The Best Kind of Family Travel Doesn’t Always Require a Passport

Want to treat the whole family — and your dog — to a day out they’ll actually enjoy?

Spoiler alert: It’s closer than you think.

Millions of families across the UK are discovering that their best option for fun, affordable family travel doesn’t require a flight at all. Ease, value, and a sense of discovery don’t have to be exported overseas to be enjoyed. Not anymore. Thanks to dog friendly farm attractions, they come without queues at the airport, no kennels and, perhaps most importantly of all — no passports.

Just tons of fresh air, open space, and a wagging tail.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

1. Why Domestic Days Out Are Becoming the Smart Choice
2. What Makes a Dog Friendly Farm Day Out So Unique
3. What to Consider Before You Go
4. Tips For Making the Most Of Your Visit
5. Let’s recap.

Why Domestic Days Out Are Becoming the Smart Choice

Facts don’t lie.

Over half of Brits now choose to staycation when taking annual leave and while we can guess many of the reasons why, airports aren’t one of them. With flights becoming ever more expensive, a significant portion of the UK population has now had to find alternatives to international travel. Enter: The humble British day out. Far from soggy sandwiches and frustrating queues at factory farms, these trips are better than ever.

Better planned for. Better researched. And most importantly…

Better than their commercialised competitors.

Two fifths of the population now say access to nature is a top priority when choosing where to spend their holidays. That’s a big deal. Suddenly, families aren’t just looking for a break from the everyday. They’re after whole weekends, weeks, months filled with connection to nature. What’s more, they want their dogs included.

Dog Friendly Farm Attractions:

Make quality family time in nature easy.

Combine that craving with fresh air, open spaces, farm animals, delicious food…and you’ve got every member of the family covered. Dogs especially.

What Makes a Dog Friendly Farm Day Out So Unique

Anyone that’s tried to take their dog somewhere fun knows the score.

Most attractions just aren’t equipped to handle our furry family members. Worse than that; many actively discourage dogs from joining in. That leaves parents in a tricky position. Dog in kennels while the kids and other half visit? Sure, toddlers love that.

Allowing the whole family to enjoy something together is what makes a dog friendly farm day out so unique. Especially when that “something” ticks all of the above boxes.

Farm attraction visits rose 11% in 2024 compared to 2023, with farm-based days out outpacing every other category in England’s visitor attractions market.

Talk To Roscoe

Which goes to show; families know exactly what they want when they take a day out. For little ones, few things beat getting up close with animals that live outdoors. Adults love it, too. Just watch them soak up that farm air like it’s a rare cocktail.

And dogs? Restaurants, cafes, theme parks; none of these hold a candle to days out where dogs can run loose in fields, absolutely drinking in every blade of grass.

Bonus points for farm shops with supplies dogs and humans actually enjoy.

What to Consider Before You Go

Dog Friendly Farm Days outs come in all shapes and sizes.

There are a few things worth looking into before you take the plunge — particularly where man’s best friend is concerned. If they advertise themselves as dog friendly, does the farm have clear rules posted? Are dogs expected to stay on leads throughout, or are there areas where letting them roam free won’t upset the livestock? Does the attached farm shop sell pet-friendly treats to munch on over lunch?

Such was the case with Apley Farm Shop, it was discovered. Nestled in the middle of Shropshire’s Apley Estate, it has that charming farm vibe we all love. But with a farm shop and café that offers enough to do and eat that your visit can smoothly transition indoors once the animals and outdoor areas have had their fill.

Things to consider when choosing any dog friendly farm attraction:

• Dog policy — are leads required? Are there water and waste stations available?
• Outdoor areas to explore. Dog friendly farm days out are always better when you’ve got space to let loose.
• A farm shop or cafe attached. Nobody wants your day to end when nature’s indoors does.
• Is it an authentic working farm? Real, seasonal experiences matter.
• Wheelchair and pushchair friendly footpaths. Beautiful farms should be accessible to all.

You’d be surprised how many struggle to tick all these boxes. But that doesn’t mean they’re impossible to find.

Tips For Making the Most Of Your Visit

Take your dog friendly farm day out at the right time and it can transform your whole week.

Avoid weekends where possible; weekdays and early mornings are always quieter. Both kids and dogs behave better when they’ve got space to spread out. Spring and autumn are the best times for visiting farms. Everything from the weather to clothing to ride availability is just right.

A few helpful tips before you go:

• Double check that dogs are welcome all year round. Some farms limit their access during lambing and nesting seasons.
• Pack a longer lead than usual. It’s great for corralling puppies around livestock pens.
• Bring your dog their own water bottle to drink from. Familiar scents can help nervous pups.
• Explain to children how to approach animals before you arrive. Nothing spoils a visit like a startled animal and a surprised child.

As dog-friendly bookings rose 94% since 2019, we’re seeing the best dog friendly farms fill up quick. Book ahead if you can. And if you’ve got kids under 16? You are part of a minority that makes up at least one third of all domestic holiday goers now.

Let’s recap.

Are you sold on dog friendly farm attractions yet?

Remember way back at the beginning when we said the best kind of family travel was always going to be the kind that everyone enjoyed? Turns out that special place exists. You just have to know where to look.

Dog Friendly farms have it all.

Truly relaxing day trips. Activities that appeal to children and adults alike. Picnic areas with fresh, local food. And that je ne sais quoi. The feeling of being away without having to go too far at all.

Here’s your checklist one more time:

• Visit when it’s quiet. Weekdays are gold.
• Book in advance if you’ve got little ones.
• Make it seasonal. Spring and autumn are perfect.
• Go ahead, let Rover pick the destination

After all…they’ll probably choose the best spots anyway.

See more family travel posts here

Becky

Meet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness.