Find out more about Dunwich Heath
Find out how to get to Dunwich Heath, where to park, things to see and do, and more.
Dogs are very welcome at Dunwich Heath. However, the site is also an important nature reserve with sensitive habitats, along with rare heathland birds and animals. So, if you’re bringing your dog to Dunwich Heath, please help to protect the wildlife and maintain a safe environment for everyone to enjoy.
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.
Dunwich Heath is a three pawprint rated place.
Three pawprints shows the very best places you can visit for a day with your dog. You’ll be able to take your dog to most areas, including indoors for a cup of tea and a treat. There’ll be clearly signed dog zones and dog-friendly experiences. Read on to discover exactly where you can take your dog.
Dogs are very welcome at Dunwich Heath, but there are a few restrictions to be aware of on your visit:
For everyone’s enjoyment, please keep dogs on their lead in and around any building. There are secure dog lead clips on most buildings.
Pick up a woof guide from the visitor welcome hut for more details on bringing your dog to the site.
Our definition of close or effective control is:
As with most countryside areas, Dunwich Heath has ticks that can be picked up all year round, so make sure you check for any signs when you get home.
These reptiles are active from spring until mid-autumn, and are the UK’s only venomous snake. In the unlikely event that your dog is bitten, please contact the team straightaway as it will require veterinary treatment.
Never leave your dog in a car on warm days – there is no adequate shade in the car park. The team will take action if we see a dog in distress.
We’ve worked with our partner Forthglade to come up with this Canine Code, which helps to make sure everyone can enjoy their day:
Find out how to get to Dunwich Heath, where to park, things to see and do, and more.
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.
Discover the best places for a dog walk, from coastal adventures and dramatic mountains to more leisurely walks near you. Plus, find information on dog-friendly cafés and read our Canine Code.
If you’re bringing your dog(s) to the places we care for, you'll find information on our Canine Code and pawprint rating system, created in partnership with Forthglade, to help plan your visit.
Rest and refuel after enjoying a walk with your dog. Here's a selection of the best walks with dog-friendly cafés at places we look after.
We've partnered with natural pet food maker Forthglade to create the Dogs Welcome project, helping you and your dog(s) get the most out of the places in our care.
Find out about the work we do to care for the landscape of Dunwich Heath, where the wide variety of habitats provides a home for many different species.
Discover the different areas to explore, and the variety of wildlife you can spot when you visit Dunwich Heath, with some rarer species highlighted...
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