The National Trust Pooch Passport is perfect for dog lovers who want to explore some of the UK’s most iconic and scenic sites with their furry friends. But what exactly is this passport scheme, and why should you consider getting one?
National Trust Pooch Passport
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Table of Contents
What is the National Trust Pooch Passport?
The National Trust Pooch Passport is a unique scheme designed for dog owners who frequently visit National Trust sites across the UK. It allows dogs (and their owners) to collect stamps at one of the 133 participating sites as they explore historic properties, gardens, and parks.
Whether exploring a castle in Yorkshire, a scenic garden in East Sussex, or a beautiful hall in Northern Ireland, the Pooch Passport brings extra excitement to your visits.
The National Trust Pooch Passport offers a way to remember each location you’ve explored and encourages dog-friendly tourism across some of the UK’s best-loved places.
And the best part? You can be rewarded for your visits. Go to six different sites by 28 February 2026, and you’ll get a pack of Forthglade natural dog treats. You get a free dog snood once you’ve collected twelve unique stamps. (If you are only visiting places in Northern Ireland, you only need to collect three stamps for the treats and six for the snood)
Is It Free for National Trust Members?
Yes – if you’re a National Trust Member, you’re in luck! Entry to all of the properties on the Pooch Passport list, including gardens and parkland, is free of charge. Just scan your card, and off you go. Additionally, members enjoy free parking.
A National Trust Membership gives you unlimited access to hundreds of historic houses, beautiful gardens, and stunning nature reserves across the UK. It’s totally worth it if you love days out, discovering hidden gems, and getting free parking at most locations. Plus, you’ll be supporting the conservation of these incredible places. I love our couples membership; it’s only £13.40 per month, and most locations are dog-friendly.
Why You Should Get the National Trust Pooch Passport
If you’re someone who loves travelling with your dog, the Pooch Passport is a wonderful addition to your adventures. Here are a few reasons why it’s worth considering:
- Dog-Friendly Access: The Pooch Passport highlights National Trust sites that welcome dogs, so you already know your dog is allowed.
- Memorable Collectables: Just like the National Trust Visitor Passport, the Pooch Passport lets you collect stamps at each site you visit, adding a sentimental touch to your journey.
- Exclusive Sites: Some sites may offer specific areas or perks exclusively to Pooch Passport holders. It’s a great way to find new places where you and your dog can relax and explore.
- Encourages Exploration: With hundreds of National Trust properties across the UK, the Pooch Passport is the perfect excuse to discover new regions with your dog by your side, adding a new level of excitement to your travels.
Exciting Places to Visit with the National Trust Pooch Passport
The National Trust Pooch Passport opens the door to countless stunning sites across the UK. Here are a few noteworthy spots:
- Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, Yorkshire – A stunning World Heritage Site with majestic ruins, water gardens, and woodlands perfect for scenic dog-friendly walks.
- Blickling Estate, Norfolk – A grand Jacobean mansion with extensive gardens, woodlands, and lakeside paths to explore with your dog.
- Corfe Castle, Dorset – Iconic ruins with surrounding trails and panoramic views of the Dorset countryside.
- Lyme, Cheshire – Expansive grounds featuring woodlands, lakes, and a deer park, making it an ideal destination for a full-day outing with your pet.
- Box Hill, Surrey – Famous for its sweeping views and lush trails, offering an excellent spot for dog walks and picnics.
- Ilam Park, Dovedale and the White Peak, Derbyshire – A picturesque area within the Peak District featuring iconic limestone valleys and scenic landscapes.
- Giant’s Causeway, County Antrim – A UNESCO World Heritage Site with a rugged coastline and unique rock formations offering stunning scenery.
- Polesden Lacey, Surrey – A grand estate with gardens, rolling lawns, and various trails perfect for dog-friendly strolls.
- Stourhead, Wiltshire – Known for its beautiful lake, temples, and lush surroundings, this garden is ideal for scenic, peaceful walks.
- Castle Ward, County Down – A mix of Gothic and Classical architecture with extensive grounds and dog-friendly trails.
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How to Get the Pooch Passport
Getting the National Trust Pooch Passport is a breeze. Just ask for it at the reception desk. They’ll add the first stamp for you. You may also be able to request it online. Once you have your Pooch Passport, you can begin collecting stamps at each dog-friendly location.
We’ve Got Our Pooch Passport!
