Looking to make a few new friends of the dog-loving kind, learn more about man’s best friend or simply find a new way to bond with your canine companion?
With the UK being a country that’s mad about dogs (you could even say ‘barking mad’!), more and more events for dogs are popping up across the land where you can achieve these things and more.
Here are some of the highlights of dog events in 2023 that are paw-fect for you and your four-legged friend to enjoy together. And if you'd like to treat your pup to a dog-friendly break at the same time, just click the button below to browse our collection of pet-friendly cottages.
Crufts – NEC, Birmingham, March 9-12
Not only the biggest dog show in the UK but the biggest in the world, no canine calendar is complete without Crufts. The finest pedigree dogs from across the planet and their owners come here in the hopes of winning the much-coveted title of 'Best in Show', having first had to battle it out in their breed and dog category.
There are also plenty of other things here for dog lovers, from the amazing agility displays to the thousands of stalls, where you can find some fantastic doggy products that are yet to hit the shelves.
All About Dogs – various locations and dates
Organised by dog lovers for dog lovers, All About Dogs is a series of dog shows held across the UK that is sure to get your canine companion’s tail wagging.
There’s a host of simply pawsome activities and attractions for you and your dog to get involved in, including fun dog events, have-a-go activities such as flyball, agility and gundog displays, experts handing out advice, and a slew of stalls to treat both you and your pet with. Below is the complete list of All About Dogs events:
- Newbury Showground, Berkshire – April 15-16
- Newark Showground, Nottinghamshire – April 22-23
- Hylands Park, Chelmsford, Essex – April 30-1
- Norfolk Showground, Norwich – August 27-28
Paws in the Park – various locations and dates
Made for working, trained and pet dogs, Paws in the Park seeks to bring the dog world together with a host of human and dog-friendly events. The Arena is home to some of the best entertainment provided on four legs, including amazing agility and guide and gun dog displays.
Meanwhile, there is plenty for the doggies to do with have-a-go sessions spanning flyball, search and rescue and much more. And there are also competitions and an open-to-all dog show for everyone to take part in. There are two Paws in the Park events taking place in 2023, which can be seen below:
- South of England Showground, Ardingly, West Sussex – May 20-21
- Kent Showground, Detling, Kent – September 16-17
DogFest – various locations and dates
Organised by Channel 4’s Supervet Noel Fitzpatrick, DogFest is back for 2023 with three wag-tastic days out. Among the highlights are the Supervet Live show, presented by Fitzpatrick, where he will talk about the latest veterinary advances, answer questions and tell more heart-warming stories of miracles he has performed on animals.
Also happening at the show are the Great Dog Walk, doggy dancing, agility displays and have-a-go sessions. Be sure to fully explore the festival village and the rows of wonderful stalls. Below are the dates for DogFest 2023:
- Belvoir Castle, Leicestershire - May 13-14
- Loseley Park, Surrey - May 27-28
- Ragley Hall, Warwickshire - June 10-11
- Tatton Park, Cheshire – June 17-18
- Ashton Court, Bristol - September 2-3
- Knebworth House, Hertfordshire – September 9-10
- Harewood House, Yorkshire - September 23-24
Woofstock Festival – Powderham Castle, Exeter, June 16-18
Held within the magnificent grounds of Powderham Castle, Woofstock Festival is sure to get your pup howling with joy. This one-of-a-kind dog-friendly music festival features live music, dog shows, pet events and demonstrations across the weekend.
The whole festival is designed for dogs, but humans are allowed to come too – if they behave themselves! Take part in contests such as distraction alley and hay bale racing, and spoil your hound with some tail-wagging toys, treats and accessories from the abundant stalls. And, while they may have turned down the decibels for sensitive doggy ears, the live music line-up is fantastic.
Dogs Unleashed - various locations and dates
Dogs Unleashed is the ultimate dog-friendly festival and covers pretty much everything you can think of concerning dogs and their owners.
Activities include fan favourites such as the fun dog shows, agility displays and the gun dog displays, but there are also many others you don’t normally discover at dog shows, from terrier racing to fire rescue dogs and dog portraits. The event also supports many charities, and you can find out more about the amazing work they do while you're there.
- Driffield, East Yorkshire - July 2-3
- Uttoxeter, Staffordshire - September 10-11
The Great British Dog Walk - various locations and dates
Dog lovers of all ages are welcome at The Great British Dog Walk, a charity event which is located in several beautiful parts of the country.
Find out more about the fantastic work that hearing dogs do for their disabled owners, as you wander along guided walks with like-minded lovers of canines and raise awareness for a furnomenal cause.
Dogstival - Broadlands Park, Hampshire, June 3-4
In the spectacular venue of Broadlands Park in Romsey, surrounded by open fields and woodlands, join over 10,000 enthusiastic dog owners at this fabulous dog show. Dogstival is not all about dogs, there are some of the best food and drink producers from across the New Forest, live music and even a vintage funfair!
Watch some of the exciting demos and displays, join the vet at the Healthy Hound Stage to discover top tips on keeping your dog healthy and happy and if you've got a water-loving dog, you can even try some stand-up paddleboarding!
Need somewhere to stay nearby? Have a browse of our dog-friendly holiday cottages in the New Forest.
Discover Dogs - ExCel London, TBC
With hundreds of dogs and owners attending this huge city event, there's plenty to see and do for all pooches and their humans!
Discover Dogs runs for two days in October; there are shops and stalls to buy lots of treats for your four-legged friend, plus displays from world-class canines and some fantastic competitions.
Need somewhere to stay nearby? Have a browse of our dog-friendly holiday cottages on the south coast.
Dog-friendly holidays in the UK
Need some more inspiration for fun things to do with your canine in 2023? We’ve curated a bucket list of canine-focused capers for you and your four-legged best friend to try out this year. And if you're looking for more than just a doggy day out, take a look at our collection of dog-friendly holidays where you can treat both yourself and the pooch!
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.