The SW's best-kept National Trust spots for a dog-friendly day out
The UK is home to hundreds of historic properties, woodlands and gardens cared for by the National Trust, many which are a great fail-safe for owners looking for spots to visit with their four-legged-friend. Out of the 426 dog-friendly locations, the main contenders offer access to most areas, clearly signed dog zones and some even provide dog-friendly experiences.
To make planning a day out easier, the National Trust uses a “pawprint rating” system, indicating how dog-friendly each property is. Three pawprints represent the most dog-friendly locations with extensive access and facilities, while one or two pawprints mean dogs are welcome in selected areas.
Dog Friendly Retreats have looked into the most dog-friendly choice in the South West which holds a National Trust pawprint rating of three. Each location gives you and your dog access to stunning walks and landscapes, along with details on where they’re allowed to roam and the cost of visiting.
Killerton Estate, Exeter
Acres of countryside at Killerton Estate are waiting to be explored with a dog. The estate is home to parkland, woods and specific trails like “Plains Walk” where dogs can exercise off the lead when it is safe to do so. Restrictions apply for dogs at the house, fashion exhibition, play park, chapel and garden, however there is something there for all of the family to enjoy.
Visitors can stop at The Stables Coffee Shop where dogs are welcome inside and in the outdoor seating area. With access to water bowls at the cafe, Killerton even has a designated rinsing station for dogs in the car park.
Ticket prices:
Adult - £19.80
Child (5-17yrs) - £9.90
Under 5’s - free
Dog access: Parkland, woodland trails and countryside walks (on lead).
Trelissick, Cornwall
Dogs on leads are welcome throughout Trelissick, including the estate’s woodland garden and diverse countryside surrounded by River Fal.
Trelissick boasts one of the National Trust's most relaxing days out with a dog. Dog-friendly zones are outlined, water bowls are provided in the cafe courtyard and there is access inside and outside the cafe to allow owners to enjoy a spot of lunch before taking a stroll by the Trelissick House.
Ticket prices:
Adult - £19.80
Child (5-17yrs) - £9.90
Under 5’s - free
Dog access: Gardens, woodland trails and parkland (on lead).
Studland Bay, Dorset
Studland Bay offers four miles of scenic coastal walking routes. Dogs are welcome across the sandy beach as well as the surrounding heathland paths and dunes all year round, however are only allowed off-lead at Studland beach between October to April and in the dunes and heathland between August to February.
This site, donated to the National Trust in 1981 often hosts educational trails to teach visitors about the site’s WWII history, which dogs are welcome at.
Ticket prices:
Adult - free entry (parking charges apply)
Child - free entry
Dog access: Beach walks, dunes and heathland trails (seasonal lead restrictions).
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