National Trust Dog Friendly Places (Listed By County)
Are you looking for National Trust dog friendly places? Then you’ve come to the right place – we hope you find the list of dog friendly National Trust places below helpful!
The National Trust cares for and protects lots of places that are closely tied to the British heritage, often combining history with stunning spaces in nature (either manmade or totally natural).
But since we’ve welcomed a puppy into our lives, we’ve had the same question on our lips as many other dog owning NT members: “Is the National Trust dog friendly?”
It should come as no surprise that dogs won’t be allowed in all National Trust places. Castles, mansions and houses, for instance, are unlikely to accept our canine pals as visitors.
But there are still a number of outside spaces, which the National Trust claims, welcome dogs with open arms.
So with that in mind, we’ve leafed through our National Trust member’s 2018 handbook to scout out all the National Trust places across the country that are dog friendly.
Please Note: When we mention a place is dog friendly, we mean welcoming to dogs that we have only as pets. Assistance dogs are treated differently and are welcome in most, if not all, National Trust properties.
National Trust Dog Friendly Places (Listed By County)
As there are so many dog friendly National Trust places, we’ve sorted this list by county, and in some cases, by large cities.
Dogs are allowed off lead, unless otherwise stated.
This directory is intended to give you a very quick idea on which places both you and your dog can head to within the county you’re travelling to, and then you can do your own extra research into each individual place and the surrounding area before visiting.
We must warn you, this directory is long (over 25 pages when we were writing it), so be sure to use our table of contents below to take you straight to the county you’re visiting:
- Cornwall
- Devon
- Dorset
- Somerset
- Wiltshire
- Buckinghamshire
- Oxfordshire
- Gloucestershire
- Berkshire
- Isle of Wight
- Hampshire
- East Sussex
- West Sussex
- Surrey
- Kent
- London
- Cambridgeshire
- Hertfordshire
- Norfolk
- Essex
- Bedfordshire
- Suffolk
- Lincolnshire
- Derbyshire
- Northamptonshire
- Nottinghamshire
- Shropshire
- Warwickshire
- Herefordshire
- Worcestershire
- Staffordshire
- West Midlands
- Cheshire
- Cumbria
- Greater Manchester
- Liverpool
- Lancashire
- Lake District
- Yorkshire
- Northumberland
- Tyne & Wear
- Wales
- Northern Ireland
Cornwall
Boscastle – Welcome on walks and in the cafe courtyard.
Bosveal – Welcome on the beach and around the town.
Botallack – Welcome everywhere on short leads.
Cape Cornwall – Allowed everywhere, except on the beach and slipway between Easter and October.
Carne and Pendower – There are seasonal dog restrictions on the beaches, and dogs must be kept under control near all livestock.
Carnewas at Bedruthan – Dogs are welcome but must be kept under close control.
Chapel Porth – There’s a seasonal dog ban on the beach from Easter Sunday through to September 30th.
Cotehele – Dogs are welcome throughout the estate, but not in the formal gardens.
Cotehele Mill – As above, but not in the bakery or mill.
Crantock Beach – Dogs are welcome everywhere, providing they’re kept under close control.
The Dodman – Dogs welcome everywhere.
Duckpool – As above.
East Pool Mine – Dogs are allowed in all outdoor areas.
Godolphin – Dogs are welcome in outdoor spaces, but should be kept on short leads. Water bowls and dog biscuits are available.
Godrevy – Dogs are welcome, but seasonal bans are in place from Easter through to September.
Gunwalloe – Dogs are always welcome at Dollar Cove, but there’s a council-enforced ban at Church Cove from Easter to October 1st.
Holywell – Dogs are welcome everywhere, but under close control, especially when around livestock.
Kynance Cove – There’s a seasonal dog ban in place on the beach from Easter through to September 30th.
Lanhydrock – Dogs are welcome on walks throughout the estate, but aren’t allowed in the house or garden.
Lansallos – Dogs are welcome under close control.
Lantic Bay – Welcome everywhere.
Lantivet Bay – As above.
Levant Mine and Beam Engine – Dogs are welcome on short leads.
Lizard Point – Dogs are allowed, but must be kept on leads at all times.
Mullion Cove – Dogs are always welcome, but must be kept on leads.
