Discover more at Hinton Ampner
Find out when Hinton Ampner is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Visiting Hinton Ampner with your dog
The estate is the perfect place to get out and about with your four-legged friends. With woodland and miles of beautiful footpaths, nestled in the South Downs, Hinton Ampner is the perfect place for an adventure, all year round.
Hinton Ampner is a two pawprint rated place
Across site we have water bowls, dog bins and lots of dog-friendly walks. Make sure to pop into Visitor Reception for a warm welcome and a treat. Here, you can find out all about what you can do on your visit and the best places to stretch those legs.
Where can my dog go at Hinton Ampner?
Dogs are welcome across the site on short leads, except the house (assistance dogs welcome) and main café serving space. We have kiosk refreshment options as well as the main café and you're welcome to sit inside or out with your four-legged friend. We ask for dogs to be kept under close control whilst in our kitchen garden, as the produce grown there is used in the food sold in the café. A dog waste bin can be found opposite the Church, next to the start of our estate walks.
What do I need to be aware of at Hinton Ampner?
As the estate is a fully functioning farm we ask that you follow some guidelines to ensure the safety of you and your dog, other visitors to Hinton Ampner and the livestock and wildlife on the estate:
- Keep your dog on a short lead at all times around the gardens, shop, café and Second-hand bookshop.
- Between March and August dogs must be strictly be kept on a lead to protect ground nesting birds and avoid disturbing them.
- Throughout the year, we ask that your dog is kept either on a lead on under close control around the estate for the enjoyment of others as well as the protection of nature and the cattle that graze here.
- Pick up your dog's waste and place it in the bin provided by the entrance to the estate walks
- Keep an eye out for warning and information signs around the estate during your walk.
Please keep in mind that not everyone loves dogs. Please only allow them to approach other visitors and other dogs with their consent.
Why is it important to keep my dog on a lead around cattle?
Livestock graze all year round on Hinton Ampner estate. Even if you know your dog well, there is a risk they may react to smells and soundsunpredictably, creating stressful situations which could result in prosecutions and a fine for the dog owner. Even if your dog is not known to bite livestock, chasing or barking at them can cause pregnant animals to lose their young through stress.
Ground nesting birds
Between 1 March and 31 July, you must have your dog on a lead no more than two metres long on open access land, even if there is no livestock on the land. These are legal requirements which, if broken, could result in a fine of up to £1,000. It's important to keep your dog under close control to avoid disturbing these birds and other wildlife.
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
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 avoids tripping up other visitors and 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.
Our partners
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.
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Dog-friendly places to visit
Discover the best places for you and your dog to explore, from coastal adventures and dramatic mountains to more leisurely walks and gardens to visit nearby. Plus, find information on dog-friendly cafés and read our Canine Code.
Visiting National Trust places with your dog
If you’re bringing your dog(s) to the places we care for, you'll find information on our Canine Code and pawprint rating system, created in partnership with Forthglade, to help plan your visit.
Best walks with dog-friendly cafés
Rest and refuel after getting out in nature with your dog. Here's a selection of the best walks with dog-friendly cafés at places we look after.
How we're working with Forthglade for dog-friendly visits
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.
The estate at Hinton Ampner
Our estate is the perfect place to get some air and be inspired by the landscape around you. Nestled in the South Downs National Park, Hinton Ampner estate holds some breath-taking views and is home to an abundance of wildlife.
Eating and shopping at Hinton Ampner
Discover a menu using freshly grown ingredients from the Walled Garden, hot meals and drinks. Pick up unique items from our delightful shop and find your next page turner in our Second-hand bookshop.
The garden at Hinton Ampner
The delightful garden sit within the South Downs National Park, creating a stunning backdrop. With changing seasonal borders bringing together vibrant planting and modern gardening methods, there is always something to delight and inspire. Whether you’re a garden enthusiast, looking for a tranquil space or a backdrop for making family memories – the garden is ready to welcome you.
Dog-friendly places in Hampshire
Bring your dog to Hampshire, for a fun day out: explore formal gardens, expansive estates and parkland, or simply wander across commons and among the woodland and heath of the New Forest.
