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Dog-friendly days out in Dorset

38 castles, gardens, hillforts and attractions in Dorset with their dog rules, plus 17 parks and walks. Where a place doesn't allow dogs, we say so.

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Dogs welcome

  • National Trust · Corfe Castle

    Corfe Castle

    Dogs: Dogs on leads welcome everywhere, including the castle, tea-room and shop.

    “Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome at Corfe Castle all year round.” Their page

  • National Trust · Shapwick

    Badbury Rings

    Dogs: Fields and paths, on a lead at all times because of livestock and wildlife.

    “There are plenty of fields and paths for dogs to explore” Their page

  • National Trust · Cerne Abbas

    Cerne Giant

    Dogs: Welcome on leads.

    “Dogs are welcome, but please keep them on leads” Their page

  • National Trust · Askerswell

    Eggardon Hill

    Dogs: Welcome, under close control around livestock.

    “Dogs welcome under close control around livestock.” Their page

  • National Trust · Fontmell Magna

    Fontmell and Melbury Downs

    Dogs: Off-lead circular route for dogs under close control; short lead elsewhere.

    “As long as you keep your dog under close control, they can now be off lead when exploring this marked route.” Their page

  • National Trust · Child Okeford

    Hambledon Hill

    Dogs: Welcome. Short lead around animals; watch for signs.

    “Dog walkers are welcome but please keep an eye out for signs throughout your visit.” Their page

  • National Trust · Portesham

    Hardy Monument

    Dogs: Welcome around the monument. Short lead around sheep.

    “It's essential to use a short lead around sheep.” Their page

  • National Trust · Marshwood

    Lambert’s and Coney’s Castles

    Dogs: Welcome. Short lead around sheep; watch for signs.

    “Dog walkers are welcome but please keep an eye out for signs throughout your visit.” Their page

  • National Trust · Langton Matravers

    Spyway

    Dogs: On leads all year, under close control.

    “Well-behaved dogs on leads and kept under close control are welcome all year round on your visit to Spyway.” Their page

  • English Heritage · Portland

    Portland Castle

    Dogs: In the grounds, the castle, the beach, the shop and the lower tea room.

    “Dogs are welcome in the grounds of Portland Castle, including the castle, the beach, the shop and the lower section of the tea room.” Their page

  • English Heritage · Sherborne

    Sherborne Old Castle

    Dogs: On leads.

    “Dogs on leads are welcome.” Their page

  • English Heritage · Dorchester

    Maiden Castle

    Dogs: On a lead; sheep graze the site.

    “Dogs are welcome, but please keep them on a lead as sheep graze the site.” Their page

  • English Heritage · Abbotsbury

    Abbotsbury, St Catherine’s Chapel

    Dogs: On the path to the chapel, on a lead (cattle graze there).

    “The path to the chapel takes you through land grazed by cattle, so please keep dogs on leads.” Their page

  • English Heritage · Christchurch

    Christchurch Castle and Norman House

    Dogs: On leads.

    “Dogs on leads are welcome.” Their page

  • English Heritage · Long Bredy

    Kingston Russell Stone Circle

    Dogs: On a lead; cattle on the path.

    “The path to the site takes you through land grazed by cattle, so please keep dogs on leads” Their page

  • English Heritage · Knowlton

    Knowlton Church and Earthworks

    Dogs: On leads.

    “Dogs on leads are welcome.” Their page

  • English Heritage · Winterbourne Abbas

    The Nine Stones

    Dogs: On a lead; cattle may be in the field.

    “Cattle may be present in the field, so please keep dogs on leads.” Their page

  • English Heritage · Winterbourne Abbas

    Winterbourne Poor Lot Barrows

    Dogs: On a lead; sheep and cattle graze.

    “Sheep may be grazing on site and cattle may be present on the access route, so please keep dogs on leads.” Their page

  • Garden · Abbotsbury

    Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens

    Dogs: Welcome on short, non-extendable leads, including the outdoor café seating.

    “Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens is a haven for plant lovers – one which also welcomes dogs on short, non-extendable leads.” Their page

  • Castle · East Lulworth

    Lulworth Castle and Park

    Dogs: On leads in the castle and grounds.

    “Please keep dogs on leads in the castle and around the grounds as we have grazing livestock.” Their page

  • Country park · Swanage

    Durlston Country Park

    Dogs: Paths, castle, visitor centre and café. Short lead indoors and in the castle garden.

