Visiting The Children's Country House at Sudbury with your dog

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 places in our care a rating. You can find this information in the National Trust members' handbook. 

The Children's Country House at Sudbury is a two pawprint rated place.

You can find water bowls, dog bins and dog-friendly walks at The Children's Country House at Sudbury and enjoy a hot drink and snack with your dog on the ground floor of the Fairytale Forest Cafe. 

Where can my dog go at The Children's Country House?

Dogs are welcome on a short lead across the garden and grounds at The Children's Country House. Only assistance dogs are permitted inside the Museum of Childhood, Hall and fundraising shop.

Pooch Passport 

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.

From 1 September 2024 to 28 February 2025, bring your dog along to The Children's Country House at Sudbury and pick up your free Pooch Passport from Visitor Services. Collect 6 stamps from participating properties and receive a bag of treats from Forthglade, and if you collect 12 stamps, you can recieve a further prize for your furry friend. 

Terms and conditions can be viewed here 

What facilities are available for dogs?

We have water bowls available at Visitor Services and outside the Cafe.

Dog bins are located at the car park and just inside the gates to the Gardens.

What do I need to be aware of?

Our offer is predominantly indoors and dogs, unless guidedogs are not permitted inside buidlings. We also advise not to leave your pet in the car, as the car park offers no shade and is a 400 yard walk from the property. 

Please speak to the visitor welcome team if you require any more information.

Canine Code

To make sure that everyone has an enjoyable day, please follow our Canine Code:

• Take the lead: help reduce the chance of your pup disturbing wildlife by keeping them on a lead
• Scoop that poop: bag it and bin it to keep your favourite places beautiful
• Paws for thought: look out for information signs
• Be on the ball: not everyone loves dogs, so keep them close by. 

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