Walkies on the hilltop.

The town's best-loved dog walking spot, on the western edge of Highworth. It is a series of five open fields bounded by Pentylands Lane, Bydemill Brook and the old railway line, looked after with help from the Friends of Pentylands Country Park since 2006. There is no entry fee and free parking nearby, with plenty of space for dogs to stretch their legs. Skylarks nest in the grass in spring and summer, so keep your dog close to the paths then — and always bag and bin what they leave behind.

A 4.5-mile there-and-back route that starts on the north side of town. Footpaths head north-west past Crouch Hill, then the Burford Stone Lane track near Pentylands Farm carries you south-west to the village of Hannington, passing close to 17th-century Hannington Hall. Walking guides rate these country trails as good dog walking, and you can finish with a drink in a dog-friendly pub garden back in town. These are working farm paths, so expect stiles, mud and the occasional field of animals. Fancy more routes? See our walks around Highworth page.

For a quick everyday leg-stretch, Highworth Town Council looks after Jubilee Park (the Rec), Northview Park and Barra Close Park, plus the open space around the skate park at the Lower Rec. One firm rule applies everywhere in the borough: dogs are not allowed inside any securely fenced children's play area, even on a lead. Assistance dogs are exempt.

A historic free house dating back to 1768, one of the oldest pubs in Highworth, and listed by CAMRA as dog friendly. There is a large garden with a boules pitch, real ale on five handpumps, a real fire for winter dog-drying, and lunchtime meals. A natural finish to a Pentylands or Hannington walk. Open Monday from noon; Tuesday to Friday from 9:30am (breakfast served); Saturday noon to midnight; Sunday noon to 10:30pm.

A country pub just outside town off the B4019, known for home-cooked food and Sunday lunches. Dogs are welcome — the pub asks that you book ahead if you are bringing one. Do check before you set out: at the time of writing the pub's website said it was temporarily closed with plans to reopen.

Highworth's own veterinary practice, caring for the town's pets from the High Street since 1982. The team works from 21 High Street on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and from The Bridge Veterinary Clinic premises on The Green on Tuesdays and Thursdays — 8:30am to 6pm both days.

A large Swindon practice that serves Highworth and the surrounding villages, with clinics at Edison Park, Bath Road and Cricklade Road. Its Edison Park clinic and hospital runs a 24-hour emergency service with a vet and nurse always on site, seven days a week — a number worth saving in your phone for out-of-hours scares.