Discover more at The Argory
Find out when The Argory is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Visiting The Argory with your dog
Your four-legged friends are welcome at The Argory, with plenty of sights and smells to explore around the estate, as well as a dedicated play area.
Our pawprint rating system
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.
The Argory is a two pawprint rated place.
Dogs are welcome here, but must be kept on a lead and facilities are limited. They’ll be able to stretch their legs in the car park and walk in the nearby open spaces, depending on the season. Read on to discover exactly where you can take your dog.
Where can my dog go?
The Argory has a dedicated dog exercise area. If you walk towards the jetty and turn left along the path alongside the River Blackwater, you will find the dog exercise area at the end of this trail.
Dogs can run freely here. We do ask that you keep an eye on your dog and are conscious of other dogs and their owners that may be in the area. We also ask that you clean up after your dog if they foul in the area. Ensure that you close the gate behind you when entering the dog exercise area.
Where can't my dog go?
Dogs are not allowed to run freely around the grounds. They cannot go inside the house and are not currently permitted in the cafe, with the exception of assistance dogs. Water bowls are located in the courtyard and toilet block, and sheltered outdoor seating is available if you are visiting the café with your dog.
Facilities for dogs
I have forgotten my dog’s lead, what can I do?
We may be able to help. Ask a member of staff at our welcome area if you have forgotten your dog’s lead. We may be able to offer you a spare. Please be aware leads may not always be available.
Where can my dog get a drink?
Dogs can get a refreshing drink of water in the following places:
- Welcome area
- Café
- Stableyard
What can I do with my dog’s waste?
Help us to keep The Argory a clean place for all our visitors to enjoy.
- Clear up after your dog, no matter where it may have fouled
- Dispose of your dog’s waste responsibly. Do not leave dog waste by the path side, throw bags into the grassland, or even worse hang in the trees
- Please clear up immediately if your dog fouls
- Waste can be disposed of in any general waste bin or at home.
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 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
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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