5 reasons you need to bring your dog to London

A dog appearing to smile with its tongue sticking outOn Wednesday 11th April, it’s National Pet Day, and with just under half of the UK owning a pet, it’s no real surprise that so many are marking the occasion. We love our pets and a day devoted to celebrating how fantastic they are will never go unwanted!

Whilst London is a bustling city, this in no way makes it a place that isn’t pet-friendly. In fact, speak to anyone who has a pet in London and you might just find them saying it’s actually one of the best places in the world to have a pet.

As we’ve said before, there’s something in London for everyone – and that undoubtedly extends to pets, too.

So, with National Pet Day almost upon us, we wanted to look at the UK’s most popular pet – the loyal and lovable dog – and ask exactly why should you consider bringing your dog to London?

  1. We absolutely love dogs at DUKES

A quick look online and you can soon realise just how much we adore dogs here at DUKES – we have a whole page dedicated to our dog-friendly rooms!

Wanting dogs to experience the same high quality service as our human guests, we have on offer everything from dog grooming services and dog sitting options, through to two daily gourmet meals, mineral water and a delightful turndown treat, too.

We go into detail about our dog-friendly rooms here, but think of it like this – if we can make your stay with your dog relaxing and enjoyable for everyone involved, we’ll be sure to go that extra mile to do it.

  1. There are parks galore

If you do decide to stay with us at DUKES, and bring your canine companion with you, you’ve got easy access to some of the country’s most beautiful parks to let you both take in the fresh air.

For instance, Green’s Park is a stone’s throw from DUKES, whilst St James’s Park is only a short distance further. Add Hyde Park into the equation at just a little walk further along from Green’s Park and you can begin to see how a four-legged friend may find London as fascinating as we do.

  1. Doga is flourishing in the capital

The health benefits of yoga have long been discussed – but what about the benefits of doing yoga with your dog?

Doga as it’s officially known is exactly as stated: practicing yoga with your dog in tow. Yes, it may not be conventional, but it’s without doubt proving popular.

Helping to ease stress and make both you and pup more relaxed, you can take part in a doga session right here in London, and by all accounts it’s something you won’t just be experiencing once after you’ve tried it.

  1. Everyone can eat well

Shake Shack is hugely popular in the US, and having opened their flagship UK store in Covent Garden, it’s fantastic to get a taste of what our American friends have had for so long.

But it’s not only humans who can enjoy Shake Shack, as they have a specific menu for dogs.

Consisting of two choices, the first is is the Pooch-ini, which is made up of “ShackBurger® dog biscuits, peanut butter sauce and vanilla custard”, whilst the second is the Bag o’ Bones – “5 ShackBurger® dog biscuits made…by NYC’s Bocce’s Bakery”.

With an enviable menu for us, too, Shake Shake can be a brilliant place to stop on your travels around London.

  1. Enjoy a Sunday brunch

Gaucho is known for its brilliantly authentic Argentine food, but did you know they also have a Sunday Brunch event that’s specifically catered for dogs?

Taking place on the first Sunday of every month at the Hampstead restaurant, for £35 per person you can enjoy a three course set menu, whilst all accompanying dogs get beef and chicken empanadas, a water bowl and a goodie bag.

There are definitely worse ways for you and your dog to spend a Sunday morning in London!

London is a vibrant, diverse and electric city. It’s one that has something for everyone, regardless of your interests, needs or expectations – and that doesn’t change simply because you’re a dog owner (or a dog!).

We love to invite dogs and their owners into DUKES. Wonderfully located to provide access to London in its entirety – if not more so for dog-themed activities – we fully appreciate the needs of dog owners and really do believe London as a whole can be a brilliant place for dog and owner alike.

Image courtesy of Rob Witcher