Is Boscobel House and The Royal Oak dog friendly?

Dogs on leads are welcome in the grounds at Boscobel House, which includes the period garden, a winding willow tunnel, open farmland views and the field where a descendant of the original Royal Oak stands. Assistance dogs are welcome throughout the entire site, including inside the house. The grounds are level, sheltered and quiet, so it's a comfortable visit for most dogs.

Are dogs allowed at Boscobel House and The Royal Oak year round?

The listing doesn't specify seasonal restrictions on dog access, so it's worth checking directly with Boscobel House for current opening times and any seasonal changes before you visit. English Heritage properties sometimes adjust their hours across the year, so a quick check ahead of your trip is always a good idea.

What should I know before visiting Boscobel House and The Royal Oak with my dog?

The key thing to be aware of is that dogs (other than assistance dogs) are only permitted in the grounds — not inside the house itself, which is where the interactive displays, priest's hole and main historical experience are. This means your visit will likely be shorter than if you could explore the interior, so it's worth factoring that in. On the practical side, there's a tearoom, picnic seating, a shop and toilets on site, and parking is free for English Heritage members or £4 for non-members.

AttractionEnglish Heritage

Boscobel House and The Royal Oak

Bishop's Wood, Shropshire

The farmhouse where Charles II hid after Worcester, with a descendant of the Royal Oak in the field and a willow tunnel and gardens for your dog outside.

This is one of the best stories in English history and the building is still standing. In 1651, fleeing after defeat at the Battle of Worcester, Charles II hid at Boscobel House. He spent fourteen hours up an oak tree in the field while Parliamentary soldiers searched the woods below, then a cramped night in a priest's hole you can still see inside.

Whilst you follow the escape through the interactive displays and find the priest's hole, your dog gets the outside, which has been thought about. There is a period garden with a winding willow tunnel, a tree themed playground by the tearoom, and open farmland views from the grounds. It is level, sheltered and quiet, and the tree in the field today is a descendant of the original Royal Oak.

Dogs on leads are welcome in the grounds only, with assistance dogs welcome across the site including the house. Parking is free for members and £4 for non-members. There is a tearoom, shop, toilets and picnic seating. Worth being clear: the house interior is the main event, so if you cannot go in, this is a shorter visit than most.

At a Glance

Dog Access: On-lead in the grounds; Dogs on leads are welcome in the grounds only. Assistance dogs welcome across the site.
Site Type: House & Palace
Entry: £13.60 adult; £6.80 child · £34.00 family
Members: Free for English Heritage members
Facilities: Café / restaurant, Gardens, Parking, Picnic seating, Shop, Toilets
Telephone: 01902 850244
Parking: On-site parking is free for English Heritage members displaying a valid car sticker. £4 for non-members. Disabled parking spaces available.

English Heritage Membership

Planning Your Visit

Opening times

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 10:00 - 17:00
Thursday: 10:00 - 17:00
Friday: 10:00 - 17:00
Saturday: 10:00 - 17:00
Sunday: 10:00 - 17:00

Opening times and prices were checked on 26 August 2026 and are subject to change, and some sites close for events or over winter. Confirm on the English Heritage site page before you travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Boscobel House and The Royal Oak dog friendly?
Dogs on leads are welcome in the grounds at Boscobel House, which includes the period garden, a winding willow tunnel, open farmland views and the field where a descendant of the original Royal Oak stands. Assistance dogs are welcome throughout the entire site, including inside the house. The grounds are level, sheltered and quiet, so it's a comfortable visit for most dogs.
Are dogs allowed at Boscobel House and The Royal Oak year round?
The listing doesn't specify seasonal restrictions on dog access, so it's worth checking directly with Boscobel House for current opening times and any seasonal changes before you visit. English Heritage properties sometimes adjust their hours across the year, so a quick check ahead of your trip is always a good idea.
What should I know before visiting Boscobel House and The Royal Oak with my dog?
The key thing to be aware of is that dogs (other than assistance dogs) are only permitted in the grounds — not inside the house itself, which is where the interactive displays, priest's hole and main historical experience are. This means your visit will likely be shorter than if you could explore the interior, so it's worth factoring that in. On the practical side, there's a tearoom, picnic seating, a shop and toilets on site, and parking is free for English Heritage members or £4 for non-members.