The Himalayan Garden & Sculpture Park

The Himalayan Garden & Sculpture Park near Ripon is a brilliant pick for dog owners who want a day out with a bit more wow-factor and a lot more breathing room. Set across 45 acres of woodland and gardens, it combines Himalayan planting with a striking contemporary sculpture collection, which gives the whole place a wonderfully calm but still interesting feel.

It works beautifully for a slower wander where the dog can enjoy the scents, the humans can admire the setting, and everyone gets a break from high-street pace. Dogs are allowed in the Garden Tearoom too, with plenty of outdoor tables when the weather behaves itself. The garden is open seasonally from April to November, Tuesday to Sunday in spring, Wednesday to Sunday in summer and autumn, plus Bank Holiday Mondays.

For visitors in the Ripon area with dogs, it adds a scenic, slightly special outing to the mix and feels like proper "let's make a day of it" territory. Peaceful, distinctive and excellent for stretching both legs and attention spans.