Whether you and your canine companion prefer country estates, rolling parkland, leafy forests or wide-open coastline, National Trust properties provide the perfect balance of adventure, nature and dog-friendly facilities.
Our go-to for a great day out with the dog, there are plenty of pooch-friendly National Trust properties throughout the UK, and it’s easy to pick out the best from the pack using their paw-rating system. If you pick up a Pooch Passport on your next visit, each time you explore participating locations until 28 February 2025, you can collect stamps towards a special reward for Rover.Â
So, whether you’re planning and scenic walk to soak up the changing seasons, or a fun-packed day out in half term, here are five of our favourite National Trust places for autumn walkies with your dog.
Stourhead, Wiltshire
Stourhead’s world-famous landscape garden in Wiltshire is at its most magical when autumn casts its spell, and the fiery hues of the foliage are reflected in glassy waters hemmed by lawns and classical temples. Dogs are welcome in Stourhead’s countryside and enchanting gardens, and there are four great walks to choose from (taking around 1-3 hours). At this time of the year try the five-mile loop through woodlands to King Alfred’s Tower, believed to mark the site where Alfred the Great rallied his troops in 878. Then refuel in the café or the Spread Eagle Inn courtyard, where water bowls are on hand for thirsty hounds.
Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire
Bound through 3,800 acres of natural woodland – rustling leaves under paw and golden hues littering the canopies overhead – on an autumn dog walk at Clumber Park. Home to some of the most famous views in Nottinghamshire, don’t forget your camera to capture the heart-stopping views of autumn colours mirrored in the lake, before heading to the dedicated dog-friendly café – Central Bark – where you’ll find water bowls, treats and toys for dogs. A day out at Clumber Park isn’t just for dogs, there’s plenty for kids to see and do, too, with a woodland play park, discovery centre, sensory space, wildlife spotting and 50-things challenges.
Trelissick, Cornwall
Beyond Cornwall’s beaches, there are hundreds of acres of magical woodland where you can witness an explosion of red and golden canopies from October to mid-November. One of our favourite autumn woodland walks is at National Trust’s Trelissick, where a four-mile route tumbles through the estate to follow a leafy path along the River Fal. Arrive aboard the King Harry Ferry and join the wellie brigades wandering along tree-lined trails, climb knotted trunks of ancient trees, and tumble through the meadows into the deep-wooded valley at the edge of the water. Then head to the café for a cuppa and slice of homemade cake, along with dog biscuits and water bowls in the sheltered outdoor seating area.
Wallington, Northumberland
The rich and varied landscapes of Northumberland make it a breathtaking destination for a dog-friendly break in autumn. Imagine burbling rivers wending beneath towering orange canopies, endless rolling hills and blustery beach walks where beanies are essential. One of our favourite autumn walkies is at the National Trust’s Wallington, with its miles of woodland for waggy-tailed walks along the banks of the River Wansbeck. Here, you can scamper over stepping stones, snuffle through the undergrowth, then unwind in the Clocktower Café, where there’s plenty of outdoor seating and water bowls, as well as homemade dog treats for hungry hounds.
Winkworth Arboretum, Surrey
One of the National Trust’s three-pawprint properties, boasting the very best facilities for your four-legged friends, Winkworth bursts into colour in its autumn finery, when copper, gold and russet hues shower Wilfrid Fox’s visionary Surrey landscape. No wonder, then, that this is the most popular time of year to see the arboretum. Follow one of three routes with your hound at your heels, opting for an easygoing 1km trail or a steep and challenging 3.6km loop, before rewarding yourself and your canine companion with a treat in the tearoom.Â
Explore The UK From A Dog-Friendly Cottage This Autumn
Use our handy search filters to book your dog-friendly cottage close to some of the best National Trust properties for autumn walks.
