I am so excited to share my recent journey through one of the most vibrant cities in England. If you are a traveler who cannot bear to leave your furry friend behind, a Pet Friendly Vacation in Manchester, UK is exactly what you need.
My partner and I spent several days exploring this urban wonderland with a dog in tow, and I can tell you that the city has truly opened its arms to four-legged visitors. The number of households in the UK with dogs actually jumped from 22 percent to 33 percent recently. Because of this, manchester hotels and shops have changed a lot to make sure pups feel just as welcome as people.
First of All: Getting Your Pet Ready for the Trip
Before you pack your bags and head to the North, you must handle the paperwork. This is especially true if you are coming from outside the country. To enter Great Britain, your pet dog, cat, or ferret must have a readable microchip.
You must also make sure they have a valid rabies vaccination. The vet must record the microchip date on or before the primary rabies shot. Additionally, you will need a valid animal health certificate or an accepted pet passport.
For my fellow dog owners, there is one more high-priority step. Your dog needs a tapeworm treatment administered by a vet between 24 and 120 hours before you arrive in Great Britain. If you forget this, the authorities might prevent you from traveling with your pet.
However, you do not need this treatment if you come directly from places like Ireland, Northern Ireland, or Norway. Always check the official rules to avoid delays at the border.
Finding the Best Dog Friendly Hotels Manchester
The search for the perfect place to sleep can be tough. First of all, you want comfort for yourself. On top of that, you want your dog to feel pampered. We found several amazing options during our stay.
BrewDog DogHouse Manchester
This place is a dream for beer lovers and dog owners alike. It is a 4-star hotel that received a 9.8 rating from guests because pets stay for free. That is a massive saving! Gradually, we realized how unique this place is. The rooms have neon lights and even a guitar for you to play. The best part? There is a shower beer fridge in the bathroom. You can literally drink a cold IPA while you wash off the day.
The staff here are incredibly friendly. They even have a pick and mix sweet station on every floor near the lifts. Plus, they offer a 24-hour hot dog menu for guests. If you want a real treat, they host “Dog Pawties” for your furry friends. It is located on Fountain Street, which is very central.
Native Manchester
If you like history, you must visit native manchester. It is located in a massive Victorian building called Ducie Street Warehouse. The design is very industrial with exposed red bricks and steel beams. Similarly to the BrewDog hotel, it welcomes dogs anywhere in the building. They even show “Pawpcorn” dog-friendly movies in their private cinema downstairs! It is a 4.5-star property with a terrace for you to relax on.
Whitworth Locke
This is a beautiful blend of a hotel and an apartment. It is perfect if you want a kitchenette to store pet food or cook your own meals. When you check in, they provide dog bowls, treats, and a dog towel. There is a one-off fee for the extra deep cleaning they do after you leave. It has a very “cool” conservatory bar that is perfect for photos.
Other Great Options
The Kimpton Clocktower is a grand Victorian building on Oxford Street. It allows pets up to 65lbs for no extra fee. On the contrary, Hotel Gotham is more for smaller dogs, with a limit of 20lbs and a fee of £35 per night.
Some travelers also ask, “is travelodge dog friendly?” While we did not stay there this time, travelodge manchester is often a choice for those on a budget, but you should always verify their specific pet fees. If you are looking to travel further, you might also look for dog friendly hotels lake district or dog friendly hotels liverpool, as those areas are quite close by train.
Navigating the City with Your Pooch
Manchester is becoming much easier to explore without a car. At that time when we visited, there was a trial happening to allow dogs on the Metrolink trams.
Dogs are now allowed on trams as long as they are on a lead. This is a huge win for pet owners! Therefore, you can easily get from the city center to places like Heaton Park.
However, you must follow some rules. A pet expert named John Smith suggests avoiding peak rush hours when the trams are very crowded. Also, keep an eye out for signs of anxiety in your dog, such as panting, shivering, or pacing. Additionally, you should always carry a portable water bowl and poo bags.
The train system is also very pet-friendly. Northern Rail allows you to take your dog on the train, which opens up many day trip options. You can buy tickets in advance using an app to save money.
The Best Dog Walks and Parks
You cannot have a Pet Friendly Vacation in Manchester, UK without visiting the local parks.
Heaton Park
This is one of the largest municipal parks in all of Europe, covering over 600 acres. It is a massive green space with woodlands and a boating lake. Your dog can run off-lead in many areas, but you must keep them on a lead near the Animal Centre, cafes, and play areas.
First of all, head to The Temple for a panoramic view of the Manchester skyline. Later, you can grab a coffee at one of the three cafes. There are plenty of dog bins and water bowls available.
Castlefield
For a more urban walk, head to the Castlefield conservation area. It is full of old canals and industrial history. You can walk along the water and see the Roman fort ruins. Gradually, you will find several dog-friendly pubs like The Wharf, which has a great beer garden. It is a very peaceful place despite being so close to the city center.
Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens
Located in Didsbury, this is a serene oasis with many exotic plants. Dogs are welcome on leads. It is a perfect spot for a quiet stroll through riverside trails and wooded areas.
