West Midlands park voted best in the region for dog-walkers

A new study by online pet shop Rover.com has revealed the top dog-walking destinations across the country, and one of them is right here in the West Midlands. 

Of all 12 regions, one in five Brits agree the best area for dog walking is the South-West. 

Home to the South West Coast Path and Dartmoor National Park, the picturesque region was praised for its breathtaking views, dog-friendly terrain and scenic features and atmosphere. Other commended features include streams where dogs can cool off, secure off-lead areas, and a wide choice of dog-friendly pubs where owners can enjoy a pint after a long walk.

The study showed that 43 per cent of dog owners plan to take their dogs on an Easter getaway this year, with Cornwall and the Lake District emerging as the most popular destinations for dog owners in 2025.

However, the West Midlands is home to one of the top-rated dog walking spots in the country - Sutton Park. This was closely followed by the Shropshire Hills and Cannock Chase. 

Voted best in the region, Sutton Park ticks all the boxes for breathtaking views, dog-friendly trails and post-walk pubs. 

So if you're looking for a change of scenery for you and your four-legged friend, give Sutton Park a go. 

Here are all the best dog-friendly walks in each region. 

1. South West – South West Coast Path, Cornwall (44%)

2. North West – Derwentwater Walk, Lake District (23%)

3. Wales – Snowdonia National Park (33%)

4. Yorkshire – Yorkshire Dales National Park (44%)

5. South East – The New Forest National Park, Hampshire (28%)

6. Scotland – Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park (43%)

7. London – Richmond Park (41%)

8. East of England – Norfolk Coast Path (25%)

9. North East – Northumberland National Park (27%)

10. East Midlands – Sherwood Forest (20%)

11. West Midlands – Birmingham’s Sutton Park (50%)

12. Northern Ireland – Tollymore Forest park (40%)

 Adem Fehmi, Rover’s Canine Behaviourist comments: “To get the most out of your dog walks and boost your dog’s physical and mental wellbeing, treat each walk like a mini workout – with a warm up, main activity, and a cool down. What you do for each will depend on your dog’s life stage, physical capabilities and breed, but for your average, adult dog in good health, this might look like a brisk walk to warm up, a play game such as fetch as the main activity, and then perhaps some socialisation and a slower paced walk for the cool down.

“To combat boredom, consider your dog’s breed, energy level, personality, and what motivates them. Choose routes and activities that tap into those natural instincts. Bringing treats or a favourite toy can help reinforce good behaviour and keep your dog focused, especially when practicing skills like recall or loose lead walking.

“When choosing where to walk, look for dog-friendly routes with varied terrain, space to explore safely, and minimal hazards. Always respect local guidance - keep dogs on leads where required, avoid disturbing wildlife, and be extra mindful during nesting seasons.”