A Welsh beauty spot has been named among one of the best places to take your dog for a walk this Easter Bank Holiday.

With the Easter bank holiday just around the corner, many dog owners are looking for the perfect spot to spend quality time with their furry friends.

But you need not look far for some of the best spots in the country as they may be closer than you think!

In a recent study, conducted by dog-walking service Rover, a popular West Midlands beauty spot ranked eleventh nationally in the best places to take a long stroll with your pooch.

Sutton Park, in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, is one of the largest urban parks in Europe, covering over 2,400 acres. Its landscape is a mix of heathland, wetlands, woodlands, and lakes, providing a natural escape right on the city’s doorstep.

The park has a long history, dating back over a thousand years, and it was once a royal hunting ground. Today, it is a popular destination for walking, cycling, horse riding, and picnicking.

placeholder image — Sutton Park in Birmingham

Dog walking in Sutton Park is popular due to its wide trails, woodlands, and lakes. Some areas require dogs on leads, especially near wildlife or picnic spots.

Walkers enjoy scenic routes like around the Seven Lakes, with plenty of space for off-leash exercise. Seasonal changes keep walks interesting, though water access is limited.

The park is dog-friendly, with waste bins and bag dispensers, and is a social spot for dog owners. Bringing water and being mindful of other visitors is recommended.

Suited to long and steady runs, the research found that Golden Retrievers are the best dog for a running partner. The Golden Retrievers’ friendly attitude towards strangers is a bonus for those running in crowded areas, where there will be interactions with other runners and dog walkers. | Getty

It comes after Rover’s research showed that 84% of owners see long dog walks as a holiday tradition, enjoying the outdoors, a day out, and a treat for their pets.

Nearly half plan an Easter trip with their dogs, with Cornwall and the Lake District being the most popular destinations in 2025 - see the full list of popular locations.

Full list of the UK’s best dog-walking spots per region

South West – South West Coast Path, Cornwall (44%)
North West – Derwentwater Walk, Lake District (23%)
Wales – Snowdonia National Park (33%)
Yorkshire – Yorkshire Dales National Park (44%)
South East – The New Forest National Park, Hampshire (28%)
Scotland – Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park (43%)
London – Richmond Park (41%)
East of England – Norfolk Coast Path (25%)
North East – Northumberland National Park (27%)
East Midlands – Sherwood Forest (20%)
West Midlands – Birmingham’s Sutton Park (50%)
Northern Ireland – Tollymore Forest park (40%)

Rover canine behaviourist Adem Fehmi said: “To get the most out of your dog walks and boost your dog’s physical and mental wellbeing, treat each walk like a mini workout – with a warm up, main activity, and a cool down.

“What you do for each will depend on your dog’s life stage, physical capabilities and breed, but for your average, adult dog in good health, this might look like a brisk walk to warm up, a play game such as fetch as the main activity, and then perhaps some socialisation and a slower paced walk for the cool down.

“To combat boredom, consider your dog’s breed, energy level, personality, and what motivates them. Choose routes and activities that tap into those natural instincts. Bringing treats or a favourite toy can help reinforce good behaviour and keep your dog focused, especially when practicing skills like recall or loose lead walking.”

“When choosing where to walk, look for dog-friendly routes with varied terrain, space to explore safely, and minimal hazards. Always respect local guidance - keep dogs on leads where required, avoid disturbing wildlife, and be extra mindful during nesting seasons.”