Visiting Branscombe with your dog

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.

Branscombe 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 in Branscombe?

Dogs kept under close control are allowed on all the walks around Branscombe.

Dogs on a lead are welcome in the garden of the Old Bakery Café and there is a water bowl available.

When should I use a lead?

Please keep dogs on lead in the garden of the Old Bakery Cafe, in the orchard and on the beach.

When walking on the coast path be aware to keep your dog on a lead near cliff edges.

Please look out for seasonal signs advising you where livestock is present in the countryside around Branscombe.

Where can't my dog go?

Dogs are not allowed in the forge or Manor Mill. However, assistance dogs are welcome.

What do I need to be aware of?

Branscombe and the surrounding countryside is home to lots of wildlife and livestock, so we ask owners to keep their dogs under close control and follow any guidance about putting dogs on leads.

You are also advised not to leave your pet in the car as the car park offers limited shade.

There are several dog waste bins along the valley path leading from Branscombe village down to the beach.

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.

Keeping control of your dog

Our definition of close or effective control is: ​

• Being able to recall your dogs in any situation at the first call
• Being able to clearly see your dog at all times (not just knowing they have gone into the undergrowth or over the crest of the hill). In practice, this means keeping them on a footpath if the surrounding vegetation is too dense for your dog to be visible
• Not allowing them to approach other visitors without their consent
• Having a lead with you to use if you encounter livestock or wildlife, or if you are asked to use one