The best dog-friendly destinations on our network

There’s nothing quite as fun as travelling with your dog. Exploring new places, seeing their face as they’re gripped with excitement, and all the new smells (well the last one’s definitely for them). But can you take dogs on trains? Of course, you can. Four-legged friends are welcome on all TransPennine Express services.

So, if you want to get out and about with your furry friend, these are some of our favourite dog-friendly destinations in the North of England and Scotland. Just don’t forget the treats!

With its colourful walls, cobbled streets and wealth of dog-friendly cafes, York is the perfect destination for a rewarding walk with your pooch. The historic city walls provide a bird’s-eye view tour of the city for you and your four-legged friend to explore, and there are plenty of things to see along the way – from the bustling central market to the beautiful Minster.

The Shambles is a particularly popular route for dogs to sniff out all the interesting scents, whilst cafes and pubs offer outdoor seating so you can stop off for a refreshing drink and a bite to eat as you go.

Don’t fancy the city centre? There are plenty of green areas nearby that are great for walking all year round, such as Hob Moor or Knavesmire – both are a half hour stroll from the station and are fantastic for letting your dog burn off some energy.

Looking for a beach for you and your dog? Cleethorpes guarantees a ‘pawsitively’ great time at the seaside. This stunning location is wonderful for a relaxing stroll along the sand, with half of the beach open to dogs during the summer.

The town is also home to plenty of dog-friendly cafes – including Suzie’s Cup of Joy and The Helm – where you can sit and relax while your pup enjoys a treat. Cleethorpes Country Park is another great place to take your furry friend, with plenty of fields for them to run around and explore. And if it’s hot, there’s even a designated swimming section where they can cool down.

If you’re looking for a lovely countryside destination to really treat your dog, Penrith could be the place for you and your pooch to visit. The town itself is situated on the River Eamont, and offers a variety of riverside walks that are ideal for dogs. It’s also a stone’s throw away from the breath-taking Lake District National Park – what a treat a visit here would be for a dog!

Love a bit of history and want to entertain your dog at the same time? Edinburgh is ‘pawfect’. The Scottish capital is home to many parks and gardens surrounding historical buildings. So your dog can earn a well-deserved run around Princes Street Gardens whilst you enjoy the iconic Scott Monument or the Christmas Market in winter.

You’ll also find plenty of open space in spots like Holyrood Park and Arthur’s Seat as well as fantastic views across the city. And if you don’t mind a little walk, the beach isn’t too far either. Portobello for example has a long stretch of golden sand for burning off some energy and plenty of street food vendors on the boardwalk where you can refuel afterwards.

If you fancy some city fun with your doggo, then Manchester could be the ideal place for you and your pup. The vibrant city is packed with dog-friendly restaurants, pubs and cafes. If you’re in the Northern Quarter your pooch will be welcomed with open arms at the Bay Horse Tavern and the variety of outdoor options along Church Street. Whilst trendy Refuge close to Oxford Road station is extremely dog-friendly – they’ll even provide you with a dog bed if you ask.

For a little retail therapy, Afflecks is the UK’s first fully dog-friendly shopping centre, and is packed with plenty of retro clothing stores, plus cafes that all welcome furry friends. And when it comes to stretching the legs, the city is home to plenty of canal-side walks whilst the newly opened sky park at Castlefield Viaduct is a real urban oasis.

Of course, dogs are allowed on our trains, free of charge. There are just a few simple rules to follow:

• You can bring up to two dogs on the train and they must be kept on a lead for the duration of the journey
• Pets must not sit on tables or seats – we ask this for the comfort of other passengers travelling without pets
• Guide and hearing dogs are welcome on board too and staff will be happy to support you if you need assistance

Keen to go exploring with your dog soon? Remember to check before you travel and book your tickets in advance on our website or using the TPExpress app.