Every May Bank Holiday since 1992, the beautiful village of Wray transforms itself to host its popular annual Scarecrow Festival. In 2025, the festival runs from Saturday, 26th April to Bank Holiday Monday, 5th May - and the theme is ‘Circus’! The festival is entirely volunteer run and supports several charities, including Hornby & Wray Scout Group, Wennington & District WI, Wray Forest School, Wray Village Institute, Wray Over 60s and Wray Primary School.
And dogs are very welcome! They just ask that our furry friends be on leashes, (as it’s lambing season).
The Fair and Trail
This year, the Wray Scarecrow Festival theme is Circus! Entry is free except for the Bank Holiday, you just need to pay for parking. You should start by walking round the village, with scarecrows tucked away in fun and unusual corners! The parade takes place on Saturday 3rd May 2025, and there’s a car boot sale on the 27th April.
If you want to vote for your favourite Scarecrow there's a a “People’s Choice” prize; individuals can enter this by using the slip in their Festival Programme to list the numbers of their 3 favourite Scarecrows. The £25 winner is drawn at random from those who included the highest overall winner in their entry.
The fair itself is on Monday 5th May 2025. There will be traditional games, kids entertainers, a funfair, a silent disco, birds of prey, Viking re-enactors and Samba drumming.
Best of all, there's a dog agility event - why not join in with your pooch? This pawsome event takes place on the "School Field" arena at about 12:30 on the Bank Holiday Monday 5th May. After a demonstration by the organisers and their dogs, festival goers are invited to let their pup have a go!
Greenfoot Garden Centre & Bridge House Tearooms
This is an independent garden centre right next to the Bridge House Tearooms. They stock plants, flowers and locally crafted products. The tea rooms offer vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options and the attached deli stocks Bowland Pork. They welcome our four legged friends and cyclists, especially the Bowland Forest Populaire ride, a 100km challenge run in conjunction with the festival.
The George and Dragon Pub
The George and Dragon is a fantastic pooch friendly pub in the heart of the village. This family run venue serves up hot food 6 days a week, including their famous veggie ‘dragon pie’. Their garden features a deck, aviary and space for children to play. Pups can get a bowl of water and a treat while two legged pals can enjoy a range of guest ales and wine.
Wray Village Store
Wray Village Store shut in 2023. However the community rallied, and it is now run as a community led shop. They stock essentials, luxurious deli items like Hawkshead relish, freshly baked bread, delicious Atkinsons coffee, Convale meats, local beers, refillable cleaning products and local arts and crafts. The volunteers are super friendly and the selection is fantastic. It’s not dog friendly itself but is a great place to stock up on treats!
Dog Walks
There are a few amazing dog walks in and around the village of Wray:
Bridges & Wray Flood Walk (0.7 miles, wheelchair & pushchair friendly)
This is a short, accessible circular walk around the village. It goes past the flood gardens, remembering the flood of 1967. There is a beautiful mosaic by the river, designed by local artist Maggy Howarth.
Rivers & Village Ramble (1.4 miles)
This is a less accessible, longer route exploring roads, tracks and fields. (You may encounter livestock). The trail follows carved stone way markers, designed by local schoolchildren, created by people who attended Wray carving workshops. You can spot sea trout, salmon and even the occasional otter! You can explore local history on the way at the Wray Institute.
Roeburndale Walk (7.3 miles)
This 7 mile route winds through the ancient woodland of Roeburndale. A more challenging walk that takes in rare birds, bluebells, rolling meadows and dense copses. The footpath runs through a site of special scientific interest, and it borders an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
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