The Paw-sibilities of Life in Chelmsford: Five Things to Do With Your Pet Near The Arbour

At L&Q, we know that pets are important members of the family, which is why most of our homes are pet-friendly.* As spring approaches and the weather begins to warm up, it’s the perfect time to get outside with the whole family – pups included!

Here are a few of our favourite pet-friendly activities you can get up to in and around our homes at The Arbour, Chelmsford.

1. Discover Nearby Green Spaces

For families living at The Arbour, the abundance of surrounding green spaces is perfect for long muddy dog walks! Visit nearby Chelmer Valley Nature Reserve for a riverside stroll in the city centre, or stop by Hylands Park to explore the formal Victorian Pleasure Gardens, ancient woodlands, and the beautiful duck pond. Locals can also roam across four hectares of grassland at Andrews Park, ideal for the ultimate game of fetch! All these picturesque green spaces can be reached in less than a fifteen-minute drive from our homes at The Arbour.

2. Explore the Local Neighbourhood

For adventures on foot (or paws!), stay closer to home and explore open spaces on your doorstep. Previously the site of Henry VIII’s summer residence, the grounds at Beaulieu offer scenic views and flourishing greenery. Beaulieu’s 176 acres are made up of natural meadows, community gardens, parks and play areas. Perfect for stretching your legs on a lunch break, take a circular stroll around the neighbourhood streets before popping into the dog-friendly Coffee Squared for an afternoon ‘pick me up’. The independently-run business also offers homemade dog biscuits from Paws and Claws – so, both you and your four-legged friend are in for a treat.

3. Spend Time in Your Garden

All of our houses at The Arbour have private gardens, providing the perfect space to get outside with your pet as the days get a little longer and sunnier. Challenge your dog to a game of tug and war – a great alternative to walkies – or set up an outdoor hutch if your pet is on the smaller, fluffier side! For those who are green-thumbed and looking to get creative in the garden, transform your outdoor space with pet-friendly plants, such as lavender, rosemary and sunflowers, making your garden safe, as well as beautiful.

4. Visit Your Local Dog-Friendly Restaurant and Bar

Channels Bar and Brasserie is located just a 20-minute walk away from homes at The Arbour and offers dog-friendly spaces both outside and inside their award-winning restaurant. Stop by for a mid-week supper or catch up with family and friends over a Sunday roast (man’s best friend included)! The Channels Bar and Brasserie also offers a jam-packed programme of live music, seasonal events, and their ever-popular “jazzy Sundays”, an afternoon of live jazz taking place on the second Sunday of every month.

5. Pamper Your Pup

After multiple muddy walks, it’s likely your pup will be in need of a good pamper! Take them to the award-winning Pooches Grooming Station to get them looking their best. Offering services from specialist grooming and teeth cleaning to doggie day care and nail clipping, Pooches Grooming Station is less than a ten-minute drive away from homes at The Arbour.