Cultural Stops: Not Just for Humans
We were surprised to find that even some historic sites welcome dogs!
Manchester Cathedral
We met a wonderful volunteer named Steve who showed us around. The cathedral is full of bees, which is the symbol of Manchester. You can find bees in the stained glass and even on the roof where they have 10 real beehives.
Additionally, look for the funny carvings under the seats. One is called the “Rabbit’s Revenge,” where a rabbit is cooking a hunter! Steve told us that they even have a carving of a doctor being called a “monkey”. It is a very immersive and welcoming place.
John Rylands Library
This building looks like it came straight out of a Harry Potter movie. It is free to enter, but keep in mind it is closed on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays for restoration. While dogs might not be allowed in the most delicate reading rooms, the architecture is stunning to see from the outside.
Afflecks Palace
This is an iconic indoor market in the Northern Quarter. It has four floors of independent stalls selling everything from vintage clothes to anime memorabilia.
On top of that, the entire building is dog-friendly. We saw many people walking their dogs through the narrow corridors. One shop owner even ran out to give our dog some treats! It is a great place to spend an hour or two browsing unique items.
Dining Out with Your Dog
You will never go hungry in Manchester. First of all, the Northern Quarter is packed with dog-friendly cafes.
- Pot Kettle Black (PKB): They have locations in Angel Gardens and Barton Arcade. They love dogs and will bring over a water bowl as soon as you sit down. They even have pup treats on the house.
- Ezra & Gil: This is a very popular spot for brunch. They have a location on Hilton Street that is almost always busy.
- This & That: If you want authentic Indian food, this is a “Hidden Gem”. It has been open for 34 years. The owner, Malu, is very welcoming. They serve “rice and three” curries for a very reasonable price, like £7.00. The lamb chops and Kima are delicious.
- Trof: This place in the heart of the Northern Quarter is known for its traditional Sunday roast.
Shopping for Your Furry Friend
If you want to spoil your pet, Manchester has some of the best independent pet shops.
- Dog Shop MCR: Located on Tib Street, this store focuses on sustainable and premium products. They sell stylish bathrobes, dog pyjamas, and even raincoats for the Manchester weather.
- The Barkside: This is a one-stop-shop for daycare, grooming, and toys. They have a store in Piccadilly and another in Heaton Chapel. You can find funky harnesses and stylish beds here.
- Betty & Butch: Famous for their “dog deli,” they offer natural treats like puffed pig snouts and hairy goat ears.
A Perfect Day Trip: Formby Beach
If the city gets too busy, take the train to Formby Beach. The journey takes about an hour and a half from Manchester. First of all, check the tide times because the beach almost disappears at high tide. However, when the tide is out, it is a massive area with sand dunes that are taller than many in Florida.
There is also a Red Squirrel Sanctuary nearby. Just remember that red squirrels do not like the heat, so you might not see them on a very hot day. After a long day at the beach, your dog will definitely need a bath to get all the sand out of their fur.
FAQ
Is Manchester, UK dog friendly?
Manchester is one of the most dog-friendly cities in the UK. It is a safe haven for pets and their owners. Therefore, you will find that most shops and bars in areas like the Northern Quarter welcome four-legged friends with open arms.
What is the most dog friendly city in the UK?
Manchester holds a reputation as one of the top dog-friendly cities in the country. First of all, it offers a vast range of pet-friendly parks and urban spaces. On top of that, many hotels and local businesses cater specifically to pets.
Where to visit in the UK with a dog?
Manchester is a great base for many trips. Gradually, you can branch out to the Peak District or take a train to Formby Beach for a day by the sea. Plus, you can visit Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens in Didsbury for a peaceful walk on a lead.
Which chain restaurants are dog friendly in the UK?
Several popular spots in Manchester are chain-style or have multiple locations. BrewDog is a major one that welcomes dogs. Also, Almost Famous and Yard & Coop in the Northern Quarter are pet-friendly choices. Pieminster is another casual restaurant where you can take your pooch.
What UK shops can I take my dog in?
You can take your dog into many unique stores. Afflecks Palace is a massive indoor market that is fully dog-friendly on every level. Additionally, the Dog Shop MCR on Tib Street is a perfect place to buy sustainable gear. The Barkside and Betty & Butch are also top-tier options for pet supplies.
What is the best place to vacation with dogs?
Manchester is frequently cited as an ideal spot because of its inclusive culture. Therefore, the city offers a perfect mix of cultural sites like Manchester Cathedral and vast green spaces like Heaton Park.
What city is the most dog friendly?
Manchester is considered one of the most dog-friendly cities in the UK.
Concluding Words
Manchester is truly a “safe haven” for dogs and their owners. Gradually, you will see that almost every shop and bar in the Northern Quarter is happy to see a wagging tail. Though the weather can be rainy, the people are incredibly friendly and helpful.
Whether you are staying at the BrewDog DogHouse or exploring the 600 acres of Heaton Park, you and your pet will have a memorable time. Just remember to keep your lead handy, bring plenty of treats, and enjoy the unique, “quirky” spirit of this great city. Finally, do not forget to take plenty of photos of your pup against the famous red brick buildings! It is a trip you will never forget.
