Head south from the Peaks to Derbyshire’s Elvaston Castle for the annual Dog Lovers’ Festival for furry music fans and their owners. Kicking off this year from Fri 2 – Sun 4 Aug, expect tribute acts belting out Robbie Williams, Madness and Madonna with canine-friendly camping and nowhere that’s off-limits to dogs. As well as all the usual festival fare of food and stalls, there will also be a fun dog show if your pooch loves the limelight.

Dog with a head for heights? Four-legged pals are welcome at Heights of Abraham in Matlock Bath, where you can journey from the valley floor to summit park on a cable car. There are 60 acres of woodland walks and stunning views once you get to the top and dogs can dine with you at the café, in the Vista restaurant’s courtyard garden and there’s no shortage of pretty picnic spots.

Where to eat and drink

Dogs may not be able to stay at The Maynard at Grindleford any more, but the beautiful, big beer garden and bar welcomes them. There are stacks of great walks nearby, so it’s the perfect place for a post-hike tipple on a sunny day.

Aptly named The Old Dog in Thorpe is super Fido-friendly and close to the Tissington Trail which is wonderful for walkies. Another pooch-friendly favourite, especially with walkers, is The Old Nag’s Head in Edale. There’s a good beer garden, paws are welcome inside and there’s water and biscuits on offer too.

Dog-friendly places to stay

It doesn’t get more dog-friendly than Bike & Boot in the Hope Valley, the Peak District’s newest hotel. Dogs aren’t just tolerated here, they’re embraced with open arms. Pooches have the run of the hotel, their own pet bed and canine guests are greeted with a toy on arrival. The icing on the cake? A fabulous, free dog grooming facility. The laid-back restaurant is also a good spot for dog-friendly drinking and dining.

The Cavendish Hotel, Baslow (pictured) offers special canine retreats and has a small number of newly refurbished dog-friendly bedrooms. Resident pooches are also welcome in the gorgeous Garden Room Restaurant and terrace.

Fancy going off-grid in style? Dogs are welcome (you can bring two) at the lovely Coppice Spa and Spinney Spa Lodges at Darwin Forest, Matlock. The verandas have outdoor washing for paws and muddy boots and there’s a utility with stable doors inside with space for a dog bed and bowls. The Coppice Spa Lodges even have a doggy shower. Pooches can join you in the bar and café too.

Looking to self-cater? Try Peak Cottages, which has a searchable collection of dog-friendly boltholes dotted around the Peak District. Muse Escapes near Buxton also has super-luxe dog-friendly pads.

Dog-friendly places to shop

The perfect place to get kitted out for dog walks and rural shenanigans, country lifestyle store Henmores (pictured) in Ashbourne makes a big fuss of four-legged shoppers. As well as a warm welcome and a dog bar, you’ll find stacks of cool clobber to walk the pooch in.

Nestled in the hills in the pretty village of Rowsley, Peak Village is a great dog-friendly spot for some retail therapy. Pets are welcomed on site and in all the shops and a stop off at Barks & Co is the perfect opportunity to treat them to a toy or freshly-baked treat.

Paw-some walks

It doesn’t get much better than the Peak District when it comes to walkies. Energetic pooches can enjoy full-day hikes, but there are stacks of shorter options for older (or lazier) dogs. Mam Tor is the obvious spot to start. Stunning views and lots of options, from a 20-minute stroll to the top from the car park, a three-hour circular or a longer hike.

If you prefer to stick to paved paths, try one of the Peak District’s traffic-free trails like the Tissington Trail, The Manifold Track or The Monsal Trail.The bonus? You’re never far from a pub or café.

If you’re walking with pooches in the Peaks, take a look at the advice from Take the Lead about how to protect wildlife and what to watch out for, when.