Tattershall Castle and the River Bain
Lincolnshire
Tattershall Castle is a six-storey brick tower built in the 1430s for Ralph Cromwell, Treasurer of England, and is one of the earliest and finest surviving examples of English medieval brickwork, now cared for by the National Trust. This out and back walk of about 4.3km leaves the visitor car park to follow the wider site beyond the castle grounds, a flat meadow where a dog stays on the lead, bordered by the River Bain to the east, the Horncastle Canal to the north and Tattershall Lakes Country Park to the south. The going is flat and easy throughout, on grass and gravel paths with clear views back to the Great Tower rising above the surrounding fen.
This is a dog friendly walk, though the National Trust asks that dogs stay on a lead around the castle grounds and the wider meadow site, so there is no off-lead space here. There is no livestock to worry about, and the riverside path follows the Bain for much of the way, giving a dog plenty to sniff at even without a swim. Only assistance dogs are allowed inside the Great Tower itself, so leave time to explore the meadow and riverbank instead if you are visiting as a group with a dog. There is no cafe, though the visitor reception sells snacks and cold drinks, and toilets are close by. The gravel car park is free.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 4.3 km (2.7 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1 hr 10 min
- Walk Type
- Historic, River
- Route Type
- Out and Back
- Off Lead Potential
- None
- Livestock Risk
- None
- Facilities
- Snacks and cold drinks at visitor reception (no cafe); toilets near reception and the Great Tower.
- Parking
- Tattershall Castle car park, National Trust, free, gravel surface.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Tattershall Castle and the River Bain, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
Medlam Holiday Barns - Ladybird Barn
Sleeps 4 · 1 dog · Enclosed garden
from £937 / 7 nights
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All dog friendly stays in LincolnshireFrequently Asked Questions
Is Tattershall Castle and the River Bain dog friendly?
Tattershall Castle and the River Bain is a decent option for dog owners, earning a 7/10 on our dog-friendly rating. Dogs are welcome throughout the meadow and riverside walk, with the River Bain running alongside much of the route and offering plenty of sniffing interest along the way. Bear in mind that only assistance dogs are permitted inside the Great Tower itself, so your visit will centre on the outdoor grounds and riverbank.
Can dogs be off lead at Tattershall Castle and the River Bain?
Unfortunately there is no off-lead space here — the National Trust asks that dogs stay on a lead throughout the castle grounds and the wider meadow site. That said, the walk is free of livestock, and the flat 4.3km route along the River Bain gives dogs plenty to explore even without a run-around.
What should I know before visiting Tattershall Castle and the River Bain with my dog?
The walk is flat and easy throughout, on grass and gravel paths, so it suits most dogs regardless of age or fitness. Parking is free on a gravel surface at the National Trust car park, and there are toilets near the visitor reception. There is no café on site, but the visitor reception does sell snacks and cold drinks, so it is worth stocking up before you head out.
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