We all love our Boxing Day walk, and it’s the perfect way to walk away all of the sins we may have eaten over the festive period. Plus, it means we get to spend more time with our family, and that includes our tailmates.
But picking where to go can get difficult, so we're here to help. Here, we list our favourite Boxing Day walks with your dog across the UK, and some tips to enjoy your post-Christmas stroll.
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Now, we know why you really want to go on that Boxing Day walk...it’s for the post-walk cuppa and snacks!
We know it’s difficult to find dog-friendly pubs and cafés, especially if you’re somewhere new. But that’s why we’ve got ManyPets Approved - your go-to guide to dog-friendly businesses near you.
If you and your dog are hungry or thirsty for more, then check out ManyPets Approved below for our handpicked selection of the best dog-friendly bars, cafés and things to do.
Yes, most will be, but make sure you check first. Parking is usually free, but as ever, each car park will have its own rules and regulations. As general guidance:
Council car parks: Most will remain open, and they’re usually free on Bank Holidays like Boxing Day.
Private car parks: These will have their own rules and opening hours.
Street parking: Cities and towns usually relax rules on Bank Holidays, but double-check.
Tips for dealing with busy trails and crowds on Boxing Day
Consider your dog’s temperament
It’s important to think about your dog’s personality, likes and dislikes beforehand. Dogs who aren’t a fan of crowds may enjoy a more local, quieter walk, for example.
Pick a sensible time of day
The best times to start your walk depend on you and your dog, but if they’re shy, try going at quieter times like early in the morning. Don’t go so early that it’s dark and freezing, but you can expect peak times to fall in the late morning and after lunch.
We know Christmas and winter are popular times of the year to get a dog, but make sure they’re well-trained to handle walks and crowds before for a long walk. Socialisation training, for example, is a must, and it’s helpful if your dog is comfortable around basic commands like “stay” and “sit”.
Use a leash
New trails mean you aren’t always aware of risks, so please keep your dog leashed if possible, especially if you’re on a coastal walk or near peaks. Plus, a lot of the walks we’ve suggested above have livestock on them, so you’ll need a leash.
Use quiet spots
Take quiet moments on the walk to rest with your dog, and reward them with treats and praise if they’ve behaved well - this helps positively reinforce being calm.
Walking a reactive or nervous dog on Boxing Day
We’d recommend picking somewhere quieter or more local if you have a nervous, reactive dog. It’s about your day, your tailmate and your time together, so don’t feel pressured to go to a popular trail or mingle with crowds if you or your dog don’t enjoy it.
After all, some of our favourite walks with our tailmates have been smaller, quieter strolls without the hype.
Safety, the law and the boring stuff
Dog lead laws & The Countryside Code
The Countryside Code is a set of rules which outline the responsibilities people like us, and our tailmates, have when visiting rural areas.
The Countryside Code states that you must keep your dog on a short lead on open-access land between March 1st and July 31st. You must also keep your dog “under control” in public spaces, and prevent them from disturbing wildlife, livestock and other people.
In reality, it means making sure your dog is leash-trained and well-socialised.
Are dogs legally required to be on leads on public footpaths?
On most public footpaths, there isn’t a legal requirement to keep your dog on the lead as long as you have “close” or “effective control” of your dog in a public space. But off the public footpath, they must be on a leash.
Generally, we’d recommend keeping your dog on a leash as it’s less risky, especially if you aren’t confident in their recall training. Our guide on leash-training can help if your tailmate isn’t a fan.
Winter hazards
We have covered this in our guide on winter walking with your dog, but be careful around ice and frozen water, particularly if you have an older dog or a puppy. It’s easy for dogs to lose their footing as well.
Another key hazard to watch out for is antifreeze pools in car parks. These are highly toxic for our pets, so keep a close eye on your dog in the car park, and make sure they don’t drink from any pools or puddles.
Paw protection and hypothermia prevention
You shouldn’t walk your dog outside if it’s too cold. Freezing temperatures aren’t good for our pets, and if you do go out, make sure they have a coat and, in some cases, paw protection like dog booties.
Our dog's paws can suffer in the winter. Rock salt, for example, can irritate them, so try to avoid this on the roads near your walk, and stay proactive with paw care.
Hypothermia is a risk, too. As a general guide, here are temperatures where you'll likely need to exercise your dog indoors:
7°C (45°F): Dogs not suited to the cold will feel uncomfortable.
0°C (32°F): This is dangerous for small dogs, thin-coated dogs, puppies, older dogs and those who are unwell. These dogs may be in danger if they spend too much time outside.
-6°C (20°F): This is too cold for most dogs and can lead to cold-related health problems like hypothermia.
What supplies and gear do you need?
Extra layers, like a dog coat - Dress for the weather. If your dog is a thin-coated breed, a puppy, or elderly, a waterproof and warm dog coat brings a coat along, and refer to our temperature guide above.
First aid kit - Things like antiseptic wipes, paw balm, self-adhesive bandages, and tweezers for thorns.
ID tags
Leash and a collar - Essential, especially if you’re near livestock.
Poop bags - Always carry more than you need, especially if your dog has been filling up on treats over Christmas, too!
Reflective gear and a light source - Daylight hours are very short in December, so pack reflective gear and a light source. Our guide on walking at night can help here too.
Towel - Trust us: dogs love to get muddy and wet on a Boxing Day walk, so this will keep your car and your pup clean(ish).
Treats - Helps with recall and positive reinforcement training, especially if your dog's getting used to crowds and other dogs.
Water and a bowl - Dogs still need a drink in cold weather.
How dog insurance can help
From Boxing Day walks to cuddly nights in, you want to be there for your tailmate.
With extensive vet fee cover on our Complete Care plan, 24/7 video vet access and a load of handpicked Perks, our dog insurance is there for life with your tailmate.
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Ben is a writer and editor with years of experience in insurance. After spending a long time creating content for some of Britain's biggest brands as part of a marketing agency, Ben began to focus on insurance and hasn't looked back since. When he's not consuming copious cups of tea, you can find him reading a book, daydreaming about having an Australian Shepherd and shouting at Liverpool on the TV.
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