    “Your dog is on a short lead when inside or in the Castle garden.” Their page

  • English Heritage · Weymouth

    Jordan Hill Roman Temple

    Dogs: On leads.

    “Dogs on leads are welcome.” Their page

  • National Trust · Stourpaine, near Blandford

    Hod Hill

    Dogs: Iron Age hillfort. Dogs welcome; a short lead is essential around sheep. Dog bins at or near the car parks.

    “Dog walkers are welcome but please keep an eye out for signs throughout your visit. 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. Please always clear up after your dog. Bins are available within or near the car parks or take the poo bags home with you.” Their page

  • National Trust · Broadwindsor

    Lewesdon Hill

    Dogs: Dorset's highest hill, wooded. Dogs welcome; drop the lead if cattle approach.

    “Dog walkers are welcome but please keep an eye out for signs throughout your visit. Using a short lead helps to keep your dog from disturbing animals. Drop your lead if approached by livestock.” Their page

  • National Trust · Broadwindsor

    Pilsdon Pen

    Dogs: Iron Age hillfort with views to the sea. Dogs welcome; a short lead is essential around sheep.

    “Dog walkers are welcome but please keep an eye out for signs throughout your visit. ... It's essential to use a short lead around sheep.” Their page

  • National Trust · Osmington, near Weymouth

    Ringstead Bay

    Dogs: Clifftop walks above the bay. Dogs welcome; a short lead is essential around sheep. Take your poo bags home with you: don't count on a bin.

    “Dog walkers are welcome but please keep an eye out for signs throughout your visit. 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. Please always clear up after your dog and take the poo bags home with you.” Their page

Dogs in some areas only

  • National Trust · Wimborne Minster

    Kingston Lacy

    Dogs: Parkland, woodland walks and the Stables café courtyard, on a lead. Not the house, café inside or formal garden.

    “Also, dogs are welcome in the courtyard at the Stables cafe.” Their page

  • National Trust · Studland

    Studland Bay

    Dogs: Welcome, with seasonal lead rules: leads on the beaches May to September, and on the dunes and heath March to July.

    “Dunes and heathland: Dog on lead March - July.” Their page

  • National Trust · Morcombelake / Chideock

    Golden Cap

    Dogs: On leads in the countryside. Not on the beaches from May to September.

    “Dogs welcome on leads, but not on beaches, May-September” Their page

  • National Trust · Sturminster Marshall

    White Mill

    Dogs: Outside on a lead. Not inside the mill.

    “Dogs are not allowed inside the mill, but are allowed outside if on a lead.” Their page

  • National Trust · Burton Bradstock

    Hive Beach and Cogden

    Dogs: Welcome in the countryside. Not on the beach in front of the café from 1 June to 30 September.

    “From 1 June to 30 September, dogs are not permitted on the beach directly in front of the café (main beach access), unless they are assistance dogs.” Their page

  • Railway · Swanage

    Swanage Railway

    Dogs: On a short lead on ordinary trains. Not on some dining trains or at some events.

    “Well-behaved dogs are welcome when kept on a short lead.” Their page

No dogs

  • National Trust · Poole

    Brownsea Island

    Dogs: No dogs on the island, except assistance dogs.

    “Dogs are not permitted on Brownsea Island, with the exception of assistance dogs which must be clearly identifiable.” Their page

  • National Trust · Higher Bockhampton

    Hardy’s Cottage

    Dogs: Assistance dogs only. The independent visitor centre café nearby is dog-friendly.

    “Assistance dogs only” Their page

  • National Trust · Bovington

    Clouds Hill

    Dogs: Assistance dogs only.

    “Assistance dogs only” Their page

  • Wildlife · Abbotsbury

    Abbotsbury Swannery

    Dogs: No dogs at all, including assistance dogs.

    “Sorry, dogs (including assistance dogs) are not permitted within the Swannery.” Their page

  • Wildlife · Wool

    Monkey World

    Dogs: No dogs or other pets, including assistance dogs.

    “Dogs and other pets are not permitted into the park, including assistance dogs.” Their page

  • National Trust · Dorchester

    Hardy's House, Max Gate

    Dogs: The Trust's main page says assistance dogs only. One guided-walk event page says dogs may go in the gardens but not the house, so ask Max Gate before you go.

