- Top 10 motorway services with decent dog walking opportunities
- Natural trails, lakeside strolls, large open fields
- Compiled with help from the experts at Motorway Services Online
- Norton Canes, Cherwell Valley and Beaconsfield all highly recommended
- Are dogs allowed into motorway services?
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These are the top 10 motorway services for dog walks - and your four-legged friend will thank you for seeking them out.
Dog walking opportunities at UK motorway service stations can vary enormously depending on the location.
At worst, you might experience a scrap of grass next to a chain hotel, or a small verge beside fuel pumps.
But at best you can discover nature trails, picturesque lakeside strolls, or large open fields for your pooch to explore.
(Author's own pooch, Cooper. Often found riding in the back of test cars while doing his best to ignore my singing)
A new Top 10 list compiled by Select Car Leasing with help from online guide Motorway Services Online has revealed the truly ‘dog friendly’ motorway pit stops worth building into your journey if you’ve got Fido in tow - based on the availability of dedicated dog walks, access to open countryside, lakeside routes, woodland trails and visitor feedback.
Highly recommended are places like the Norton Canes Services on the M6 Toll in the Midlands, which gives access to a wooded nature trail.
Two separate stops on the M40 - Cherwell Valley and Beaconsfield - also make it into the top 10.
(Cooper looking for mischief)
Graham Conway, Managing Director at Select Car Leasing, said: “There’s nothing more disheartening than stopping at motorway services to discover there’s virtually nowhere to properly exercise your dog.
“Travelling in the car can be stressful for many pets and being able to let them truly stretch their legs and enjoy themselves is a godsend for anyone who views their dog as another member of the family.
“While relatively uncommon on the UK’s motorway network, some service stations do provide access to countryside walks and nature trails that’ll help your pet unwind during long journeys.”
Top 10 motorway services with dog-friendly walking areas
Annandale Water (A74(M) at J16) - Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland
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Park at the very back of the car park and you’ll find access to a large field beside a lake.
Operator Road Chef also says: “All our hotels are pet-friendly. We welcome animals of all sizes for a small charge because we understand that your dog is a part of the family and should be allowed to join in on any adventure.”
Leeds Skelton Lake (M1 at J45) - West Yorkshire
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This West Yorkshire stop boasts a network of paths, while a countryside walk begins behind the main building. Water stations, and waste bins are also available.
A recent Trip Advisor reviewer points out: “Even great for dogs, dog friendly seating inside and a huge field out back.”
Norton Canes (M6 Toll between J6 and J7) - Staffordshire
(Credit Motorway Services Online)
Motorway Services Online says Norton Canes is an ‘exclusive treat for drivers on Britain's only tolled motorway’, as there’s a designated nature walk from the car park.
The M6 Toll website adds: “With a great range of brands, electric vehicle charging points and a large outdoor recreation space, it’s the perfect spot for stretching your legs (or the dog’s) during a long journey.”
Donington (M1 at J23A) - Leicestershire
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Head to the front of the car park and then walk behind the building to find a large field hidden away.
Website Driving with Dogs also highlights how there’s access to the National Forest - along with all of the usual service station facilities.
Beaconsfield (M40 at J2) - Buckinghamshire
(Credit Motorway Services Online)
From the car park, there is access to a large lakeside walk and dining terrace.
Operator Extra says: “One of the most attractive Motorway Service Areas (MSAs) in Europe, Beaconsfield Services boasts a large lakeside terrace, landscaped grounds and preserved woodlands. There’s a great play area for children at the rear terrace offering beautiful views of the lake area.”
Cherwell Valley (M40 at J10) - Oxfordshire
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Motorway Services Online reveals: “Not many people know this place has a huge field around the back. You need to find the little path around the back of the hotel to get there.”
A Trip Advisor review adds: “There were signs advertising dog walks near the hotel entrance and literally behind the hotel was a large field where the dog could run free, and beyond that a couple of woods with good signposted walks.”
Gloucester (M5 between J11A and J12) - Gloucestershire
(Credit Motorway Services Online)
Known for its clever building design and artisan food, both the northbound and southbound sites include a designated dog walk.
Gloucester Services adds: “Our dog walks at northbound and southbound are family-friendly traffic-free short routes offering views across the countryside. Please keep your dogs on a lead and use the poo bins provided.”
Severn View (M48 at J1) - Gloucestershire
(Credit Motorway Services Online)
Motorway Services Online reveals: “Perhaps not your usual dog walk, but this place does offer access to the pedestrian path across the Severn Bridge. If you'd rather stay on the ground, there is also a large field and another path along the waterfront.”
One recent Google review adds: “Exercise area for dogs that are welcome in the building. This feels like a proper break rather than a grab and go.”
South Mimms (M25 at J23) - Hertfordshire
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While this popular and busy landmark doesn't have a big open space, you’ll find a small gate that takes you along a quiet path before leading you into a nature reserve.
It’s also a stop worth considering on hotter days. You can find a ford over a shallow brook that’s perfect for your pooch to have a paddle.
Cobham (M25 between J9 and J10) - Surrey
(Credit Motorway Services Online)
One of Britain's busiest service stations tries to cater for everybody - you need to get as close to the coach park as you can, and there is then a safe walk around a lake.
Operator Extra adds: “It’s a modern and comfortable place for you to take a break from your journey, featuring a large lakeside terrace and landscaped grounds to help you relax and stretch your legs.”
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Are dogs allowed in service stations?
It’s a question that’s often at the forefront of minds for dog owners - can you take your dog with you into the services if, for example, you need to make use of the toilet?
A spokesperson for Motorway Services Online, which keeps detailed info on all of the UK's service stations, explains: “In recent years, almost all motorway service areas have changed their policies to allow dogs to enter the main concourse. That's a big help for pet owners, but taking your dog into a noisy building should be your last resort - we'd much rather see big, open areas where pets can relax and safely let off steam.”
And is it easy to find services with dedicated dog walks?
Motorway Services Online adds: “Brand new service stations aren't the 'concrete jungles' that the old ones were, but sadly cost pressures and planning issues mean we're going back to seeing brand new sites open with little open space. That's a real shame for pet owners, but careful planning means you can still find somewhere to stop where your dog can stretch their legs.”
Select Car Leasing’s Graham Conway adds: “In hot weather, remember that dogs can overheat quickly in cars, so frequent stops for water and exercise are essential. Never leave a dog unattended in a vehicle, even for a few minutes."
Individual service stations have their own set of rules and policies, so it’s best to check ahead of your journey which stop is best suited to your journey.
Read our definitive guide to car travel with dogs.
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