Visiting Ightham Mote with your dog

Our pawprint rating

Ightham Mote has a two pawprint rating, meaning dogs are welcome but with some restrictions. We have water bowls, waste bags, dog bins and dog-friendly walks through the estate’s extensive woodlands and gardens.  Just ask at the visitor centre for bags, leads or information – we’re happy to help!  Plus you can have a cup of tea with your pooch in the outside seating area at the café.  

Where can my dog go?

• Gardens – dogs on short leads are welcome all year (except in the natural play area)
• Estate and woodland – enjoy miles of countryside trails with your dog
• Indoor spaces – assistance dogs only inside the courtyard, house and indoor café area

 

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.

 

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

Enjoy your visit

With beautiful gardens, woodlands, and estate walks, Ightham Mote is a wonderful place for you and your dog to explore. We look forward to welcoming you and your furry companion soon!