Glasgow

The UK's only country park inside a city, 146 hectares of woodland, riverside trails, formal gardens, and the Burrell Collection (assistance dogs only). Off-leash on the woodland trails; ScotRail Pollokshaws West 10 minutes from Glasgow central.

Flagship Victorian park (34 hectares) along the River Kelvin in the West End, with the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Off-leash on the open lawns; Subway Hillhead station a five-minute walk away.

Victorian garden cemetery on a hill east of Glasgow Cathedral, with 50,000 monumental graves and one of Europe's most photogenic skylines. Leashed dogs welcome along the entire path network; free, open 24/7.

Scotland's only medieval mainland cathedral to survive the Reformation intact (12th century). The interior admits only assistance dogs, but the exterior gardens and the Necropolis hill behind are leash-friendly and free.

Britain's largest freshwater loch, 30 km north-west. The Balloch shore offers open lawns, a sandy beach pocket, and a wooded park; off-leash year-round. ScotRail Balloch 50 minutes from Glasgow Queen Street.

University quarter with Victorian charm, cobbled Ashton Lane, Byres Road, Gibson Street facing Kelvingrove. Dog-friendly pubs and cafés on every street: The Left Bank, Brel, The Drake, Inn Deep. Subway Hillhead at the heart of the district.