Northamptonshire with Nellie: Dog-Friendly Christmas Activities
As the days grow shorter and the air gets crisper, there’s nothing better than wrapping up warm and spending festive time with your four-legged friend. Northamptonshire bursts into sparkling life every winter, with plenty of events that welcome dogs (or are built especially for them).
We’re Emma and Nellie (@nellietheshihpoo) and here are some of the local dog friendly events that we are looking forward to this festive season...
Santa Paws at the Northampton & Lamport Railway
If your pup loves the rumble of a steam train (or perhaps the novelty of one), this is the one to watch out for. At Northampton & Lamport Railway, the Santa Paws event includes:
- A heritage steam (or in some cases diesel) train ride departing from Pitsford & Brampton station
- Dogs (and even cats, if they’re comfortable) come along, and they receive a present from Santa
- Onboard treats, hot drinks, mince pies, and festive decorations make it feel like stepping into a Christmas movie
- Free parking at the station, and good facilities (buffet, toilets, etc.)
This is perfect if you want a memorable outing: there’s something magical about seeing your dog peering out of a train carriage, with lights and carols in the air.
WINTER LIGHT TRAIL AT DELAPRÉ ABBEY
For sheer atmosphere, the Northampton Winter Light Trail at Delapré Abbey is a standout.
- It runs from late November through December across the Abbey’s grounds and woodland, featuring immersive light installations, tunnels of light and soundscapes, etc.
- Dogs are very much welcome — as long as they’re well behaved and kept on leads.
- There are food stalls, mini chalets, warm drinks, marshmallow toasting and lots to do beyond just walking the trail.
If your dog enjoys sniffing through woodland, lights, and friendly crowds (with treats for everyone), this is a magical evening choice.
lakeside carols at stanwick lakes
A magical walk around Solstice Lake with carols in the outdoor theatre is another way to soak up Christmas spirit. Lakeside Carols at Stanwick Lakes is ideal for a quieter, more reflective evening:
- This event will be hosted on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st December from 5:00pm – 8:00pm.
- Dogs are welcome. Due to Stanwick Lakes’ environmental status dogs must be on leads at all times. For this event, it is recommended and kindly requested that dogs are on short leads for safety.
- Festive food and refreshments will be available to purchase.
- The car park will be free to ticket holders on the evening of this event.
Dress warmly, maybe bring a torch or lantern to walk with, and enjoy carols with your canine companion by your side.
santa paws afternoon tea at whilton locks garden village
If festive treats are more your style, the Santa Paws Afternoon Tea at Whilton Locks Garden Village offers a more relaxed pace:
- Tea with Santa Paws will be held in The Potting Shed Restaurant, where Santa will be wandering around and able to talk to all his special visitors
- Pawesome Pooch (£11.99) includes a meaty sausage, selection of natural treats, liver pupcake and a carrot woofin.
- Adult’s Afternoon Tea (£19.99) includes a Santa’s sandwich selection, snowflake mince pie, Christmas tradition spiced scone with ramekins of raspberry jam and Cornish Clotted cream, blue blizzard cake and jingle jelly
- Vegetarian, gluten free, dairy free and vegan options are available.
big christmas dog walk for animals in need
For those who prefer something more charitable and outdoors, this walk is great both for your dog’s exercise and for supporting a cause:
- This event will be hosted by Nathan Watson Dog Behaviour on Sunday 21st December from 10:00am – 12:30pm at Bradlaugh Fields in Northampton
- Free to attend, however, any donations to support the amazing work of Animals in Need are greatly appreciated during the walk
- Fancy dress and Christmas jumpers are warmly encouraged for dogs (and owners)
- All dogs in attendance must be on-lead and sociable
- Refreshments are available from the Bradlaugh Fields Barn following the walk
Walking in a group with good company and a purpose adds something special to a cold winter’s day.
farm animals at welford christmas tree farm
This is one of our favourite “rustic” options! At Welford Christmas Tree Farm, there are farm animals to see, outdoor spaces to wonder, Christmas trees to choose from, as well as a delightful café. You can also pop into their Christmas shop and Santa's Grotto.
- Dogs are welcome (on leads)
- Their café serves hot and cold food as well as drinks. They also have vegan and gluten free options available
- Being outside with animals and trees makes for good sensory stimulation for dogs.
- You must book a time slot to visit on the weekends at Christmas - you do not need a ticket on weekdays.
christmas shopping at rushden lakes
Rushden Lakes is the perfect spot for some dog-friendly Christmas shopping! With its scenic lakeside walks, shopping opportunities, and a variety of dog-friendly cafés and restaurants with festive menus, it’s the perfect spot for a day out with your four-legged friend.
- Dog-friendly stores (indicated with green stickers): Barbour, FatFace, L’Occitane, Cotswold Outdoor, and many many more.
- Dog-friendly places to eat with festive menus including Lago Lounge, Bills, Butterwick Bakery and Bewitched.
- Free parking for up to 5 hours giving ample time to stroll, grab a coffee or meal, or browse shops with your dog.
- Lots of decorations, lights and photo opportunities around Rushden Lakes to snap a cute photo of your furry friend enjoying their day at Rushden Lakes.
