Paw-fect days out with LNR

Friday, 8 March 2024
  • Days Out

Did you know you can take dogs, cats, and other small animals with you free of charge on our London Northwestern Railway trains?

There’s no need to leave your four-legged friend behind when you venture out this Autumn, give them a treat and take them on a train journey!

Please remember, each passenger can take up to two pets on their journey as long as they do not endanger or inconvenience other passengers or staff. Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times unless they travel in style and are contained in a basket. Other than that, let's check out some of our top picks on the network!

Photo credit: @wonderfulworldofwoody on Instagram

Puppy lying on the floor of an LNR train.

Where to travel by train with my pet?

Birmingham has a lot to offer canine commuters. Stepping out of New Street station head to Boston Tea Party in a beautiful old building right at the heart of where it all happens on Corporation Street. Full of food, it’s time to walk it off around Moonlit Park with its lovely wildflower meadow and if travelling by train isn’t enough excitement for your pet in one day then why not add a two-hour boat tour around the city with Second City Canal Cruises and take in the sights from the water.

A ten-minute train ride from Birmingham is Dudley. With over 50 trains a day and tickets costing just £2.60 it’s worth taking your furry friend for a visit to Brockswood Animal Sanctuary . As well as seeing all kinds of rescued animals, there is a woodland trail away from the main visitor paths that lead to an enclosed dog run where your dog can run free.

Liverpool is an extremely dog-friendly city with a whole array of bars and restaurants welcoming your canine companion. Cafe Tabac on Bold Street is a Liverpool institution and famous for serving their amazing breakfasts all day long. You and your canine friend will love this little spot that will fill you up for a day exploring the city.

If you’re a fan of bowling, head to Pins , Liverpool’s newest bowling alley where you and your pooch can play party games and head to the rooftop to enjoy some sunshine, drinks and pizza. Finish the day off with a nice cold beer and head to the city’s branch of Brewdog who even host doggie birthday parties if you want to plan a special treat!

If a day trip to London is on the cards, then you’re spoiled for choice on where to take your furry friend. Alighting at London’s Euston station, it’s only a short stroll to Drake and Morgan on Pancras Square. The quirky restaurant is notoriously dog-friendly, so much so that they’ve invested in special crockery for visiting mutts, and they keep pet-friendly snacks and drinks – including paw-secco – on hand too.

Refuelled, take a stroll along part of the Regents Canal which runs through the nearby neighbourhood. It’s 8.6 miles long in total but from the colourful collection of narrow boats at Little Venice it runs on through Regent’s Park where you can deviate and let your dog run freely.

Photo credit: @ultimatefan1 on Instagram

Three pugs on the train.

If it’s the weekend, head to Canopy Market . The charming little covered market sets up in West Handyside Canopy every Friday, Saturday and Sunday and is 100% dog friendly. Start with a coffee and cake at Redemption Roasters who also keep special treats on hand to dish out to good doggies.

Last trains depart London around midnight so you can explore all day and night, but should you decide to stay then The Gyle Hotel is a dog-friendly favourite. With a dog featuring in its logo and scottie dog cushions in every room, there’s definitely a theme.

So what are you waiting for? Hop on board and have a PAWsome day out with your furry friends! Remember, if you’ve got Instagram , tag us in your meaningful moments with your pets or use the hashtag #londonnorthwesternrailway