Dog-friendly day out tips from EverMore pups and their adopters.
Why is Stratford-upon-Avon a great place to visit with dogs?
Famous for being the home of William Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon is blessed with a wealth of dog-friendly walks, cafes and restaurants.
Situated in the heart of leafy Warwickshire, Stratford-upon-Avon is a historic market town with references going back over 800 years. It has a resident population of approximately 30,000 however those numbers are swelled to around 6 million with the influx of tourists each year.
There are several Shakespeare Trust buildings in the town including the Birthplace, Halls Croft and New Place. Unfortunately dogs are not permitted inside, however they are all worth a look from the pavement! There are many dog-friendly pubs, cafes and restaurants these days, you’ll be spoiled for choice!
The town straddles the River Avon and it is joined by the Stratford-Upon-Avon Canal at the Bancroft Basin. Here you can see lots of colourful narrow boats moored right in the town centre and you can stroll round the Bancroft Gardens, which are directly in front of the main Theatre. Head round the terrace to the river and have some refreshments at the dog-friendly RSC Riverside Coffee shop.
What places for walks or outdoor adventures would you recommend?
- Bancroft Gardens, to Lucy’s Mill and Holy Trinity Church
- Welcombe Hills
- North River loop
- Canal towpath
Bancroft Gardens, to Lucy’s Mill and Holy Trinity Church
From Bancroft Gardens take the steel bridge over the canal and then turn right on the footbridge over the river. At the end of the footbridge continue straight, then cross the road towards the Butterfly Farm. You are now on the disused Tramway. Continue along the Tramway past the cricket ground and the tennis club. Take the slope on your right to the Recreation ground. For the shorter walk, continue walking keeping the hedge on your left, past the kids road layout. Stay on the path until your’re almost at the river, keeping the hedge to your left. Turn left over the little bridge and walk along with the river on your right. Take the footbridge over the river at Lucy’s Mill. From here you can turn right to take you back to town via Holy Trinity Church (where Shakespeare is buried), or turn left under the road and follow the path to the right to the Greenway and the Railway Carriage Café.
Welcombe Hills
From Bancroft Gardens head slightly out of town towards Warwick. You will reach St Gregory’s Church, which sits in a fork in the road. Take the left fork, Welcombe Road and walk up to the top (500 yards). At the top of the road, before the bend is a kissing-gate which leads to the Welcombe Hills AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) It’s possible to walk for miles here, or just wander round the first few meadows. There’s usually plenty of other dog walkers here.
North River loop
From Bancroft Gardens, cross over the main road towards the Crowne Plaza Hotel and the Marina Car Park. Before the Crowne Plaza, take the little road on the right to the Marina and you’ll see the river path in front of you. This path takes you along the river to Fisherman’s Car Park and bathing pool. The path loops back from the near-side corner of the car-park, back via the Leisure Centre into Town.
Canal towpath
The towpath starts at Bancroft Gardens, in the corner opposite the Encore pub, and goes under the road. It will take you as far as you want to go! 5 miles to Wilmcote, or just up the road, there are plenty of places to get off.
– Tips form Steph Webb with additional links from our content team