Walking the dog is a great way to get away from the stresses of life and clear your head, however it can become mundane and repetitive if you don't shake up your route every so often.
If you're getting bored of your usual dog walk, why not try one of the four North East botanic gardens which have been named among the best to take your pooch in a new index ranking the UK's botanic gardens. Crook Hall and Gardens in County Durham; Belsay Castle and Gardens and Dilston Physic Garden in Northumberland; and Birkheads Secret Gardens in Gateshead all made the list compiled by Essential Living.
The highest ranked of the four was Crook Hall, which is set to re-open this summer as a National Trust property. It was also ranked the 19th best UK botanic garden overall, the North East's only representation on that list.
Read more: North East Dog Festival to return to Northumberland this September
The gardens surround the Grade I listed building of Crook Hall and date back to the 13th century. From its position on Framwellgate waterside, there are views over Durham city and in recent years the Jacobean manor house has been a popular wedding venue.
The National Trust's plans at present are to re-open the gardens, café and parts of the house including the medieval hall. Work is currently being carried out to prepare the site ahead of opening - so this is one to consider visiting with your dog towards the end of the summer holidays perhaps.
Next up is Northumberland's Belsay Castle and Gardens. Dogs allowed in the gardens on a short leash, and though they're not permitted in the castle or hall, there are still 30 acres of land to explore.
The unique microclimate of the Quarry Gardens means that there's no shortage of exotic plants, while other areas of the garden include a bowls lawn. Crag Wood, which is also on site, is still having work done following the damage done by Storm Arwen.
As part of the Belsay Awakes project, a temporary six-metre slide has been installed on the edge of the building. However, that is unsurprisingly not open to dogs.
The third North East entry on the list is so hidden away, it has secret in its name. Birkheads Secret Gardens in Sunniside, Gateshead was created to improve the environment left by a heritage of coal mining and intensive farming and are a series of 14 small gardens set over three acres.
There are several walks nearby and dog-friendly pubs available to make a fun summer's day out with your furry friend.
Last but not least is the Dilston Physic Garden which lies between Corbridge and Hexham in Northumberland. One of the more modern botanic gardens on the list, it opened in 1990 and lies on the banks of Devil's Water, a tributary of the River Tyne.
Set across two acres, there are more than 700 medicinal plants that have been used throughout history. It's also said to be a tranquil space for wellbeing and an ultimate relaxation garden - with visitors able to bring their dogs as long as they're well behaved and on leads.
What's your favourite botanic garden in the North East? Let us know!
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