Discover more at Beningbrough
Find out when Beningbrough is open, how to get here, things to see and do and more.
Visiting Beningbrough with your dog
Dogs are welcome in most areas at Beningbrough including designated tables at the rear of the restaurant and the shop. Bring your furry friend along on a short lead and explore the gardens or parkland together. Here's how to make the most of your day out together.
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.
Beningbrough 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.
Where can my dog go?
- The majority of the formal gardens including the walled garden, the Mediterranean garden, pergola, south lawn, east and west formal gardens, double and south borders.
- The shop
- The designated tables at the bottom of the restaurant, the restaurant’s outdoor seating area and the brewhouse (when open)
- The parkland paths
Please keep your dog on a short lead in the gardens and under close control in the parkland.
Where can’t my dog go?
- The wilderness play area
- The hall and Victorian laundry
- Off the paths in the parkland
Please note this does not affect assistance dogs who can join you on every aspect of your visit.
The pooch passport
Thanks to sponsors Forthglade, the passport returns until 28 February 2026. Collect stamps when you visit with your dog which in turn will earn natural dog treats.
Beningbrough is participating - to get a stamp you will need to visit during our opening times.
Nearby, other places include Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, Nostell, and Wentworth Castle Gardens. You can find the full list of places below.
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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Things to see in the garden at Beningbrough
Discover the formal gardens, walled kitchen garden, herbaceous borders and wildlife areas, each with its own style and beauty. Experience the tranquillity of the Mediterranean Garden, the latest new space designed by Andy Sturgeon. Find out more about this RHS partner garden in Yorkshire.
Family-friendly things to do at Beningbrough
Discover the family activities and events at Beningbrough, from den building in the wilderness play area to nature spotting on a walk. Look out for new trails and activities during the school holidays.
Eating at Beningbrough
Choose from a range of tasty snacks and drinks at Beningbrough's restaurant and two other eateries, open on selected days. Find out where to refuel with your dog, indoor and out.
Shopping at Beningbrough
Stop off at the stables shop to find a range of gifts inspired by the places we care for and many local artisan product. Peruse the outdoor area with plants in the growing season and any surplus produce from the garden on offer.
The parkland at Beningbrough
The 380 acres of parkland at Beningbrough offer the chance to stretch your legs and reconnect with nature, as well as being home to wildlife including birds, rare bats and the iridescent tansy beetle. Park for free in the visitor car park before heading out on one of the routes.
Dog-friendly places in Yorkshire
Whether you're planning a day out at a historic house or in the countryside, you and your dog will receive a warm welcome at lots of places across Yorkshire.
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.
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.
