Visiting Ightham Mote with your dog

Dogs Welcome All Year Round

We’re pleased to announce that dogs are now welcome in the gardens year-round (on a short lead), except in the play area. While dogs are not permitted inside the house, or indoor café areas (assistance dogs only), there are plenty of outdoor spaces to explore together.

Our Pawprint Rating

Ightham Mote has a two pawprint rating, meaning dogs are welcome but with some restrictions. While facilities are limited, you and your dog can still enjoy scenic walks through the estate’s extensive woodlands and gardens.

Where Can My Dog Go?

• Gardens – Dogs on short leads are welcome all year (except in the play area).
• Estate & Woodland – Enjoy miles of countryside trails with your dog.
• Indoor Spaces – Assistance dogs only inside the house and indoor café area.

Ask at Visitor Reception for more information and a map of dog-friendly areas.

Dog-Friendly Facilities

After a refreshing walk, why not relax at the Mote Café’s outdoor seating area, where you’ll find water bowls and dog treats? Additional water bowls are available at Visitor Reception and on the café patio.

Keeping Dogs Safe & Under Control

To protect wildlife, livestock, and fellow visitors, we ask all dog owners to follow these guidelines:

• Keep dogs on a lead in the gardens, car park, and around livestock.
• Always clean up after your dog – dog waste bins are available at estate entrances.
• Be mindful of other visitors – not everyone is comfortable around dogs.

If you forget waste bags, just ask at Visitor Reception – we’re happy to help!

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

Enjoy Your Visit

With beautiful gardens, woodlands, and estate walks, Ightham Mote is a wonderful place for you and your dog to explore. We look forward to welcoming you and your furry companion soon!