The leaves are starting to turn, the blackberries are out, there’s Hallowe’en themed stuff in the shops…this can only mean one thing: the school holidays are nearly over. The time has come to buy new shoes, to check how little uniform still fits the kids (what is it with all the GROWING?), to get fresh haircuts and generally PREPARE.
Torn between heaving a huge sigh of relief and quietly crying into our morning cuppa, the end of the holidays has us reflecting philosophically on how quickly time passes and the importance of enjoying the fleeting moments of childhood, teenage-hood and puppy-hood.
In an effort to make the most of the last precious days, in between all the frantic pencil case re-stocking and next-size-up grey sock purchasing, we encourage you to take some time out with those you love – human and canine – in the late summer sunshine with the sole intention of enjoying yourselves and seizing the day!
Here are a few ideas we have put together to make sure that you make some memories of the last few days of precious summer before the new term is upon us and we are all deep into rehearsals for the Christmas Play. We hope you are inspired to take some time out and fill the final bits of freedom with family fun time.
Dog-Friendly Day Boat Hire on the Norfolk Broads
Get out on the water! There’s nothing more fun than messing about on boats. Day and Picnic boats are available to hire from Martham Ferry Day Boat Hire. Dogs are welcome and dog and human lifejackets are provided.
For more information visit: oliverssailingholiday.co.uk
Spa Valley Railway, West Station, Royal Tunbridge Wells
Steam through the countryside with family in tow! Take a trip through the beautiful Spa Valley on a Steam & Heritage Diesel train. Trains operate throughout the year between Tunbridge Wells West & Eridge, with intermediate stations at High Rocks & Groombridge. Well-behaved dogs are welcome on the Spa Valley Railway without charge.
Doggy treasure hunts, Hampshire
This is a great day out to have with the kids and dog and will be sure to keep everyone happy and occupied. It’s a treasure hunt tailored to dogs and will have your hound so happy his tail might just wag right off. Your team can consist of one or two dogs and as many humans as you like.
At the starting point you will be given a sheet of clues to find. During the search for clues you will come across some simple Doggy Challenges around the route that your dog will need to complete to gain extra clues.
More information on dog treasure hunts here: https://www.funwithdogs.org/doggy-treasure-hunts
Check out dog-friendly days out near you, pack up a picnic, turn the laptop off, and head out determined to eke out the last of the dog days of summer. Trust us, you won’t regret it. In the words of the wisest sage we know, Ferris Bueller: “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”