Grab the lead, pack the treats and get ready to celebrate - the Dogs Welcome Project with the National Trust is five years old!
For the past five years, we’ve been working together to help dogs and their humans enjoy even more memorable days out across the incredible places cared for by the National Trust.
From enjoying open parkland and exploring winding woodland trails to sniffing through fallen leaves and splashing through sea spray, we believe every great adventure is better with your four-legged friend by your side.
It’s this shared love of dogs, people and the great outdoors that inspired Forthglade to become a founding partner of the Dogs Welcome Project. Since then, we’ve helped make National Trust visits easier to plan, more welcoming and even more tail-waggingly fun for dogs and their families.
The Dogs Welcome Project began when the National Trust asked its dog-owning members what would make their visits even better.
The answer was clear: more places to explore, better information about where dogs are welcome and more facilities created with four-legged visitors in mind.
Five years later, we’re incredibly proud of how far the project has come.
Today, 87% of the places cared for by the National Trust welcome dogs, including almost all National Trust gardens in South West England and many more places across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Together, we’ve helped introduce and improve a whole host of dog-friendly features, including:
All these improvements mean dogs can enjoy more exciting and enriching adventures, while their humans can feel more confident and comfortable planning a great day out for everyone.
"For many dog owners, their pets are part of the family, and they want to be able to enjoy National Trust places together. We’re so pleased that, with Forthglade’s support, we have been able to make a day out or holiday with your dog easier and more fun.”
Ceinwen Paynton, Dogs Welcome Programme Manager at the National Trust
Every dog is different. Some are happiest racing across open spaces, while others prefer a gentle woodland wander with plenty of time to stop and sniff.
That’s why an important part of the Dogs Welcome Project has been helping owners understand exactly what to expect before setting off.
Together, we created the pawprint rating system - a simple guide showing how dog-friendly each National Trust place is and the facilities you’ll find when you arrive.
You can find the ratings on the National Trust website and in the National Trust Handbook, making it easier to choose an adventure that suits both you and your four-legged explorer.
These are some of the very best places for dogs and their families. Dogs are welcome in most areas, with a wide range of facilities designed especially for four-legged visitors.
Dogs are welcome in many areas, with helpful facilities such as water bowls, dog bins and clearly marked walking routes.
Dogs are welcome in selected areas, although access may be a little more limited.
Dog access and facilities can sometimes change throughout the year, so it’s always worth checking the individual National Trust place page before heading out.
Opening up more places for dogs also means helping to protect the wildlife, livestock, landscapes and people that share them.
Created as part of the Dogs Welcome Project, the National Trust’s Canine Code includes four easy-to-follow principles for happy, responsible adventures.
Use a lead when asked and keep your dog safely under control.
Always clear up after your dog and dispose of waste responsibly.
Follow local guidance, as access may change throughout the year to protect wildlife and livestock.
Remember that not everyone feels comfortable around dogs, so don’t allow your dog to approach other visitors without an invitation.
By following the Canine Code, we can all help make sure these special places remain relaxing, enjoyable and welcoming.
With so many dog-friendly National Trust places to explore, your next adventure may be closer than you think.
Arlington Court is packed with beautiful dog-friendly walking routes, with improved trail signs helping you and your canine companion find your way.
Inquisitive dogs can also put their noses to work on the “sniffari”, a scent-based trail designed to encourage four-legged visitors to slow down, explore and follow their noses.
Got a dog with energy to burn? Clumber Park’s dedicated off-lead paddock, complete with agility equipment, is the perfect place to run, jump and play.
Once the zoomies are out of their system, head to the recently refurbished Central Bark café and pick up a well-earned dog-friendly treat.
After exploring the parkland and walled garden, you can put your feet (and paws!) up at the Porter’s Lodge café.
Dog beds, blankets and tasty snacks are available for four-legged visitors, who can also pose for a photograph and be in with a chance of becoming Ickworth’s “dog of the week”.
Over the past five years, the Dogs Welcome Project has helped more people and their dogs enjoy the extraordinary coastlines, countryside, gardens and parkland cared for by the National Trust.
We’re incredibly proud of everything we’ve achieved together so far from clearer walking routes and dog-friendly cafés to agility areas and sniffari trails.
Most importantly, we’ve helped create more opportunities for dogs and their humans to get outdoors, explore somewhere new and make happy memories together.
Here’s to five fantastic years of muddy paws, wagging tails and unforgettable adventures… and to many more still to come.
Visit our National Trust page to find out more and explore the National Trust Wet food and Treats.
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