Discover more at Ickworth
Find out when Ickworth is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Ickworth Estate is a great place for dogs and their owners – there are a wide range of walks for you to enjoy, and a dog-friendly café too. Read more to find out how to make the most of your visit with your four-legged friend.
Lambs are in parkland and will be present until late summer. Please ensure your dog is on a short lead and kept away from electric fences.
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.
Ickworth Estate is a three pawprint rated place.
Three pawprints shows the very best places you can visit for a day with your dog. You’ll be able to take your dog to most areas, including indoors for a cup of tea and a treat. There’ll be clearly signed dog zones and dog-friendly experiences. Read on to discover exactly where you can take your dog.
Dogs are welcome in the parkland, on woodland walks, the walled garden and at Porter’s Lodge café, which is the perfect place to start or finish your dog walk. There are tasty treats, plenty of hot and cold drinks, and of course water bowls with lots of shade for your furry friend. Please keep your dog on a lead at all times on the estate.
Only assistance dogs are allowed in the West Wing, house and Italianate garden.
We’ve worked with our partner Forthglade to come up with this Canine Code, which helps to make sure everyone can enjoy their day:
There are sheep grazing across the site, so please keep your dog on a lead at all times and shorten this when around livestock.
Take extra care around the flocks, as temporary paddocks are in use with electric fencing, and it is always active. To best ensure the conservation of the parkland, the flocks are frequently moved throughout the year to rotate their grazing land. You may spot them in an area you haven’t before.
The sheep at Ickworth are a breeding flock; there can be around 800 pregnant ewes on the estate, and in turn up to 1,200 nursing lambs in spring and summer.
It's essential for your dog to remain under close control by means of a lead, as worrying of livestock can lead to miscarrying.
It is recommended that you give the ewes and lambs as much space as possible by walking away from them or on the opposite side of the pathways.
Due to flooring works taking place at Porter's Lodge, the indoor seating area is currently closed and we regret that we are unable to provide alternative indoor seating for dogs and their owners. The hatch will be open on the side of Porter's Lodge serving food and drinks as normal and the outdoor seating area will also remain open. We apologise for any disappointment or inconvenience caused and thank you for your understanding.
We can loan you spare leads, and have dog waste bags available at the welcome hub and plant centre.
The indoor seating area is currently closed for replacement flooring works, we apologise for any disappointment or inconvenience caused.
Porter's Lodge café is our dog-friendly café and has everything your four-legged friend needs. Make the most of our comfy dog beds and blankets and free snacks on offer in this indoor space, perfect for relaxing after a walk in the parkland. We also have dog-friendly snacks for sale including muffins and ice cream. Admire our furry visitors on our dog board and chat to the team to have your dog's photo taken with the chance of becoming our next 'dog of the week'.
Join us as we welcome Ellie from Smart Nose Dog Training. She will be providing free* training classes for you and your dog. Taking place once a month, exercises can vary month to month so anybody who wants to attend more than one session will get the chance to learn new training techniques.
Learn basic training such as helping your dog to get out of the car calmly, wait while you’re stopping to chat and loose lead walking. Learn all the tips and tricks to make sure your dog has an enjoyable day out for every time you visit Ickworth. Book your free* session here
Dog parkour gives your dog a chance to take on physical movements in a controlled way as they learn to go over, under, through, or around obstacles. Benefits for your dog include improved body awareness, confidence, balance, and strength - benefits for you both include a boost to your relationship, and ideas to make your day-to-day walks extra fun! It is low impact, and suitable for all ages and abilities. No previous experience needed, and all equipment provided during the session. Book your free* session here
Sessions are available to book approximately two weeks in advance. If you book a session for your dog and then are not able to make it please contact us ASAP so we can offer your space to another dog. Sessions will run in the event of rain. *Normal admission charges also apply, free for National Trust members.
Find out when Ickworth is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
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.
Discover the best places for a dog walk, from coastal adventures and dramatic mountains to more leisurely walks near you. Plus, find information on dog-friendly cafés and read our Canine Code.
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.
Rest and refuel after enjoying a walk with your dog. Here's a selection of the best walks with dog-friendly cafés at places we look after.
If you’re bringing your dog(s) to the places we care for, you'll find information on our pawprint rating system and the Canine Code to help plan your visit.
Explore the parkland at Ickworth, encircled with layers of history, landscape and classic architecture. Enjoy space, freedom and inspiring views as you wander at your leisure.
Treat yourself in one of the cafés at Ickworth with a variety of tasty treats, light snacks and hot and cold drinks. Or grab a bargain as a souvenir of your visit in the shop or Plant Centre.
Suffolk is home to several dog-friendly places in our care. Discover some of the best dog walking spots for your next adventure together.
Additional information for participants taking part in dog training sessions at Ickworth