Northcott Mouth – Dogs welcome everywhere, but must be under close control.
Penrose – Dogs under control are allowed everywhere.
Poldhu Cove – Dogs are welcome on the coastal paths, but there’s a council-enforced ban on the beach from Easter through to October 1st.
Port Quin – Dogs under control are welcome, but there’s a seasonal dog ban on Polzeath Beach.
St Anthony Head – Dogs welcome at all times.
St Michael’s Mount – Dogs aren’t allowed in the castle or in the garden, but can visit the harbour and village area. Here’s a great guide to tell you all you need to know.
Sandymouth – Dogs are welcome everywhere, but must be kept under control. Want more recommendations for dog friendly things to do in Bude? Check out this guide!
Trelissick – Dogs are welcome on woodland walks only.
Trengwainton Garden – Dogs are welcome, but must be kept on leads.
Trevose Head – Welcome everywhere, but must be kept under control.
Devon
A La Ronde – Dogs are welcome everywhere on leads, except in the house.
Arlington Court and the National Trust Carriage Museum – Dogs on leads are welcome in the garden, museum and wider estate.
Baggy Point – Dogs on leads are welcome, but there is a seasonal ban on nearby Croyde Beach from May to September.
Bolberry Down – Dogs are welcome everywhere, but must be put on leads where animals are grazing.
Bradley – Dogs are welcome in the meadows and in the woodland.
Branscombe – Welcome on leads in the Old Bakery garden, orchard, beach and wider countryside.
Brownstone – Welcome everywhere.
Buckland Abbey – Dogs on leads are welcome in farmland and on woodland walks. A reader also got in touch recently to let us know that the shop is also dog friendly with doggie biscuits on offer; as is the courtyard, which has an outside seating area adjacent to the cafe.
Burton Bradstock – Welcome everywhere, except when there is a seasonal dog ban on Hive Beach from June 1st to September 30th.
Castle Drogo – Dogs on leads are allowed in the grounds and on the wider estate.
Coleton Fishacre – Dogs are welcome on short leads in the garden and at Cafe Coleton. There are tethering rings outside the house, although leaving your dog unattended is never advised.
Compton Castle – Dogs are welcome in the lower orchard only, but must be kept on leads.
Finch Foundry – Dogs are welcome everywhere, except in the tea room.
Fingle Bridge – Dogs are allowed everywhere, but must be kept under close control.
Greenway – Dogs on short leads are welcome on the garden paths. Tethering rings are available in the courtyard, although leaving your dog unattended is never advised.
Heddon Valley – Welcome at all times without any restrictions.
Killerton – Welcome in the parkland and in the estate.
Knightshayes – Dogs are welcome in the parkland and woods while on leads. They’re also allowed in the formal garden from November to February.
Lydford Gorge – Welcome everywhere when on leads, except in the tea rooms.
Parke – Welcome throughout, but must be put on leads where livestock are grazing.
Plymbridge Woods – Welcome, but must be kept under close control.
Saltram – Welcome in the park, and there are designated on- and off-lead areas.
South Milton Sands – Dogs welcome on the coastal path and on the beach at all times.
Watersmeet – Dogs are allowed in the tea garden, but must be kept on leads.
Wembury – Welcome on the coastal paths at all times, and on the beach from October 1st to April 30th.
Woolacombe – Dogs welcome, but they are banned from a zoned area of the beach from May to October. There are adjacent areas where they’re allowed, but only when kept on a lead.
Dorset
Burton Bradstock – Dogs welcome everywhere, but there’s a dog-free zone on Hive Beach from June 1st to September 30th.
Clouds Hill – Dogs are welcome in the grounds, but must be kept on leads.
Corfe Castle – Dogs welcome when on short leads.
Golden Cap – Welcome everywhere at all times.
Hardy’s Cottage – Welcome on leads in the garden and woods only.
Kingston Lacy – Dogs are welcome on leads in the cafe courtyard and ‘horseshoe’ seats, as well as in the park, woodlands and wider estate.
Max Gate – Welcome on leads in the garden only.
Ringstead Bay – Dogs are welcome everywhere, at all times.
Studland Bay – From May 1st to September 30th, dogs must be kept on short leads. Dogs are welcome in the winter providing they’re under close control. Check out Middle Beach Cafe for a dog friendly cafe!
