Stourhead and King Alfred's Tower Circular
Wiltshire
King Alfred's Tower is a 49 metre brick folly designed by Henry Flitcroft for Henry Hoare II in 1772, built on the spot where Alfred the Great is said to have rallied his troops in 878, and the wooded rides on the climb up to it give a dog plenty of room on a loose lead. This 8.8km National Trust circuit starts at Stourhead visitor reception, drops past the Spread Eagle Inn and St Peter's Church to Turner's Paddock lake and its waterwheel, then climbs steadily for about a mile through mixed conifer woods to the 18th century Terrace Ride, which leads to the tower. The return follows the Broad Ride through woodland and straight through Park Hill Camp, an Iron Age hillfort, before descending to Turner's Paddock and the village. Expect roughly 180 metres of climbing on forest tracks and field paths, with a couple of stiles.
This dog friendly walk spends most of its time under trees, giving shade on hot days and good freedom for a dog with reliable recall on the broad woodland rides. The National Trust welcomes dogs under close control, but the route can include cattle, and when sheep are grazing Park Hill Camp there is a signed diversion for dog walkers, so keep a lead handy. Turner's Paddock lake gives a chance for a drink near the end. Watch for traffic on the estate road through Stourton. The Spread Eagle Inn welcomes dogs in its bar, and the National Trust car park at visitor reception is the start.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 8.8 km (5.5 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 2 hr 45 min
- Walk Type
- Woodland, Historic, Lake
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- Toilets and cafe at Stourhead visitor reception; Spread Eagle Inn in Stourton (dogs allowed in the bar, not the restaurant).
- Parking
- National Trust car park at Stourhead visitor reception, free for NT members; Alfred's Tower car park is an alternative start.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Stourhead and King Alfred's Tower Circular, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
Sturminster Newtons Old Coach House
Sleeps 2 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £428 / 7 nights
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All dog friendly stays in WiltshireFrequently Asked Questions
Is Stourhead and King Alfred's Tower Circular dog friendly?
This National Trust circular walk scores 8 out of 10 for dog friendliness, and dogs are warmly welcomed across the route under close control. The Spread Eagle Inn in Stourton also allows dogs in its bar, making it a handy stop before or after the walk.
Can dogs be off lead at Stourhead and King Alfred's Tower Circular?
The broad woodland rides and conifer tracks give a good amount of freedom for dogs with reliable recall, and the description suggests a loose lead is very manageable for much of the 8.8km circuit. That said, the route can include cattle, and when sheep are grazing Park Hill Camp a signed diversion is in place for dog walkers, so it's worth keeping a lead to hand throughout.
What should I know before visiting Stourhead and King Alfred's Tower Circular with my dog?
There are a couple of stiles along the route, so bear that in mind if your dog needs a lift. Turner's Paddock lake offers a natural drinking stop near the end of the walk, but watch for traffic on the estate road through Stourton village. Toilets and a cafe are available at Stourhead visitor reception, and NT members can park there for free — Alfred's Tower car park is also an option if you'd prefer an alternative start point.
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