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    Days Out & Visits
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    Dogs

    Dogs assisting visitors with disabilities are allowed inside National Trust houses, gardens, restaurants and shops. These are the only circumstances in which dogs are allowed into houses.

    Dog symbol Visiting houses and gardens

    When planning a visit to a Trust property, look out for this symbol on either the property front page, or the facilities page. It indicates those places where dogs are welcome in the grounds (not gardens).

    Where the symbol is included on the property front page, this indicates that dogs are generally welcome, under close control. Where the symbol is only included on the facilities page, with qualifying information, this indicates that there are specific restrictions on where dogs are allowed at the property.

    Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times to minimise disturbance to deer, livestock, wildlife and other visitors.

    Where no dog symbol is given on either the property front page, or the facilities page, dogs are not welcome.

    Dog symbol Dogs in the countryside

    Dogs are welcome at most Trust countryside properties, but seasonal restrictions may apply. Look out for the dog symbol on property front pages or facilities pages.

    Where the symbol is included on the property front page, this indicates that dogs are generally welcome, under close control. Where the symbol is only included on the facilities page, with qualifying information, this indicates that there are specific restrictions on where dogs are allowed at the property or how they should be controlled.

    Where dogs are welcome, considerable efforts are made to provide facilities for them.

    We endeavour to provide shady parking space in car parks, water for drinking bowls, hitching posts where dogs may be safely left and advice on suitable areas where dogs may be exercised. Dogs should never be left alone in cars.

    These facilities vary from property to property and according to how busy it may be on a particular day. The primary responsibility for the welfare of dogs remains, of course, with the dog's owner.

    Keep dogs under control

    Dogs should be kept under close control at all times. Please observe local notices on the need to keep dogs on leads, particularly at sensitive times of year, for example during the breeding season for ground-nesting birds.

    Lambing time is still beset by sheep-worrying incidents despite sustained publicity over many years. This is also the period during which deer are calving.

    You and your dog in the countryside leaflet

    You and your dog in the Countryside is a leaflet explaining how you can explore, enjoy and help look after the countryside with your dog (400KB)

    Beaches

    On some beaches the Trust has found it increasingly necessary to introduce seasonal restrictions on dogs due to conflicts with other users, particularly families with children, and the problems of dog fouling.

     
    Fouling

    Many local authorities implement legislation on dog fouling and this can include Trust property. Where the law applies, it is an offence not to clear up dog waste. Failure to do so could result in a fine of up to £1,000.

    Dog waste bins are installed at many heavily used sites. If bins are not provided, please dispose of the waste thoughtfully. Where access for dogs has been restricted, the Trust has attempted to find suitable alternative locations nearby.

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    Visitors with Hearing Dogs for Deaf People at Bodiam Castle, East Sussex.
    © NTPL / Paul Harris
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