The UK’s Best Dog Friendly Castles
explore historic sites where your pup is welcome to roam
Over the last few years there’s been a shift, with more and more attractions opening their doors to visitors with four paws. Including some of the UK’s finest castles, which have stood sentry over our shores for hundreds of years, and which offer a fine opportunity for a family day out without having to walk for miles. We’ve sniffed out some of our favourite sites which either allow dogs into the building itself, or which have attached gardens and grounds offering scenic walks with plenty of castle views. Take a step back in time and explore…
England
Framlingham Castle, Suffolk
If walls could talk, those at Framlingham Castle would surely have a lot to say. Witness to the proclamation of Mary Tudor as Queen of England when she was a resident here in 1553, Framlingham has stood guard over this part of Suffolk for over 800 years. More recently, the castle inspired the lyrics of the Ed Sheeran song Castle on the Hill, and today visitors are welcome to explore the ruins of the buildings.
Dogs are made very welcome at Framlingham, being allowed everywhere on site including the indoor exhibition (which includes dress up items and games for children), in the café and on the wall walk. At over 10 metres high, a head for heights is required to venture out onto the walls!
Pick up an audio tour on your way in to learn more about the history of the castle and the people who lived here – and pick up a book from the second hand bookshop on your way out.
Pendennis Castle, Cornwall
Proudly watching over the Fal Estuary, with some rather nice sea views, Pendennis Castle and its twin at St Mawes were constructed during the reign of Henry VIII to combat the threat of invasion from the continent.
Distinctive for its uncommon circular design, Pendennis is a great choice for a dog friendly day out, with dogs able to join you everywhere on site (including the indoor areas), with the exception of the food bar.
Pendennis has a rich history dating from the Tudor period right up to the Second World War, and aficionados can enjoy perusing its impressive collection of weaponry and canons, while the indoor exhibitions explore the lives of soldiers stationed at Pendennis during the Second World War. Look out for events like falconry displays and jousting in the school holidays, too.
Corfe Castle, Dorset
If there was an award for the most romantic castle, Corfe Castle would surely be a strong contender for the prize. It’s impossible to look at what’s left of Corfe and not be swept up by a sense of romance.
First built shortly after the Norman conquest, it was dismantled during the English Civil War, leaving little more than a shell atop a small hill. However, there’s more left to explore at Corfe Castle than you’d first expect, with interesting display boards explaining the castle’s history, replica trebuchets and fine views across the Purbeck Hills.
Over the years kings, knights and princesses have called Corfe Castle home, however, the current star residents are a pair of Peregrine Falcons who have moved into the Keep. The Peregrines commandeered the nest from a pair of Ravens during the Covid lockdowns, and have returned every year ever since.
Muncaster Castle, Cumbria
There’s more to Cumbria than the fells of the Lake District. Muncaster Castle in the Western Lake District is a hidden gem, offering a fantastic day out for families and their dogs.
With 77 acres of woodland, gardens and trails to explore, you could spend all day here. Children will adore the outdoor play areas and Enchanted Trail, while adults can embrace their inner warrior in the Weapons Hall, where you can try your hand at activities such as axe throwing and crossbow shooting (additional charges apply).
The whole family will enjoy a visit to the Hawk and Owl Centre: while dogs can’t join you in the centre itself, there’s a dedicated doggy viewing area by the flying field so that visitors with four paws don’t have to miss out on the flying displays.
Why not travel there on the Esk Valley railway (walk of approx 1 mile from station) for a full dog friendly day out.
Wales
Carreg Cennen, Carmarthenshire
Perched on a limestone crag 90 metres above the River Cennen, Carreg Cennen is one of Wales’s most dramatic castles. Officially declared as the most romantic ruin in Wales by the readers of Countryfile magazine, Carreg Cennen was demolished during the Wars of the Roses following its capture by Yorkist forces in 1462.
The beauty and drama of the castle’s remains inspired several sketches by Turner, and today draws hundreds of visitors to the Cadw managed site. As well as the castle itself, visitors can explore the large natural cave below – remember your torch!
Dogs are able to join you in the castle and estate walks (look out for red kites, who flourish in this area), but not in the café. Why not pack a picnic to enjoy on the grass while enjoying views of the river below?
