Wivenhoe is a lovely place to visit with your dog, with wonderful walks and great dog-friendly local establishments - keep reading for more information on dog-friendly venues and activities! Once you've ticked Wivenhoe off your list, there are plenty of great dog-friendly destinations to visit in and around Colchester, and we're happy to share some day-trip inspiration.
Getting to Wivenhoe - Should I Walk, or take the Train or Bus?
There are plenty of ways you can get to Wivenhoe, and the most popular will be by train. Whether you're taking the train from Colchester Town or Hythe station, Wivenhoe Station is a short walk from all of the town's offerings.
Alternatively, you can utilise the city's bus services. Many of the major bus companies operating within Colchester do allow dogs on their services - including First Bus, Arriva and Hedingham and Chambers – but, again, this offering is subject to rules and may incur additional charges, so be to research these beforehand to ensure you’re not caught out.
If your furry friend likes to walks in nature, one of the most popular walks in Colchester, the Wivenhoe Trail is an informal route of about 5 miles, stretching from Colchester City Centre to the riverside town of Wivenhoe; it can be picked up at any point along the way, including from Hythe.
Whether you choose to begin (or finish) your day with a venture down the Wivenhoe Trail, there are plenty of ways to incorporate this journey into your day. If you're starting from the city centre, you may enjoy the Town to Sea Walking Trail - you can read more about this trail on our website.
Grab a Spot of Food at a Dog Friendly Restaurant
The Rose and Crown Wivenhoe is a Greene King owned pub set on the quayside of the River Colne. Open until late, this classic British restaurant has an extensive plant led menu, with a selection of vegan options available too. Why not wrap up your meal with a tipple from their extensive drinks menu, serving everything from non-alcoholic cocktails to craft beers? And, of course, they're dog-friendly.
Another option is The Black Buoy, a free house located just off the High Street. If you're in the market for good quality food which feels like home comfort, be sure to peruse their Italian-feeling Dinner menu, which features tasty options like focaccia, and a Nduja sausage, roasted pepper, and onion pizza. The team at The Black Buoy love dogs so much, they've recently welcomed two puppies of their own onto the premise: Sully and Skye.
Take an After Lunch, Dog-Friendly Stroll Along the River - with a Treat!
There are plenty of benches and spots perfect for sitting with a snack from a local bakery, like Trinity Patisserie! Having recently moved to their new, convenient location on the Wivenhoe High Street, they're just a stone's throw from the quay. Not only do they offer tasty afternoon teas, including vegan and gluten free options, but they are also dog friendly! So, whether you'd rather enjoy a quiet coffee on the water front or settle in with an indulgent afternoon tea, Trinity Patisserie is a great consideration.
Don't fret if you don't fancy a snack, you can still enjoy a brisk, refreshing walk. On your journey, you may spot some dreamy pastel houses and some moored boats.
Now that you've ticked Wivenhoe off your travel list, why not visit our other 'dog friendly day trip' blogs for more inspiration? Other destinations you may enjoy include Chappel, and Colchester itself!
