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Visiting Barrington Court with your dog

A small dog on a lead on the grass
Dogs should be kept on leads in certain areas | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Dogs are welcome to explore the estate and parkland at Barrington Court with their owners. Wherever you choose to go around the grounds with your dog, please follow the guidance below to make sure that everyone has a great visit. You'll also find out where the dog bins are located and other useful information.

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.

Barrington Court 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?

Dogs are welcome on the estate and in the parkland. Please keep your dog on a lead and stay on the paths while exploring the estate.

If you're out in the parkland, dogs must be kept on a lead when sheep are about. This is to avoid dogs chasing or worrying the resident sheep. If cattle are about, dogs should be kept under close control or on a lead.

Where can't my dog go?

Only assistance dogs are allowed inside Strode House, the shop, and formal garden areas. If you are unsure about where you can go with your dog, please ask on arrival.

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

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.

Facilities available for my dog

Dog waste bins are located on the cricket pitch and halfway down the Avenue.

View of the White Garden at Barrington Court

Discover more at Barrington Court

Find out when Barrington Court is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.

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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