You won’t need to spend much time in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead before noticing that our four-legged friends are both plentiful and very welcome!
With so much open, green space right on the doorstep, there are countless opportunities for some fantastic dog walks. Windsor Great Park, the Thames Path, acres of National Trust land and a network of widely-used footpaths and byways give access to some of the loveliest countryside and finest reaches of the River Thames.
Queen Elizabeth II had a life-long association with Corgis. Most people had never heard of the breed until 1933 when they saw a photograph of a seven-year-old Princess Elizabeth holding a Corgi puppy at Glamis Castle. The Queen had Corgis and the cross breed, Dorgies, for the rest of her life.
Take a walk down to Bachelors Acre to see the statue The Windsor Lady (The Queen and her Corgis) which depicts The late Queen somewhat informally dressed and surrounded by six pet dogs.
Windsor Championship Dog Show
Did you know Windsor has its own Championship Dog Show? Enjoy this annual show – often described as 'Summer Crufts' – located under the ramparts of Windsor Castle, on the banks of the River Thames.
Over four days, check out the various classes including terriers, gundogs and hounds. Which canine will win the coveted 'Best in Show' and will you agree with the judge's decision?
Windsor dog walks
It's nigh on impossible to list every great walk here – there are so many options – so here are some of our favourites. You can also read our Favourite Dog Walks in and Around Windsor Blog.
Long Walk, Windsor Great Park
The Long Walk is easily accessed from Windsor town centre and is a great place for dogs to have a run and socialise. Pedestrian access via Park Street or Brook Street and walk towards the Copper Horse. Or park on the free car park on the edge of the town on the A332, cross the road follow the path adjacent to the deer park and at the deer park gates turn left towards Windsor Castle and the town centre or turn right and head towards the Copper Horse (dogs on leads in deer park, off leads/under control elsewhere).
Windsor Great Park
With over 4,800 acres of parkland at Windsor Great Park, there is always a fresh smell, new friend or stretch of grass for your dog to discover.
Lakeside walks, wild forests and open fields offer an unrivalled variety of short and longer walks along good quality trails and tracks – to keep your boots (mostly!) mud-free and your dog feeling happy.
There are many walk options – Virginia Water, Obelisk Lawn, Smiths Lawn, the Deer Park, the Valley Gardens – so check out the Windsor Great Park website for details on where to park and how to best enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
The Thames Path
Enjoy a walk with your dog along the River Thames. How about starting from the Brocas, the large meadow on the Eton side of the river?
Or park in the free car park in Hurley and enjoy the river from here. Hurley lies halfway between London and Oxford, being 55 miles from each by river.
Park at the National Trust car park at Cookham Moor and walk along the river to Cock Marsh where dogs can get their feet wet in the Thames. The Bounty pub is just after the railway bridge and offers relaxed riverside refreshment.
Jubilee River Eton Dorney
The Jubilee River is an artificial river channel which was designed to prevent flooding in the Windsor and Maidenhead area. There is a 10.5 mile circular path formed by the Jubilee River and the river can be crossed by pretty footbridges via a network of paths.
Dorney Lake
How about walking your dog on a lead at Dorney Lake, the outstanding 2012 rowing venue where the first Great Britain gold medal of the London 2012 games was won? During the spring and summer months public access to this privately-owned site is restricted but between September and March the lake reopens for leisure purposes (please check before travelling).
When Dorney Lake is open in the autumn and winter months, everyone is welcome, being asked only to follow basic guidelines of safety and consideration and to adhere to the rules on removing their litter and any pet fouling from the parkland. Many people enjoy visiting the beautiful park and arboretum where there have been substantial plantings, explained by the story boards that are placed around the area.
Nearby Crocus at Dorney Court is a dog-friendly garden centre and cafe where dogs are welcome in the walled garden and the nursery area. There is also a dog-friendly section of the cafe where owners and their dogs can relax. You can even give your dog a complimentary dog biscuit from the jar of dog treats on the table.
