Exploring the National Trust’s Pooch Passport around Buckinghamshire and Berkshire
Dogs and their owners are being encouraged to explore the top National Trust places for dog days out, with the arrival of the new Pooch Passport. Launched in partnership with natural pet food maker Forthglade, the Pooch Passport has been unveiled exclusively at 29 National Trust places across London and the South East, including Cliveden, Stowe, Basildon Park, Greys Court, Hughenden and Waddesdon.
The 29 places have been specially selected because they have been awarded a two pawprint or three pawprint rating, which means that they provide good or very good facilities for visiting dogs. This may include dog-washing areas, drinking stations, dog zones in cafés, waste bins and downloadable walks for dog walkers. Pawprint ratings can be found on property web pages and in the National Trust Handbook.
Until 29 February 2024, dogs who enjoy walks at participating properties can have their Pooch Passports stamped. Once they have collected unique stamps from six different places they’ll receive a special Forthglade treat. And if they visit 12 locations they’ll receive a second Forthglade treat.
National Trust Dogs Welcome Project Manager, Ceinwen Paynton, says: “We’re delighted to be able to say ‘thank you’ to our dog-loving supporters in London and the South East with our Pooch Passport, developed in partnership with Forthglade. We know how much it means to people to be able to bring their dogs when they visit our places and not leave them home alone. Our paw print rating makes it easy to plan a visit with your dog, and the Pooch Passport provides the perfect reason to explore new places with them.
“However, we’re also aware that not everyone loves dogs,” Ceinwen adds. “Our Pooch Passport includes Canine Code tips to help dogs and their owners behave responsibly and courteously, and the access information provided by the pawprint rating will be of help to all our visitors.”
Bucks resident Koda, a cavapoo, and his owner Emma were two of the first to snap up a Pooch Passport at their local National Trust place, Stowe Gardens. “Stowe is ideal for exercising and playing with Koda. We feel very welcome there; there’s lots of dog-friendly space to roam in – on the lead of course,” Emma says. “The facilities are also really good with dog waste bins and water bowls, and I recently heard there’s a monthly dog walk to socialise with other dog owners and even a dog wash and dog first aid kits. It’s great that there’s an area for dogs next to the cafe inside so that we can get a drink or some lunch after our walk. The Pooch Passport is a great idea and it’ll definitely get us exploring further afield.”
Here, we ask experts at local National Trust sites about why they are spot on for dog walks.
Stowe Gardens – Melissa Parry
Dogs are very welcome at Stowe! We ask that you keep them under close control and on a lead everywhere. At the New Inn your dog is welcome in the shop, Parlour Rooms, and second-hand bookshop. Dogs are also allowed in all outdoor café seating areas and the indoor seating area in the corridor next to the main café. For the moment we’re keeping the following areas dog free (except for assistance dogs): the main café and the vegetable patches in the Farmhouse Garden.
We’ve got a whole range of facilities and experiences for you and your pooch to enjoy. On top of the 250 acres of gardens and 750 acres of parkland, you’ll also find dog water bowls, dog bins, a dog wash, treats and accessories from the shop, dog first aid kits, dog ice cream, and a monthly dog walk to join. Every visit will enable your dog to sniff out new smells, explore different routes around the garden, and meet other dogs and dog lovers alike.
Basildon Park – John Kendall
Basildon Park is a great property for dogs to visit with their owners. There is a variety of walks available, from a 40 minute amble through Pheasant park to exploring the Hidden Valley, further afield. There is plenty of space to exercise, and paw-friendly parts of the tea room to cool off (or dry off!) after a long walk. While there are some places at Basildon that are not suitable for paws, including the show rooms of the mansion, the main servery of the tea room and the play area, there is plenty of space to explore, including the extensive parkland and beautiful gardens.
Greys Court – John Kendall
Greys Court is a popular property for dogs and their owners to visit, offering peaceful walks and spectacular views of the Thames Valley. Sir Felix’s Gentle Walk is a particular favourite, taking in the parkland and spinney in around 40 minutes. Dogs are welcome in parts of the tea room, the large tea room courtyard, as well as the shop and wider gardens and parkland. We don’t allow paws in the house or the Cromwellian exhibition space, or the walled gardens or play area.
