How to Get to the Big Bark, Towcester

Location:

Towcester Racecourse, NN12 6LB

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How to Get to the Big Bark, Uttoxeter

Location:

Uttoxeter Racecourse, ST14 8BD

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By Car 

Towcester: Just a short drive from the M1, M40, and A5, the venue offers convenient access for guests travelling from London, Birmingham, and surrounding areas.

Please enter the Racecourse via the rear Heathencote entrance on Shutlanger Road, NN12 7LD if arriving by vehicle.

Uttoxeter: From the North West – M6 to Junction 15, then follow signs for A50 Uttoxeter/Derby

From the North East – M1 to Junction 24a, straight onto the A50 following signs for Uttoxeter/Derby.

From the South and South West – From M5(J4a) or M40 (J3a), join the M42 (J7). Exit M42 at Junction 9 (Lichfield) follow signs for Lichfield and A38 (Burton/Derby). Exit A38 at A50 (Uttoxeter/Stoke). Alternatively; From M5 (J8) or M42 (J7), join M6 (North). Exit at Junction 14 and take A513 to Stafford, then A518 (Uttoxeter).

From the South East – M1 To Junction 23a, the A50 (Uttoxeter/Stoke).

Once in Uttoxeter follow the brown signs to Wood Lane and take the second turning on the left signed to Main Entrance and Conference Centre.

Parking 

Towcester: There is free on-site parking for all guests, with priority spaces available for accessible visitors.

Uttoxeter: There is plenty of free parking on site.

By Train 

Towcester: Towcester Racecourse is located approximately midway between Milton Keynes Central and Northampton railway stations. From either station, the easiest way to reach the event is by taxi, with both stations offering local taxi services.

Uttoxeter: Uttoxeter Railway station is adjacent to the Racecourse. Most Intercity services run trains to Derby and Stoke on Trent which in turn runs regular connecting trains to Uttoxeter. A direct service also operates from Crewe. For information on trains servicing Uttoxeter Racecourse please visit the East Midlands Trains website or Trainline.

By Bus

Towcester: The nearest bus stop is Towcester Race Course, which is approximately a 5-minute walk from the venue. Services 88 and X91 both stop nearby, providing connections from surrounding areas including Northampton, Silverstone and Milton Keynes.

We recommend checking the latest timetables before travelling, as service times may vary.

Uttoxeter: Uttoxeter Racecourse is well served by local bus routes, making it easy to reach by public transport.

The nearest bus stops are Uttoxeter and Railway Station, both of which are approximately an 8-minute walk from the racecourse. Services including 32A, 401, 402, 403, 408, 63 and SW all stop nearby.

We recommend checking the latest timetables before travelling, as routes and service times may vary.

On Foot or By Bike 

Towcester: If entering the Racecourse on foot, please use the front gate entrance on London Road NN12 6LB.

Uttoxeter: Arrive via the main entrance.

The Big Bark

Location: Towcester Racecourse

Date: Sat 5th & Sun 6th September 2026

Set in beautiful venues around the UK, the festivals are specially designed for dog owners, dog lovers, and – most importantly – dogs themselves! It’s the ultimate celebration of our four-legged friends, packed with fun, entertainment, and community spirit.

Whether you’ve got a playful pup, a veteran, or just a soft spot for wagging tails, The Big Bark offers the ultimate day out with interactive zones, expert advice, shopping, entertainment and plenty of chances for your pooch to get involved.

It’s fun, it’s friendly, and its completely dog-focused – a paws-itively perfect weekend you won’t want to miss! The Big Bark is a must-do day out for dog lovers of all ages.

Great, well organised and friendly shows with lovely visitors and an organiser that listens to customers and traders in order to deliver the best results for everyone.
Mandy
Dicky Bag
Great, well organised and friendly shows with lovely visitors and an organiser that listens to customers and traders in order to deliver the best results for everyone.
Mandy
Dicky Bag
A great family day out with our 4 month old Bear Debbie Dare
Norman our 17 week old cocker spaniel loved every minute of it today, thank you to everyone who let him socialise with your dogs, it was an amazing experience for him and we can't wait for next year.
Jem Lawson 
Norman our 17 week old cocker spaniel loved every minute of it today, thank you to everyone who let him socialise with your dogs, it was an amazing experience for him and we can't wait for next year.
A great family day out with our 4 month old Bear Debbie Dare
Jem Lawson 
Fantastic, friendly day! Thanks to everyone who popped in to see the Natural Jacks and Kay’s Craftworks stall. Also thank you to everyone for all the puppy cuddles
Debbie
Fantastic, friendly day! Thanks to everyone who popped in to see the Natural Jacks and Kay’s Craftworks stall. Also thank you to everyone for all the puppy cuddles
Debbie
I had a great time with all the dogs who came & had a go at scent work with me & Jo Love Your Paws I also loved the seminar … not going to lie, I was terrified to...
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Vicki from Love Your Paws
I had a great time with all the dogs who came & had a go at scent work with me & Jo Love Your PawsI also loved the seminar… not going to lie, I was terrified to start with, but once I got going I lost track of time!!  Hopefully, the attendees enjoyed it & learnt a new snippet or 2Thanks for organising such a great day. Brilliantly run, loads of space, really friendly- I’ll definitely be back next year if you’ll have me!!
Vicki from Love Your Paws
These events are such good value. There really is something for everyone to do and the children enjoy themselves nearly as much as the dog! I always come away having learnt something new and am eager to put it into ...
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Ruth
These events are such good value. There really is something for everyone to do and the children enjoy themselves nearly as much as the dog! I always come away having learnt something new and am eager to put it into practice. I love the seminars and find them so informative. We took up agility after trying it out on one of the days. They really are fun days out.
Ruth