Let’s face it: while human dates are all well and good, few companions are as consistently charming, enthusiastic, and happy to see you as your dog. This Valentine’s Day, why leave your most devoted admirer waiting by the window?
Whether you’re a solo adventurer celebrating “Galentine’s” with your pup or a couple who wouldn’t dream of leaving the “third wheel” at home, the UK is brimming with ways to include your four-legged friend in the festivities.
From sophisticated city drinks to rugged coastal escapes, here are five ways to treat your dog to the ultimate February date.
1. The Classic “Paws and Pints” Pub Lunch
There is nothing more quintessentially British than a long walk followed by a seat by a roaring log fire. Many of the UK’s best-loved pubs don’t just “tolerate” dogs; they roll out the red carpet for them.
Look for venues that offer a dedicated dog menu—places like The Bill’s or various Vintage Inns across the country often provide “doggy roasts” or herbal “paw-secco.” Secure a cosy corner, order a local ale, and let your dog curl up at your feet for a long, lazy afternoon.
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2. A Romantic Coastal “Sooty” Stroll
February may be chilly, but it’s also the season when many of the UK’s best beaches lift their summer dog bans. This makes Valentine’s Day the perfect time for a bracing walk along the shoreline.
Head to the dunes of Holkham in Norfolk, the rugged cliffs of Cornwall, or the vast sands of Formby in Merseyside. There is something undeniably romantic about the crashing Atlantic waves and a very sandy, very happy dog chasing a tennis ball into the surf. Just remember to pack a drying robe for the car journey home!
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3. High Tea for Two (and a Biscuit for One)
If you fancy something a bit more refined, the UK’s afternoon tea scene is becoming increasingly dog-friendly. Several boutique hotels—particularly in London and the Cotswolds—now offer “Canine Afternoon Tea.”
While you tuck into finger sandwiches and scones, your date can enjoy a selection of gourmet dog treats served in a silver bowl. It’s the ultimate way to feel “posh” without the guilt of leaving your pet behind. Check out spots like The Egerton House Hotel in Knightsbridge for a truly top-tier experience.
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4. A Botanical “Sniffari” in a Great Garden
While many formal gardens require dogs to stay on leads, the sprawling estates of the National Trust and English Heritage offer miles of romantic, scenic pathways.
February is the height of snowdrop season in the UK. Places like Welford Park in Berkshire or Dunham Massey in Greater Manchester offer stunning white carpets of flowers that make for a beautiful (and very Instagrammable) backdrop for a Valentine’s stroll. It’s a sensory feast for your dog’s nose and a visual treat for you.
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5. The “Cinematic” Experience
Believe it or not, you don’t have to miss out on the latest blockbusters just because you have a dog. Boutique cinema chains like Picturehouse and Curzon host regular “Dog-Friendly Screenings” across the UK.
They provide water bowls, blankets for the seats, and lower the volume to ensure it’s comfortable for canine ears. Sharing a bucket of (unseasoned) popcorn while watching a film together? That’s a Valentine’s memory you won’t soon forget.
