Northamptonshire with Nellie: Dog-Friendly Things To Do!
Hi! We’re Emma and Nellie. Together, we enjoy discovering beautiful walks, scenic spots, and dog-friendly places across Northamptonshire to share with Nellie’s followers on Instagram (@nellietheshihpoo).
Here are some of Nellie’s favourite spots to explore and recommendations for fellow dog lovers looking for their next adventure...
Rushden Lakes (NN10 6FH)
Rushden Lakes is a shopping haven as well as a vibrant hub for nature lovers, families, and dog owners! With its scenic lakeside walks, shopping opportunities, and a variety of dog-friendly cafés and restaurants, it’s the perfect spot for a dog-friendly day out with your four-legged friend.
Highlights:
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The Nene Wetlands path offers scenic walks around the lake.
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Dog-friendly stores (indicated with green stickers) include Barbour, FatFace, L’Occitane, Cotswold Outdoor, and many others.
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Dog-friendly places to eat include Lago Lounge, Bills, Butterwick Bakery and Bewitched.
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Free parking for up to 5 hours.
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Regular events like 'Wimbledogs' even treat dogs to hampers and photo opportunities!
Castle Ashby Gardens (NN7 1LF)
Castle Ashby Gardens offers a peaceful and picturesque escape for dog lovers and history enthusiasts alike. The beautifully landscaped gardens are open to the public and dogs on leads are warmly welcomed. From the romantic Italian gardens to the serene arboretum and wildlife-filled lakes, there’s plenty of space for a leisurely stroll with your furry friend.
Highlights:
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Welcomes well-behaved dogs on leads in most areas and off-lead fun in the arboretum.
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Castle Ashby Gardens boasts beautifully maintained gardens, winding woodland trails, a glass palmery, and charming secret pathways - perfect for a dog-friendly day out!
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Entry: approx. £12.50–£14 adult, £6–£7 child; free parking and a tearoom open 10:30–15:30.
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Allow 2–3 hours for a leisurely visit and perfect when combined with a picnic.
The Chester House Estate (NN8 2DH)
The Chester House Estate is a unique heritage site that brings 10,000 years of Northamptonshire’s history to life - it’s also very dog-friendly! With open green spaces, riverside walks, and a welcoming atmosphere, dogs on leads are free to explore much of the estate alongside their owners.
Highlights:
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Set across 85 acres of heritage-rich landscape, The Chester House Estate welcomes dogs everywhere except inside the Archaeological Resource Centre and offers a variety of scenic walking trails.
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The Farmhouse Restaurant has a dedicated dog-friendly room complete with water bowls and a 'Dog’s Dinner' menu.
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Many dog-friendly events throughout the year such as ‘Woof Fest’ and ‘Santa Paws’.
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A dog-boutique (Trinkety Paws) in the courtyard which is a canine paradise amid gentle rolling countryside.
Heart of the Shires (NN7 4LB)
The Heart of the Shires Shopping Village is a delightful collection of independent boutiques, artisan shops, and cosy eateries all set within a beautifully restored Victorian courtyard. It’s a haven for dog lovers, with many of the shops being dog-friendly, welcoming well-behaved pups inside and plenty of outdoor seating for a relaxed bite to eat.
Highlights:
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Treat your pup at The Dog Barn, a shop packed with treats and toys for your dog.
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Pop into The 1867 eatery for coffee, snacks and meals with your dog at your side.
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Ample free parking and spots to stretch those legs on nearby footpaths.
West Lodge Rural Centre (NN14 2SH)
West Lodge Rural Centre is a family-run farm near to Desborough. It offers hands-on animal experiences, scenic trails and plenty to explore. The farm park offers acres of signposted beautiful walks and nature trails, from 500m to 3km, for you to enjoy a dog-friendly day with your dog.
Highlights:
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Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome to the farm. Dogs can access all areas of the farm excluding the indoor and outdoor children’s play area.
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Explore paddocks with cows, sheep, goats and ponies.
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The gift shop sells items for dogs!
Stoke Bruerne Canal (NN12 7SE)
Stoke Bruerne is a dog-walker’s delight. Set along the Grand Union Canal, Stoke Bruerne offers scenic walks on flat towpaths, through the Blisworth Tunnel and along the famous Stoke Bruerne flight of locks. There’s also a dog-friendly pub, The Navigation Inn, where pups get treats, water, and a warm welcome.
Highlights:
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Routes range in length around the locks and countryside giving great choices for all energy levels.
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Flat, smooth paths make it easy under paws, but watch by the canal edge and keep your dog on lead by the locks .
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The pub provides dog bowls, treats, and a garden, perfect for a post walk rest.
Find your perfect day out yet? There's tons of different destinations throughout Northamptonshire. Why not check out our Days Out to find places to visit? Or you could check up on our What's On page - we have hundreds of events listed happening throughout the county!
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Have a favourite spot in Northamptonshire not on our website? Email us at info@discover-northamptonshire.co.uk and let us know, or pop into the Discover Northamptonshire Hub at Rushden Lakes and talk to a member of staff. We'll do our best to contact the site and put it on our website!
