The UK is home to hundreds of historic properties, woodlands and gardens cared for by the National Trust, many which are a great fail-safe for owners looking for spots to visit with their four-legged-friend. Out of the 426 dog-friendly locations, the main contenders offer access to most areas, clearly signed dog zones and some even provide dog-friendly experiences.
To make planning a day out easier, the National Trust uses a “pawprint rating” system, indicating how dog-friendly each property is. Three pawprints represent the most dog-friendly locations with extensive access and facilities, while one or two pawprints mean dogs are welcome in selected areas.
Dog Friendly Retreats have looked into the top 12 choices that give you and your dog access to these stunning walks and landscapes, along with details on where they’re allowed to roam and the cost of visiting. All of the destinations below are spread across the UK and hold a National Trust pawprint rating of three.
1. Belton Estate, Lincolnshire
Based in Lincolnshire, Belton Estate is one of the most dog-friendly National Trust properties in England and allows dogs to access most outdoor areas. Four-legged visitors are welcome in the gardens, 1,300 acres of parkland and courtyard areas. Dog owners can also pause for a spot of lunch inside The Stables cafe on-site.
Dog walkers can follow trails across the estate to look out for Belton’s other four-legged residents, a herd of fallow deer. The estate also hosts the monthly Belton Dog Walk, which is a 3.7km circular route, walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are recommended.
Ticket prices: Adult – £23.10, Child (5-17yrs) – £11.60, Under 5’s – free
Dog access: Gardens, parkland and courtyard areas (on lead)
2. Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire
The stunning countryside estate, Clumber Park, where dogs are welcome across the park’s vast 3,800 acres of parkland, woodland trails and lakeside walks, meaning this is a great option for dog owners and their companions for a longer route to take. Lead restrictions do apply in wildlife areas, where livestock roam and in busy areas.
Located between the walled garden and cricket ground, visitors can also stop off at Clumber Park’s dog-friendly cafe, Central Bark. Here dogs are welcome indoors and have access to water bowls and treats after a long walk. The estate hosts regular dog-focused events including a Weekly Dog Walk every Wednesday, as well as the Monthly Dog Walk on the first Sunday of each month, both starting from the café.
Ticket prices: Adult – £7.20, Child (5-17yrs) – £3.60, Under 5’s – free
Dog access: Parkland, woodland trails and lakeside walks (lead required in some areas)
3. Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, North Yorkshire
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden is one of the most stunning landscapes cared for by the National Trust in Yorkshire. Dogs on a short lead are welcome throughout the vast parkland, riverside paths and woodland trails.
Visitors can explore the abbey ruins of this World Heritage Site before following a scenic walking route through the deer park and alongside the River Skell. It’s an ideal day out location for longer walks. Dogs also have access to the main visitor centre and restaurant, but are restricted from the Studley tea-room, Fountains Hall, and the children’s play area.
Ticket prices: Adult – £23.10, Child (5-17yrs) – £11.60, Under 5’s – free
Dog access: Parkland, woodland walks and riverside trails (on lead)
4. Hardwick, Derbyshire
Four-legged visitors are welcome throughout the walking routes of scenic countryside at Hardwick Hall Estate in Derbyshire. Home to a number of grazing livestock, dogs must be kept on a lead for this reason. Dog walkers can follow trails across the wider estate while enjoying views of the impressive historic hall.
After a walk, visitors can stop at the café stables area where dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating areas. For dog owners, it is recommended to purchase the Wider-Estate and Stableyard ticket as opposed to the House & Garden ticket as there is restricted access for dogs in the hall itself and formal gardens.
Ticket prices: Adult – £6.00, Child (5-17yrs) – £3.00, Under 5’s – free
Dog access: Parkland and estate walking routes (on lead)
5. Wimpole Estate, Cambridgeshire
One of the largest estates in the National Trust, Wimpole Estate in Cambridgeshire is the perfect destination for dog walkers as there is an extensive number of routes to choose from and dogs are welcome across most outdoor areas. Four-legged visitors can explore the entire estate’s 3,000 acres.
Dog owners can stop at the on-site Stables Café where dogs are welcome at designated indoor and outdoor seating areas. Dogs are restricted from accessing the historic house and gardens, however are welcome at the weekly Wednesday guided nature walks, hosted at 11am to explore the 500 acres of parkland and farmland.
Ticket prices: Adult – £23.10, Child (5-17yrs) – £11.60, Under 5’s – free
Dog access: Parkland, woodland trails and estate walks (on lead)
6. Formby, Merseyside
Formby is a coastal National Trust site known for its impressive sand dunes, pine woodlands and long sandy beach. Dogs can explore the site, and are welcome in the numerous dog-friendly cafes and pubs along the different routes.