Somerset
Bath Skyline – Dogs are welcome providing they’re under control and on leads in some areas.
Bossington – Welcome on leads everywhere.
Brean Down – As above.
Cheddar Gorge – Dogs are welcome on leads in the shop and throughout the gorge.
Dunster Castle – Dogs on short leads are welcome in the parkland and in the garden.
Dunster Working Watermill – Dogs are welcome in the Watermill tea room garden.
Fyne Court – Dogs are welcome everywhere on leads.
Horner Wood – Dogs welcome, but must be kept under control at all times.
Lytes Cary Manor – Welcome on leads on estate walks only.
Montacute House – Dogs are welcome in the garden and cafe courtyard, but must be kept on short leads.
Prior Park Landscape Garden – Dogs are welcome on short leads.
Selworthy – Welcome when on leads.
Tintinhull Garden – Welcome in the courtyard only, but you can enquire at the Reception for details about local dog friendly walks.
Tyntesfield – Dogs are welcome all year, but some areas are restricted. Ask at the Ticket Office for a map of dog friendly versus non-friendly areas.
Webber’s Post – Dogs are welcome but must be kept under close control.
Wiltshire
Avebury – Dogs aren’t allowed in Avebury Manor, the garden or in the Circles Cafe, but can visit everywhere else when on leads.
Badbury Hill – Dogs welcome but must be kept under close control.
Lacock Abbey, Fox Talbot Museum and Village – From November 1st to March 31st, dogs on short leads are allowed in the Abbey grounds.
Stourhead – Dogs are allowed in the garden on leads at certain times of day. From March to October, they’re welcome after 4pm; after 3pm in November; and during the daytime from December to February.
The Buscot and Coleshill Estates – Dogs welcome, but must be kept on leads near livestock, and under close control at all times.
Buckinghamshire
Claydon – Welcome on leads throughout the park.
Cliveden – Welcome under close control in the woodlands only.
Hughenden – Welcome on short leads within the orchard and gardens.
Stowe – Welcome on leads throughout the estate. There are downloadable dog trails available, as well as tie-up points and water.
Waddesdon Manor – Welcome on leads in the grounds and Stables Courtyard only.
Oxfordshire
Ashdown House – Welcome on leads in the woodland only.
Greys Court – Welcome on leads, except in the walled gardens or play area.
Nuffield Place – Welcome on leads in the gardens and woodlands.
White Horse Hill – Welcome when under close control at all times.
Gloucestershire
Lodge Park and Sherborne Estate – Welcome everywhere, but must be kept on leads in the Lodge Park grounds and when near livestock. Must be under control at all times.
Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons – Dogs are welcome everywhere, but must be under close control near livestock. Doggie bins are available in the car parks.
Newark Park – Dogs welcome on leads in the garden and in the estate.
Westbury Court Garden – Welcome everywhere, but must be kept on short leads at all times.
Woodchester Park – Dogs welcome, but under close control, and to be kept on leads where requested.
Berkshire
Basildon Park – Welcome in the grounds on leads.
Maidenhead and Cookham Common – Welcome at all times.
Isle of Wight
Bembridge Windmill – Welcome in the grounds only, to be kept on leads.
Compton Bay and Downs – Welcome on the beach between Hanover Point and Brook Chine all year.
Mottistone Gardens and Estate – Welcome on leads in the gardens, and should be kept under close control when near livestock on the estate.
The Needles Batteries and Headland – Dogs welcome on leads (even downstairs within the tea room).
Newtown National Nature Reserve and Old Town Hall – To be kept under close control around the National Nature Reserve. Local signs will dictate when leads are required.
St Helens Duver – Welcome, but must be kept under close control.
Hampshire
Hinton Ampner – Dogs are welcome on short leads in the grounds.
Mottisfont – Welcome on short leads at all times in most of the grounds, but there are some restrictions in place that you’ll be told about when visiting.
New Forest Commons and Foxbury – Welcome on leads, or under close control from March to July.
Sandham Memorial Chapel – Welcome in the grounds only, but must be kept on leads.
The Vyne – Welcome on short leads in woodlands and in most of the garden.
East Sussex
Bateman’s – Welcome on short leads in the gardens.
Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters – Dogs welcome, but must be kept on leads in the cafe, shop, visitor centre and beach, or when near livestock.
Bodiam Castle – Welcome on leads, but only in the grounds.
Ditchling Beacon – Dogs welcome, but must be kept on leads at all times.
Monk’s House – Allowed in the garden, but to be kept on leads.
Sheffield Park and Garden – Dogs are allowed in the garden on short leads after 1.30pm, and at anytime on the parkland. East Park welcomes dogs off-lead.
West Sussex
Nymans – Dogs are only allowed in the woodlands, but must be kept on leads during bird-nesting season from March 1st to July 31st.
Petworth – Welcome in Petworth Park under close control.
Slindon Estate – Welcome under close control at all times.
Standen House and Garden – Dogs are welcome in the formal garden and woodland estate when on short leads.
Uppark House and Garden – Welcome on short leads everywhere.
Surrey
Box Hill – To be kept under close control where livestock is grazing, not allowed in the cafe.
Claremont Landscape Garden – Dogs welcome on short leads, but only between October 1st and April 30th.
Denbies Hillside – Dogs welcome, but must be kept on leads when livestock is grazing.
Frensham Little Pond – Dogs must be kept on leads from March to September, and around the cafe. Note: dogs aren’t allowed to swim in the pond.
Hatchlands Park – Dogs welcome under close control in designated areas. The Coach House Cafe is very dog friendly!
Hindhead Commons and the Devil’s Punch Bowl – Dogs welcome everywhere, but must be kept under close control during bird nesting season from March to October. Dogs aren’t allowed in the cafe.
Leith Hill Place – Welcome on leads in the grounds, and even in some areas of the house. Enquire when visiting to find out exactly where dogs are allowed.
Leith Hill Tower and Countryside – Dogs welcome, but must be kept on leads on the heathland from April to July.
Polesden Lacey – Welcome on leads throughout the grounds (except in the formal gardens), as well as throughout the countryside and farmland.
Quebec House – Welcome on short leads in the gardens.
Reigate Hill and Gatton Park – Dogs welcome, but must be kept on leads when livestock is grazing.
River Wey and Godalming Navigations and Dapdune Wharf – Welcome on leads at Dapdune Wharf and lock areas; welcome everywhere else when under control.
Runnymede and Ankerwycke – Dogs welcome, but must be kept on leads near livestock.
Winkworth Arboretum – Welcome on short leads.
Kent
Chartwell – Welcome on short leads in the garden and on the estate.
Emmetts Garden – Welcome on short leads in the gardens, and in the wider countryside.
Ightham Mote – Dogs are allowed on the cafe patio and in unticketed areas only.
Knole – Welcome in the parkland and courtyards, but must be kept on leads.
Scotney Castle – Welcome on leads in the garden and on the estate.
Sissinghurst Castle Garden – Welcome on leads in the estate.
Smallhythe Place – Dogs are allowed on leads in the grounds.
South Foreland Lighthouse – Dogs welcome in the grounds only.
The White Cliffs of Dover – Welcome, but must be kept under close control at all times.
London
Morden Hall Park – Dogs welcome on leads around the buildings, and on mown grass such as the rose garden. They just need to be kept within your sight everywhere else.
Osterley Park and House – Welcome on leads in the parkland, and within the designated off-lead area.
Cambridgeshire
Houghton Mill and Waterclose Meadows – All dogs welcome in the grounds on leads.
Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve – Welcome on leads in the reserve and in the visitor centre.
Wimpole Estate – Welcome on leads in the park and when near livestock.
Hertfordshire
Ashridge Estate – Dogs welcome, but must be kept under close control at all times.
Norfolk
Blakeney National Nature Reserve – Dogs welcome, but some restrictions are in place from April 1st to August 15th. Check in advance of travelling.
Blickling Estate – Welcome in the park and at the Farmyard cafe.
Brancaster Estate – Dogs welcome, although restrictions are in place on Brancaster Beach between May and September.
Felbrigg Hall, Gardens and Estate – Dogs welcome in the tea room, and must be on leads when near livestock in the wider estate. Only assistance dogs are allowed in the hall and gardens.
Horsey Windpump – All dogs welcome, but must be kept on leads near wildlife and livestock.
