Travel Guides

Dog-Friendly Days Out

We love dogs as much as you do, so there's no reason to leave your furry friend at home. We've got lots of options for dog-friendly days out at our castles, abbeys and historic gardens. Scroll down to discover the historic places where you can take your pet on an adventure that will really get their tails wagging.

Please note: Always keep your dog on a lead when you're in fields with livestock, and please clean up after your pet. See specific site pages for details.

Top picks by region

Here are our top picks of historic places across England that we think you and your dog will love exploring.

You can also view a full list of our dog-friendly properties.

North of England - Top Pick

Whitby Abbey

North Yorkshire

For nearly 700 years, the splendid 13th-century gothic Abbey has towered high above the town of Whitby. Today you can experience a dog walk like no other and take in wonderful views of the coastline and town while you explore the Abbey’s gothic remains. Above all, doesn’t every dog enjoy a trip to the seaside?

Visit Whitby Abbey

South of England - Top Pick

Tintagel Castle

Cornwall

Tintagel Castle is a firm favourite for our canine visitors. Not only does the castle offer a lovely walk through the impressive ruins, but there is also a secluded beach, perfect for picnics and a quick paddle. A place of history, myths and stunning scenery, dogs and owners alike will love exploring this coastal Cornish gem.

Visit Tintagel Castle

London - Top Pick

Marble Hill

London

A day out at Marble Hill is a real treat for the whole family, and your four-legged friend will love running around this idyllic landscape. This beautiful Palladian villa is set in 66 acres of outstanding riverside parkland near Richmond in West London, ideal for family days out in the fresh air. Enjoy a picnic or a visit to our newly refurbished café where dogs on leads are welcome in the designated dog areas.

Visit Marble Hill

East of England - Top Pick

Audley End House and Gardens

Essex

You and your canine companion will love spending the day in Audley End’s award-winning gardens. Wander through acres of parkland remodelled by Capability Brown and enjoy extensive views of the Essex countryside. Your visit could include: the beautifully restored parterre; the gorgeous serpentine lake and the dog friendly Cart Yard café. Perfect for a day relaxing in the spacious grounds of one of England’s grandest mansions.

Visit Audley End House and Gardens

West of England - Top Pick

Kenilworth Castle

Warwickshire

Kenilworth Castle is among Britain’s biggest historical sites. This vast medieval fortress endured a famous siege and later became a splendid medieval palace. You and your dog can explore 900 years of history as you wander the mighty medieval keep; climb the towers to admire the fantastic views; and walk in the footsteps of Queen Elizabeth I through the beautifully recreated Elizabethan Garden.

Visit Kenilworth Castle

Agria Pet Insurance

At English Heritage, you can explore historic places with your much-loved, furry friend at over 150 of our dog friendly sites.

That’s why we are thrilled to be partnering with Agria Pet Insurance, a company that shares our passion for animal welfare and pet-friendly environments. Agria will be supporting our Dog Friendly Days Out and partnering with us to offer an annual dog walk at 3 of our historic sites in 2024 with dedicated routes, photo opportunities and more.

For 2024, the Agria Dog Walk will run from Saturday 18 to Sunday 19 May at the following sites:

Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens (Northumberland)
Kenilworth Castle (Warwickshire)
Marble Hill House (London)

Full List of Dog-Friendly Properties

Find a great historic place near you to visit with your dog.

Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages

Treat yourself and your dog to a stay in one of our dog-friendly holiday cottages and sleep within the grounds of a castle, abbey or stately home. Here are our picks for the best places to stay with your best friend.

Please note, you can bring up to two dogs to our holiday cottages. There's a cleaning charge of £30 per pooch, excluding hearing and guide dogs.

See all cottages

  • Callie's Cottage, Pendennis

    Built in the early 1900s this former Sergeant's Mess has been converted into a stylish two-bedroom holiday cottage and is located in the heart of Pendennis Castle.

  • No 1 Sovereign's Gate, Osborne

    This cottage has its own private garden where you can relax and enjoy the grandeur of Osborne and its estate. Choose from one of two cottages.

  • REFECTORY COTTAGE, RIEVAULX ABBEY

    Soak up the serenity of the ruins of what was once one of the wealthiest abbeys in the country. Rievaulx Abbey is a treat no matter what end of the leash you're on.

  • South Lodge, Battle Abbey

    Wake up next to one of the most famous battlefields in history where King Harold clashed with William the Conqueror in the Battle of Hastings.

More to Explore

  • Inspire Me

    Find some inspiration for your next historic day out. 

  • The English Heritage Podcast

    Join presenter Charles Rowe as we bring the history of our sites to life with news, views and expert interviews across over 100 episodes.

  • Top 10 Castles

    Want to be a king or queen for the day? We asked our Facebook followers to name their favourite English castle.

  • BECOME A MEMBER

    Start a year of adventure. An English Heritage membership offers an unlimited annual pass to over 400 historic sites across the country plus free entry for up to six children.

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