Best places for dog walking

Visitors walking along the new boardwalk through the wetlands area at Morden Hall Park, London — Visitors walking their dog on the boardwalk at Morden Hall Park, London

Are you wondering where to take your dog next? Dog walking in the open countryside and along the rugged coastlines we care for is special for many reasons.

Watch your pup chase a ball, paddle in the sea, and explore quiet woodland. Spending time in nature is good for you too.

Our partner, Devon-based natural pet food maker Forthglade, has also come up with some top tips on mindful walking so you and dog can get even more out of your visit.

This three-year partnership is based on our shared love of open spaces and the special relationships between dogs and their owners.

A moment of peace

From acres of lush parkland to mysterious ruins surrounded by quiet countryside, we look after some incredible landscapes that you and your dog can explore.

Take a moment of peace. Listen to the sounds of busy wildlife, admire a spider's web sparkling with frost, and feel the wind on your face.

Get the most out of dog walking

We want to make sure you and your dog get the most out of the woodlands, fields, parkland, and beaches we look after. From improving dog-friendly trails to providing more waste bins and water bowls, we're taking steps to make sure you and your pup feel welcome.

In return, we ask you to keep the countryside a safe, healthy and enjoyable place for everyone.

We’ve teamed up with Forthglade to create the canine code, so you and your four-legged friend can help care for the places you love.

Take the lead: help reduce the chance of your pup disturbing wildlife by keeping them on a lead.

Scoop that poop: bag it and bin it to keep your favourite places beautiful.

Paws for thought: look out for information signs and take extra care on cliff paths.

Be on the ball: not everyone loves dogs, so keep them close by.

What you and your dog can expect

Many National Trust places offer:

Water, drinking bowls and leads
Dog-friendly cafes
Maps and dog-walking trails

Assistance dogs are welcome inside all our houses, gardens, restaurants and shops.

Find a dog walk near you

Visitors walking their dogs in bluebell woodland at Hatchlands Park, Surrey

Dog walking in the South East

You'll find a huge variety of places that are just perfect for you to explore with your dog in the South East. Explore parkland and countryside near urban areas, wander along iconic coastal locations such as the White Cliffs of Dover or explore verdant gardens such as at Chartwell, Kent.

Find your top South East dog walking spot

Dog walks in the South West

Things to do in Cornwall with dogs

Many of the places cared for by the National Trust are dog friendly, find a perfect walk for you and your four legged friend.

Visitors in the garden at Greenway, Devon

Walks with dogs in Devon

There's a wide variety of locations and landscapes to beckon you and your four-legged friend to explore in Devon.

Studland, Dorset

This vast area of sandy beaches and heathland is the perfect spot for furry friends to get a bit of exercise, and there’s plenty for humans to enjoy too.

Midlands and the East of England

Woman walking with dog on lead in countryside

Dog walking in the Midlands

Well-behaved dogs are welcome at many of our places in the Midlands, here's just a few of our favourites.

Blickling Estate's way marked trails are perfect for dog walkers.

Dog walks in the East of England

We know how dear your four-legged friends are to you, so here's some places in the East of England for exploring with your pooch.

Dog walks in the North

Man, woman and dog sitting on the terrace at Sticklebarn

Sticklebarn, Cumbria

The Lake District is a paradise for dogs, with new routes to discover everywhere. After a day on the fells, head to Sticklebarn Tavern where well-behaved dogs are welcome, even if they're a bit muddy. We have dog towels, water bowls and doggy treats aplenty.

Visitors walking their dogs in the garden at Beningbrough Hall and Gardens, North Yorkshire Visitors walking their dogs in the garden at Beningbrough Hall and Gardens, North Yorkshire

Yorkshire: a dog's eye view

With swathes of unspoiled countryside, fields, forest and beautiful quiet coastline, Yorkshire’s got as much to offer canine visitors as human. Our Jack Russell friend, Pig, has shared his list of favourite things to do whilst out on a walk in Yorkshire - we're sure your four-legged friends will agree.

Visitors making sandcastles on Embleton beach

A dog's eye view of the North East

Dogs are always welcome to explore our places with their owners. Here's the lowdown on the best places for dogs in the North East.

Northern Ireland and Wales

A puppy exploring the gardens at Mount Stewart

Dog-friendly walks in Northern Ireland

From the city views of Black Mountain to the fragile network of dunes at Murlough Nature Reserve, we look after a diverse range of dog walking trails in Northern Ireland.

Dog walking in Wales

Beaches, waterfalls, castles and mountains. Wales simply has it all when it comes to dog walking.

Mindful dog walking

Walking with your four-legged friend is the perfect time to switch off, relax and notice the beauty of the natural world around you. But research from our partner, natural petfood maker Forthglade, shows that many of us are not as relaxed as we might like to be when out dog walking.

Almost two thirds of dog owners (63%) can’t switch off from screen time during their daily dog walk. And a large proportion (68%) of those surveyed experienced the stress of their dog pulling on the lead or barking at other dogs (48%).

Luckily, there are lots of things you can do to turn dog walking into the most mindful part of your day.

Let your dog potter and sniff around the hedgerows, rather than get them to chase a ball over and over again. Sniffing can reduce your dog's stress, giving you time to take in the fresh air and look at your surroundings.
Talking too much to dogs can get them hyped up. When walking your dog, try to use cues consistently and keep a calm, happy, tone of voice.
Engage with your dog while they are on the lead instead of rushing to the spot where you can let them off. Slow things down a bit by scattering little pieces of food in the grass, and regain control by stroking up and down along a small section of the lead. Take a few deep breaths to increase your sense of calm.
Leave your phone at home, notice nature as you walk and enjoy chatting with other dog lovers.
Engage your five senses to appreciate what’s happening in the present all around you. Can you describe your surroundings in detail? This gentle curiosity will help you become more mindful.