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Visiting Sandilands with your dog

Visitor dog walking at Ickworth, Suffolk
Enjoy a walk with your dog at Sandilands | © National Trust Images/Rob Stothard

With acres of space to explore along the Lincolnshire coastline, Sandilands is a great place for dog walking. Find out all you need to know to make the most of your visit with your four-legged friend.

Our pawprint rating system

Sandilands is a two-pawprint-rated place, showing we're a good National Trust place to visit with your dog. We have water bowls, dog bins and dog-friendly walks. You can walk your dog across the site, but they must be kept on a lead. You can also have a cup of tea while they enjoy a treat from SandiDunes cafe kiosk.

Where can my dog go?

Dogs on leads are very welcome across Sandilands. We ask that you keep your dogs on a short lead when visiting to protect ground-nesting birds, other wildlife, and visitors.

Where can’t my dog go?

Please don't allow your dog to wander through long grass and dense undergrowth. Keep your dog on a short lead to help reduce the chance of them disturbing wildlife.

What do I need to be aware of at Sandilands?

Sandilands is part of the Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park and is home to a variety of breeding birds and other wildlife. We want you and your dog to enjoy exploring the natural surroundings and we kindly ask you to help keep the wildlife that live here safe in return.

It's essential to note that ground nesting birds can be easily disturbed by dogs and may abandon their nests and young if disrupted. Hence, we urge you to keep your dog on a lead when visiting Sandilands. This small action can help preserve the natural habitat, and allow the birds to flourish.

A picture of an owl swooping around with his wings outstretched at Sandilands nature reserve
A short-eared owl flying around at Sandilands nature reserve | © Garry Wright

What facilities are available for my dog?

There are water bowls by SandiDunes cafe kiosk, where doggy ice cream and treats are available too. Please be mindful that not everyone loves dogs, so we ask that you prevent your dog from approaching other visitors without their consent.

There are three dedicated dog bins on site, located at the north and south entrances, as well as just south of Boy Grift. Please always clear up after your dog to keep your favourite places beautiful.

Looking for more space?

Head to the beach. The beach at Sandilands is dog-friendly all year round and great for ball games.

A small dog on the lead standing at the beach
Dogs are welcome at Sandilands | © National Trust Images / James Dobson

The Canine Code

We want you and your dog to have a fun and stress-free day. We also want to protect precious wildlife habitats, as well as ensure everyone can enjoy the countryside, whether or not they have a dog. To make sure everyone has a safe and enjoyable day at Sandilands please follow our Canine Code:

Keep them close: using a short lead helps to keep your dog from disturbing ground-nesting birds at Sandilands.

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

Forthglade

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.

Visit website 

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