Runnymede
Although it’s known for being the historical site of the sealing of the Magna Carta, there are many great adventures you can have at the National Trust’s site at Runnymede. Bring the dog and pick a trail at Runnymede or at neighbouring Ankerwycke. Dogs are welcome all year round.
Cliveden
Dogs are welcome at National Trust Cliveden. The estate has a traffic light system with areas marked on their dog walking map. There are over 300 acres of woodland, fields and riverbank that are open to dogs and their owners.
Visit Cliveden's website for more information and to download Cliveden’s handy dog walking guide.
Pet Shops in Windsor
If you enjoy treating your dog to some new kit or a pristine new toy there are a couple of pet shops in the area you might like to try. There is a Pets Corner on Windsor's Arthur Road and A Dog's Life Co on both Eton High Street and in Windsor Royal Station, a luxury lifestyle store for all your dogs’ needs.
Dog-friendly shops and restaurants
Upon asking, you will find that many shops are more than happy to allow dogs inside to browse alongside their owners, and pubs happy to have doggies under the table. For instance in Eton, the George Inn has a completely dog-friendly restaurant, bar area and garden area with water bowls available and dog treats behind the bar!
In the warmer weather, cafés with outside tables and chairs – in Windsor Yards, Peascod Street, Lower Peascod Street, Guildhall Island and the High Street – make it easy to enjoy an al fresco meal; in the cooler weather, places such as Windsor Royal Station – with their wide range of eateries – mean you can still enjoy drinking and dining outside under Jubilee Arch or Rear Arch.
Well-behaved dogs, on leads, are welcome on the terrace of The Savill Garden Visitor Centre overlooking The Savill Garden. Please note dogs are not allowed in The Savill Garden Kitchen (the main restaurant in Visitor Centre) or in the garden itself.
Dog-friendly Windsor attractions
Dogs are allowed on the Tootbus Windsor open top buses and travel free of charge. Windsor Great Park is a top attraction for dog walkers. Nearby National Trust Cliveden and Runnymede welcome dogs too.
Dog-friendly accommodation
Christopher Hotel
At dog-friendly hotel The Christopher in Eton, dogs are allowed in all ground floor bedrooms plus the bar. There is a large field at the rear of the hotel for walkies. £20 per stay, per dog.
Cliveden Hotel
Dogs are always welcome at Cliveden. The hotel prides itself on ensuring all guests experience the finest of stays – including their four-legged friends. £35 per dog per night.
Macdonald Windsor
At dog-friendly Macdonald Windsor well behaved dogs are more than welcome in the bar and lounge area. Dogs can stay for £25 per stay and they get their own bed.
The Runnymede on Thames
The Runnymede on Thames has three duplex bedrooms that are dog friendly and offer easy access onto the riverside, making it easy to let them out to stretch their legs. The hotel will supply dog pillows, bowls, and towels for post-walk drying off! They accept small to medium size dogs (aged 1 year and older) and charges are from £25 per stay.
Sheephouse Manor
Sheephouse Manor accepts dogs in all of their five self-catering cottages and also in the West Wing (self-catering apartment). There is a dedicated dog run in the paddock and the cottages’ welcome folders features many local walks.
Enjoy an amazing hour’s walk from Sheephouse Manor along the Thames Path to Cookham passing Cliveden Reach on the other bank. Walk through Cookham Vilage and back via National Trust land and Widebrook Common.
Dogs are welcome for an additional rate of £5 per pet, per night.
Sheephouse Manor can supply dog bowls, wipe-down towels, baskets, leads and cage, and dog walker contact info on request. They accept all pets including cats, rabbits and fish!
Hurley Riverside Park
If you fancy camping then two dogs are allowed per pitch at Hurley Riverside Park's touring park located alongside the River Thames and Thames Path which are great for dog walking. One of Hurley's caravans is dog-friendly too. Dogs stay for free during the low season.
Battersea Old Windsor: give a dog a home
Battersea Old Windsor has been open to the public since 1979. The centre operates in exactly the same way as the London site but on a slightly smaller scale, caring for an average of 36 dogs and 45 cats at any one time. Visitors are welcome to make an appointment to come and meet their friendly staff and the animals in their care.
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