(pssst you don't 'need' a dog to visit these places....)
Hertfordshire isn't the first place that springs to many peoples minds when they think UK Staycation. But it is a County rich in history, charming market towns, independent shops - and is very dog friendly too.
Below are some of our favourite spots, days out and places to relax and eat that we enjoy with our dog Hendrix. Do pop any of your favourites in the Comments below as we love discovering new places and telling our guests all about them too!
Dog-Friendly Spots To Eat & Drink
Walkable from Bethnal&Bec, and situated in a wonderful village and on the doorstep of Church Farm, this locals pub has all the charm and style expected from a village pub.... roaring open fires, board games, pub grub with a splendid Sunday roast to boot! Very dog friendly
Toby and Hope are the father-daughter duo who own and run The Cheese Plate. Working together to bring weird and wonderful cheeses and accompaniments to cheese lovers in Buntingford and nationwide to pubs and restaurants. They have 2 wonderful window seats that you can enjoy a delicious cheesy snack or lunch in, with some wonderful wines recommended by Toby - and Fido can join you too!
The Sword Inn Hand is a 14th Century free house nestled in the beautiful rural Hertfordshire village of Westmill, a mile south of the market town of Buntingford. With bar, dining room, mature landscaped gardens it is the perfect countryside retreat for drinking, dining and relaxing. Seasonal produce is delivered daily by local suppliers. They pride themselves on serving delicious fine food and traditional ales. Do let them know if you are dining with your dog, as they have separate areas for those dining with Fido. The bar area is all dog friendly.
Based on The Green in Therfield, a beautiful quintessentially English village just a few miles from Royston. Surrounded by stunning landscapes, stunning walks around Therfield Heath to enjoying a drink or two on Therfield village green. Food and drink at The Fox and Duck is carefully sourced and expertly prepared. They work with award-winning suppliers to bring exciting seasonal dishes always served with a smile! Dog Friendly throughout.
A gem of a village pub in the North Hertfordshire village of Weston. With a local’s bar, pavilion restaurant and acres of beer garden with a playground! Muddy boots and dogs are always very welcome in the bar and garden. A friendly, casual pub. Pop in for a drink, add in some freshly prepared bar snacks if you get peckish or enjoy a meal with all the trimmings in ‘The Pavilion’ the oak beamed restaurant overlooking the garden. There is a good selection of regular changing real ales for the beer drinkers, cracking wines, great gins and plenty of soft drinks too.
Batch Fifty Two is an independent coffee shop located at 4 Church Street in Baldock. It serves Plot roasting coffee, homemade cakes and bakes and has recently launched an utterly delicious, Brunch menu. Open 7 days a week, indoor and outdoor seating and dog friendly throughout.
Dog Friendly Towns
The first Garden City in the World, Letchworth Garden City has a relaxed, cosmopolitan vibe, fun events and trendy cafes and restaurants to sit back and absorb the atmosphere. Regular events in town include The Vegan Market, Food & Drink Festival and The monthly Craft & Farmers Market itself remains an important part of the town every third Saturday of the month in Leys Square, with an array of local produce and sellers in attendance.
A “brew-bar” serving a selection of ever-changing, on-site brewed ales and guest beers direct from the cask (‘on gravity’) alongside local ciders, gin specials and other alcoholic, soft drinks and locally produced bar snacks.
Located 2 mins walk from the main town centre on The Wynd, a charming, pedestrianised street full of independent businesses including a well-stocked craft shop, charming gift boutiques, a vegetarian and vegan café, a treasure-trove of antiques and collectables, beauty salons and more.
Adjacent to the brewery is a public car park, entrance from Station Road (free after 18:00 Mon-Sat and free Sunday) and we are 5 mins walk from Letchworth train station.
This lounge Bar is another excellent choice for dog owners looking for a cozy place to unwind. Good food too!
David’s Bookshop, Music & Café; an Independent Employee Owned Trust situated in Letchworth, the world’s first Garden City – part of the community for 60 years!
Bringing the very best in new and second hand books, music, cards and games. They host regular author events, weekly game nights, and book clubs. The bookshop has a large second-hand department, music shop, quirky cards and gifts, an eclectic role playing games collection, new and classic board games, a varied ‘bargains’ area full of half price new books, as well as selling current new titles.
The record store is an excellent shop selling new and second-hand records, CDs and DVDs, and café is home to their famous home made sweet or savoury scones. Dog friendly throughout.
If you want to enjoy a dog walk, there are many dog-friendly walks in and around Letchworth Garden City. You can explore the Garden City Trail, which is a 13.6-mile circular trail surrounding the town
Hitchin is a beautiful market town with so much to offer. Incredible history, an amazing shopping experience with an abundance of independent stores, a fantastic food and drink scene and entertainment, art and culture for all.
Hitchin can boast a unique heritage of lavender growing, owing to its rich history of cultivating this beautiful plant, dating back over hundreds of years. It was as early as the 1500s that Hitchin established its reputation as a lavender growing region and it became one of only two major growing areas in the country. HL have over 30 acres of lavender containing a wide range of varieties for you to explore. You can wander wherever you like within the field and pick some lavender to take home with you. They provide paper bags for collecting lavender at the entrance to the field, and everywhere is dog friendly. They also have a wonderful onsite cafe and shop
A modern cafe serving local coffee, a fabulous eclectic menu in one of the oldest parts of Hitchin, overlooking the Priory
Coffee lovers are in for a treat with our newly expanded shop now open, headed up by the chirpiest coffee lover known to man, Magdalena.
They serve knock out coffee (using only the best, ethically sourced beans from Hot Numbers), New York style bagels, salads, healthy juices, smoothies, pastries and treats. Their shop allows dogs in too!
Hitchin Market is one of the largest outdoor markets in the region set by the river at the heart of our beautiful town. Featuring over a 150 covered stalls we are open every Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
There are specialist market days throughout the year, including a weekly Antiques Markets every Friday and Craft & Farmers once a month
Other places we enjoy
The National Trust properties around us - Wimpole House, Hatfield House & Knebworth House
Dog walking - we use these sites for inspiration and when we want to get out and explore