Dog walking at Knole

A dog out for a winter stroll

From Irish wolfhounds to tiny scottie-poos, Knole is perfect for you and your pooch. There’s over 1000 acres of parkland you can both enjoy, although make sure you always keep them on a lead and away from the wild deer herd.

From Irish wolfhounds to scottie-poos, Knole is perfect for you and your pooch. There’s over 1000 acres you can both enjoy, but please keep away from the deer herd and make sure your dog is always on a lead. The majority of the parkland is managed by the Sackville family’s Knole Estate, with about 100 acres managed by the National Trust.

Dog walking
Dog on a lead
Dog walking

Because of the nature of Knole’s parkland, there are just a few things to bear in mind before heading out for your dog walk:

Keep your dog on a lead at all times. If your dog needs to run free to burn off energy, unfortunately Knole isn’t the place for you. We’re sure your dog wouldn’t intend to harm or scare the deer, but these wild animals feel threatened by even the best-behaved dogs and they deserve to feel safe in their own environment. Keeping your dog on a lead means everyone can enjoy the park.

The deer gather on Echo Mount during the rut at Knole

The wild deer herd at Knole  

The deer at Knole are owned and managed by the Sackville family's Knole Estate. Whilst National Trust doesn’t manage the herd, or the entirety of the park, it’s important to us that our visitors have the best experience possible, so here are some do’s and don’ts.

Always pick up after your dog. Knole is protected by its status as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, which is why you won’t find bins throughout the park. However, if you can’t take it home with you, there are a few dog bins on National Trust managed areas - by the Brewhouse Café, the exit from the car park, and near the cattle grid at the main entrance.

Planning on exploring more than the park? Your dog is welcome to join you in the outdoor courtyard areas, including the historic Green and Stone Courts, but it’s assistance dogs only inside please.

Assistance dog
Assistance dog
Assistance dog

Need some refreshments?  The Brewhouse Café is available to provide you with hot drinks, ice creams and snacks. Whilst dogs can’t enter the café for hygiene reasons, you’ll find loops to tether them to outside in the courtyard, so they can wait patiently for you to get your supplies. You can ask for your drinks to takeaway so you can get straight back to your walk, or you can both sit and have a short break in the courtyard or on the rooftop terrace. There are some large umbrellas for drizzly days, and you’ll find bowls of water so your canine companion can feel refreshed too.  

Please note: the Brewhouse Café is open for takeaway service only. Seating can be found at the picnic area. All other seating is currently closed.

Relax in the Brewhouse Café at Knole
Relax in the Brewhouse Café at Knole
Relax in the Brewhouse Café at Knole


There is no shade in the car park. Please bear this in mind if you are thinking about leaving your dog in the car while you visit the house or eat inside at the café, especially if it’s a warm or sunny day.


Looking for treats? You’ll find eco-friendly waste bags, a selection of toys and accessories, and natural Forthglade dog treats in the Knole shop, located off Green Court. You might be tempted to treat yourself to a little something while you’re there too.
 

Choose some stylish new accessories to add to your home from the shop at Knole
A display of cosy rugs on the central table in the shop
Choose some stylish new accessories to add to your home from the shop at Knole

Please note the shop at Knole is currently closed but is due to reopen on Monday 12 April.