Discover more at Gunby Estate, Hall and Gardens
Find out when Gunby Estate, Hall and Gardens is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Visiting Gunby with your dog
With eight acres of gardens and 1,500 acres of grounds, Gunby is the perfect place to bring your dog, who are welcome on leads. Find out everything you need to know about making your visit an enjoyable one for you and for all.
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.
Gunby is a two pawprint rated place.
These places have water bowls, dog bins and dog-friendly walks. You’ll be able to take your dog into some areas, but not everywhere. If there’s a food and beverage outlet, you can have a cup of tea with them, probably outside. Read on to discover exactly where you can take your dog.
Where can my dog go?
Well-behaved dogs on short leads are very welcome throughout the gardens and grounds at Gunby, as well as in Orchard Gallery and the second-hand bookshop.
There are several long and short walks in the Gunby parkland. Some of them have a few stiles along the way that may not be suitable for all dogs to go under or over. Do check with our welcome team who can give you more information.
Where can’t my dog go?
Assistance dogs only are welcome inside the house and tea-room serving area.
What else do I need to be aware of?
From March to November it is common for Gunby's herd of Lincoln Red cattle to be grazing in the parkland. Please keep your dog on a lead when walking in the wider grounds.
Please do not leave your dog in the car or unattended at any time.
Facilities available for your dog
There is a water bowl with fresh water near the entrance to the tea-room in case your dog is thirsty from all their fun at Gunby. A dog bin can be found near the toilets in the courtyard.
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.
Explore the Gunby estate
Explore 1,500 acres of the Gunby Estate and uncover layers of history hidden within the landscape. Follow walking routes through peaceful countryside to discover the Ice House Pond, traces of a lost village and the remains of a medieval moated manor once at the heart of the estate.
Explore the gardens at Gunby Hall
Explore eight acres of beautifully designed gardens, each filled with seasonal colour, scent and texture. From the first signs of spring to the rich tones of autumn, there’s always something new to discover at Gunby’s gardens.
Family-friendly things to do at Gunby Estate, Hall and Gardens
Create special moments together at Gunby Estate, Hall and Gardens. Step inside the house to uncover stories from the past, spot hidden details and let imaginations wander through the rooms and collections. Outside, the gardens are yours to explore, with winding paths, colourful borders and open spaces perfect for little adventures and quiet moments alike. Whether you’re discovering nature, enjoying time together outdoors or pausing for a homemade treat in the tea-room, there’s something for all ages to enjoy at your own pace throughout the year.
Dog-friendly places in Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire
Enjoy a day out with your dog in acres of parkland, woodland paths and dog-friendly cafés.
