Looking for the latest dog-friendly news this January? From free entry to beautiful historic grounds and nationwide heritage passes, to special awareness days and unique dog-welcoming experiences, we’ve rounded up the best dog-friendly news to help you and your four-legged friend make the most of the month.
1. Free entry for everyone at Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire.
Every Saturday and Sunday from 10 January until 8 February, the dog-friendly grounds of Waddesdon are open and free of charge for everyone to enjoy.
Waddesdon Manor is a country house built in the 1870s by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild to entertain the fashionable world and display his impressive art collection. Although the Manor House itself is closed for the winter season, the beautifully landscaped grounds — lined with tall trees, elegant sculptures and fountains — remain open to visitors, and dogs are very welcome.
2. Get a free National Trust day pass for your dog-friendly day out.
Simply pick up a copy of the Daily Mirror, Daily Express or Daily Star on any day from Saturday 10 January until Sunday 18 January 2026. Inside, you’ll find a voucher to use at a National Trust property of your choice. Some regional papers are also included.
This offer is valid at National Trust locations across England, Wales and Northern Ireland until 6 March 2026. Please note that some properties are excluded.
3. Change a Pet’s Life Day — 24 January 2026.
This is an annual awareness day that encourages people to make a positive difference for animals in need. It promotes practical ways to help, such as adopting or fostering a pet, volunteering time, or making donations, while also recognising the happiness and fulfilment pets bring to our lives. The message is clear: the relationship between people and animals has the power to change lives on both sides.
4. Launch of the 2026 Dogs in the Cathedral Calendar.
St Edmundsbury Cathedral in Bury St Edmunds produces an annual Dogs in the Cathedral calendar, featuring local dogs photographed around the cathedral to celebrate its dog-friendly status. The 2026 edition is a wall calendar showcasing charming images, such as a springer spaniel at the lectern and a dachshund attending a service.
A popular item that often sells out, the calendar promotes the cathedral’s warm welcome to well-behaved dogs on leads, as well as Bury St Edmunds’ reputation as a dog-friendly town. The calendar is available to purchase from the Cathedral Shop. Copies cost £10.00.
5. Dog Day Afternoons — dog-friendly cinema screenings at Curzon.
Curzon Cinemas runs Dog Day Afternoons, a weekly Sunday cinema experience created especially for dog owners and their pets. These dog-friendly screenings offer lower volume levels, free treats and access to a pet-welcoming bar or café at selected venues. Dogs can settle comfortably on the floor, with owners encouraged to bring blankets and ensure their pets are supervised and cleaned up after.
House rules: Only calm, well-behaved dogs may attend. Dogs must not sit on the cinema seats; they should remain on the floor or, in the case of small dogs, on their owner’s lap.
We hope this round-up of dog-friendly news has inspired you to get out and about with your dog this January, support worthy causes and discover new places that truly welcome pets. Keep checking back for more dog-friendly news, events and ideas to help you and your canine companion enjoy every season together.