Dog walkers can wander through pine woodland before heading down to the beach for a coastal stroll. The surrounding nature reserve is also home to red squirrels, making it a popular destination for wildlife spotting along the trails, however dogs need to be kept on a lead along the Squirrel Walk. A perfect day out for the family and not far from Formby itself.
Ticket prices: Adult – free entry (parking charges apply), Child – free entry
Dog access: Beach, dunes and woodland trails (lead required in some areas)
7. Studland Bay, Dorset
Located in Dorset, Studland Bay offers four miles of scenic coastal walking routes. Dogs are welcome across the sandy beach as well as the surrounding heathland paths and dunes all year round, however are only allowed off-lead at Studland beach between October to April and in the dunes and heathland between August to February.
This site, donated to the National Trust in 1981 often hosts educational trails to teach visitors about the site’s WWII history, which dogs are welcome at.
Ticket prices: Adult – free entry (parking charges apply), Child – free entry
Dog access: Beach walks, dunes and heathland trails (seasonal lead restrictions)
8. Stackpole Estate, Pembrokeshire, Wales
One of the most scenic dog-friendly landscapes in Wales, in at number 8 is Stackpole Estate. Dogs are welcome throughout the 3,000 acre estate, including parkland, woodland trails and coastal walking routes.
Visitors can explore the famous Bosherston Lily Ponds before continuing towards Broad Haven South beach. With its mix of countryside, woodland and coastline, the estate offers plenty of variety for longer dog walks. The Boathouse Tea-Room welcomes dogs inside and out, plus there are water bowls outside every toilet block and plenty of bins for dog waste across the estate.
Owners should be aware that there are lots of livestock and wildlife animals across the estate, so dogs should be kept under control and on a lead if necessary.
Ticket prices: Adult – free entry (parking charges apply), Child – free entry
Dog access: Woodland walks, parkland and coastal trails (lead required in some areas)
9. Dinefwr Park and Castle, Carmarthenshire, Wales
Dinefwr Park and Castle offers a peaceful countryside setting for dog walkers. Dogs on leads are welcome throughout the estate’s 800 acre parklands and woodland trails. Dogs are to be kept on a short lead at all times, due to the roaming livestock and are restricted from entering the medieval deer park and boardwalk.
Furry-friends have access to the onsite cafe situated on the ground floor of Newton House, a 17th-century manor, where there is also a quaint little book shop located.
Ticket prices: Adult – £13.20, Child (5-17yrs) – £6.60, Under 5’s – free
Dog access: Parkland and woodland walking routes (on lead)
10. Castle Ward, County Down, Northern Ireland
Next, Castle Ward is a unique estate set on the shores of Strangford Lough. Home to an 18th century mansion, dogs are welcome to walk the six trails hosting different levels of difficulty. Families can enjoy nature and wildlife spotting before strolling past the Clock Tower, used famously in a backdrop in Game of Thrones. All before stopping at The Stableyard Tea-Rooms where dogs are welcome on a lead.
There is also a designated off-lead dog exercise field near the main carpark, making this a popular destination for dog owners in Northern Ireland.
Ticket prices: Adult – £16.50, Child (5-17yrs) – £8.30, Under 5’s – free
Dog access: Parkland, woodland trails and lakeside walks (on lead)
11. Trelissick, Cornwall
Dogs on leads are welcome throughout Trelissick, including the estate’s woodland garden and diverse countryside surrounded by River Fal.
Trelissick boasts one of the National Trust’s most relaxing days out with a dog. Dog-friendly zones are outlined, water bowls are provided in the cafe courtyard and there is access inside and outside the cafe to allow owners to enjoy a spot of lunch before taking a stroll by the Trelissick House.
Ticket prices: Adult – £19.80, Child (5-17yrs) – £9.90, Under 5’s – free
Dog access: Gardens, woodland trails and parkland (on lead)
12. Killerton Estate, Devon
Acres of countryside at Killerton Estate are waiting to be explored with a dog. The estate is home to parkland, woods and specific trails like “Plains Walk” where dogs can exercise off the lead when it is safe to do so. Restrictions apply for dogs at the house, fashion exhibition, play park, chapel and garden, however there is something there for all of the family to enjoy.
Visitors can stop at The Stables Coffee Shop where dogs are welcome inside and in the outdoor seating area. With access to water bowls at the cafe, Killerton even has a designated rinsing station for dogs in the car park.
Ticket prices: Adult – £19.80, Child (5-17yrs) – £9.90, Under 5’s – free
Dog access: Parkland, woodland trails and countryside walks (on lead)
After exploring these dog friendly National Trust locations, why not turn your day trip into a longer break? At Dog Friendly Retreats, you’ll find plenty of dog friendly cottages near these locations where your four-legged companion is just as welcome as you are. Take a look at our dog-friendly cottages and start planning your next escape today!
