Planning a fun day out for both dogs and their owners isn’t always easy. Many heritage sites have restrictions to protect wildlife and historic features. Fortunately, there are some dog-friendly National Trust properties where your furry friend is welcome.
Below are some of our favourite properties for dog-friendly days out, all within easy reach of dog-friendly holiday cottages.
Mar Lodge Estate – An Idyllic Scottish Retreat for Dogs and Owners
Located in the Cairngorms National Park, Mar Lodge Estate spans 72,000 acres of breathtaking Scottish scenery. This property offers a variety of highland walks for dogs and owners, from gentle woodland strolls to challenging hikes across the hills.
Unlike traditional National Trust properties, Mar Lodge Estate is less about stately homes and formal gardens. Visitors are drawn to the rugged and wild countryside, which includes:
- Heather moorland and rough juniper scrub
- Ancient Caledonian pine forests
- 15 Munros, including four of the five highest mountains in the UK
On the lower woodland walks, you may spot red squirrels, and along riverside paths in Glens Quoich and Lui, it’s possible to encounter the estate’s famous red deer.
Dog-Friendly Highlights
- Linn of Dee and Linn of Quoich: Perfect spots for dogs, with car parks located on the unclassified road behind the lodge.
- Varied terrain: From riverside walks to moorland hikes, your dog will love exploring this unspoilt landscape.
Explore a Dog-Friendly Stately Home in Cheshire
If you’re looking for a dog-friendly stately home in the North West of England, Lyme Park in Cheshire is an excellent choice. This historic property is surrounded by beautiful gardens, a deer park, and expansive moorland, making it perfect for dog walks. Dogs are welcome throughout the park, as long as they are respectful of the resident herds of red and fallow deer.
Why Lyme Park is Ideal for Dog Walks
The 1,300-acre estate now allows dogs to roam freely across the grounds. In 2014, the National Trust updated its policy to be more inclusive, permitting pets in the gardens at certain times of the year. Currently, dogs are welcome in the gardens on the second weekend of each month.
Dog-Friendly Facilities
Water bowls are available at the on-site information centre, located near the Timber Yard Café, to keep your pets hydrated during your visit.
Go for a Dog-Friendly Day Out in Dorset
Coastal areas often have restrictions for dogs to protect local wildlife, requiring pets to be kept on a lead. Studland Beach in Dorset is an exception, offering a completely dog-friendly environment from October to April, making it the perfect destination for a dog-friendly beach dayin Dorset.
Why Studland Beach is Ideal for Dog Walks
Studland Beach is not only welcoming for dogs but also provides plenty of space for them to explore and play. The wider Purbeck Peninsula features:
- Vast stretches of countryside
- Rocky coastlines and sandy beaches
- Scratchy heathland for adventurous walks
The four-mile beach shelves gently into the sea, making it safe for dogs to splash around in the waves and enjoy some exercise.
Dog-Friendly Facilities
The area around Studland Beach includes a number of scenic trails, such as the Purbeck Way and the South West Coast Path, perfect for dog walks with views of the coastline. Dog bins and free dog waste bags are positioned on the beach and surrounding areas, making it easy to keep the area clean. Water bowls are available at Knoll Beach, Middle Beach, and South Beach, ensuring your pet stays hydrated during your visit.
Studland Beach is ideal for dog-friendly days out in Dorset, combining natural beauty, coastal walks, and facilities to accommodate pets.
Walk the Dog in Wallington, Northumberland
Wallington Estate in Northumberland is a popular destination for dog walkers, offering plenty of space for pets to explore. Covering 13,000 acres, the estate has a variety of landscapes, but the informal grounds surrounding the main house are particularly well-suited for canine adventures.
Once owned by the Trevelyan family, Wallington Estate reflects a deep love of nature. The grounds include:
- Lawns and lakes
- Woodland and parkland
- Farmland and riverside paths
These areas provide a stimulating environment for dogs, full of interesting sights and scents. Woodland and river walks are especially popular, including stepping stones across the River Wansbeck, followed by a stroll through the walled garden. For more energetic dogs and owners, the estate offers challenging six-mile walks across the wider grounds.
