Bringing your dog
For the first time ever we are welcoming your furry friends into the grounds.
We know that dogs are a part of your family so in order to accommodate them, we’re allowing dogs anywhere in the grounds with the exception of the Aviary, Parterre and Woodland Playground.
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, Parterre and Woodland Playground
- use our dog map to see our dog friendly areas
- be aware that although we love them outside, dogs are not allowed inside any building, shop, cafè or on the shuttle bus Only assistance dogs will be allowed on the buses. Please note that the walk from the car park to the house is approximately 15-20 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 and Coffee Bar
- assistance dogs are welcome in the gardens and inside the Manor
- please clear up after your dog and use one of our bins. Please note that additional dog waste bins are being added around the main grounds, please ask at the Welcome Pavilion or use our dog map below for nearest locations
Allowing dogs into the main grounds is a trial arrangement and will be reviewed next year.
Dogs on the shuttle buses
Since November 2017, in line with many National Trust and other historic properties, we have amended our policy and dogs are now allowed within the main grounds of Waddesdon.
In advance of your visit, please note that all dogs (excluding assistance dogs) must be walked to and from the visitor car park. This walk is approximately 15-20 minutes in each direction, on a woodchip path, with an uphill section at the base of the hill.
Our policy does not permit dogs (other than assistance dogs) on the visitor shuttle buses to or from the Manor. Although dogs are sometimes allowed on buses or trains elsewhere, at Waddesdon we have listened to feedback from some visitors who feel very strongly that dogs should not be in an enclosed space with other visitors including children of all ages, some of whom are scared of dogs. Unfortunately it is not possible to make individual exceptions to this policy, as it then becomes practically unworkable. We recognise that this decision will not suit everyone, but it is overall felt to be an acceptable compromise as part of the reviewing of our previous ‘no dogs’ overall policy.
Thank you for your understanding and co-operation.
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, Lafite sculpture by Joana Vasconcelos
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, Lafite sculpture by Joana Vasconcelos
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
Wider estate walks
Use our online navigation for the walks or download our walks map in advance.
Dog friendly pit stops
Stables Cafè
Open 10am-5pm, Wed-Sun
The Stables Café, near the Woodland Playground, is informal and ideal for families and dog owners. It’s a short walk from the Manor, housed in the old stables with outdoor seating.
Coffee Bar
Open 10am-5pm, Wed-Sun
Bring your dog and grab a quick snack, freshly made baguette, slice of cake or a hot drink at our kiosk in the Manor Shop Courtyard.