Dog Days in the UK: Events and Activities for Dog Lovers
In the UK, there are numerous dog-friendly events and festivals throughout the year, providing opportunities for pet lovers to come together and celebrate. Here’s a roundup of some of the best National Dog Day celebrations and other major dog events across the country.
1. Dogstival: A Festival for Dog Lovers
📅 Date: 31st May – 1st June 2025
📍 Location: Burley Park, New Forest
🐶 What’s On?
Dogstival is the ultimate festival for dog lovers, featuring arena displays, ‘have-a-go’ activities for dogs, live music, shopping, and food stalls. It’s a dog-friendly experience where pups can participate in agility courses, enjoy doggy swimming pools, and take part in competitions.
🔗 Visit Dogstival
2. DogFest: The UK’s Biggest Dog Festival
📅 Dates and Locations:
• Ragley Hall, Warwickshire – 10th & 11th May 2025
• Knebworth House, Hertfordshire – 7th & 8th June 2025
• Tatton Park, Cheshire – 21st & 22nd June 2025
• Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire – 12th & 13th July 2025
• Ashton Court, Bristol – 6th & 7th September 2025
• Harewood House, Yorkshire – 13th & 14th September 2025
• Loseley Park, Surrey – 27th & 28th September 2025
🐕 What’s On?
DogFest is a vibrant outdoor event, offering an exciting mix of dog-friendly activities, live music, expert training sessions, agility courses, and dog competitions. Visitors can also explore the latest pet products, meet celebrity dog trainers, and even enjoy a 2K or 5K “Big Dog Walk” with their pup.
🔗 Visit DogFest
3. Goodwoof: A Luxury Celebration of Dogs
📅 Date: May 2025 (Exact dates TBC)
📍 Location: Goodwood Estate, Chichester
🏆 What’s On?
Goodwoof is an elegant and unique celebration of dogs, set against the backdrop of the historic Goodwood Estate. The event features dog competitions, wellness activities, play areas, and the renowned ‘Barkitecture’ competition, where top designers craft luxurious dog kennels.
🔗 Learn More About Goodwoof
4. Mirfield Show: A Fun Dog Event in West Yorkshire
📅 Date: Third Sunday in August (Annual Event)
📍 Location: Huddersfield Road Showground, Mirfield
🐩 What’s On?
While Mirfield Show is an agricultural event, it also includes dog-friendly competitions and agility displays, making it a great summer event for dog lovers in West Yorkshire.
🔗 Mirfield Show Information
5. National Dog Day Events in Shopping Centres
📅 Date: 26th August (National Dog Day)
📍 Location: Various UK shopping centres
🛍️ What’s On?
🔗 Check Out National Dog Day Events
6. Crufts: The World’s Greatest Dog Show
📅 Date: March 2025
📍 Location: NEC, Birmingham
🐕🦺 What’s On?
Although Crufts is not directly linked to National Dog Day, it remains one of the biggest and most prestigious dog events in the UK. It features world-class agility, obedience, and conformation competitions, plus hundreds of stalls showcasing the latest in pet care.
🔗 Visit Crufts
Celebrate National Dog Day in Your Own Way!
If you can’t attend an event...
✔ Spoil your dog with a long countryside walk, a new toy, or a homemade dog treat.
✔ Support local shelters by donating food, blankets, or volunteering.
✔ Adopt or foster a dog in need.