Why Wallington is Ideal for Dog Walks
- Extensive informal grounds perfect for dogs to explore
- Variety of terrain including woodland, river, and parkland
- Trails suitable for short walks or longer hikes
Wallington Estate is a top choice for dog-friendly National Trust visits in Northumberland, combining historic charm with outdoor adventure.
image: National Trust Images/John Millar
Enjoy the Sights of Dog-Friendly Lyveden
Lyveden in Northamptonshire is one of the most dog-friendly National Trust properties in the area. Located near Oundle, this historic estate features a 17th-century Elizabethan manor that, although never fully completed, has remained unchanged since 1605.
Why Lyveden Ideal for Dog Walks
The estate’s gardens are among the oldest in the country and offer a variety of areas for dogs to explore. You can wander along spiral mounts, stroll by the moat, and discover the orchard. For longer walks, try the woodland paths or follow the Lyveden Way, both of which provide a great opportunity to stretch your legs while enjoying scenic surroundings.
Dog-Friendly Facilities
While dogs are not permitted inside the tea room, there are tie-up spots and water bowls available in the garden, making it easy to include your pet during your visit. Most of the estate is accessible to dogs, ensuring they can enjoy the grounds alongside you.
Lyveden is an ideal destination for dog owners seeking a combination of history, gardens, and countryside walks.
Dog Days at Dunster Castle in Somerset
Dunster Castle in Somerset has a history dating back to Norman times. Today, visitors can explore the medieval gatehouse and the ruined tower while enjoying views of the Bristol Channel and the moors of Exmoor.
Dog-Friendly Grounds at Dunster Castle
While dogs are not allowed inside the historic castle itself, they are welcome throughout the estate’s gardens and grounds. The property offers a variety of areas to explore, including:
- The Mediterranean Garden
- River Gardens (the River Anvil provides an ideal spot for dogs to cool off)
For those looking for walks, there is a one-mile route as well as woodland and parkland paths perfect for a leisurely romp. Dogs can also accompany owners to the shop, stables, and the Water Mill tea room, where outdoor seating is dog-friendly.
Dunster Castle is an excellent choice for dog owners seeking a mix of history, gardens, and outdoor walks in Somerset. For more information about visiting this dog-friendly National Trust property, visit the National Trust website.
Dog-Friendly Adventures at National Trust Cornwall
Cornwall is an ideal destination for exploring with dogs, offering miles of empty beaches and long countryside walks for both two- and four-legged visitors. Among the county’s many National Trust properties, Lanhydrock stands out as a top choice for dog-friendly visits.
Explore Lanhydrock with Your Dog
Lanhydrock is a Victorian house set within extensive gardens and a wooded estate. Dogs can enjoy roaming the ancient woodlands, following riverside paths, and exploring off-road trails across the property. The estate provides plenty of dog bins and water bowls, making it easy to keep your pet comfortable during a walk.
Dog-Friendly Facilities at Lanhydrock
Dogs are welcome throughout the woodland and in the Stables courtyard, where they can enjoy a drink and a treat at the Park Café or Stables tea rooms. Only guide dogs are permitted inside the house and formal gardens.
Lanhydrock is a perfect choice for a dog-friendly National Trust day out in Cornwall, combining scenic walks, woodland exploration, and pet-friendly facilities.
Tranquil National Trust Woodland in the Cotswolds
The Cotswolds offer plenty of opportunities for dog walks and cozy stops by the fire after a long stroll. One highly recommended dog-friendly National Trust property is Woodchester Park, located near Stonehouse on the western side of the Cotswolds.
Explore Woodchester Park with Your Dog
Woodchester Park is a historic landscape park featuring the remains of 18th- and 19th-century design, including a chain of five lakes. The woodland contains fascinating features:
- Old boat house
- Disused quarry
- Unfinished Victorian mansion
- Tranquil woodland paths
Dog-Friendly Visits at Woodchester Park
Well-behaved dogs are welcome at Woodchester Park, which receives thousands of canine visitors each year. Dogs should be kept on a lead at all times to protect livestock and local wildlife, ensuring a safe and enjoyable visit for everyone.
Woodchester Park is an ideal choice for a dog-friendly National Trust walk in the Cotswolds, combining history, scenic woodland paths, and a peaceful setting.
