Top Dog-Friendly Places to Visit in Wiltshire

Make the most of warmer weather this season and enjoy the great outdoors with a range of dog friendly places to visit across the county. Almost half of Wiltshire is dedicated to National Landscapes, as well as a range of dog-friendly attractions, making it the perfect place to visit with your furry friend!

Dog-Friendly Attractions in Wiltshire

Credit Bowood Woodland Garden

Bowood Woodland Garden, Calne

This season, explore the enchanting Bowood Woodland Garden with your canine companion for a memorable outdoor adventure.

The Woodland Garden is a separate attraction on the Bowood Estate, only open for six weeks from mid–April to early June during the flowering season. It offers breathtaking vistas of colour and beauty to be enjoyed by both walkers and their four-legged friends.

Covering over 30 acres and considered one of the county's most exciting gardens, the Woodland Garden is an oasis of bluebells, azaleas, magnolias, and rhododendrons. Please note that dogs must be kept on a lead.

The Peto Gardens, Iford Manor

Tucked away at the bottom of a tranquil valley, is the Grade I listed Iford Manor Gardens. Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome to join as you are transported into a world of colour this season, with blends of Italian, Ancient Roman, Byzantine and Oriental Garden inspirations.

There are plenty of paths twisting and turning around ancient statues, columns and terraces, drawing you in anticipation with a new view after each step. Steeped in history, Iford Manor Gardens is located on the last hill of the Cotswolds, and with the Wiltshire and Somerset border running through the garden itself, visitors often say a visit is like stepping into another, timeless world.

Old Sarum

A visit to Salisbury isn’t complete without a dog walk to the historic Old Sarum ruins. Just a short distance out of this Medieval City, Old Sarum provides a breath-taking day out with your furry friend. The outer bailey of the attraction makes for a popular dog-walking area and is home to a few of the site’s ruins, including the footprints of the original Salisbury Cathedral. Dogs are also allowed in the castle but must be on a lead.

Stourhead

With spectacular displays of colour all year round, temples and grottoes to explore, and stunning lakeside reflections to sit beside as you bask in the summer sun, Stourhead offers it all! And better yet, dogs are welcome to join on short leads across the garden and wider estate, as well as inside the shop, restaurant, visitor reception area, top courtyard and the Spread Eagle courtyard!

Dog-Friendly Wiltshire Walks

Vale of Pewsey

If you are looking to visit quaint historic villages and majestic landscapes with your furry friend, the Vale of Pewsey is the ideal destination. Located in the North Wessex Downs National Landscape, this historic Vale dates back to the 6^th Century and offers a vast network of ancient footpaths, overlooking some of the most spectacular countryside views.

Within the town of Pewsey, there are plenty authentic pubs, shops and cafes that are dog friendly, and don’t forget to explore the iconic White Horse carvings, Pewsey has it’s own, as well as Alton Barnes which overlooks the Vale. You can also take your dog to the Crofton Beam Engines (grounds only), Wilton Windmill, the Pewsey Heritage Centre and the Crop Circle Visitor Centre & Exhibition. 

Avebury

The pretty village of Avebury nestles within the World Heritage Site of Stonehenge and Avebury. Recognised for its globally important Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments, here you and your furry friend will discover the world’s largest stone circle, as well as plenty of stone avenues and ancient tombs. Dogs on a short, fixed lead are welcome to visit the Avebury Manor Garden, and it is recommended that extra care is taken when walking amongst the stone circle, henge and West Kennet Avenue when sheep and cattle are grazing.

Located in the North Wessex Downs National Landscape, the surrounding countryside makes for a breath-taking dog walk if you would like to stretch your legs a little further out of the village.

Dog Friendly Places to Stay in Wiltshire

Wiltshire offers a range of pet-friendly places to stay, from hotels and B&Bs, to self-catering cottages and campsites.

Postern Hill Campsite

Set within the idyllic ancient Savernake Forest, Postern Hill is a dog friendly campsite offering the perfect, rural getaway when visiting Wiltshire. With plenty of lush green pitches, surrounding woodlands, and miles of walking trails to explore, it’s an adventurers dream place to stay this season.

As well as being located within one of the county’s National Landscapes, most of Savernake Forest is also a registered Site of Specific Interest. Although mainly related to its rare lichens and fungi, you may be lucky enough to encounter other rare wildlife including Hawfinches, Restarts, Nightjars and Red-tail Kites. Postern Hill Campsite is also a fantastic spot for watching bats with 11 different species known to visit the site!

Whatley Manor

Whatley Manor is a luxurious, quintessentially English hotel located in Malmesbury. Well trained dogs over 6 months are welcome to stay when booked in advance, with a £30/night supplement. Whatley Manor provide a luxury dog basket, food, treats, poo bags and a toy for your companion, which waits in your room on arrival. With a number of dog-friendly ground floor rooms, you can enjoy a unique and relaxing stay with your furry friend in the heart of Wiltshire.

Set in 12 acres of grounds and located on the edge of the Cotswolds National Landscape, there is plenty of walks for you and your four-legged friend to enjoy in the surrounding countryside.

Enjoy a range of dog-friendly places to visit in Wiltshire this season.