Oxburgh Hall – Dogs allowed on short leads in the gardens and wider countryside.
Sheringham Park – Dogs welcome at all times but must be kept under close control, and on leads when near livestock or any visitor facilities.
Essex
Bourne Mill – Welcome everywhere on leads.
Grange Barn – Welcome on leads in the grounds.
Hatfield Forest – Dogs welcome, but must be kept under close control at all times. They must be kept on leads around the lake area, on the boardwalk and when near livestock.
Paycocke’s House and Garden – Dogs are welcome in the garden on leads.
Bedfordshire
Dunstable Downs and the Whipsnade Estate – Dogs allowed, but must be kept under close control at all times, and on leads within the car park, and when near livestock or ground-nesting birds.
Suffolk
Dunwich Heath and Beach – Dogs welcome at all times, but must be kept on leads around the heath from March to August.
Flatford – Welcome at all times, but must be kept on leads around livestock.
Ickworth – Welcome on leads at all times, but only assistance dogs are allowed in the Italianate Garden.
Melford Hall – Dogs welcome on leads in the car park and on the park walk only.
Sutton Hoo – Dogs are welcome on leads within reception, the shop, cafe and on walks.
Lincolnshire
Belton House – Dogs welcome in the parkland and in the stableyard, but must be kept on leads.
Gunby Estate, Hall and Gardens – Welcome on leads in the gardens, courtyard tea room terrace and grounds.
Tattershall Castle – Dogs welcome on leads, but only within the grounds.
Derbyshire
Calke Abbey – Welcome on leads in the parkland and stable yards.
Hardwick – Dogs are allowed on leads in the Stableyard, Hardwick Park and in the car park.
Ilam Park, Dovedale and the White Peak – Dogs welcome, but must be kept under close control; and on leads during the spring and summer months, and when near livestock.
Kedleston Hall – Dogs are allowed in the park and in the Pleasure Grounds when on leads.
Kinder, Edale and the Dark Peak – Must be kept on leads when near livestock and throughout the spring and summer months.
Longshaw, Burbage and the Eastern Moors – To be kept on leads when near livestock and throughout the spring and summer months.
Northamptonshire
Canons Ashby – All dogs are allowed on leads in the car park, paddock, tea garden and parkland.
Lyveden – Welcome everywhere, but must be kept on leads.
Nottinghamshire
Clumber Park – Dogs are welcome at all times, but some restrictions are in place. Check before visiting. There’s an indoor refreshment area for dog walkers, as well as a downloadable guide of nearby doggie trails.
Shropshire
Attingham Park – Dogs are welcome in the grounds but must be kept on leads at all times.
Benthall Hall – Dogs allowed in the park and in the woodland.
Carding Mill Valley and the Long Mynd – Dogs welcome, but must be kept under close control and in sight at all times.
Sunnycroft – Welcome on leads within the grounds only.
Warwickshire
Baddesley Clinton – Dogs are welcome on leads in the car park and on public footpaths within the estate.
Charlecote Park – Dogs are allowed on a short lead, but you’ll need to head along a designated route when with dogs.
Packwood House – Dogs welcome along park footpaths and on the cafe terrace.
Herefordshire
Berrington Hall – Dogs are allowed within the parkland and in parts of the garden, but must be kept on the lead.
Brockhampton Estate – Dogs are welcome across the estate, but must be kept on leads within the grounds. There are dog waste bins available in all car parks.
Croft Castle and Parkland – Welcome on leads in the gardens, parkland and within the glazed area of the tea room.
Worcestershire
Clent Hills – All dogs welcome without restrictions.
Coughton Court – Dogs welcome on public footpaths, but must be kept on leads.
Croome – To be kept on a short fixed lead at all times.
The Firs (Birthplace of Edward Elgar) – Welcome on leads within the garden.
Greyfriars’ House and Garden – Welcome in the garden.
Hanbury Hall – Dogs are welcome on leads within the parkland and stableyard.
Staffordshire
Dudmaston – Welcome on leads within the orchard and parkland.
Kinver Edge and the Rock Houses – Allowed on leads within the grounds of the Rock Houses.
Moseley Old Hall – Welcome on leads in the garden and grounds.
