Summer is in full swing and there is still time to enjoy sunny days, so we’ve rounded our favourite places for a dog-friendly summer break in the UK.
1. Exbury Gardens in Hampshire.
Exbury Gardens is a 200-acre informal woodland garden, well-known by its famous collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and magnolias. This is the creation of Lionel de Rothschild, who was born in the wealthy banking family and described himself as ‘a banker by hobby – a gardener by profession’. He bought the Exbury Estate in the New Forest in 1919, inspired by the idea to create one of the finest woodland gardens in the country, with more than one million plants!
On the 4th August 2024, all visitors who bring their dogs to Exbury Gardens will get a 20% discount on gardens admission.
2. Minack Theatre in Cornwall.
This is one of the most unusual and atmospheric dog-friendly places. The Minack, what means ‘a rocky place’, is a working theatre and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Cornwall. The fascinating story of Minack Theatre started in 1929. Its creation is inextricably linked with one remarkable woman, Rowena Cade. One day, she offered her cliff-side garden as a stage to a local theatre company. After a successful debut, she decided to build a proper theatre. It is no exaggeration to say that Minack Theatre was literally built by hand, without using some heavy machinery.
Dogs are welcome on short leads during visiting hours. Admission fee is £10.00 for adults.
3. Renishaw Hall in Derbyshire.
In our humble opinion, this is one of the most beautiful stately homes and it has been in Sitwell’s family for about 400 years. The original Renishaw Hall was built by George Sitwell in 1625, a wealthy ironmaster, and then extended and improved by George’s descendants. In 1988, the estate was opened to the public for the first time. Renishaw Hall is also famous for its award-winning wines that are produced from grapes grown on the family-owned vineyard.
Dogs are allowed in the gardens on a short lead. Admission fee is £10 for adults.