The most dog-friendly National Trust properties to visit
Date published: 29 Oct 2025
Finding dog friendly National Trust places can feel like striking gold – the sort of days out where both you and your four-legged companion get to stretch your legs, sniff the fresh air and soak up a little history along the way. Thankfully, the National Trust is home to hundreds of sprawling estates, gardens and wild landscapes where wagging tails are not only welcome but positively encouraged.
From windswept beaches to grand country piles, these spots prove that the National Trust isn’t just about velvet ropes and stately drawing rooms. Many of its properties now have water bowls, dog-friendly cafés and miles of trails designed for muddy paws. Whether you’re in the mood for a gentle garden stroll or a full-blown hike, there’s something for every breed of adventurer.
We’ve rounded up some of our favourite National Trust gems that promise the perfect mix of heritage, scenery and space to roam. So pack the leads, grab the treats and prepare for a grand day out – proof that Britain’s best walks sometimes come with a side of history.
Lanhydrock, Cornwall
This gorgeous Victorian estate is heaven for dogs – miles of woodland trails, riverside paths and rolling parkland to run off that Cornish energy. You’ll find shady forests, open meadows and enough new scents to keep tails wagging for hours.
Dogs are welcome across the wider estate and in the Stables courtyard, where the café serves biscuits, water bowls and (for humans) excellent coffee and cake. Inside the house is for people only, but outdoors? It’s pure paradise for pups.
Lyme Park, Cheshire
Once famous as Mr Darcy’s mansion in Pride and Prejudice, Lyme Park is now a top pick for proud dog parents. The 1,300-acre estate is an explorer’s dream – all lakeside paths, wild moorland and open grass perfect for stretching legs.
Keep an eye out for elegant herds of red and fallow deer as you wander. Dogs can join you throughout the park, with special dog days giving them garden access too. Expect grand views, fresh air and one seriously happy hound.
Mar Lodge Estate, Aberdeenshire
Set deep in the Cairngorms, Mar Lodge Estate swaps manicured lawns for wild Scottish grandeur. This 72,000-acre wonderland is packed with pine forests, tumbling rivers and mountain trails where red deer and squirrels are your likely company. Favourites include the Linn of Dee and Linn of Quoich routes – perfect for off-lead exploring.
It’s a rugged, elemental landscape that dogs absolutely adore (and humans do too, once they’ve caught their breath). Don’t forget your walking boots – and maybe a towel.
Belton House, Lincolnshire
Grand, green and gloriously dog-friendly, Belton House is the kind of estate that makes both owners and pups feel posh. Explore sweeping parkland dotted with lakes, ancient trees and a few curious deer.
While the house is human-only, there’s acres to sniff out and plenty of room to roam. When paws get tired, hit the Stables Café for refreshments – and yes, they even serve dog ice cream. A stately day out with a wagging twist.
Wallington, Northumberland
Wallington is everything a dog-friendly day out should be – huge, varied and full of surprises. The 13,000-acre estate has wooded valleys, open parkland and riverside trails that promise plenty of new smells and splashes.
The stepping stones across the River Wansbeck are a firm favourite, as are the shady walled gardens and picnic-perfect lawns. Whether your dog’s a sniffer, a sprinter or a stroller, they’ll find their stride here.
Plas Newydd House & Gardens, Anglesey
Overlooking the Menai Strait, Plas Newydd offers some of the best coastal views in Wales – and plenty of space for furry friends to enjoy them.
Dogs on leads can wander through rhododendron-filled gardens, explore woodland trails and stop at the dog-friendly café for a water bowl and a Welsh cake or two. Keep watch for red squirrels darting through the trees and Snowdonia’s peaks glittering across the water.
Ickworth Estate, Suffolk
Grand yet wonderfully relaxed, Ickworth is a country escape for stylish dogs. Stroll through rolling parkland for postcard views of the Italianate palace, then swing by the dog-friendly Porter’s Lodge Café, where beds, blankets and even dog muffins await.
The woodland trails are perfect for long, sniff-filled walks, and there’s space aplenty for a proper run. It’s Suffolk serenity with an indulgent twist.
Tredegar House, Newport
Elegant but never stuffy, Tredegar House is a joy for dogs. Beyond the gilded mansion lies acres of parkland, gardens and lakeside paths where four-legged explorers can roam off-lead.
The orangeries are picture-perfect, and there’s even a second-hand bookshop where dogs are welcome to browse (or nap) while you shop. Round things off with a cream tea at the dog-friendly café – tails will be wagging.
Dunster Castle, Somerset
Few National Trust estates balance history and walkies quite like Dunster. Dogs can’t enter the medieval castle, but the surrounding gardens, woodland and riverside paths make up for it.
The River Anvil offers an ideal paddling spot, and the terraced gardens are full of new scents to explore. The views across Exmoor are spectacular – especially from the tearoom’s outdoor seating with a scone in hand and a tired dog at your feet.
Culzean Castle, Ayrshire
With its turrets, cliff-top paths and sea views, Culzean Castle feels like something from a fairy tale – and dogs get a starring role. They’re welcome on-lead in the walled garden and can run wild through the surrounding country park’s woodland and lakeside trails.
In the past, the estate hosted an annual dog jamboree offering everything from obstacle courses to rosette-winning contests – keep an eye out as if that returns, it will be popular (and busy). Regardless, Culzean is Scotland’s grandest walkies destination.
You know what pairs well with a visit to a National Trust property? Our dog-friendly holiday cottages with hot tubs. These are perfect for unwinding after a day being dragged around those gardens and woodland walks by the lead!
Meet the author
Ian LewisIan's worked in travel for over 15 years and has written about destinations across the whole of the UK (and beyond). He loves all kinds of getaways with every member of the family on two legs or four, seeking out the more unique and interesting properties wherever he can.