Shugborough Estate – Allowed on leads in the formal gardens and across the parkland.
West Midlands
Wightwick Manor and Gardens – Welcome on leads in the gardens.
Cheshire
Alderley Edge and Cheshire Countryside – Dogs allowed under close control, and on leads when near livestock and ground-nesting birds.
Lyme – To be kept under close control within the park, and on leads when near livestock and vehicles. On selected days, dogs may be allowed in the garden, but this is at the discretion of the Manager.
Quarry Bank – Welcome under close control on the estate, and must be kept on leads in the garden, mill yard and meadow.
Tatton Park – To be kept on leads at the farm and under close control throughout the park.
Cumbria
Arnside and Silverdale – Welcome under control and on leads near grazing livestock.
Greater Manchester
Dunham Massey – Allowed on leads within the park.
Liverpool
Formby – Must be kept on leads along the Squirrel Walk and under close control everywhere else.
Speke Hall – Dogs are welcome on leads in the woodland and on signed estate walks.
Lancashire
Gawthorpe Hall – To be kept under close control within the grounds.
Rufford Old Hall – Welcome on leads within the courtyard and woodland only.
Lake District
Acorn Bank – Welcome in the woodland.
Aira Force and Ullswater – Welcome everywhere but must be kept on a lead.
Allan Bank and Grasmere – Welcome indoors and out, but must be kept on a lead.
Borrowdale and Derwent Water – Dogs are very welcome here, but must be kept under close control during lambing season.
Buttermere Valley – Welcome throughout the valley, but must be kept under close control during lambing season.
Claife Viewing Station and Windermere West Shore – Dogs allowed throughout the countryside, under close control.
Eskdale and Duddon Valley – Well-behaved dogs are welcome, but owners are recommended to follow local and seasonal guidance.
Fell Foot – Dogs welcome everywhere, but to be kept on leads.
Sizergh – Dogs welcome on estate footpaths, but must be kept on leads when near grazing livestock.
Stagshaw Garden and Ambleside – Welcome everywhere, but must be kept on a lead.
Steam Yacht Gondola – Dogs welcome in outside spaces.
Sticklebarn and The Langdales – Dogs welcome everywhere, inside and out, when on a lead.
Tarn Hows and Coniston – To be kept on leads throughout.
Wasdale – Well-behaved dogs are welcome, but owners are recommended to follow local and seasonal guidance.
Wordsworth House and Garden – Although dogs are only allowed in the front garden, the staff will give free biscuits to your pooch!
Wray Castle – Welcome on leads within the grounds.
Yorkshire
Beningbrough Hall, Gallery and Gardens – Dogs welcome on leads within the parkland.
Brimham Rocks – All dogs welcome, but to be kept on leads.
East Riddlesden Hall – Dogs welcome on the lower fields and by the riverside.
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden – Dogs welcome on leads. There are fresh water bowls available as well as dog-friendly eating areas outside the restaurant and tea rooms.
Goddards House and Garden – Welcome on leads in the garden.
Hardcastle Crags – To be kept under close control at all times.
Malham Tarn Estate – Welcome on leads throughout the estate.
Marsden Moor Estate – As above.
Nostell – Dogs allowed under close control, and on leads when requested, within the park.
Nunnington Hall – Welcome on leads within the garden.
Ormesby Hall – Welcome on leads in the parkland, courtyard and on the lawn.
Rievaulx Terrace – Welcome everywhere, but must be kept on leads.
Treasurer’s House, York – Welcome in the garden on leads.
Upper Wharfedale – To be kept on leads at all times.
Yorkshire Coast – To be kept on leads around livestock and at most events.
Northumberland
Allen Banks and Staward Gorge – Welcome everywhere, but must be kept under close control.
Cherryburn – Welcome on short leads within the garden and grounds.
Cragside – Allowed in all outside spaces on leads.
Hadrian’s Wall and Housesteads Fort – Welcome on leads.
Lindisfarne Castle – Welcome on leads.
Northumberland Coast – To be kept on leads at Long Nanny tern site, and some local restrictions may apply when visiting. Check before travelling.
Seaton Delaval Hall – Welcome on leads in all outdoor spaces.
Wallington – Welcome on leads in all outdoor spaces, and on walks.
Tyne & Wear
Gibside – Welcome on leads.
