Your Harrogate Radio

10:00pm - 7:00am

Email the studio

George Benson

Give Me The Night

Listen Live Podcasts

Harrogate named among UK's top towns for active pups

Thursday, 1 May 2025 11:46

Harrogate dogs are among the most active in the UK, according to research.

Harrogate has been named among the best towns in the UK for maintaining the physical health of dogs.

Experts at Hills Pets Nutrition have compiled a list of the top 10 towns for active dogs and their owners, with Harrogate ranked at number 6.

The research analysed 119 locations throughout the UK, taking into account accessibility, fitness and 'outdoor experience.'

From this, the top 10 towns were named, as well as the top 10 cities and locations outside of England to live for keeping your dog fit.

The list of towns is as follows:

Bury
Guildford
Sutton Coldfield
Maidstone
Weston-Super-Mare
Harrogate
Warrington
Bolton
Bournemouth
Bracknell

The top locations outside of England are East Killbride, Cardiff, Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Newport.

Dr Hillary Pearce, a veterinarian who partners with Hills Pets, said:

"From my perspective, a city is most “dog-friendly” if it has access to safe walking routes, green spaces, and accessible veterinary practices.

“Some cities go even farther by welcoming dog-walkers and dogs into businesses like pubs.

“Public water access points are also a fantastic thing to have to help keep dogs and owners active safely."

He added:

"I have found that people often do not realise that dogs need to be trained and conditioned up to higher levels of physical activity, just like people.

“Even an energetic dog can become overly fatigued and/or injured if being asked to do endurance or strenuous physical activity beyond what it is used to.”

Check out the full list of towns, cities and other locations and read the full study online here.

More from Local News

Lightwater Valley acquired by Mellors Group

Nottingham-based Mellors Group has acquired Lightwater Valley from the Brighton Pier Group (BPG).
New breakfast deli opens in Harrogate

A brand new breakfast deli has opened in Harrogate.
Festive fundraiser for disabled artmakers hailed as 'tree-mendous' success

A festive fundraiser supported by family law firm Jones Myers has raised £3,000 for Henshaws, a charity that supports people living with a range of disabilities to discover and develop their talents.
Twin brothers embark on Christmas kindness mission for Saint Michael's

A pair of charitable 9-year-old twins have set themselves a festive challenge to spread Christmas kindness whilst supporting Saint Michael's Hospice.
Horticap unveils community garden at Harrogate's new Tesco

A new community garden created by Harrogate-based charity Horticap has officially opened at the town’s new Tesco store.
Harrogate grandfather rebuilds life after cancer with pioneering exercise programme

A Harrogate grandfather has revealed how research-backed cancer exercise treatment is helping him rebuild strength and stamina, during a visit from Leeds United footballer Jack Harrison.
Harrogate fish and chip shop robbed at knife point

Police are appealing for information about a knife-point robbery in Harrogate.
Stunning mural unveiled at popular Starbeck playground

A stunning new mural has been unveiled at a playground in Starbeck.
New Acute Medical Unit opens at Harrogate District Hospital

Patients in Harrogate will benefit from faster, safer urgent care after Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust (HDFT) officially opened its brand-new, state-of-the art Acute Medical Unit (AMU).
New show home opens for Harrogate house hunters

The Mayor of Harrogate has formally opened a show home on a new housing development in the town.
Darcey's Ball raises whopping £55,000 for Martin House

The Duchy Hospital, part of Circle Health Group, has successfully raised £55,332 in support of Martin House Children’s Hospice.
Local MP takes campaign to save Knaresborough castle to Parliament

Tom Gordon, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, will present a petition to Parliament next week calling for urgent action to restore and protect Knaresborough Castle.
Harrogate Town submit plans to build £2.75m training ground in Wetherby

Plans for Harrogate Town to build a new training ground at Wetherby Racecourse will be considered by the council.
Harrogate NHS awarded £2 million for cutting waiting times

Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust (HDFT) has been awarded £2 million to recognise its success in reducing waiting times for elective care and treatment.
Harrogate care home's Christmas ball raises £18,500

Harrogate Neighbours is celebrating another successful evening of festive generosity after hosting its 8th annual charity event.
Local MP visits Harrogate College amid £20million redevelopment

Local MP Tom Gordon visited Harrogate College last week to see progress on its £20 million redevelopment – a long-awaited transformation he fought hard to secure for the community.
New sandwich shop to open on Knaresborough Road

A new sandwich shop is preparing to open its doors in Harrogate.
Yorkshire Baby Show announces return to Harrogate in spring

The Yorkshire Baby & Toddler Show is set to return to Harrogate next spring, organisers have announced.
Weetons named as winners of Christmas shop window competition

The winner of this year's Harrogate Christmas Shop Window competition was announced last night (Wednesday) following a record number of entries.
Knaresborough Young Farmers announce return of Christmas tree collection service

Knaresborough Young Farmers are preparing to bring back their annual Christmas tree collection scheme, supporting St Michael's Hospice and Yorkshire Air Ambulance.