Bringing your dog to Blickling Estate

Dogs on short leads are now welcome on the front drive, in parts of the Garden as shown on the garden map above (with areas they are not allowed highlighted in red), in the Farmyard, the Shop, the Second-hand Bookshop, in the Stables Café (seated in the back room) in the Estate Barn and in Muddy Boots café (seated in the back room).

Dogs must be on a short lead in the Gardens, the Shop and the Stables Café. If you've forgotten a short lead you can borrow a Blickling Estate lead, to be returned at the end of your visit.

Help us to protect nature by using the dog bins provided in the car parks, the farmyard, at the top of the front drive and at the garden entrance and the Temple.

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

Where can’t my dog go? 

Only assistance dogs are allowed in the House, the Loft and RAF Oulton Museum, as well as parts of the garden, including the Acre, the Parade and Walled Garden.

What do I need to be aware of at Blickling Estate?

Ticks and Lyme disease

Ticks are tiny, spider-like creatures found in woodland and heath areas. Lyme disease is a bacterial infection spread to humans by infected ticks.

Can I run with my dog at organised events?

If you're taking part in parkrun or Trust10 runs at Blickling, please ensure you have your dog on a fixed 1.8m (or less) lead. Runners with dogs are advised to stay to the sides or back of the participant field. We are no longer recommending that CCX/waist leads are used when running in any group situation to avoid the higher incidence of trips and falls to the runner and those around them. 

As a dog owner, you are responsible for making sure the lead and harness ensures the safety and health of your dog and other runners, and should consult a vet before starting a new exercise regime with your four-legged friend.

Facilities available for my dog

What better way to finish your walkies than with a treat! Head to the dog-friendly Muddy Boots Café or the Stables Café (back room only), where you can purchase hot and cold drinks as well as light snacks. You'll also find a variety of doggy treats and ice cream – perfect on those hot summer days!

Dog bins are provided in the car parks, the farmyard, at the top of the front drive and in the garden. Dog water stations are available at the estate barn and garden entrance. 

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.