Visiting Chirk Castle with your dog

Visitors walking in the parkland with their dog at Calke Abbey, Derbyshire — Dog enjoying the fresh air | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

We love welcoming dogs to the 480-acre estate at Chirk Castle and there’s a long tradition of dogs here, all the way back to medieval times when the family used to kennel wolfhounds beneath the entrance bridge. Find out where you can walk your dog during your visit.

Our pawprint rating system

Chirk Castle is a two pawprint rated place. We have water bowls, dog bins and dog-friendly walks. You’ll be able to take your dog into some areas, but not everywhere. Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times in all areas of the Chirk Castle estate.

Read on to discover exactly where you can take your dog.

Where can I walk my dog?

There are three main marked trails across the Chirk Castle estate, so there are great options for walks at any time of the year. Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times in all areas of the Chirk Castle estate.

Woodland Walk

The Woodland Walk is a circular path through woodland and across parkland and fields that will take around 45-60 minutes. Follow the blue markers from Stable Bank.

The Old Golf trail

The Old Golf trail takes around 30-45 minutes and takes you through fields and parkland to the hill behind the castle, for the best view of Chirk Castle in its landscape. Follow the red markers from the car park.

Offa's Dyke Walk

The Offa's Dyke walk takes you just off the Chirk estate. It’s a permissive path, open April to September. Look out for sections of the 8th-century Scheduled Ancient Monument of Offa's Dyke and the site of part of the 1165 battle of Crogen, as well as the ancient Oak at the Gates of the Dead. Follow the orange markers.

Pooch passport

We’re excited to announce our participation in the National Trust’s brand-new Pooch passport program.  

Every time you and your furry friend visit a new National Trust location, you'll get a stamp for your Pooch Passport. Collect six stamps and your dog earns a free packet of natural dog treats. After twelve stamps, they'll receive a stylish snood. 

Start planning your visits today. Find out the other properties taking part here. https://bit.ly/3MAQ7q5

An image of a pale cream fluffy dog between its two owners being walked along a path in the countryside and surrounded by greenery — Enjoy time together at Chirk | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Assistance dogs

Assistance dogs are welcome to accompany their owner anywhere in the gardens or castle. Please ask a member of the team if you need any assistance.

Dog waste bins

There are dog-waste bins available by the car park, along the Woodland Walk and by the Davies' Gates. Please make sure that you pick up after your dog and use the bins provided. Dog-waste left in plastic bags can be harmful to other animals.

Water bowls

Your dog can enjoy a refreshing drink of water by Home Farm and up by the castle.

The estate

Our parkland is home to tenant farmers with a variety of livestock which could be grazing anywhere on the estate fields. We also have an abundance of wildlife that needs protecting. To prevent incidents and attacks to livestock and wildlife dogs must be kept on their lead and kept under close control. Remember, even small friendly dogs can unintentionally scare sheep.

Visitors with two Jack Russell dogs at Flatford, Suffolk — Discover wonderful walks together | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

The castle

We warmly welcome assistance dogs inside the castle and café. All other dogs are welcome in the overflow seating for the tea room and in the outdoor seating of the courtyard. Here, you can relax with your furry companions while enjoying refreshments.

The gardens

Assistance dogs only inside the gardens and Pleasure Ground Wood.

Play areas

There are two main play areas at Chirk Castle and dogs must be kept on a lead around these areas. Please be extra vigilant to prevent fouling and ensure these spaces stay clean and safe for everyone’s enjoyment.