Latest news with #DogFriendlyRetreats
Scottish Sun
17-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Scotland's best dog-friendly beer garden revealed in country's ‘oldest pub'
Scroll down to see the full top 10 Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BEER garden weather is here - and Scots will be looking for the perfect pint with their pups. A recent study shows that 40 per cent of UK drinkers consider enjoying a cool drink in the sunshine as their 'ultimate happy place', with many visiting pub gardens up to five times a month in summer. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 An increasing number of people are planning dog-inclusive city breaks 3 The Sheep Heid Inn came out on top for Scotland Meanwhile, as an increasing number of people are planning dog-inclusive city breaks, pubs are stepping up. In fact they are going above and beyond 'dogs allowed' and offering tailored hospitality for four-legged visitors, including dog snacks behind the bar, water bowls on arrival and nearby green space for post-pint strolls. Experts at Dog Friendly Retreats have scoured Google reviews and TripAdvisor scores to find the best bars with dog menus and green spaces to find the UK's top 10 pooch-friendly spots. And one Scots venue features in the ranking. The Sheep Heid Inn in Edinburgh ranks number one for Scotland. Nestled at the foot of Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh, this venue holds the title of Scotland's oldest pub, dating back to 1360. The Dog Friendly Retreats team said: "Charming, yes. And its beer garden is a perfect spot for al fresco dining and drinks on a sunny day. "Why does it come up trumps in our top doggy pubs? According to a review on Dog Furiendly, 'this 600-year-old pub is completely dog friendly and they even welcome our tail-wagging friends to join us on the skittle alley'. "Additionally, notes that 'they welcome dogs, provide water and even a dog bed', ensuring your canine companion is comfortable during your visit." Newcastle takes the crown as the UK's most dog-friendly pub city. Inside luxury dog-friendly glamping pod with wild Scottish spa and its own fairy pools The analysis, which scored 100 expert-recommended pubs, also found that the top venue in the UK was Brandling Villa in South Gosforth. It took the number one spot thanks to its full dog menu - complete with Sunday roasts for pups - and quirky beer garden, with lots of shade for dogs during the summer. The Tyne Bar and Free Trade Inn, both local favourites near the Ouseburn Valley, also made the top 10, showcasing the North East as a top-tier region for dog-loving pub-goers. TOP OF THE PUPS HERE is the full UK top 10 with a Dog-Friendliness Score out of 100: Brandling Villa, Newcastle - 63.5 The Greyhound Inn, Coventry - 58.6 The Cliff, Poole - 51.7 The Fishermans Arms, Plymouth - 51.5 The Tyne Bar, Newcastle - 51.3 Free Trade Inn, Newcastle - 50.8 The Cutty Sark, London - 49.8 The Dirty Onion, Belfast - 49.6 The Wharf, Manchester - 49.1 The Sheep Heid Inn, Edinburgh - 45.6 Josh Williams from Dog Friendly Retreats added: "We know that more people than ever are travelling with their dogs, and city pubs with outdoor space offer a perfect way to include pups in holiday-maker plans. "These spots don't just allow dogs, they celebrate them."
Daily Record
30-04-2025
- Climate
- Daily Record
Five little-known dangers dog owners must know when walking on beach during heatwave
Spring is well underway and with a supposed mini-heatwave on the way, Scots dogs owners will be gearing up for all the places they can take their furry friend to make the most of the blazing sun and scorching temperatures. A walking trail has just been named as Scotland's best "dog-friendly getaway". Earlier this month, listed the top dog-friendly getaways in the UK based on internal booking data. Coming in at number one for Scotland , and three for the whole of the UK, is the Fife Coastal Path. If you're a water baby, although many UK beaches ban dogs during this time of the year, plenty still allow them. But if you're lucky enough to live near a beach or are journeying to one, there are some things you need to know. Most dog owners know the risks of saltwater ingestion, sharp objects, such as broken shells, and heatstroke to dogs, but there are some lesser-known beach dangers to watch out for when you're next out for a stroll. To help, the team at Dog Friendly Retreats has shared five things dog owners need to watch out for when heading to the beach at this time of year. Some blue-green algae blooms can be highly toxic to dogs, even if they just paddle through the water they're in or lick their fur after swimming. They often look like greenish scum on the surface of the water or along shorelines. They can also be invisible and are most prevalent in the UK in warmer weather conditions. Check for warning signs when you arrive at the beach before letting your dog take a dip, and keep them away from any water you suspect may contain blue-green algae. Blue-green algae can be harmful to humans, other animals, and the environment. To help mitigate the risks, you can report any sightings to your local council's environmental health department , the Environment Agency's incident hotline, or via the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology's Bloomin' Algae app. Most dogs love splashing around in the sea , but not many owners know about the risk of dry drowning. This can happen when a dog inhales water, leading to breathing difficulties hours later. If your dog starts coughing, seems extra tired, or has trouble breathing after swimming, seek advice from your vet straight away. It's a rare condition, but one to be aware of after a day at the coast. While dunes and grassy areas can be fun to explore, they often hide sharp seed heads like foxtails. These barbed seeds can easily get stuck in your dog's paws, ears, or even their nose, causing discomfort or infection. After your walk, give your dog a quick once-over, paying special attention to their paws and ears. Brushing them down can help remove any hitchhiking seeds before they cause a problem. Some beaches are popular with anglers meaning leftover bait such as fish , squid, or worms left behind. These can be irresistible to dogs but could lead to upset stomachs or worse if the bait contains harmful preservatives or hooks. Keep your dog close in these areas and teach them to 'leave it' in case they sniff out something suspicious. Occasionally, patches of tar or oily residue wash up along the shoreline, particularly after storms. These can stick to your dog's paws or coat and may cause irritation or illness if licked off later. If you spot any dark, sticky patches on the beach, steer clear. After your day, it's worth wiping your dog down to remove any sand, salt, or residue they might have picked up. Similarly to blue-green algae, you can report any sightings of tar or oil on UK beaches to your local council.