Carew Castle, Pembrokeshire
The history of Carew Castle and Tidal Mill spans for more than 2,000 years, with its most recent chapter being the acquisition of the site by the Pembrokeshire National Park authority on a 99 year lease in 1983.
Carew is geared up as a family and dog friendly day out, running events such as have-a-go-archery and interactive history talks for kids, while dogs are allowed everywhere on site except in the tearoom.
The mile long circular walk around the main features of the site is buggy friendly and offers great views over the castle itself, and families can enjoy some of Pembrokeshire’s finest crabbing off the causeway outside the Mill, too.
While you’re there, look out for the castle’s ghostly residents during your visit: Carew is said to be haunted by several ghosts, including a White Lady, a Celtic warrior and a Barbary Ape.
Harlech Castle, Gwynedd
Is Harlech the most spectacular of Edward I’s mighty castles? Beaumaris might be the crème de la crème architecturally, but Harlech boasts a breathtaking panorama over the mountains of Eryri and the coast.
Along with Edward’s other castles at Conwy and Caernarfon, the quartet are designated as a World Heritage Site, considered by UNESCO to be ‘the finest examples of late 13th century and early 14th century military architecture in Europe’.
Astonishingly, Harlech was built in just 7 years, including the ‘Way from the Sea’: a steep path of 108 steps rising from the sea, allowing besieged defenders to receive supplies via ship.
Dogs can join you for explorations on the ground floor of the castle. When you’re finished, take a walk down to Harlech’s stunning sandy beach for some off-lead zoomies.
Chepstow Castle, Monmouthshire
Towering over the River Wye, the history of Chepstow Castle stretches for over 1,000 years. Build work started here in 1067, making Chepstow the oldest post-Roman stone castle in the UK and one of the first Norman strongholds in Wales.
Inside is surprisingly spacious, with oodles of history to uncover and dogs welcome to join you on the ground floor. Today the castle is managed by Cadw, with audio guides are available to purchase on arrival (free for members) to guide you through the castle’s past.
Cadw put on events such as historic re-enactments, falconry displays and live music, with the castle being a popular attraction for young and old alike – check their events calendar to see what’s on.
Chepstow Castle is the start of the Wye Valley Walk, so when you’re finished why not stretch your legs with a stroll along the route. At 50 miles, we’d recommend an overnight stop (or several) if you’re planning to do the full thing!
Scotland
Dunnotter Castle, Aberdeenshire
Fans of the Disney movie Brave might find the iconic silhouette of Dunnottar Castle a little familiar. The castle, proudly jutting out into the North Sea on a rocky crag, served as part of the inspiration for Castle DunBroch, Merida’s family home.
Widely regarded as one of Scotland’s must-visit castles, it’s easy to see how this lonely ruin captured the imagination of the film’s animators. Photographers will love the myriad angles to capture the different aspects of Dunnottar, while visiting dog owners can incorporate a walk into their outing by starting from the nearby town of Stonehaven and ambling along the Aberdeenshire Coastal Trail to reach the castle (about 1.5 miles each way).
Dogs on leads are welcome to join you in the castle, and will love the opportunity to stretch their legs on the beach below at the start of end of your visit.
Culzean Castle, Ayrshire
With 17 miles of paths to discover, you could spend days wandering the trails of Culzean Castle in Ayrshire with your pooch. Variety is the order of the day here with follies, woodland, parkland and beaches to explore. Popular with families, there are two play parks for children in addition to the formal gardens and estate walks.
A highlight for many visitors is the Swan Pond, a 5 hectare man made pond, which is a great place to spot water birds. Those with green thumbs could spend hours admiring all that the walled garden has to offer: it’s one of the largest in the care of the National Trust for Scotland. And if some of the deer in the parkland look a little strange, take a second look and you may see that you’re actually looking at one of Culzean’s resident llamas.
Dogs on leads can join you in the outside areas, but they are not permitted in the castle itself. You can still admire it from the gardens though as it rises up from the Ayrshire cliffs, backed by lovely view across the Firth of Clyde to Arran in the distance.
Dunvegan Castle, Isle of Skye
Venture over the sea to Skye, where the grand fortress of Dunvegan Castle awaits you. For more than 800 years Dunvegan has been the seat of the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod, and it is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland.
Dogs can join you on a stroll around the gardens, which span five acres and which have won several awards, including being voted as Scotland’s garden of the year by the Royal Horticultural Society. Wander woodland trails and explore themed gardens including a riotous display of rhododendrons, before letting the kids run wild in the wildwood play area.
