Lancashire has everything a dog owner could ask for. Miles of canal towpaths, open moorland, rolling countryside and a genuine culture of welcoming dogs in pubs, cafes and attractions. Whether you are based in Burnley, Nelson, Clitheroe or anywhere across the county, you are never far from a great walk or a dog-friendly stop. One of the best places to start or finish a dog-friendly day out in East Lancashire is Pendle Village Mill in Brierfield, where well-behaved dogs are welcome throughout the shopping centre and in the Cafe Tearoom.
Pendle Village Mill: Lancashire’s Most Dog-Friendly Shopping Destination
Pendle Village Mill is one of very few shopping destinations in Lancashire that genuinely welcomes dogs. Our full dog-friendly policy means well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome throughout all 20-plus departments in the shoping centre, including the gift shop, fashion departments and home interiors.
Dogs in the Cafe Tearoom
At the Cafe Tearoom, we have a designated dog-friendly indoor area so you and your dog can settle in comfortably whatever the weather. Water bowls are provided and the outdoor terrace overlooking the beautiful Courtyard is also fully dog-friendly when the weather allows. You can book a table in advance and simply let us know you will be bringing your dog.
The Treat Your Dog department
While you are visiting, do not miss our in-store Treat Your Dog section. You will find a great range of dog products including tasty treats, nutritious snacks, cosy beds, grooming essentials and stylish coats.
The Brierfield Canal Walk
Pendle Village Mill sits right next to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, which makes it one of the most conveniently placed destinations in East Lancashire for combining a shopping visit with a dog walk. The Brierfield Canal Walk follows the towpath in both directions and is a flat, easy walk suitable for dogs of all sizes and fitness levels. It is a local favourite and a genuinely lovely stretch of water. Find us using the directions page on our website. Postcode BB9 5NG.
Pendle Hill and the Barley Area
Pendle Hill is one of Lancashire’s most famous walking destinations and a brilliant spot for a spring dog walk. The moorland paths around the hill give dogs plenty of space to run and explore, and the views from the summit across the Ribble Valley and the Forest of Bowland are outstanding on a clear day.
Barley village is the most popular starting point. There is a car park in the village and a pub that welcomes dogs. The walk to the summit and back takes between two and three hours at a relaxed pace, so bring water for both of you and check the weather before you set off. The terrain is open moorland and can be boggy after rain.
The Ribble Valley and the Forest of Bowland
The Forest of Bowland is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that covers a large part of rural Lancashire. It is one of the least-visited and most scenic parts of northern England. The area is criss-crossed with public footpaths, bridleways and quiet country lanes that are ideal for dog walking.
The village of Dunsop Bridge, at the heart of the Forest of Bowland, is a popular base for walks. The Langden Valley walk from Dunsop Bridge follows the river through open moorland and takes around two to three hours return. Dogs must be kept on leads through farmland and near livestock, which is standard practice across most of the Bowland area.
Towneley Park, Burnley
Towneley Park in Burnley is a free, easily accessible green space that welcomes dogs throughout the park grounds. With over 300 acres of parkland, formal gardens and woodland, it gives dogs a genuine run without needing to travel far.
The woodland areas of the park are particularly popular with dog walkers in spring when the bluebells come out. Dogs should be kept on leads in the formal garden areas and near the hall, but the wider park gives plenty of space for an off-lead run in designated areas.
Witton Country Park, Blackburn
Witton Country Park covers around 480 acres of wooded hillside on the edge of Blackburn and is one of the largest country parks in Lancashire. Dogs are welcome throughout the park on leads. The woodland trails are well-maintained and there are several circular routes of varying lengths that suit both a short walk and a longer half-day outing.
The visitor centre has a cafe and there is ample car parking at the main entrance. The park connects to wider countryside paths if you want to extend your walk beyond the park boundaries.
Tips for a Stress-Free Dog-Friendly Day Out in Lancashire
A bit of preparation goes a long way on any day out with a dog. These simple tips help things run smoothly:
- Check ahead: Always confirm that your chosen destination welcomes dogs before you travel. Policies vary and some attractions have seasonal restrictions.
- Carry water: Bring a collapsible bowl and fresh water for your dog, especially on longer walks.
- Keep leads on: In busy public spaces, around livestock and in any designated lead areas, keeping your dog on a lead is both the law and common courtesy.
- Plan your food stop: Not all cafes welcome dogs indoors. Book ahead where possible, especially during Easter and bank holiday weekends when popular spots fill up quickly.
- Pack the essentials: Waste bags, a towel for muddy paws, a familiar treat and any medication your dog needs. A small first-aid kit is worth having for longer moorland walks.
Make Pendle Village Mill Your Base for Dog-Friendly Days Out
Whether you start your day with a walk along the canal and finish with lunch at the Pendle Village Cafe Tearoom, or pop in to browse the departments and pick up something for your dog before heading out to Pendle Hill, Pendle Village Mill works perfectly as a hub for a dog-friendly day out in East Lancashire.
We are open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm and Sunday from 10am to 4pm. The Cafe Tearoom is open from 10am daily. Free parking is available on site and the shopping centre is fully accessible for prams, wheelchairs and four-legged visitors. Read our full dog-friendly policy for everything you need to know before your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed inside Pendle Village Mill shopping centre?
Yes, well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome throughout Pendle Village Mill, including all departments and a designated indoor area of the Cafe Tearoom. The outdoor terrace is also dog-friendly. Read the full dog-friendly policy on the website for full details.
What is the best dog walk near Burnley?
The Brierfield Canal Walk along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal is one of the most popular and accessible dog walks near Burnley. It is flat, well-maintained and suitable for dogs of all ages. For something more adventurous, the walks around Pendle Hill near Barley offer open moorland with excellent views.
Is the Cafe Tearoom at Pendle Village Mill dog-friendly?
Yes. The Cafe Tearoom at Pendle Village Mill has a designated indoor dog-friendly area and a fully dog-friendly outdoor terrace. Water bowls are provided. We recommend booking a table in advance, especially during busy periods such as Easter and bank holidays, and letting us know you will be bringing your dog when you book.
What dog-friendly walks are there in the Ribble Valley?
The Forest of Bowland and the area around Clitheroe offer some of the best dog-friendly walking in Lancashire. The Langden Valley walk from Dunsop Bridge and the riverside paths around Clitheroe are both excellent choices. For more options across Lancashire, visit our places to visit in Lancashire page for local inspiration.