New Welcoming Dogs Trial at Blickling

Will dogs be allowed everywhere in the East Wing?

Dogs will be permitted in the East Wing ground floor; including shop and the Stables café. In the Stables Café dogs will be permitted whilst queuing and seated in the back room.

Dogs will not be permitted on the first floor, including RAF Oulton Museum and the Loft.

What if I don’t like dogs?

We recognise that visitors have different needs and preferences. While many people choose to visit Blickling with their dogs, we also want to support those who prefer dog‑free spaces.

Well‑behaved dogs are welcome in designated areas when kept on short leads and in line with our canine code, while the Walled Garden, Parade and Acre will remain dog‑free. This approach will help enable everyone to enjoy the estate in a way that suits them.

I’m scared of dogs, what if I don’t want them approaching me?

Visitors with dogs will be shown the Canine Code upon entering into the formal gardens; including measures to keep their dogs on short leads, under close control and not approaching other groups of visitors without their consent.

There will be dog-free zones at the Acre, Parade, West Garden and Walled Garden. Signage will clearly show where dogs are permitted and where is dog-free.

Are dogs required to be on leads?

Yes, all dogs are required to be on short leads at all times. Retractable or long leads will need to be swapped with the Welcome Team for a Blickling Estate short lead, to be returned at the end of their visit.

What if someone lets their dog off the lead?

If you spot anyone breaching our rules, please let a member of our team know. Anyone who allow their dogs off lead will be asked to leave.

What about produce grown in the gardens?

The Walled Garden will remain dog-free. Produce used in the kitchens and at the donation station will always be grown in a dog-free environment.

Are there going to be areas for dogs to drink in the garden?

There will be two new water stations in the garden, one in the Parterre and the other at the Temple.

If I run out of or forget poo bags, what should I do?

Free biodegradable poo bags are available at the Estate Barn and the Garden Entrance, speak to a member of the team and they can provide these.

Speaking of poo bags, where do people bin them?

We are installing three new dog waste bins located at the Temple, near the Parterre welcome shed and at the front drive gates.

What do I do if I see dog waste in the gardens?

Please report the location of any dog waste to a member of staff as soon as possible.

Are you tracking the number of dogs in the garden?

Yes, the Welcome Team will be logging dog visits on the till at the garden entrance, this will give us the ability to assess the uptake of the trial.

How can staff, volunteers or visitors feedback about the trial?

We would welcome your thoughts, feedback and suggestions about the trial. You can either fill out a comment card on-site, or send responses via email to:

blicklingdogswelcome@nationaltrust.org.uk

What happens at the end of the trial?

Throughout the trial we will be keeping track of visitor feedback, monitoring for incidents and logging any concerns. The trial period will give us time to test various approaches and introduce additional controls if required. At the end of the trial, we will review all the information gathered and confirm our long‑term approach.

Unless any major incidents occur during the trial, the changes introduced will become permanent. If adjustments are needed, these will be communicated clearly so you know exactly what to expect.