The UK's most dog friendly cities

The results are in, but who will be number one? If you're looking for a top dog destination to enjoy with your canine companion (because pet sitting is the best way to travel in Europe, naturally) this summer, you're in luck!

We reveal the most dog friendly cities in the UK - looking at things like green spaces, number of vets and the number of meet-up groups each city has. Did your dog's home turf make the list? Read on to find out... 

10. Nottingham

Kicking off our list is Nottingham: a city that's a real canine crowd pleaser! It's also the British city least dependent on cars, and home to the greenest university in the world. Great news for all those eco-friendly dog parents out there!

If you fancy taking advantage of all of these green spaces, your first stop should be Nottingham Arboretum, the city's oldest public park and the closest to the city centre. Dogs are welcome (although must be kept on a lead) in this green flag award winning park, and there are often bands and entertainers playing in the bandstands to keep you entertained as well.

Outside of the city centre, Wollaton Hall and Park is just over two miles outside of the city centre. Or, if you don't mind driving a little further, the Dovedale National Nature Reserve has over 29 hectares of open space for you and the pooch, and is perfect for those weekend walks in the countryside.

9. Bristol

Bristol prides itself in being one of Britain's most dog friendly cities. There's lots of pet friendly accommodation if you are just planning on visiting for a short break, and you will find plenty to keep dogs occupied along the beautiful harbourside or in the many dog parks.

Beautiful walking routes can be found in Ashton Court Estate, Castle Park, and Queen Square. Cultural canines will enjoy seeing Bristol's arty sights. You can take yourselves on the self guided Banksy Walking Tour around Central Bristol, or admire the street art in the See No Evil exhibition running along Nelson Street.

Check out the city's many dog friendly pubs: The Kings Arms is in a great location next to the Durdham Downs if you fancy a pre-pub wander, while the Air Balloon Tavern is a great place to round off a hike up nearby Troopers Hill.

8. Sheffield

Sheffield is packed with green spaces, making it perfect for dog parents of all shapes and sizes - but especially big dog parents! If you are just visiting the city for a few days, there are plenty of pet friendly hotels and B&Bs dotted around the city centre and outskirts. The Peak District National Park is also within city boundaries, making it ideal for nature lovers alike.

For something to eat and drink, why not try the aptly named Dog & Partridge - a cosy little pub in the heart of Sheffield's city centre. With a great selection of ales and other drinks, it's not only a popular watering hole for us dog parents, but they always make sure to put out a bowl of water for your dog as well.

Or for a little entertainment, try the Fat Cat on Alma Street, which does actually have a resident fat cat! Dogs are more than welcome - and most even get along with the cat as well.

7. Leicester

Surrounded by beautiful countryside and packed with plenty of heritage, when it comes to pet friendly cities, Leicester is definitely up there!

There are plenty of dog friendly businesses in Leicester, from pup friendly bars like The Black Horse to mobile dog groomers like Dial a Dog Wash. If you'd rather drop your dog in at the salon, you are spoiled for choice with excellently named groomers such as Emma Scissor Hounds.

If you fancy getting out of the city and doing something a little bit more cultural, never fear. Leicestershire has two dog-friendly English Heritage Sites. Ashby de la Zouch Castle and Kirby Muxloe Castle both welcome dogs with open arms, so you don't have to leave your four-legged friend at home to enjoy a bit of English history.

6. Cardiff

The Welsh capital has plenty to offer dogs and their owners. Cardiff has a good ratio of vets to population, so you shouldn't have any trouble getting an appointment for poorly pets. There are also lots of dog groomers, pet shops, and dog walking businesses so you will never want for anything in Cardiff.

Another area Cardiff excels in is its dog friendly pubs. A good choice is the Butcher's Arms, in the suburb of Llandaff. Five minutes away from the banks of the River Taff, it's a great place to rest your feet after a long wander with your pup.

