UK dog owners looking for perfect spring walking locations should head to Brighton, according to new research which has ranked the city as Britain’s third-best destination for dog-friendly spring strolls.
The study by pet-sitting platform TrustedHousesitters analysed factors including dog-friendly venues, trail ratings, walkability scores, green space access, and average April rainfall.
Brighton, which ranked third overall, particularly excelled with a perfect walkability score of 100/100 and the highest trail rating at 4.4/5. The city benefits from lower rainfall compared to other major UK cities, at 45.13mm, making it an ideal spring walking destination. Plus, with 2.9 pet-friendly restaurants and pubs per square mile, dog walkers and their furry friends will be spoilt for choice when choosing somewhere to unwind in Brighton after their springtime stroll.
Dr Lily Richards (BSc Hons BVs MRCVS), veterinary surgeon, explains the benefits of spring dog walks: “Giving your pup a chance to explore new paths and experience new scent trails, sceneries, and different terrain is great for their active minds. A good walking trail has lots of opportunities to rest out of the heat and in the shade, as well as wide paths, no steep cliffs, and soft surfaces to prevent paw injuries.”
Brighton’s top dog walking spots
- The South Downs National Park trail from Devil’s Dyke to Stanmer Park stands as one of Brighton’s best dog walking routes, offering stunning countryside views just a short distance from the city. This approximately 5-mile trail (which can be shortened or lengthened if preferred) provides panoramic views, wildflowers coming into bloom during spring, and wide open spaces perfect for dogs to explore safely.
- The iconic Brighton & Hove Seafront presents a more urban option with approximately 4 miles of scenic coastal walking. While summer brings some beach restrictions, spring is an ideal time for dogs to enjoy the seafront with fewer crowds, refreshing sea breezes, and a vibrant atmosphere.
- For a more peaceful experience, Hove Park & the Hove Lawns offers a large open park with wide paths, plenty of open spaces, and a dedicated dog-friendly area. This approximately 2-mile route can be extended along the seafront and features several dog-friendly cafés for refreshment stops.
The UK’s top 5 cities for spring dog walks
The full ranking of the top 5 cities for UK dog walks is:
- Bristol – Leads the pack due to its excellent trails, walkability, and relatively low rainfall.
- Nottingham – Second place with an excellent number of dog-friendly venues per square mile (3.4).
- Brighton – Third with a perfect walkability score and beautiful coastal trails.
- Edinburgh – Fourth with iconic walks, relatively low rainfall, and great access to green space.
- Manchester – Fifth place, with excellent walkability and accessible urban nature reserves, despite slightly higher rainfall.
While taking in nature is beneficial for owners and their pooches alike, Dr Richards warns dog owners to remain vigilant during spring walks. She encourages pet owners to avoid stoney or boggy areas due to the risk of injury or environmental diseases. While rolling in the mud seems like a harmless activity, mud on hiking trails can harbour harmful bacteria and parasites, such as leptospirosis, giardia, and other pathogens.
“After your walk, remember to wash off any mud for disease prevention and check for ticks to prevent tick-borne diseases such as Lymes disease, babesiosis, and rocky mountain fever,” says Richards.
She also advises owners to “be aware of grassy or wooded areas with lots of leaf litter where snakes and natural dangers or predators can lie,” noting that adders become more active in spring and can be camouflaged by leaf litter in woodlands and hillsides.