Visitors can walk down to the shore, where you might be lucky enough to spot seals sunning themselves on the rocks or bobbing in the harbour. While dogs aren’t permitted inside or on the estate-run seal spotting boat trips, they can join you in the gardens, small garden museum and conservatory area, as well as in the outdoor area of the café.
Balmoral, Aberdeenshire
Deep in the heart of the Scottish Highlands you’ll find the beautiful castle of Balmoral. Best known as the seasonal residence of the Royal Family, when the family are elsewhere visitors and their dogs are welcome to explore the gardens and grounds of this royal favourite.
The castle itself mostly remains closed, but with 45 acres of gardens (maintained by no less than seven expert gardeners) and the wider estate to explore, there’s plenty to do. No matter when you visit, Balmoral puts on a show: daffodils in spring, flourishing blooms in summer and fiery leaves in autumn, even winter looks good with the frost-kissed pines on a cold Cairngorms morning.
While dogs can’t join you in inside areas, there’s outdoor seating in the restaurant should you want to grab a bite to eat. Before you leave we’d recommend a stroll up to Prince Albert’s cairn: Scotland’s very own pyramid reached via a gentle woodland stroll.
Northern Ireland
Dundrum Castle, County Down
The perfect place to invent your own tales of heroic knights and beautiful princesses, the ruins of Dundrum Castle today are a quiet spot where you can let your imagination run wild.
Built in the second half of the twelfth century, Dundrum was constructed as part of a local noble’s coastal defences following his invasion of Ulster. Not much remains today, but it’s worth a visit to Dundrum for the views alone, with both the castle and the walk up to it offering excellent views of the area. In particular, the view across to the Mourne Mountains and over Dundrum Bay offers a reward which far outweighs the effort to get there.
Dogs on leads are welcome to join you on your explorations.
Crom Castle, County Fermanagh
Tucked away in a quiet corner of the National Trust’s Crom Estate in County Fermanagh, you’ll find the charming remnants of the old castle. Crom Castle survived not one but two sieges by the Jacobites in the 17th century, but tragically burned down in an accidental fire in 1764. In the 19th century some partial repairs were made to the site for ‘romantic effect’, as the wider estate around the old castle flourished.
Covering more than 2,000 acres along the shores of Upper Lough Erne, the Crom Estate is one of the National Trust’s most dog friendly sites and dogs are allowed everywhere other than the tea room. Not only are there multiple walking trails to explore together, ranging from thirty minutes to two hours in length, there’s a handy dog wash station where you can clean up at the end of any particularly muddy walks.
For the more adventurous, both boat and bike hire are available on the estate.
Kinbane Castle, County Antrim
One for the photographers, Kinbane Castle looks like it was plucked straight from the pages of a fairytale and deposited on the Causeway Coast for maximum visual effect. Everything about this place is at home with the wild and dramatic coastline.
Reached via steep walk with a lot of steps, you’ll need to use your imagination to imagine Kinbane in its former glory: a strategically important coastal fortification which would have defended the area from invaders. The hike here is short but not to be under-estimated and requires a good level of fitness and sensible footwear.
Dogs should be kept on leads and signs advising you not to continue past the castle onto the headland should be respected, as the castle’s clifftop position comes with sheer drops and sudden edges as well as outstanding scenery. In addition to the castle, there are views along the coast to Dunagregor Iron Age fort and across the sea to Rathlin Island: it’s the perfect spot for a Causeway Coast stop off.
Castle Ward, County Down
Along the Edge of Strangford Lough in County Down lies the National Trust’s Castle Ward Estate, which positively welcomes dogs with open arms. Dogs are allowed everywhere at Castle Ward, including in the tea room and in the gardens (but not in the house). While the house is more of a gothic mansion than a castle, it merits a place in this list thanks to its dog positive policies and miles of dog friendly trails. And technically, it’s called Castle Ward.
After wandering through the gardens and admiring the variety on display, explore the wider estate to visit some places you might have seen before on Game of Thrones. The farmyard at Castle Ward doubled in the series for some parts of Winterfell, while the wider estate also provided the locations for The Twins and for Robb Stark’s army camp, as well as other a few other scenes: you can discover them all by picking up a Game of Thrones map to guide you around the estate.
