Do you want to take a deep dive into history and get a closer look at life of noble families?
Would you like to discover fascinating stories behind Britain’s impressive historical buildings?
How about enjoying a stroll around glorious gardens?
We put together our favourite dog-friendly castles and charming historic houses whose owners understand that dogs are a part of a family. Although dogs are not invited to the houses, they are allowed to sniff out the beautiful gardens and extensive grounds. So there’s no reason to leave your furry friend at home any more.
What is your favourite dog-friendly castle?
Dog-friendly castle #1: Belvoir Castle, a historic house with a French name in Leicestershire.
Belvoir Castle is a historic castle and a stately home in Leicestershire, near the town of Grantham. The seat of the Manners family, the 11th Duke and Duchess of Rutland. The name ‘Belvoir’ is French, what means ‘beautiful view’. Surprisingly, it is pronounced today as ‘beaver’. This is because the native Anglo-Saxon population could not pronounce properly the French name and simply called it ‘Beaver Castle’.
Dogs at Belvoir Castle
If you are a dog owners, you definitely enjoy that tranquil and picturesque place. There are seven different walking trails through formal gardens and woodland: Spiral Walk, Rose Garden Walk, Japanese Woodland Walk, Duchess Garden Walk, Hermit’s Garden Walk, The Duke’s Walk, and Frog Hollow. And dogs are allowed (on a lead) everywhere!
Dog-friendly historic house #2: Renishaw Hall, a stunning historic house in Derbyshire.
Did you watch the TV show ‘Keeping Up With The Aristocrats’ on ITV last year? The programme gave exclusive access to lives and houses of aristocratic families in the UK. One of the series was about Renishaw Hall in Derbyshire and its owners, Alexandra Sitwell and her husband Rick. Alexandra inherited the property that has been in Sitwell’s family for about 400 years.
Dogs at Renishaw Hall
Dogs are allowed in the gardens on a short lead. Dogs are not allowed to be in the house, which is a family home.
Dog-friendly castle #3: Blenheim Palace, a country house in Oxfordshire.
Embark on a journey through time and discover the fascinating story and secrets of Blenheim Palace, a country house in Oxfordshire and the only non-royal house in England to hold the title of palace. Blenheim Palace was a national gift from Queen Anne to John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, as a recognition of his military triumph at the Battle of Blenheim in 1704.
Dogs at Blenheim Palace
Dogs on short leads are welcome in 2,000 acres of Parkland. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed in the Courtyards, Formal and Walled Gardens, and in the Palace.