Dog-friendly services across Leicestershire and the Midlands, from groomers to vets to dog-walking cover.
Woodlands Paddock, Yoxall
A new natural water area added to Woodlands Paddock in Yoxall, tried out by the Tamworth Trio (Rufus, Evie and Poppy) on reopening day. A gentle, pressure-free way for dogs to experience water at their own pace during a private paddock hour.
Pipehill, Lichfield
A newly opened secure dog field near Lichfield with an electronic gate, a safe enclosed car park, and a huge, beautifully maintained field with rubber-matted agility equipment. Recommended by the Tamworth Trio, who rated it one of their new favourites.
Packington, near Tamworth
A 5-acre countryside meadow with winding paths cut through long grass, a sand pit and plenty of sniffing opportunities. Reviewed by The Tamworth Trio, who found it peaceful and good for dogs who like to wander and explore rather than needing equipment.
Appleby Magna
A private four-acre countryside dog field near Tamworth, booked by the slot, with long grass and natural paths for off-lead wandering. A reliable midweek go-to for burning off energy, though the field can get seriously muddy after rain.
Appleby Magna, Leicestershire (approx. 15 minutes from Tamworth)
A private, securely fenced 4-acre dog field near Tamworth, booked in 25 or 50 minute slots, with long grass, mown paths, some agility equipment and a hut for humans. A midweek go-to for the Tamworth Trio, though the contributor flags a caution about the field getting muddy after rain.
Ashby de la Zouch
Murphy is the face of Murphy & Me. Chief Sniffing Officer. Local celebrity (in his mind). Naturally, an important public figure has an image to uphold. Unfortunately, Murphy’s preferred image is somewhere between windswept woodland explorer and homeless street dog. Enter Rhea at Barks & Bubbles.
Leicester
The Tamworth Trio won a Facebook competition photoshoot with ZigZag Photography and took all three dogs along for a group shoot. A brilliant, patient, unrushed experience from booking through to the photo viewing a week later.
Camp Timbertail area (exact location sent via Google Maps link upon booking)
A nine-acre secure private woodland with winding trails, hiding spots and endless things to sniff and explore. Booked for a late afternoon session with five dogs including Evie, Rufus, Poppy, Bailey and Lottie, who spent the visit chasing, hiding and investigating every corner of the woods.
Lount, Leicestershire
Nine acres of natural woodland dog park with trail after trail of sniffs, sticks and exposed tree roots — visited by the Tamworth Trio plus friends Bailey and Lottie to round off the summer holidays. Best known, by their own ranking, for serious nose work rather than running-around space or hide-and-seek spots.
Leicestershire
Rhea has the patience of a saint with a dog who has never sat still in his life. Shes generous with the treats, and genuinely clued up when his ears needed proper attention. Booking is simple and payment is a doddle, which counts for a lot when you're juggling life with a demanding Cavapoo.
Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire
A private, fully-fenced paddock off the A511, with more agility equipment than Murphy has ever seen! A proper secure space for off-lead running, hide and seek, and — apparently — a swing seat betrayal.
Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire
Murphy's very first night away from us, and he did not seem to mind one bit. A proper home-from-home dog boarding set-up in Ashby, complete with new dog friends, a trip to Camp Timbertail, and a sleepover with his host.
Tamworth
A beautiful meadow-style secure field with endless space for zoomies and one of the best booking systems we've come across. Thoughtfully cut grass with areas left long for sniffaris and games of chase.
Yoxall
A huge secure field tucked away near Yoxall with countryside views and endless space for zoomies. Beautifully maintained and peaceful, it's perfect for dogs to run, sniff and explore.
Sutton Coldfield
A huge secure field offering plenty of space for zoomies, fetch and recall practice. Brand new facility with very high, secure fencing and ample room for dogs to run and play.
Tamworth
A secure dog field with a ball pool, sand pit, agility equipment, giant tunnel and acres of space for zoomies. Bookings are staggered to avoid crossover in the car park, and the field is always spotlessly clean and beautifully maintained.
Yoxall
A spacious secure field with brilliant agility equipment and lots to keep curious dogs entertained. Features a large secure entrance gate where you can drive your car inside before letting dogs out, making arrivals much easier and less chaotic.
Oakthorpe, Leicestershire
A simple, stress-free dog wash that could genuinely save your back — and your bathroom. Secure fenced area, contactless payment, multiple shampoo options, and Murphy actually stood still.
Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire
A local independent pet shop that's quietly become part of the routine. Specialist natural food and treats, curated with care, and run by someone who genuinely cares about the dogs as much as the products she sells.
Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire
If Murphy could design his own adventure park, it would look a lot like Camp Timbertail. This isn't just a secure dog area — it's a woodland adventure carefully designed around how dogs actually behave, with endless trails, tunnels, and complete freedom to explore.
Church Gresley, South Derbyshire
A personalised birthday cake packed with thoughtful touches, beautiful presentation and enough excitement to have Murphy hopping around the kitchen before he'd even had a taste.
Lount, Leicestershire
Murphy doesn't want to leave when we collect him. That's all you really need to know about Hounds Daycare — a woodland daycare where he spends the day playing with sticks, tyres and his favourite friends.
Measham, Derbyshire
A relaxed, practical Dog First Aid course covering everything from choking and CPR to heat stroke and bandaging. Left feeling confident and prepared — hopefully it's knowledge I'll never need.