Other pubs worth mentioning are The Lansdowne, which stocks plenty of dog treats for four-legged visitors, while The Flora has a huge courtyard perfect for spending sunny dog friendly days out.

5. Liverpool

Number 5 on our list of the most dog friendly places in UK? Liverpool, of course - an absolute haven for dog parents and dogs alike.

One of the best places in Liverpool for walkies is Formby Point, a woodland area that leads down to the beach where dogs can enjoy an off the lead romp and paddle. The beautifully landscaped Calderstones Park is another Liverpool favourite.

It's not just humans who will have a great time shopping in Liverpool: there are some excellent shops designed with our furry friends in mind too. After a day of shopping there's nothing better than relaxing with a slice of cake - and dogs can do just that at the excellent The Original Dog Bakery. 

4. Edinburgh

Scotland's capital is easily one of the UK's most dog-friendly cities. The city is packed with beautiful, expansive green areas like Hollyrood Park, The Meadows and The Water of Leith that are so green, you forget you are in the middle of a major capital city!

Although the city has always been extremely dog-friendly, in recent years this has become even more obvious with the number of 'Dugs Welcome' stickers around. So, check out the  pubs, restaurants, shops and cafes Edinburgh has to offer throughout the city - making dog-friendly holidays easier than ever.

Fancy a coffee? Head to Artisan Roast. Fancy something stronger? The Oxford Bar, a famous haunt of author Ian Rankin is also dog-friendly. You never know, you might just make it into his next novel!

3. Brighton & Hove

Brighton has more dog meet up groups (per population) than any other city in the UK; there's even a special meet up for pug owners, terriers and sausage dogs! Don't worry if your dog doesn't fit into any of those categories: the 'all shapes and sizes' meet up or 'Brighton & Hove dog socials', both of which are extremely popular, should be perfect for you and your little one.

When you are not socialising with other dog parents, Brighton has plenty of dog-friendly pubs and restaurants to explore. Try Archipelagos Taverna, one of Brighton top-rated restaurants on TripAdvisor and one of the city's most dog-friendly. Or, if you fancy something a little more British, The Black Lion is a popular dog-friendly spot famed for it's delicious Sunday lunch.

Finally, there's nothing quite like a walk by the seaside and in England it doesn't get much better than Brighton. Take your dog for a stroll down the promenade and enjoy the views across the English Channel.

2. Newcastle

Plenty of pet shops, a good ratio of vets per population and a plethora green spaces make Newcastle the second most dog friendly city in the UK.

The city is a bit of a pioneer when it comes to dog friendly pubs, with The Brandling Villa in South Gosforth making news back in 2012 when it introduced a dog friendly menu, including doggy craft beer.

There are plenty of green spaces in and around the city to enjoy, but it's hard to deny the charm of a walk along the River Tyne with a dog in tow. There are lots of dog friendly pubs on the quayside including Pitcher & Piano and The Redhouse. The metro system is also dog friendly, and best of all four-legged commuters can travel for free.

1. Manchester

Ding, ding, ding - we have a winner! Not only does Manchester have great football, fab shopping, and excellent music, it's also the most dog friendly city in Britain.

Packed with great parks, boutique pet shops, and plenty of vets it's the perfect home for a pampered pooch. The suburb of Chorlton-Cum-Hardy is particularly dog friendly, boasting some excellent canine compatible gastropubs. Chorlton is also home to Betty & Butch doggy boutique, and the meadows are a great place to take your pals for a run.

The nightlife in Manchester is well renowned, and your dog doesn't have to miss out on an evening on the tiles. Yelp lists 30 pubs in Manchester that are happy to welcome your dog with open arms, and a bowl of fresh water to slurp. Whatever your drinking style you and your four-legged friend are sure to find a boozer to suit: from the achingly hip BrewDog Bar to the friendly and traditional The Old Wellington.

Let your pet sitting adventure take you to the US

Explore Washington's hipster Emerald City and get clued-up on the dog-friendly restaurants Seattle has to offer beforehand.