Dog-friendly days out around the UK
The National Trust and English Heritage sites which welcome four-legged friends
I love a day out at one of the nation’s historic sites – whether it’s a National Trust property, English Heritage location, or family-run.
However, nobody wants to plod round a historic house or garden feeling afraid to bring their dog or child. So, it’s great news the National Trust has a whole list of dog-friendly locations, as does English Heritage.
The National Trust recently launched its Dog Welcome Project with a pawprint rating system so you can see which venues are the most-welcoming to dogs. Visit nationaltrust.org.uk for more. Similarly, English Heritage has a special section online dedicated to dog-friendly places. Visit english-heritage.org.uk.
Here’s my pick of seven sensational doggy days out, around the country:
Allan Bank and Grasmere, Cumbria
William Wordsworth said Grasmere was, “the loveliest spot that man hath ever found,” and it’s a hard agree from me. Allan Bank is a villa which is now a gallery and portal to the surrounding landscape. Home to both Wordsworth and National Trust founder Canon Rawnsley, you can tour the villa and explore the grounds, as dogs are welcome everywhere. Then take a wander over to Grasmere, the most famous village in the Lake District.
Visit nationaltrust.org.uk.
Marble Hill, London
Everyone – including your dog – will enjoy a day out at Marble Hill in Twickenham, a favourite destination of the British Travel List’s family. The Palladian villa is a free museum and inside you can see what Georgian life was like, plus displays about its former owner, Henrietta Howard. It’s surrounded by 66 acres of beautiful river parkland, with a playground and family trail. Dogs are welcome in the café, in designated areas.
Visit english-heritage.org.uk.
Lanhydrock, Cornwall
I loved Lanhydrock, near Fowey in Cornwall, when I visited. It’s a huge Victorian country house, with stunning gardens, including a magical little thatched cottage set within them, like a fairy tale. There are more than 900 acres of woodlands and heath and dogs can go everywhere except in the house and formal garden, including inside the Stables tea-rooms and The Park Café. There are also dog-bathing areas in the river.
Visit nationaltrust.org.uk.
Audley End House and Gardens, Essex
One of the grandest mansions in the country, with gardens designed by Capability Brown, the sprawling Audley End House is a lovely day out. With working stables and an upstairs/downstairs living history tour, there’s something for all the family, as well as your fur baby. Wander around the grounds and visit the dog-friendly Cart Yard Café by the playground.
Visit english-heritage.org.uk.
Tredegar House, Newport
Over in Newport, Wales, dog-lovers will like the 17th century Tredegar House and its 90 acres of gardens and parkland. There are formal gardens, a wider estate and lovely lakeside walk. Dogs are allowed all over, even the formal gardens, on a lead. There are dog-friendly areas in the Brewhouse Café, which even sells canine ice-cream.
Visit nationaltrust.org.uk.
Whitby Abbey, North Yorkshire
Take your dog to the seaside, with a visit to Whitby Abbey. The glorious Gothic ruins are a sight to behold, as they gaze out to sea, on the Whitby headland. The site famously inspired Bram Stoker to write Dracula. You can wander through the ruins with your dog on a lead and tour the visitor’s centre and museum. There are lots of family activities on throughout the year, too.
Visit english-heritage.org.uk.
Chartwell, Kent
Ah, beautiful Chartwell, in my neck of the woods. Famous as the home of Winston and Clementine Churchill, this popular National Trust property pulls in the crowds. The gardens and wider estate are just as fascinating as the museum-like interiors and dogs are welcome on leads in all outdoor areas, including the walled garden. The estate has lots of trails, play areas and woodland and dogs can run free there as long as there is no livestock.
Visit nationaltrust.org.uk.