
Kingston Lacy Woodland Trail
Dorset
Kingston Lacy is a National Trust estate near Wimborne Minster, built for the Bankes family after they lost Corfe Castle in the Civil War, and its grounds still carry the historic carriage drives the family once used, with a resident herd of Red Ruby Devon cattle meaning a dog needs a lead near the parkland it skirts. This 4.6km woodland trail leaves the car park, passes through native deciduous woodland and a boardwalk section, crosses the main entrance drive, and loops back past Blandford Lodge and the house itself. The path is a smooth, flat gravel track throughout, wide enough for walkers, runners and cyclists to share comfortably, with almost no climbing. The woodland shelters plenty of smaller wildlife along the way.
This is a dog friendly walk, and the National Trust welcomes dogs on the woodland trail, though they must be kept under close control at all times and on a lead around grazing animals, farmland and in the woodland play area. The flat, well drained gravel surface makes for easy going for dogs of any age. There is no water directly on the route, so bring some along, especially in summer. The trail crosses the entrance drive at a marked point, where traffic should be expected. Kingston Lacy's cafe and toilets are at the visitor centre by the car park, though dogs are not allowed in the formal garden.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 4.6 km (2.9 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Woodland, Historic
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- Cafe and toilets at the visitor centre by the car park; dogs not permitted in the formal garden or house.
- Parking
- Kingston Lacy car park, National Trust, free for members.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Kingston Lacy Woodland Trail, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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All dog friendly stays in DorsetFrequently Asked Questions
Is Kingston Lacy Woodland Trail dog friendly?
Yes, the National Trust welcomes dogs on the woodland trail at Kingston Lacy. The flat, well-drained gravel surface makes it easy going for dogs of any age, whether that's a bouncy young pup or an older dog who prefers a more gentle outing. Note that dogs are not permitted in the formal garden or the house itself.
Can dogs be off lead at Kingston Lacy Woodland Trail?
Dogs must be kept on a lead around the grazing animals — the estate has a resident herd of Red Ruby Devon cattle in the parkland — as well as near farmland and in the woodland play area. Outside of those areas, the National Trust asks that dogs are kept under close control at all times, so it's worth having your lead to hand throughout the walk.
What should I know before visiting Kingston Lacy Woodland Trail with my dog?
The trail is 4.6km of smooth, flat gravel track with almost no climbing, so it's a comfortable walk for most dogs, but there's no water available along the route — bring your own, especially on warmer days. The path crosses the main entrance drive at a marked point, so be ready for passing traffic at that spot. Parking is at the National Trust car park, which is free for members, and there's a cafe and toilets at the visitor centre nearby.
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