Trentham Estate Woodland and Lake Circuit

Trentham Estate welcomes dogs, though it comes with a few conditions worth knowing before you go — hence its 3.8 km lake circuit and woodland trails being rated 5 out of 10 for dog friendliness. Dogs must be kept on a 2 metre lead throughout most of the estate, and entry to the main ornamental gardens requires paid admission, though the woodland walks up through Kings Wood and the Monument are free. On the plus side, the shopping village has dog water bowls, and the lake circuit is flat and well surfaced, making it a comfortable outing for dogs of most ages.

There is a designated off lead area on the walk up towards North Park, but the majority of the estate — including the lake circuit and gardens — requires dogs to be kept on a lead of no more than 2 metres. If letting your dog stretch their legs off lead is a priority, Trentham is fairly limited in that respect, so it's worth bearing in mind when planning your visit.

Dogs must be on a 2 metre lead for most of the route, with only one designated off lead area near North Park. Entry to the ornamental gardens is paid, while the woodland trails through Kings Wood and up to the Monument are free — so you can enjoy a decent walk without necessarily paying for garden admission. Parking is large and free, signposted from the A34, and the shopping village at the entrance has cafes, toilets and dog water bowls to set you up at the start.