What Are the Best Dog-Friendly English Heritage Sites for a Family Day Out?

Ever tried planning a brilliant day out for the whole family, only to hit a wall when you remember the four-legged member of the household? It's a common problem. Finding places that are genuinely happy to see your dog can be a bit of a faff. You either end up leaving them behind, feeling guilty, or your grand plans are scaled back to the local park again. But what if you could explore ancient castles, wander through beautiful gardens, and uncover centuries of history with your best furry mate trotting right alongside you?

Actually, you can. It turns out that a huge number of historic locations are throwing their gates open to dogs. At English Heritage, they get that a dog is a proper part of the family. That's why so many of their sites are now dog-friendly, meaning the entire family can have an amazing adventure together without anyone missing out. It's about making memories, and for many, that includes the happy wag of a tail.

What kind of places can you visit?

Forget just a quick walk. Visiting an English Heritage site with your dog is a whole different experience. Imagine exploring the dramatic, windswept ruins of a coastal abbey, with your dog sniffing out all the new and exciting smells. Picture a lazy afternoon stroll through the grounds of a magnificent country estate, where there are acres of space for a gentle walk. It's a chance for the whole family to stretch their legs in some of the most stunning settings in the country.

There are so many different types of sites to choose from. People can wander around the battlements of a mighty castle, imagining the history that unfolded there, all while their dog takes in the sights and sounds. Or perhaps a more peaceful day is in order, exploring the quiet solitude of a historic priory. Many of the gardens at English Heritage sites are also open to dogs, offering a wonderful sensory experience for both humans and canines. These aren't just any old parks; these are historic landscapes that have been shaped over hundreds of years. So, whether the family is in the mood for a big adventure or a quiet wander, there are sites that fit the bill perfectly.

Keeping everyone happy and safe

Of course, when you're visiting special places like these, there are a few ground rules to make sure everyone has a good time and the sites are protected. The main thing to remember at English Heritage sites is to keep dogs on a lead. This isn't just a stuffy rule for the sake of it. It's actually really important for a few reasons.

Firstly, many of these historic locations are home to wildlife or have farm animals like sheep grazing nearby. A dog off the lead, no matter how well-behaved, can cause a lot of stress to livestock. Secondly, it helps protect the sites themselves. Some areas have delicate stonework or ancient grounds that could be accidentally damaged by an over-enthusiastic pup. And finally, it ensures that all visitors, including those who might be a bit nervous around dogs, feel comfortable and safe. It's all about making sure the day is enjoyable for every single family that visits.

And the other big one, which all dog owners know, is to clean up after them. Bringing plenty of poo bags and making sure to leave nothing behind is just part of being a responsible visitor. It keeps these beautiful sites looking their best for the next family to enjoy. It's a small thing that makes a massive difference.

Planning your dog-friendly adventure

A little bit of planning can turn a good day out into a great one. Before heading off, it's always a brilliant idea to check the specific page for the chosen location on the English Heritage website. While many sites are dog-friendly, some might have certain areas, like indoor exhibitions or tearooms, where dogs can't go. A quick check online means you know exactly what to expect when you arrive.

It's also smart to pack a little 'doggy day out' bag. Having these things ready means the whole family can relax and enjoy the day without any hassle. Here's a quick checklist of things that might come in handy:

• A sturdy lead
• Plenty of poo bags
• A portable water bowl and a bottle of fresh water
• A few of their favourite treats
• An old towel for wiping muddy paws before the car journey home

Thinking about these simple things beforehand ensures the day runs smoothly. It means less time worrying and more time exploring the amazing sites at English Heritage with the entire family, paws and all.

A special summer offer for the family

Making these family memories doesn't have to break the bank. For anyone thinking about exploring more of what the country has to offer, there's a great deal available this summer. For a limited time, people can get 25% off all new annual English Heritage memberships.

An annual membership is a fantastic way for a family to plan a whole year of adventures. It gives them access to hundreds of historic sites across the country, so they can tick off castles, abbeys, and Roman forts whenever they fancy a day out. With this offer, it's even better value. To get the discount, just use the code "SUMMER25" at the checkout. It's important to know that this is for new membership purchases only and applies to those paid by annual direct debit. The offer is valid until it expires on 31st August 2025, so there's plenty of time to get it sorted for a year full of exploration at fantastic sites.

Full list of dog-friendly locations: 

Aldborough Roman Site, North Yorkshire
Burton Agnes Manor House, East Riding of Yorkshire
Byland Abbey, North Yorkshire
Conisbrough Castle, South Yorkshire
Easby Abbey, North Yorkshire
Gainsthorpe Medieval Village, Humberside (former county)
Helmsley Castle, North Yorkshire
Howden Minster, East Riding of Yorkshire
Kirkham Priory, North Yorkshire
Marmion Tower, North Yorkshire
Middleham Castle, North Yorkshire
Monk Bretton Priory, South Yorkshire
Mount Grace Priory, North Yorkshire
Pickering Castle, North Yorkshire
Piercebridge Roman Bridge, North Yorkshire - free to the public
Richmond Castle, North Yorkshire
Rievaulx Abbey, North Yorkshire
Roche Abbey, South Yorkshire
Scarborough Castle, North Yorkshire
Skipsea Castle, East Riding of Yorkshire
Spofforth Castle, North Yorkshire
Stanwick Iron Age Fortifications, North Yorkshire
Steeton Hall Gateway, North Yorkshire
Wharram Percy Deserted Medieval Village, North Yorkshire
Wheeldale Roman Road, North Yorkshire
Whitby Abbey, North Yorkshire