Mutts big and small, long haired or short, daft or smart, enrich our lives with their happy-go-lucky demeanour, endless love and their uncanny ability to figure out you’ve opened a packet of biscuits from within a 5-mile radius.
So, why not take your perfect pooch for lovely walk and stop off at a dog friendly restaurant around the Merseyrail network? Top tip, dogs travel free so you would be 'barking' mad not to!
Take them for a doggy beer at The Caledonia
The good folks at The Caledonia in the city’s Georgian Quarter know how to treat dogs (and their humans too!) This community pub has long been a haven for city slickers with dogs and they’ve embraced this tradition by stocking pup pints (yes, really) and goodie bags full of healthy and nutritious treats for dogs. We wouldn’t recommend having a dog beer yourself, but there are plenty of brew options for non-canines too, and they also do some of the city’s best vegan junk food.
Website: The Caledonia
Nearest Station: Liverpool Central (15-minute walk)
Treat them at the West Kirby Tap
Named as one of the most dog friendly pubs in the North West in the DogBuddy Awards, West Kirby Tap is a definite must for your mutt. There's nothing better than being able to relax while you dine because you know your dog is catered for, and West Kirby Tap certainly provide that as there is always a bowl of water, biscuit and a cushion on hand. You can enjoy the delicious freshly made stone baked pizza and other nibbles, and wash it down with their award-winning beers, without any worries. It also couldn't be closer to the West Kirby station!
Website: West Kirby Tap
Nearest Station: West Kirby (1-minute walk)
Tackle Formby’s dunes and trails
Formby is a pooch paradise, full of incredible walking trails and wildlife, and rounded off with one of the best beaches in Britain. It’s incredibly easy (and faster than you think) to get to from the city centre too, with regular trains from Central and Moorfields stopping off at Freshfield which is a short walk from Formby’s fabled woodlands and beach. We’re very lucky on Merseyside to have a beautiful National Trust beach that’s unrestricted for dogs year-round – doggy bags are even available at the entrance kiosk!
Website: Formby
Nearest station: Freshfield (17-minute walk)
Make some pals in Sefton Park
Head to Sefton Park on any sunny day to see a variety of dogs of different sizes, shapes and pawsonalities. As Liverpool’s vastest park, there’s 235 acres for your bud to explore, and hundreds of other dogs to meet. It’s the perfect place to socialise a young pup and let them burn off some energy, and there are some great dog-friendly establishments to refuel on the short trip back to St Michael’s Station. Our top tip? A mixture of café and bar, Milo’s Lounge on Lark Lane offers a stellar brunch menu which is served all day, as well as some mouth-watering mains and tapas. It’s kid friendly too, with colouring in activities for the little ones.
Website: Sefton Park
Nearest station: St Michaels (20-minute walk)
Enjoy the beach in Crosby
Every owner can remember taking their dog to the beach for the first time and Crosby’s seemingly endless stretch of sand is a wonderful place to take your pooch for some outdoor pursuits. Beautiful scenery, no cars, lots of fellow dogs and a whole host of interesting smells certainly make for perfect dog walking material. Hop off the train at Waterloo and take the quick, five-minute walk to the coast. From there you can amble along the beach and maybe even follow the coastal walking path all the way to Hightown. We do feel a bit sorry for Anthony Gormley though – his much-celebrated Iron Men statues often find themselves ‘marked’ by most mutts!
Website: Crosby Beach
Nearest station: Blundellsands and Crosby (11-minute walk)
Get there with Merseyrail
Whatever you decide to do with your best friend, get there by train. Our return tickets start from just £2.50 and you’ll never pay more than £9.95. Train travel is cheaper than you think!
