When planning your visit it’s useful to know that your four-legged friends can’t be walked in areas off the route or taken onto the memorials. They must also remain on their lead throughout your visit.
The pathways on the dog walking route are largely hard-standing and access friendly, though there is the option to walk through some grassed areas, you can see the route on the map below.
Working assistance dogs are permitted in all areas of the Arboretum.
Until further notice access onto our grounds for dog walkers is via the Remembrance Centre.
Unfortunately you won’t be able to take your dog off our dog walking route. If you’re visiting with others we ask that a member of your group remains with your dog on the route whilst others visit the memorials. If you’re exploring alone, and you want to look more closely at the memorials you may consider, if possible, leaving your four-legged friend at home.
Only working assistance dogs are permitted within our indoor areas. These areas include our restaurant, exhibitions, shop, Millennium Chapel and the Aspects building. You are welcome to bring your dog into Heroes’ Square, located next to the Remembrance Centre, where covered seating is available. Our Coffee Shop is dog friendly, though it is currently closed due to the social distancing restrictions in place.
Only working assistance dogs are permitted in our Restaurant. You are welcome to bring your dog into Heroes’ Square, located next to the Remembrance Centre, where covered seating is available. Our Coffee Shop is dog friendly, though it is currently closed due to social distancing restrictions in place.
Most of our events and activities take place away from our dog walking route. Whilst you are welcome to bring your dog on normal event days, when the Arboretum is open, it’s worth remembering that one member of your group will need to remain with your four-legged friend on the dog walking route. Our grounds may also be a lot busier than normal, and some dogs may not enjoy their experience. Only working assistance dogs are permitted in all event areas and at evening events.
It’s hard to strike the right balance for both dog walkers and those who believe dogs should not be allowed at the Arboretum. We have trialled different approaches and feel that the best approach is to allow dogs, on leads in some areas of the site.
The nature of our site means that some visitors may require peaceful contemplation. Whilst we understand most dogs and their owners will be respectful of others, this can only guaranteed if dogs are kept on their leads.
Drinking water is available in Heroes’ Square for dogs. We do not provide drinking bowls along the route because our site is exposed to lots of wildlife which may make the water unsafe for pet dogs.
We ask visitors not to leave their dogs in the cars on our car park.
Tether points can be found in a number of places along the route. Owners tether their pets at their own risk and should not leave animals for long periods of time.
Our annual Paws for Remembrance fundraising event is held annually and is for dogs and their owners, it’s an Arboretum team favourite. With special stalls selling pet related products and treats the event gives dog owners the chance to explore more of our grounds than normal. At past events, thanks to our friends at the PDSA, we’ve also offered special activities include free dog health checks and pet first aid classes.
Annual parking passes are available to purchase by those who visit the Arboretum more regularly. The passes cost £25 per annum and will allow you to park without charge each time you visit us.
