Chichester named best UK city for dog walking
Chichester has been crowned the UK’s best city for dog walking in a new nationwide study highlighting the country’s most dog-friendly destinations.
The West Sussex cathedral city took the top spot in the inaugural Agria Dog Walk Index, which ranked locations based on access to green spaces, nearby Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, dog-friendly venues and National Trust walking sites.
The research, carried out by Agria Pet Insurance, found Chichester scored highly thanks to its proximity to countryside and coastal walking routes, as well as the number of parks and dog-friendly cafés, pubs and restaurants within easy reach of the city centre.
Agria said Chichester cinched the top spot ‘thanks to its close proximity’ to National Trust sites, and nearby Areas of Natural Beauty (AONBs).
The city achieved an overall score of 52, ahead of Truro in Cornwall (50), and Wells in Somerset (38).
Completing the top ten list was Ripon, in North Yorkshire (33); Bath in Somerset (33); Salisbury in Wiltshire (33); Chester in Cheshire (32); York in North Yorkshire (31); Stirling (31) and Southampton in Hampshire (31).
The study revealed a strong showing for southern England overall, with six southern cities appearing in the top ten rankings.
Vicki Wentworth, managing director at Agria Pet Insurance, said: “The Dog Walk Index and the Agria Dog Walk feel especially timely as we head into the summer and more people look forward to spending time outdoors with their dogs.
"What really shines through in the index is how much these places think about dogs themselves, from accessible green space through to safe, stimulating places to explore. It’s no surprise that the beautiful cathedral city of Chichester is at the top of the Agria Dog Walk Index – it’s got everything dog owners need for the perfect dog walk!"
The index has been launched alongside Agria’s annual charity Dog Walk campaign, which encourages owners to get outdoors with their pets throughout May while raising money for rescue organisations across the UK.
For every dog registered for the free event, Agria will donate £5 to be shared between five animal rescue charities.
Vicki added: “Our annual Agria Dog Walk is a lovely way to celebrate the bond between dogs and their owners, while also recognising and supporting the rescue organisations who work day in, day out to give dogs a second chance.
"Taking part alongside all eight Agria nations, united in supporting those who work so hard to help dogs without a home, makes it feel particularly meaningful.”
Last year’s campaign raised more than £20,000 for animal welfare charities in the UK alone, contributing to over £2 million donated by Agria Pet Insurance to rescue organisations to date.