Dog friendly heritage attractions

Are you caught up with the adventures of the Hudsons and their dog Dinky? If you’ve been keeping up with what they’re doing this year in their quest to visit as many heritage attractions as possible, you might have noticed that their dog Dinky has been coming along on several of their days out. If you too are a dog owner, you’ll know that finding places where they are also welcome can be stressful so we’ve put together some of our favourite dog friendly heritage attractions, so you and your furry friends can enjoy a day out together.

Dog friendly heritage attractions in England

For those of you exploring England’s heritage, there are several dog friendly places you can visit. Places that are managed by the National Trust are generally dog friendly, though make sure to check with the individual properties for their policies and of course, lots of UNESCO World Heritage sites, like the city of Bath are public spaces where you are welcome to bring your dog.

In Macclesfield is Adlington Hall which happily welcomes dogs on a lead around the gardens which consist of a Lime walk which was planted in 1688 and a Regency rockery, both of which are fascinating places to walk around, whatever the season. Dogs aren’t permitted inside the home, which has been the family home of the Leghs since the 1300s, but with 60 acres to explore, you’ll have plenty to discover without heading into the house itself.

Further north in Leeds, you’ll find Lotherton,  a country estate with a Wildlife World Zoo on site. As an Edwardian estate, there is plenty of heritage to be found here, including expansive grounds and gardens with lots of lovely walking spots. Dogs are welcome in all the outdoor areas at Lotherton, except the zoo and the playground areas, they are also welcome to go off lead in the parkland, woodland and boundary trail – as long as they are well behaved. Dogs are so welcome in fact that you’ll find water bowls all over the estate, this love of dogs stems back to former owner Lady Gascoigne who was a devoted dog owner and rehomed many strays during her life. She even took them with her when travelling abroad and often ended up bringing several more back with her!

On the Welsh border in Shopshire there is Ludlow Castle, one of the most prominent royal castles in history. Initially a Norman Fortress and extended over the centuries to become a royal palace, Ludlow Castle was home to Prince Arthur and Catherine of Aragon before his death and her subsequent marriage to King Henry VIII. Dogs are welcome in the castle and the café courtyard as long as they are kept on a lead and you’ll find that dogs are well looked after here.

In Cornwall at Boconnoc House, dogs are welcome in the downstairs of the house and throughout the estate. Those of you who are planning to stay there will also be interested to know that all the properties are dog friendly with an additional charge.

If country houses aren’t really your scene, visit Amberley Museum near Arundel in West Sussex. The museum is dog friendly and welcome dogs in all exhibition buildings, as well as the café and the bus, you just need to make sure your dogs are kept on a short lead. The museum is perfect for anyone wanting to find out more about Sussex’s industrial and rural heritage, there are over 40 different exhibits to discover, so there’s plenty to enjoy.

Dog friendly heritage attractions in Scotland

If you’re in Scotland, one of the top places to visit has to be the home of Sir Walter Scott. Abbotsford is one of Scotland’s most fascinating places and can be found in the Scottish Borders. Though we’re sure your dogs aren’t familiar with Scott or his writings, dogs are welcome to explore the walks in the formal gardens and woodlands, as long as they are kept on leads.

Want to know more about dog friendly heritage properties around the UK? Click here for more information.