Dog-friendly market towns to visit
Date published: 20 Feb 2026
Market days might look different now, but the spirit of Britain’s best market towns in England, Scotland and Wales is still alive and well. Those historic squares are still there, along with the independent shops and all that fabulous countryside on the doorstep. These are nice towns to visit when you want character without the chaos of a city break.
From castle-crowned streets to riverside strolls and coastal detours, each destination on this list blends heritage with a strong sense of place. Some are foodie favourites, others are literary legends or outdoor playgrounds. All have that easy, wander-and-see-what-you-find charm.
Better still, they’re dog-friendly places where muddy boots and wagging tails are part of the picture. With scenic walking routes, welcoming pubs and wide-open landscapes close by, they’re ideal for getaways where no one gets left behind – especially the four-legged member of the family.
Stow-on-the-Wold, Cotswolds
Golden stone, antique shops and a market square that’s seen centuries of trading – Stow-on-the-Wold wears its history lightly. It’s the kind of place made for slow mornings and long lunches, with cosy pubs and delis tucked into honeyed buildings.
Beyond the town, rolling Cotswold countryside unfolds in every direction, criss-crossed with footpaths ideal for stretching legs, two and four. Come for the chocolate-box charm, stay for the easy pace.
Keswick, Lake District
Keswick doesn’t do half measures. Set between dramatic fells and the wide sweep of Derwentwater, it’s a market town with serious scenery credentials. Days here are built around the outdoors – lake cruises, mountain hikes, forest trails – before retreating to welcoming pubs and independent shops.
It’s lively without feeling crowded, adventurous without being showy. If you and your canine companion like your Lake District market towns with a side of adrenaline, this one delivers.
Ludlow, Shropshire
Ludlow is what happens when a proper medieval market town discovers it has exceptional taste. Beneath its castle walls, you’ll find a food scene that punches well above its size – farm shops, bakeries, markets and restaurants that celebrate the surrounding countryside.
Wander cobbled streets, dip into independent bookshops, then head out along the River Teme for a breezy walk. It’s refined but never stuffy, and that balance is exactly its appeal.
Bakewell, Peak District
Yes, there’s the pudding. But Bakewell is more than a sweet stop. Sitting on the River Wye in the heart of the Peak District, it blends market-town bustle with immediate access to some of England’s best walking country.
One minute you’re browsing independent shops and farmers’ stalls, the next you’re striding out on limestone dales and traffic-free trails. It’s easy-going, scenic and refreshingly unpretentious – a classic weekend base.
Helmsley, North Yorkshire
Helmsley feels like a town that has quietly perfected itself. A handsome market square, a ruined castle watching from above and the North York Moors rolling out just beyond the last cottage.
It’s compact but characterful, with tearooms, galleries and traditional inns all within easy reach. Step outside town and you’re into big-sky walking country in minutes. For a mix of heritage, heather and hearty pub lunches, it’s hard to beat.
Hay-on-Wye, Powys
Books are the headline act in Hay-on-Wye, but they’re not the whole story. Yes, you can lose hours in second-hand bookshops and literary hideaways (many of which are dog-friendly), especially during festival season.
Yet just beyond the shelves lies the Brecon Beacons National Park, with riverside rambles and hill walks galore. The town has a creative, slightly offbeat energy that makes it feel different from your average market stop. Curious, cultured and wonderfully walkable.
Holt, Norfolk
Holt brings Georgian elegance to the north Norfolk countryside. Its wide streets and smart façades house independent boutiques, art galleries and seriously good places to eat. But it never feels flashy – just quietly confident.
The real magic lies just outside town, where heathland paths and vast beaches offer space to roam and salty air by the lungful. Pair that with a relaxed café culture and you’ve got a refined coastal-market hybrid.
Alnwick, Northumberland
Dominated by its storybook castle, Alnwick has presence. The cobbled streets and traditional market roots give it warmth, while the surrounding Northumberland landscape gives it room to breathe.
You’re moments from sweeping beaches, rolling countryside and some of the darkest skies in England. Back in town, independent shops and pup-friendly pubs keep things grounded. It’s historic without being sleepy – a base that invites you to explore further.
Dartmouth, Devon
Dartmouth proves that a market town can have a maritime twist. Set on the banks of the River Dart in Devon, it blends naval history with colourful streets and a constant hum of waterside energy.
Boat trips, coastal paths and nearby beaches make it ideal for sea-air strolls, especially if your four-legged companion loves a sandy scamper. Many cafés and pubs welcome muddy paws, and long stretches of the South West Coast Path start practically on the doorstep. Lively in summer, atmospheric year-round – always worth the journey south.
Frome, Somerset
Frome does things its own way. This Somerset market town is known for its fiercely independent spirit – artisan markets, vintage finds and a creative buzz that keeps the calendar full. The steep, cobbled Catherine Hill is practically a rite of passage.
Beyond town, rolling countryside, woodland trails and riverside walks offer plenty of room to roam, making it a great base for days out with the dog. Back in town, relaxed cafés and laid-back pubs mean no one feels out of place. Eclectic, slightly bohemian and far more dynamic than its size suggests.
Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan
Cowbridge pairs historic roots with a polished edge. Its long high street is lined with boutiques, delis and welcoming spots for coffee or something stronger, all wrapped in handsome stone buildings.
A short drive brings you to the Glamorgan Heritage Coast, where clifftop paths, hidden coves and big sea views reward energetic walks – ideal for stretching everyone’s legs. After a breezy outing, settle into one of the town’s friendly pubs where dogs are often greeted with as much enthusiasm as their owners. Compact, sociable and easy to love.
Melrose, Scottish Borders
With the Eildon Hills rising behind it, Melrose has drama built in. This Scottish Borders market town may be best known for its abbey, but it’s the landscape that really steals the show.
Waymarked trails weave their way out of town, from gentle riverside wanders to hill climbs with far-reaching views – perfect if you’re travelling with a dog that thrives on the outdoors. Back in the centre, cosy cafés and traditional pubs provide a warm welcome after a day exploring. Scenic, storied and wonderfully easy to settle into.
Whether you’re drawn to the Cotswolds, the Borders or the breezy edges of Northumberland, these market towns prove that small places can deliver big weekends. Now you’ve found plenty of inspiration, it’s time to plan your own dog-friendly short break – and find a cottage that puts you right at the heart of the action.
Meet the author
Ian LewisIan's worked in travel for over 15 years and has written about destinations across the whole of the UK (and beyond). He loves all kinds of getaways with every member of the family on two legs or four, seeking out the more unique and interesting properties wherever he can.
