Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), the operator of Southern, Thameslink, Gatwick Express, and Great Northern services is encouraging dog owners to explore scenic destinations beyond the city this summer.

This comes after a study showed that 11% of urban residents never venture with their dogs to beaches or rural areas for walks outside their immediate neighbourhood.

It’s undeniable that Brits cherish their pets. Indeed, London is at the forefront of dog ownership, with nearly half of the households in the capital boasting a canine friend.

It begs the question: how many have ventured beyond the city limits for exploration?

With only 7% of urban dog owners knowledgeable about dog-friendly beaches and country parks, GTR is showcasing destinations within its network that are ideal for doggy day trips this summer.

While people rely on the Blue Flag guide to select beaches in the UK, the rail operator has introduced the ‘Blue Wag’ travel guide, tailored for dog owners.

Boasting about 60 destinations along the south coast, plus entry to the South Downs and various dog-friendly country parks, GTR’s train services provide a swift and convenient escape from the city with your canine companions.

Detailed advice for travelling with pets is available on all the four GTR brand websites.

Dog Owners ‘Blue Wag’ travel guide:

• Banstead – There’s an abundance of sprawling countryside to explore, and dogs are allowed in the picturesque, organic Lavender Farm and fields, provided they are kept on leads.
• Brighton – One of the popular and largest towns on the South Coast offers dog friendly walks along the shoreline, in West Brighton (the beach by the Peace Statue and Meeting Place Café, extending east to the large groyne with the life-ring), and East Brighton (from south of the Volks Railway Aquarium Station, stretching east all the way to the Marina wall).
• Chichester (West Wittering) – Set amidst stunning natural scenery, dogs are permitted beyond the Blue Flag bathing zone, between groynes 14a to 18, aligning with the area in front of the beach huts. This offers an extensive stretch of beach available for dogs to roam freely outside of the designated zone.
• Hitchin – Another splendid location features a stunning lavender field, and similar to Banstead, dogs are permitted throughout the farm provided they are on leashes. Additionally, Hitchin boasts a dedicated dog park, creating an ideal environment for dogs to roam freely.
• Hove – Ideal for those who enjoy tranquil walks along the shore, Hove offers an array of dog-friendly beaches, along with areas in West and East Brighton. These areas include West Hove (from beach hut 457 in front of Hove Lagoon, eastward to beach hut 376), Central Hove (from beach hut 212 south of the bowling greens, eastward to beach hut 153), East Hove (the beach directly in front and to the east of Hove Lawns Café).
• Eastbourne – Perfect for families. This beautiful and tranquil resort town offers numerous opportunities for dog walking and delightful beach outings. Recommended spots for visits with your canine companions include Holywell and Falling Sand beaches.

• Littlehampton – Boasting sandy shores and a lively marina, Littlehampton West Beach welcomes dogs without any restrictions. East Beach is also accessible, except for the area extending from the East Pier to Norfolk Road.
• Rye (Camber Sands) – The town brims with historical charm, featuring quaint cobbled streets. Additionally, dogs are welcome at Camber Sands and may roam freely outside the designated zones during peak times, as clearly indicated by the signage on the beach.
• South Downs – Boasting breath-taking views of the sea and the Weald, the South Downs offers numerous dog-friendly walking routes amidst its rolling hills, with convenient access from stations in Lewes, Southease, and Amberley.
• St Albans – To the north of London is a scenic town boasting historic structures and is home to more than 100 dog-friendly businesses throughout the year. Additionally, the renowned Verulamium Park and its expansive lake, covering over 100 acres, offer an ideal setting for dog walking.
• Worthing – Home to one of the largest seaside towns on the South Coast, permits dogs on all its beaches. In Worthing, dogs are only restricted from the area between Heene Road and Splash Point rocks during peak times.

Research conducted by GTR has highlighted various challenges faced by urban dog owners when taking their pets to outdoor spaces. These include the distance required to travel (31%), uncertainty about whether areas are dog-friendly (18%), and a shortage of time (11%).

The travel guide aims to overcome these obstacles by offering top picks for a seamless dog-friendly journey, from beginning to end.

Although 91% of dog owners believe that spending time outdoors is beneficial for dogs, 20% admit they only walk their dogs for 30 minutes or fewer daily.

Carolyn Menteith, a Dog Behaviour and Training Consultant, has joined forces with GTR to raise awareness of the benefits of getting dogs outdoors and letting them explore new surroundings.

“We want to inspire dog owners to venture beyond their local parks and experience the variety of outdoor destinations that the UK has to offer. Our dog-friendly trains and new Blue Wag Guide make it easy and convenient for dog owners to plan a day out. We’re excited to increase awareness of the many dog-friendly beaches and countryside locations accessible on our network.”

Jenny Saunders, Customer Services Director at Govia Thameslink Railway

This summer, GTR is offering fantastic deals for train travellers, such as the Kids for £2 promotion, allowing children under 16 to travel for just £2 during off-peak times with an accompanying adult.

Additionally, railcards provide discounts for individuals aged 16 to 30 and those 60 or older. Moreover, purchasing tickets directly from the Southern, Thameslink, Gatwick Express, or Great Northern websites incurs no booking fees.

For those that are thinking of travelling further afield or don’t live within the GTR region, there are several other dog friendly places across the UK, such as the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway which offer Doggy Season tickets for regular travellers, with many other heritage railways also welcoming behaved pooches.

Explore the vast beauty of the outdoors alongside your faithful pet and uncover the UK’s secret treasures of coast and country with GTR’s ‘Blue Wag’ travel guide.