Well behaved dogs welcome at RHS Rosemoor 3 days a week after successful trial
RHS Garden Rosemoor will permanently welcome visitors with dogs to specified areas within the garden, three-days-per-week from 26 March, following a successful 12-month trial which saw high levels of participation and a growth in new visitors. The trial itself was launched in response to direct requests for access and the above average levels of dog ownership in Devon and the Southwest.
The three dedicated dog-friendly days every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday are balanced by four dog-free days for the remainder of the week, which include weekends, for those who prefer a pet-free experience. Anyone wishing to visit with their dog on a weekend will continue to be able to visit on Bank Holiday Mondays.
Visitors with dogs on short, fixed leads can explore the paths through the beautiful Formal Gardens, Stream Field, Lakeside, Lady Anne’s garden, arboretums and woodlands. Lawns are reserved for humans except in the Stream Field where dog walkers need to be able to access the benches.
Children’s play areas and the Restaurant, Learning Centre, Orchard, Cottage, Potager and Fruit and Vegetable Gardens remain dog-free to protect the edibles used to make the delicious dishes served on site. These meals can be enjoyed by pet owners at allocated outdoor tables on the Restaurant terrace and the seating inside and outside the Otter Café.
Emma Thompson, Head of Site at RHS Garden Rosemoor says: “We’ve received many positive comments from visitors who have only been able to visit the gardens because of the trial access or whose visits have been able to span a much longer period where they were previously restricted due to travel times and aging pets. It is wonderful to welcome them all, as well as our regular visitors, to enjoy the beauty of spring together.”
Emma continues: “We understand that whilst some people love dogs, others really value visiting a garden they know is pet-free. Allowing dogs in on three designated days-per-week and to specified areas of the garden provides a balanced approach so that all visitors can enjoy our gardens in peace. Given we have 65 acres to explore, we are confident that we have plenty of space to provide an enjoyable experience for all.”
RHS Garden Rosemoor is the only RHS garden that will permanently welcome dogs on three designated days per week, with access entirely subject to owners keeping dogs under full control throughout their visits. Other RHS Gardens will continue to run the popular ‘Walkies’ evening events in the summer months, based on local demand.
