Shugborough Estate, a ‘perfect paradise’ in Staffordshire.
Address: Milford, near Stafford, Staffordshire, ST17 0UP.
Fancy exploring new places with your four-legged friend? There are lots of dog-friendly sites across the UK that will widen your dog’s walking horizons. We sniffed out a nice place, perfect for your energetic furry adventurer.
Shugborough Estate in Staffordshire, described as a ‘perfect paradise’, will amaze you with its size. 900 acres of parkland to explore with your dog! Behind the grandeur of Shugborough Estate, there is a fascinating story of two brothers, Thomas Anson and George Anson. Two prominent figures, but with different passions and careers. Thomas Anson, an avid traveller and a British Member of Parliament. And George Anson, Admiral, hailed as the father of the British navy.
Thomas Anson inherited the Shugborough Estate from his father in 1720. With the intention of creating his own version of paradise, he started buying the surrounding properties. He also commissioned new building, bridges and monuments. Full of ideas after his travels around Europe, he hired an architect, Mr Wright, to create monuments in the parkland. Wright’s first creation was the Chinese House in 1747. Another of Wright’s creations is the Cat’s Monument. There is a theory that the monument was created in commemoration of a cat that travelled around the world with Admiral George Anson.
Thomas’s ideas were brought to life thanks to the successful naval career of his brother, Admiral George Anson (and his money), noted for his circumnavigation of the globe (1740–1744).
Shugborough Estate is looked after by the National Trust now.
Dog-friendly
Dogs are welcome in all outdoor areas of the estate, including the walled garden and the pleasure grounds. If you are feeling a bit peckish, you can grab some snacks and light bites in a dog-friendly Park Farm café. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed in the House, Servants’ Quarters and the tea-room.
Opening times
09:00 am – 5:00 pm every day (Garden and Parkland)
11:00 am – 4:30 pm every day (House)
10:00 am – 4:00 pm every day (Shop and Tea room)
Admission fee (whole site, including the house)
£14.00 for adults
£7.00 for children
Free for the National Trust members.
Parking
Free for visitors
Website
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/shropshire-staffordshire/shugborough-estate