Souter Lighthouse and The Leas – Welcome on leads in all outdoor spaces.
Washington Old Hall – Welcome on leads within the garden.
Wales
Aberdulais Tin Works and Waterfall – Welcome on leads, even inside the buildings, except the Schoolhouse tea room.
Bodnant Garden – Dogs welcome daily from January to March, and from October to December. Throughout April to September, dogs are allowed on Wednesday evenings only.
Brecon Beacons – Welcome everywhere on leads.
Carneddau and Glyderau – Welcome, but to be kept on a lead at all times.
Cemlyn and the North Anglesey Coast – Welcome, but to be kept under close control when near livestock.
Chirk Castle – To be kept on leads, and are not allowed in the formal gardens or Pleasure Ground wood.
Colby Woodland Garden – Welcome on leads in the woodland garden and meadow.
Conwy Suspension Bridge – Allowed throughout.
Craflwyn and Beddgelert – To be kept on leads when near livestock.
Dinefwr – Welcome in the outer park on leads, but not allowed within the deer park.
Dolaucothi Gold Mines – Welcome on leads, but not on guided tours of the mines.
Dolmelynllyn Estate – Welcome at all times on leads.
Dyffryn Gardens – Allowed in the gardens on short leads.
Erddig – Welcome in the country park and tea garden, not within the house, garden, stables and play area.
Freshwater West and Gupton Farm – Dogs welcome under close control.
Hafod y Llan – To be kept on leads.
The Kymin – Dogs are allowed inside the Round House and in the grounds.
Llanbedrog Beach – Welcome at all times.
Llanerchaeron – Welcome on woodland walks and in the parkland, but must be kept on leads.
Marloes Sands and Mere – Dogs welcome under close control.
Martin’s Haven – As above.
Ogwen Cottage – Dogs welcome when on leads.
Pennard, Pwll Du and Bishopston Valley – Dogs welcome, but be mindful of roaming livestock.
Penrhyn Castle and Garden – Welcome on leads in the grounds only.
Plas Newydd House and Gardens – Must be kept on short leads, not allowed in the mansion and terraced gardens.
Plas yn Rhiw – Dogs are only allowed on woodland walks, and must be kept on leads.
Porth Meudwy – Welcome at all times.
Porth y Swnt – Dogs welcome but there are seasonal restrictions during the summer. Check before travelling.
Porthdinllaen – Welcome at all times.
Porthor – Dogs welcome but there are seasonal restrictions on the beach from April 1st to September 30th.
Rhossili and South Gower Coast – Dogs welcome, but must be kept on leads when around livestock. The beach is also dog-friendly year-round.
Southwood Estate – Welcome under close control.
Stackpole – Dogs welcome on the estate but must be kept under close control.
Tredegar House – Welcome in the parkland, formal gardens and even in the tea room.
Ty Mawr Wybrnant – Welcome, but must be kept under close control.
Northern Ireland
Ardress House – Welcome on leads in the garden only.
The Argory – Welcome on leads in the grounds and garden.
Carrick-a-Rede – Dogs are welcome on leads, but are not allowed to cross the bridge.
Castle Coole – Dogs welcome under control.
Castle Ward – Dogs to be kept on leads at all times.
Crom – Dogs welcome but must be kept under control at all times.
Divis and the Black Mountain – Dogs welcome, but watch for roaming cattle during the summer months.
Downhill Demesne and Hezlett House – Dogs to be kept on leads at all times.
Florence Court – Dogs welcome under control, and must be put on leads in the Walled Garden.
Giant’s Causeway – Dogs welcome on leads. Catch up on the legend of Giant’s Causeway here (kids love this story!)
Minnowburn – As above.
Mount Stewart – To be kept on short leads at all times.
The Mournes – To be kept under control and on leads throughout.
Murlough National Nature Reserve – Dogs on leads are welcome, but some restrictions apply when ground-nesting birds are breeding or when cattle is grazing. Enquire when visiting so you’re in the know.
Patterson’s Spade Mill – Welcome on leads.
Portstewart Strand – As above.
Rowallane Garden – Welcome on leads in the garden.
Springhill – Dogs are allowed in the grounds, but must be kept on leads.
White Park Bay – Welcome on leads.
