The bank holiday weekend is nearly here, which means three glorious things: questionable barbecue weather, packed pub gardens, and the perfect excuse to spoil your dog rotten. Whether your four-legged mate loves muddy adventures or simply enjoys supervising snack prep from a picnic blanket, there are loads of fun ways to make the most of the long weekend together.
Here are five brilliant dog-friendly ideas to keep tails wagging all bank holiday long.
Plan a “Sniffari” Instead of a Walk
Your dog doesn’t care about step counts — they care about smells. So swap the usual route for a proper sniffari adventure. Visit a new woodland trail, beach, or countryside path and let your dog take the lead (within reason, of course).
The bank holiday is the ideal time to explore somewhere new, and your pup will love all the unfamiliar scents, sounds, and squirrel-related gossip.
Top tip: bring a long lead, fresh water, and approximately 47 poo bags. You’ll somehow still run out.
Find out more here
Host a Dog-Friendly Garden Party
Who says garden parties are just for humans? Set up a little dog station with fresh water, frozen treats, and a shady chill-out spot while the humans tackle the barbecue.
You could even make:
- Doggy ice lollies with peanut butter and banana
- A paddling pool splash zone
- A “best trick” competition
- Mini tennis ball races
Just remember: sausages disappearing from plates are not “magic tricks”. Your Labrador knows exactly what they’re doing.
Find out more here
Visit a Dog-Friendly Pub Garden
Few things scream “British bank holiday” louder than sitting in a pub garden pretending it’s summer while wearing a raincoat.
Luckily, loads of UK pubs now welcome dogs with treats, water bowls, and sometimes even dedicated dog menus. Your pup gets fussed by strangers, you get a cold drink — everybody wins.
Bonus points if your dog becomes the unofficial pub mascot by the end of the afternoon.
Find out more from our previous posts about dogs and pubs here
Have a Bank Holiday Camping Night
You don’t need a full countryside getaway to enjoy camping vibes. Pitch a tent in the garden, grab some blankets, and have a cosy evening outdoors with your dog.
Dogs absolutely love the novelty of sleeping somewhere different — even if it’s technically six feet from your back door.
Add:
- A torch-lit evening walk
- Dog-safe marshmallow alternatives
- Late-night cuddles while listening to distant neighbours attempting karaoke
It’s wholesome chaos at its finest.
Find out more here
Treat Your Dog to a “Spa Day”
After all the weekend adventures, your dog deserves a little relaxation too. Run a warm bath, break out the fancy shampoo, and give them the full pampered experience.
Well… until they immediately sprint into mud afterwards.
You could also include:
- A gentle brushing session
- Paw balm for tired feet
- New toys or treats
- A snoozy film afternoon together on the sofa
Because honestly, bank holidays are about relaxing — and nobody does that better than a sleeping dog.
Find out more here
