Visiting Gunby with your dog

A small dog on a lead with autumn leaves on the ground at Croome, Worcestershire — Bring your dog on a visit to Gunby | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

With eight acres of gardens and 1,500 acres of grounds, Gunby is the perfect place to bring your dog, who are welcome on leads. Find out everything you need to know about making your visit an enjoyable one for you and for all.

Our pawprint rating system

We’ve been working on making it easier for you to find out how dog-friendly your visit will be before you and your four-legged-friend arrive. To help with this, we've created a new pawprint rating system and given all the places in our care a rating. You can find this information in the National Trust members’ handbook.

Gunby is a two pawprint rated place.

These places have water bowls, dog bins and dog-friendly walks. You’ll be able to take your dog into some areas, but not everywhere. If there’s a food and beverage outlet, you can have a cup of tea with them, probably outside. Read on to discover exactly where you can take your dog.

Where can my dog go?

Well-behaved dogs on short leads are very welcome throughout the gardens and grounds at Gunby, as well as in Orchard Gallery and the second-hand bookshop.

There are several long and short walks in the Gunby parkland. Some of them have a few stiles along the way that may not be suitable for all dogs to go under or over. Do check with our welcome team who can give you more information.

Where can’t my dog go?

Assistance dogs only are welcome inside the house and tea-room serving area.

Women walking dogs on a path amid fallen autumn leaves — Remember to follow the canine code | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

What else do I need to be aware of?

From March to November it is common for Gunby's herd of Lincoln Red cattle to be grazing in the parkland. Please keep your dog on a lead when walking in the wider grounds.

Please do not leave your dog in the car or unattended at any time.

Facilities available for your dog

There is a water bowl with fresh water near the entrance to the tea-room in case your dog is thirsty from all their fun at Gunby. A dog bin can be found near the toilets in the courtyard.

The Canine Code

We’ve worked with our partner Forthglade to come up with this Canine Code, which helps to make sure everyone can enjoy their day:

Keep them close: using a short lead helps to keep your dog from disturbing ground-nesting birds and farm animals. It's essential to use a short lead around sheep. But if cattle approach you, it's best to let your dog off the lead, and call them back when it's safe to do so.
Pick up the poo: please always clear up after your dog. If you can't find a bin nearby, take the poo bags home with you.
Watch the signs: keep an eye on local signs and notices wherever you're walking. They'll tell you if a beach has a dog ban, for instance, or if a path has been diverted, or if you're in an area where dogs can run off-lead.
Stay on the ball: remember that not everyone loves dogs, and some people fear them. So make sure your dog doesn't run up to other people, especially children.