Dogs at Lotherton

Dogs are a big part of our history at Lotherton and we love seeing our visitors enjoying a walk around the estate with their four-legged friends.

Where can my dog go?

You’re welcome to take your dog anywhere outdoors at Lotherton except Wildlife World and the playground. Well behaved dogs are allowed off lead in our open parkland areas, boundary trail and woodland but we ask you to keep them on a short lead in the courtyard, around the playgrounds and in the formal gardens.

Dogs are permitted in the café during off peak periods.

Assistance dogs are permitted into all areas of the estate.

Where can’t my dog go?

Inside the Stables café during peak seasons, Lotherton hall museum, Wildlife World and the playground*. We have a red deer park on the estate and ask all visitors to be mindful of their dogs when walking nearby to make sure our deer are not spooked.

*Assistance dogs are permitted.

What facilities are available?

We have water bowls available in the courtyard and there are also taps and bowls in the hard-standing car park, behind the courtyard. We have plenty of bins around the estate but if you can’t find one we ask you to please take it with you when you leave.

What to know before your visit

To make sure everyone has a tail-wagging good time please:

Lead the pack: remember to pop your dog on a lead in designated areas and always keep them in sight
Scoop the poop: bag and bin it to help keep our estate looking tip top
Call them back: not everyone is a dog-lover, keep them close by especially in busy areas
Leave it: some plants are toxic to animals
Think before bringing them: if it’s the school holidays or we are holding an event then it may not be the best environment for your dog. If in doubt, get in touch before visiting to check with our team

Assistance dogs

Dogs assisting visitors with disabilities are welcome to all areas of the estate.

An old photo of a woman and her two dogs

Did you know?

Lady Gascoigne was a devoted dog lover and re-homed many stray dogs. She took them with her when travelling abroad and sometimes brought more back home than she’d left with!

There are plenty of nods to her love for dogs around the estate including pet’s corner in Lotherton Hall museum with several paintings and objects on display. There’s also a pet cemetery in the grounds, with nine headstones bearing the name of their dogs.

Image: Lady Gasgoine sitting with two of her dogs.