Sheffield Park: A Dog-Friendly National Trust Site in Sussex
Sheffield Park in Sussex is an excellent destination for a day out with dogs. The estate features:
- Beautiful garden centred around four lakes
- Glades
- Wooded areas
- Large open spaces
- Acres of parkland
- The scenic Walk Wood
Explore Sheffield Park with Your Dog
Walking the gardens and estate allows visitors to see the influence of the many owners who have shaped Sheffield Park over the years. Dogs can enjoy roaming through the parkland, wooded areas, and Walk Wood, making it a perfect destination for a dog-friendly outing in Sussex.
Dog-Friendly Facilities at Sheffield Park
Dogs are welcome in the gardens, parkland, Walk Wood, as well as in the shop and the Garden Room at the Coach House. With accessible paths and scenic trails, Sheffield Park is ideal for both casual strolls and longer walks with your dog.
Stay Longer in a Rural Retreats National Trust Dog-Friendly Cottage
The National Trust dog-friendly locations above are perfect for a day out, but for a longer break, you can stay at some of Rural Retreats’ dog-friendly cottages. These cottages provide a cozy base for exploring nearby estates and gardens with your pet.
Bryn Derw, located in Conwy near Bodnant Garden, is a charming dog-friendly cottage with an enclosed garden. The historic Bodnant Garden is just a short walk away and open throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy highlights such as the laburnum arch, Italianate terraces, waterfalls, and a beautiful collection of plants.
After exploring the gardens, Bryn Derw offers a comfortable retreat with a roaring fire, French doors opening onto tranquil grounds, and a cozy cottage atmosphere. It’s the perfect place for both you and your dog to relax after a full day of walking and sightseeing.
Also in North Wales, Bryn Rhydd provides another excellent choice for dog owners looking to stay near National Trust properties. Like Bryn Derw, it offers a welcoming environment for pets, easy access to scenic walks, and all the comforts of a home-away-from-home.
Staying at Rural Retreats’ dog-friendly cottages makes it easy to combine a relaxing stay with visits to National Trust estates and gardens across the UK, creating the ultimate getaway for dog lovers.
Cumbria offers stunning scenery for a dog-friendly holiday, and Wythburn Cottage is the perfect base. This charming cottage features a secure garden, ensuring your dog can enjoy the outdoors safely while you relax in comfort.
Explore the Surroundings
Wythburn Cottage is located in the secluded grounds of the family-owned Blencowe Hall estate, placing you near one of the National Trust’s most popular sites, the Aira Force waterfall. The surrounding area offers plenty of scenic walks for you and your dog, making it an ideal location for a nature-filled getaway.
Comfort and Features of Wythburn Cottage
The cottage itself is award-winning, with a cathedral-ceilinged kitchen, cast iron fire, underfloor heating, and inviting décor. It provides a cozy and stylish retreat, perfect for relaxing after a day exploring Cumbria’s countryside and National Trust sites with your dog.
Wythburn Cottage combines scenic surroundings, dog-friendly features, and comfort, making it a top choice for a National Trust holiday in Cumbria.
Dog-Friendly Holidays with Rural Retreats
At Rural Retreats, we offer an extensive selection of dog-friendly holiday cottages across the UK. Whether you want a cozy cottage near National Trust properties or a scenic rural escape, our dog-friendly accommodations provide the perfect base for exploring with your pet. You can also learn more about what makes an ideal dog-friendly property to ensure a comfortable stay for all members of your family, including your four-legged friends.
Discover our collection of of dog-friendly properties here.
Are National Trust Properties Dog Friendly?
Not all National Trust properties allow dogs. Houses, mansions, castles, and similar historic buildings usually restrict pets to help preserve delicate features. However, many National Trust estates have expansive outdoor spaces, including gardens, parkland, and woodland, where dogs are welcome to walk on- or off-lead. Assistance dogs are permitted in all National Trust houses, restaurants, and shops.
Are Dogs Allowed in National Trust Gardens?
Dogs are welcome in the majority of National Trust gardens and parks, providing excellent opportunities for dog-friendly walks through some of the UK’s most beautiful countryside. In certain areas, dogs may need to remain on a lead to protect wildlife and livestock. Many properties provide shaded parking, water and drinking bowls, dog waste bags and bins, or hitching posts, making it easier for dog owners to enjoy a visit. Always check the specific details for your chosen site before you go.