Bringing your dog
Well-behaved dogs on short leads are welcome in most outdoor areas
Bringing your dog to Christmas at Waddesdon
Dogs welcome – We appreciate that your four-legged friends enjoy exploring as much as you do! Well behaved dogs are welcome in the grounds including the Christmas Fair, Food Village, Stables, Parterre and Light trail. Please be aware of the affect that your dog may have on other visitors and keep them on a short lead and always under close control. Dog waste bins and litter bins are available for your convenience. Please do not leave dog waste bags on the ground or hanging in bushes and trees. Please note that only assistance dogs are permitted in the house and Manor Restaurant.
Doggy dos and don’ts
As not all our visitors are dog-loving people and to help protect our beautiful surroundings we just ask that you adhere to our dos and don’ts for bringing your dog.
- please keep dogs on short leads at all times
- dogs are welcome anywhere in the grounds with the exception of the Aviary and Woodland Playground
- use our dog map to see our dog friendly areas
- please note that the walk from the car park to the house is approximately 20-25 minutes in each direction, with an uphill section and following rain can be wet in places so please bring suitable footwear. (See below for full shuttle bus details)
- you can enjoy outdoor refreshment with your dog at the Stables courtyard, Manor Terrace and Manor Shop courtyard
- from February 2023, well-behaved dogs are allowed inside in the Stables Café and Stables Takeaway
- please note dogs are not permitted in the Manor Restaurant
- assistance dogs are welcome in the gardens and inside the Manor
- please clear up after your dog and use one of our bins. Help us protect all visitors against dangers such as toxicariasis by doing so. Please ask at the Welcome Pavilion or use our dog map below for nearest locations
- please do not leave your dog tied up and unattended anywhere in the grounds
- please keep to footpaths when walking across the wider estate
Dogs on the shuttle buses
We now allow dogs on the shuttle buses from the car park to the Manor. Please note the following:
- At busy times, when visitors may be standing in the bus aisle, we may ask you and your dog to wait for the next available bus.
- If your dog might react to other dogs or people in a contained environment, please can you walk your dog rather than use the bus, to prevent any avoidable interactions.
- Please take responsibility for your dog and consider whether using the bus, rather than walking, will be in your dog’s best interest.
- In the event of a dog displaying any signs of aggression before entering the bus or having boarded, we reserve the right to request that you use the walking path.
Thank you for your understanding and co-operation.
Dog Walking on the Waddesdon Estate
As not all our visitors are dog-loving people and to help protect our livestock and beautiful surroundings, we ask that dog owners adhere to our dog walking policy.
Pooch Passport
Until 29 February 2024, we are issuing and stamping Pooch Passports for your dogs. Once you have collected six unique stamps from different National Trust properties in the London and Southeast area, your dog will be given a special treat, thanks to Forthglade.
Terms and Conditions:
- One passport per dog (can’t share)
- Must receive six unique stamps from different National Trust properties, see the full list of participating properties here : https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dog-friendly/pooch-passport-terms-and-conditions
- Dog must be present to get the stamp
- Stamps collected after admission
Dog-friendly walks
Garden walks
Wellie walk
30 minutes
Difficulty: 2 wellies
Buggy friendly, dog friendly
Starting point: The Stables
Look out for: Diamond Jubilee Wood, North Fountain
Winter garden walk
25 minutes
Difficulty: 2 wellies
Buggy friendly, dog friendly
Starting point: The Stables
Look out for: The Aviary, Cherry Trees, Hellebores, Tay bridge
Baron’s walk
30 minutes
Difficulty: 3 wellies
Dog friendly
Starting point: The Stables
Look out for: Terra degli Etruschi sculpture by Stephen Cox, Pulham Rock grottoes
Skylarks nesting in Diamond Jubilee Wood
Skylarks are ground-nesting birds, with a breeding season running from April to August. We would ask if you are walking in the wood during these months to please keep your dog on a lead.
Use our online navigation for the walks or download our walks map in advance.
Dog friendly pit stops
The Stables
Near the Woodland Playground, the Stables courtyard is informal and ideal for dog owners and families. A short walk from the Manor, with a food and drink kiosk and outdoor seating. From February 2023, we also allow well-behaved dogs inside the Stables Cafe and in the Stables Takeaway inside seating area.
Manor Restaurant terrace
Order food to go from the Coffee Bar near the Gift & Wine shop and sit under the terrace. Enjoy hot drinks, homemade soup and seasonal snacks.
The Five Arrows
Open all year round
If you would like to dine with your dog indoors, you’re very welcome to in the bar area of The Five Arrows. Dog treats and attention are always on the menu at the hotel, and you can even enjoy a stay with your four-legged friend.