Our Thoughts On The National Trust And Dogs
As you can see, the National Trust is really trying to become more dog friendly by allowing dogs inside the grounds of most places, within some formal gardens and even within some tea rooms.
We still feel like they could improve, but we also understand that they simply can’t afford to have dogs roaming free everywhere, especially when some places are the natural habitat of various animals or when the places are particularly historic.
Here’s hoping that responsible dog owners can continue to show the NT that dogs can be trusted at these beautiful places!
UPDATE: Looks like the National Trust have listened! They appointed a ‘Dog Officer’ last year to try to make the rules more consistent across their properties and to open up even more places for dog owners… great news!
What Does ‘Under Close Control’ Or ‘Under Control’ Really Mean?
Some National Trust places state that dogs are welcome, but must be kept under close control, either at all times, or when near to grazing livestock.
If you’re at all worried that your dog’s recall isn’t great, or that he or she has a habit of tearing around like a crazed dog without a care in the world sometimes, then you’d be best keeping them on a lead… just to be on the safe side.
The Most Dog Friendly National Trust Places
If you’re intent on seeking out the most dog friendly National Trust places, here are a few of my picks.
Dog Friendly Beaches
The following beaches run by the National Trust have very few, if any, restrictions in place, ensuring your dog can run along the beach to their heart’s content, at any time of the year.
- Bosveal
- Lantic Bay
- Lantivet Bay
- South Milton Sands
Dog Friendly Cafes and Tea Rooms
Each of these National Trust places offer your dog the chance to join you inside the on-site cafe or tea room… lovely!
- The Needles Batteries and Headland
- Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters (dogs are even allowed inside the shop and visitor centre!)
- Hatchlands Park
- Blickling Estate
- Croft Castle and Parkland
- Tredegar House
Are you after more dog friendly cafes in the UK? Check out this list of the top ten in the country!
Dog Friendly Bonuses
Here are a few bonus National Trust places that each offer something unique for dogs:
- Arlington Court and the National Trust Carriage Museum: Dogs are allowed inside the museum, enough said!
- Golden Cap: Absolutely no restrictions placed on dogs, so they can properly enjoy themselves across this entire estate.
- Godolphin: Although dogs must be kept on short leads in the woodlands, the availability of dog biscuits and water bowls makes up for it.
- Cheddar Gorge: The fact that dogs are allowed inside the shop is a perfect little bonus!
- Leith Hill Park: Dogs are allowed in some parts of the house here, which means you’ll both be able to take in some history together.
- Wordsworth House and Garden: Okay, so dogs are only allowed in the front garden and on leads. But we just love that they get free doggie biscuits!
- Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden: The addition of fresh water bowls and dog friendly eating areas is great news for dog owners!
We hope you’ve found this list of dog friendly National Trust places useful! Now that you know where both you and your dog will be welcomed with open arms, which National Trust property or place will be first on your list?
Need more National Trust in your life? Check out our other blog post!
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Just what I needed to read ahead of a little NT visit tomorrow. Such a great post and will be bookmarking for countless more visits.
Wow what a wonderful list! Good to know!
Buckland Abbey – Devon, dog friendly in the shop (doggie biscuits!), also in courtyard, which has outside sitting area adjacent to the cafe.
Wonderful, thank you for your comment Yvonne!
I’ll update the blog post now to highlight this extra info you’ve given 🙂
This is an awesome list. Well done at putting it all together. We’re based in Cornwall and walk regularly at some of the National Trust properties listed. The cliffs and beach at Bedruthan Steps are our favourites. You can walk for hours around here and never get bored. And it’s free and open for all dog walkers, not just National Trust members.
Thanks Josh! It took us a while to put it together but we’re glad people are finding it helpful 🙂
Good to know about the Bedruthan Steps. We haven’t yet made it there ourselves but it’s definitely on the list for when we’re next in the area! xoxo
Attingham Park in Shropshire has changed its policy to “dogs must be on short leads at all times”. Unfortunately your dog can only look at the lovely woodland and river from the end of his short lead now which in my opinion is no fun for anyone 🙁
Hi John,
Thanks for commenting to let us know about this. I’ve updated the blog post to reflect the changes.
That’s a real shame they’ve done that though! I wonder why? 🙁