Ivan and I have loved having our National Trust Passport and have already collected stamps for two beautiful Welsh sites, which are both a 20-minute drive from home:
Tredegar House
Tredegar House is a paradise for dogs in South Wales, offering vast open spaces for your furry friend to roam and explore. The parkland, lake area, and most gardens are open for dogs, promising many beautiful spots to enjoy. The expansive areas are perfect for an adventurous stroll, and you’ll often find many other dog walkers sharing the joy of this picturesque location.
Dyffryn House and Gardens
Dyffryn Gardens is a stunning Edwardian estate in the Vale of Glamorgan, known for its beautifully designed gardens and variety of exotic plants. From serene water features and formal lawns to themed garden “rooms” like the Mediterranean and Pompeiian gardens, it’s a captivating place to explore.
But what will our other stamps be? This year, we’ve also visited:
Montacute House
What makes Montacute House unique is its stunning Elizabethan architecture, one of the few to survive in such a beautifully intact state, surrounded by gardens that transport you back in time.
Lytes Cary
Lytes Cary stands out as a rare surviving manor house, with its intimate Tudor interiors and enchanting Arts and Crafts-style gardens creating a uniquely timeless atmosphere.
Barrington Court
Barrington Court was one of the first great houses to be acquired by the National Trust, a beautifully restored Tudor mansion surrounded by orchards, gardens, and parkland.
Newark Park
Newark Park was a Tudor hunting lodge, later transformed into an eclectic country house, with views over the Gloucestershire countryside, which set it apart from any other National Trust property.
Dinefwr Castle
At the heart of Dinefwr you’ll find the elegant Newton House, a 17th-century mansion rich in history, and the dramatic ruins of Dinefwr Castle, perched high above the Tywi Valley with breathtaking views.
Castle Drogo
Castle Drogo is unique as the last castle to be built in England, a striking 20th-century masterpiece by Sir Edwin Lutyens that combines dramatic architecture with breathtaking views over Dartmoor.
We can’t wait to add more stamps as we explore other dog-friendly National Trust spots, and we hope our experiences inspire you to embark on your own Pooch Passport adventures!
National Trust Membership
I love our National Trust Membership. With entry up to £23 per person, and you want to visit a few, it’s often more beneficial to get one. You also get free parking (at most sites) as well as at some beach and coastal locations.
If you love to explore historic houses, stately homes, heritage properties, and gardens, with your membership, you can visit over 500 properties in their collection. You can also use it in Italy, Canada, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the Channel Islands (including Jersey and Guernsey), and Australia. For National Trust Scotland, it’s free or at a reduced price.
The majority of National Trust sites are dog-friendly. However, entering the buildings can be tricky, as dogs are not allowed inside the majority of them. If you go as a couple or a group, you can take turns.
National Trust Holidays
National Trust Holidays offers a selection of holiday cottages, campsites and bunkhouses set in spectacular locations. Sleeping 2 – 12 guests, they have everything you need for a night away, from kitchen facilities to cosy gardens to relax in during warmer weather. Just double-check if they welcome dogs, not all do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can English National Trust Members visit Scottish National Trust properties?
Yes – National Trust (England, Wales and Northern Ireland) members can visit most National Trust for Scotland properties for free, and vice versa. Just make sure to bring your membership card with you.
Can National Trust Members visit National Trust Scotland?
Absolutely. If you’re a member of the National Trust in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, your card is valid at National Trust for Scotland sites too. There are only a handful of exceptions, so it’s always worth checking the property’s website before travelling.
What is the National Trust passport for Dogs?
The Pooch Passport is a fun scheme where you and your dog can collect stamps as you visit participating National Trust properties. It’s designed to make exploring more exciting for four-legged visitors and their humans, and it’s a great way to discover which places are especially dog-friendly.
Which National Trust properties accept Dogs?
Many National Trust sites welcome dogs, though access can vary. Most allow dogs in the wider parkland, woodland and gardens (often on leads), but not always inside houses or formal gardens. Each property’s website has a “Visiting with your dog” section, and the National Trust also has a dedicated Dogs Welcome list online. Popular dog-friendly spots include places like Tredegar House, Dyffryn Gardens, Arlington Court, and Newark Park – all of which take part in the Pooch Passport scheme.
Do dogs need to be on a lead at National Trust properties?
Yes, dogs should generally be kept on a lead unless the property specifically has off-lead areas. This helps protect wildlife, livestock, and other visitors. Some now also require you to have a short, fixed lead.
How do I get a National Trust Pooch Passport?
You can pick up a Pooch Passport at participating National Trust properties. It is free!
Do I need to be a National Trust member to take part?
No, anyone can get a Pooch Passport and collect stamps. Membership gives you free entry to most properties, or you can pay an entrance fee.
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