Williamson Park and the Ashton Memorial
Lancashire
Williamson Park covers 54 acres of parkland and woodland on the high ground east of Lancaster city centre, laid out by the industrialist James Williamson in the quarries that supplied the stone for most of Lancaster's buildings. There's no livestock here, so a dog can enjoy the wooded paths of Fenham Carr and the Dell with real freedom on the way up. At the top stands the Ashton Memorial, the Edwardian domed folly that his son Lord Ashton built in memory of his second wife, known locally as "the structure". This 1.6km loop follows the woodland paths through Fenham Carr and the Dell before climbing to the memorial terrace, where the view reaches the Fylde coast, Morecambe Bay and the Lakeland fells. The park rises from about 64 to 107 metres, with steep slopes in places, on surfaced paths and a stile-free route.
This is a dog friendly park with a written Dog Code from Lancaster City Council. Dogs are welcome across the grounds, and a dog that stays in sight and comes back when called can enjoy the woodland paths and open lawns off lead. The council asks for dogs to be on a lead around the cafe area, the Friends Garden and the main drive, and dogs are not allowed in the play areas, the Butterfly House or the memorial. Deer, squirrels and rabbits live in the park, so a dog that chases needs watching. There is no natural water, so bring a bowl. Both car parks are pay and display.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 1.6 km (1.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 35 min
- Walk Type
- Park, Historic, Woodland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- None
- Facilities
- Toilets at the park; outdoor food and drink concessions below the Ashton Memorial steps (the Pavilion Cafe was closed for works at the time of research).
- Parking
- Two Lancaster City Council pay and display car parks: Wyresdale Road entrance (about 100 spaces) and Quernmore Road entrance (15 spaces).
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Williamson Park and the Ashton Memorial, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
Cross Keys Inn Cottages - One Dorchester Drive
Sleeps 5 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £423 / 7 nights
Booking links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you. Prices are a guide only and change with dates and availability.
All dog friendly stays in LancashireFrequently Asked Questions
Is Williamson Park and the Ashton Memorial dog friendly?
Yes, Williamson Park is a dog-friendly park with a written Dog Code from Lancaster City Council, and dogs are welcome across the grounds. There are a few areas where leads are required — around the cafe, the Friends Garden and the main drive — and dogs aren't permitted in the play areas, the Butterfly House or inside the memorial itself. With a rating of 7/10, it's a solid choice for a dog walk, particularly for the woodland paths.
Can dogs be off lead at Williamson Park and the Ashton Memorial?
Dogs with a reliable recall can enjoy the woodland paths through Fenham Carr and the Dell off lead, and there's no livestock in the park, which gives real freedom on the way up to the memorial. The council asks that dogs are kept on a lead around the cafe area, the Friends Garden and the main drive. It's worth knowing that deer, squirrels and rabbits live in the park, so a dog that chases wildlife will need a bit more supervision.
What should I know before visiting Williamson Park and the Ashton Memorial with my dog?
There's no natural water source in the park, so bring a bowl and enough water for your dog, especially on warmer days. The route covers 1.6km with some steep slopes, climbing from around 64 to 107 metres on surfaced, stile-free paths. Both car parks are pay and display — the main Wyresdale Road entrance has around 100 spaces, while the smaller Quernmore Road entrance has 15.
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