Top 5 dog-friendly things to do in Manchester

Lewis Martins
15 July 2024 - 3 min read
A vibrant outdoor seating area under a railway arch in Manchester, featuring graffiti walls and picnic tables. Patrons chat and dine outside the Thirsty Scholar pub, highlighted by its colorful signage.

Manchester - renowned for Coronation Street, Oasis, and Vimto (apparently) - is a true haven for dog lovers.

With countless dog-friendly activities, it can sometimes be a little overwhelming to choose a decent option without spending hours researching. Fortunately for you, our expert team has curated a list of the top 5 must-do experiences for you and your pup.

Dog Bowl

A neon-lit entrance to "dog bowl", an urban bowling alley, under a railway arch. The facade showcases a colourful, illuminated sign with interior glimpses of a modern lounge and bowling lanes.

You can bowl with your dog at Dog Bowl... now that's an appropriate name!

Now yes, dogs can't bowl (at least mine can't), but they are very much welcome here whilst you battle it out on the lanes with friends and family.

With burgers and drinks to boot, this is a great dog-friendly hang-out option in Manchester.

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Fletcher Moss Park

Lush autumnal scene at Fletcher Moss Park with a vibrant palette of trees in red, orange, and yellow hues. A well-maintained lawn leads to a serene sitting area beneath the colourful foliage.

There are dog walks a-plenty in and around Manchester and the surrounding areas, but one of our favourites is out in Didsbury.

Fletcher Moss Park boasts over 90 acres of luscious parkland to explore with your canine companions, with plenty of routes to suit all kinds of walking abilities.

Dogs aren't allowed in the gardens, but don't let that put you off heading here. Best of all, there are tonnes of dog-friendly pubs nearby to finish up at. Result!

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Ducie Street Warehouse Mini Cini

"MINI CINI" in vertical orientation, mounted on a ridged green wall, illuminated in green and white light, next to wall art and under ceiling lights.

Dog-friendly cinemas have been a much-welcomed trend over the past few years - and according to rumours, the team at Ducie Street Warehouse are the ones to thank for it!

Credited with being the world's first movie house to open its doors to dogs, this cute mini-cinema encourages owners to bring their pooches along for the ride.

Catch all kinds of films here (everything from blockbusters to classic flicks) - just check their website for any updates on the latest screenings.

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East Lancashire Railway

A vintage steam train billows thick smoke while traversing the lush green countryside under a partly cloudy sky, with hills in the backdrop and vibrant foliage alongside the tracks.

Picture this - a leisurely journey aboard a heritage locomotive, winding through the picturesque landscapes of the North West. It's the perfect family day out, with seven stops and plenty of activities to explore.

Sounds pretty great! Oh, did we forget to mention it's (mostly) dog-friendly?

It's not hard to see why a trip on the East Lancashire Railway makes our list - there's so much to do, and it's well worth the (very reasonable) cost!

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Dunham Massey

A stately Georgian manor with a symmetrical red brick façade, featuring a grand central entrance framed by ornate stonework. The manor is set against a cloudy sky, with a neatly manicured lawn and pathways leading to the entrance.

We love a National Trust property here at ManyPets - so many offer dog-friendly walks, offering up something new for pups and their parents. This one (just outside of Manchester city centre) is one such destination that comes highly recommended.

While the expansive estate is a treat to explore, the real highlight is the opportunity to spot free-roaming deer. The gardens, open to the dogs after noon, also showcase the best of British horticulture throughout the year.

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Exploring (dog-friendly) Manchester

Headed to Manchester with your pup alongside? The ManyPets Approved team has got you covered - we’ve researched hundreds of places to handpick top bars, restaurants and cafes in the city so that you can take your dog with you in confidence.

To see more, head to our dog-friendly Manchester guide.

Lewis Martins
Communities marketer

Lewis has worked in pet health since 2017. Before joining ManyPets in 2021, he led content production at VetForum and PetsApp. Lewis has collaborated with some of the world’s biggest vet groups and suppliers to write educational articles for vets and pet parents. His Instagram feed is 60% dogs, 40% cats.