    “Assistance dogs only” Their page

Parks and walks

  • Park or walk · Lyme Regis

    Langmoor and Lister GardensLyme Regis Town Council

    Dogs: On a short lead (2 metres max) all year.

    “Dogs must also be kept on a lead of no more than two metres all-year-round; Langmoor and Lister Gardens” Their page

  • Park or walk · Charmouth

    Stonebarrow HillNational Trust

    Dogs: Welcome on the paths. Leads in fields with livestock.

    “Well-behaved dogs are welcome but please keep them on a lead in fields with livestock.” Their page

  • Park or walk · Burton Bradstock

    Burton Bradstock coastal fields and footpathsNational Trust

    Dogs: Welcome on the footpaths. Leads in fields with livestock.

    “Please keep dogs on their leads while in fields with livestock.” Their page

  • Park or walk · Near Burton Bradstock

    Cogden countryside circularNational Trust

    Dogs: Welcome on the trail. Leads near livestock.

    “Please keep dogs on their leads while in fields with livestock; keep dogs under close control during this period.” Their page

  • Park or walk · Weymouth

    Nothe GardensWeymouth Town Council

    Dogs: On a lead throughout.

    “Dogs are welcome but must remain on their lead throughout the whole gardens.” Their page

  • Park or walk · Weymouth

    Lodmoor nature reserveRSPB-managed

    Dogs: On the dog-friendly trails only, on a lead.

    “Dogs are welcome on the designated dog friendly trails; keeping your dog on a lead” Their page

  • Park or walk · Ringstead

    Ringstead Bay clifftop countrysideNational Trust

    Dogs: Welcome on the paths. Short lead around sheep.

    “Dog walkers are welcome; It’s essential to use a short lead around sheep.” Their page

  • Park or walk · West Lulworth

    Scratchy Bottom and surrounding estate footpathsLulworth Estate

    Dogs: Welcome on the waymarked paths. Leads near livestock and from March to July.

    “Keep your dog on a lead where livestock are present and in bird nesting season between March-July.” Their page

  • Park or walk · Swanage

    Durlston Country ParkDorset Council

    Dogs: On a lead or under close control. Short lead in the buildings and castle garden.

    “We welcome well-behaved dogs and their owners to Durlston; Your dog is on a short lead when inside or in the Castle garden.” Their page

  • Park or walk · Poole

    Luscombe ValleyBCP Council

    Dogs: Close control. Short lead near livestock and from 1 March to 31 July.

    “Dogs must be on a short lead when livestock is near and during the bird breeding season from 1 March to 31 July. At other times dogs must be under close control.” Their page

  • Park or walk · Poole

    Pinecliff GardensBCP Council

    Dogs: Welcome in the gardens.

    “Dogs are allowed in the gardens.” Their page

  • Park or walk · Branksome, Poole

    Coy Pond GardensBCP Council

    Dogs: Welcome in the gardens.

    “Dogs are allowed in the gardens.” Their page

  • Park or walk · Boscombe

    Boscombe Chine Gardens mini-golfBCP Council site, operated by The Parks Foundation

    Dogs: On the mini-golf course, on a lead.

    “Well-behaved dogs on a lead are allowed on the mini golf course.” Their page

  • Park or walk · Southbourne

    Seafield GardensBCP Council

    Dogs: Welcome in the gardens.

    “Seafield Gardens ia a popular site for people to walk their dogs and relax.” Their page

  • Park or walk · Bournemouth

    Hengistbury Head nature reserveBCP Council

    Dogs: Short lead from February to August in nesting areas. Follow the signs.

    “Well-behaved dogs are welcome at Hengistbury Head; keep to paths and use a short lead February to August” Their page

  • Park or walk · Highcliffe

    Chewton BunnyBCP Council

    Dogs: Under close control on the woodland paths.

    “Dogs are allowed but must be under close control.” Their page

  • Park or walk · Christchurch

    Stanpit MarshBCP Council-managed

    Dogs: Close control. Leads near livestock and from 1 March to 31 July.

    “Dogs are allowed but must be under close control; always keep dogs on a lead when near livestock.” Their page

We list a place only when its own website (or the charity or council that runs it) states its dog rule, and we quote and link to that page. Places that don't allow dogs are listed too, so you don't make a wasted trip. Rules can change, and some depend on the season, so check before you go.