Discover more at Castle Drogo
Find out when Castle Drogo is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Dogs have an adventurous time at Castle Drogo – and so do their owners. Take a gentle stroll around the grounds or head to the Teign Gorge for some energetic exercise. Discover where to walk by downloading the dog walking site map. Wherever you choose to go you’ll be sure of a friendly welcome for you and your dog.
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.
Castle Drogo 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.
Dogs are a part of the family, and we want them to be included in your visit. Dogs are welcome on a short lead within the castle grounds, including in the formal gardens, shop, and reception area. They are also welcome in our outdoor seating areas at the Café, let us know if you need a blanket.
Only assistance dogs are allowed into Castle Drogo itself.
With over 1,000 acres to explore the Teign Gorge is a great spot for letting dogs stretch their legs, it’s also the place to spot ground nesting birds, deer, and butterflies, some of which are very rare. The area is zoned so you know where there may be livestock or other hazards – look out for the seasonal signage when visiting. During bird nesting season from 1st March till 31st July please keep Paws on the Path and give wildlife the space it needs to thrive. We encourage the use of a short lead if they need a little help staying close by. Access the river safely and minimise erosion by using the dedicated Dog Splash Points.
For your dog’s safety, please keep them on a short lead in the carpark.
Dog Water Bowls: you’ll find these outside the visitor centre and café. Let us know if they need topping up.
Dog Tether Points: these are available on picnic benches at the café so you can tuck into your coffee and cake hands free.
Dog Poo Bins: these are located in the car park, at the plant centre entrance to the gardens, near the castle and throughout the Teign Gorge. Dog poo bins are marked on our map. If you can’t find a bin, please take your dog waste away with you.
Dog Splash Points: you’ll find these along the River Teign where it is safe and appropriate for your dog to access the river. You’ll also be playing your part in helping minimise riverbank erosion.
Forgotten a short lead or poo bag? We have spares available, please ask for these at Visitor Welcome.
Within the castle grounds, dogs must remain on the lead. Only assistance dogs are permitted inside Castle Drogo itself.
During bird nesting and lambing season from 1st March till 31st July please keep Paws on the Path and give wildlife and livestock the space they need to thrive and follow the signage when out and about.
Cattle and sheep are used for conservation grazing across the Parke estate year-round, look out for seasonal signage and keep dogs on the lead when around livestock. The Countryside Code recommends you let your dog off the lead if you feel threatened by livestock so that you can both reach safety more easily.
We’ve worked with our partner Forthglade to come up with this Canine Code, which helps to make sure everyone can enjoy their day:
Our definition of close or effective control is:
Find out when Castle Drogo is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
We've partnered with natural pet food maker Forthglade so that you and your dog can get even more out of the special places we care for.
Discover the best places for a dog walk, from coastal adventures and dramatic mountains to more leisurely walks near you. Plus, find information on dog-friendly cafés and read our Canine Code.
If you’re bringing your dog(s) to the places we care for, you'll find information on our pawprint rating system and the Canine Code to help plan your visit.
Rest and refuel after enjoying a walk with your dog. Here's a selection of the best walks with dog-friendly cafés at places we look after.
We've partnered with natural pet food maker Forthglade to create the Dogs Welcome project, helping you and your dog(s) get the most out of the places in our care.
Follow the winding paths below the castle into the sheltered Teign Gorge. Explore this ancient gorge teeming with wildlife on trails along the river or soak up views over Dartmoor.
The café at Castle Drogo serves hot and cold drinks, lunches, snacks and sweet treats. Afterwards, stop off at the shop for a choice of gifts and souvenirs to take home with you.
There are plenty of dog-friendly spots to keep tails wagging in Devon. Your dog can enjoy splashing with all four paws in the sea or sniffing out treasure on a woodland walk.