Dogs on leads are welcome in the garden and parkland at Basildon Park all year round from 10am until 5pm, or dusk if earlier.

Please help them by keeping your dog on a lead and picking up after it.

There are four great parkland walks at Basildon that are ideal for exploring with your dog year round.

The walks range in length from 0.5 miles to 3 miles.

For a shorter walk take a stroll around the gardens towards the back on the house.

Please keep your dog on a lead at all times.

Livestock

During Spring and Summer they’re home to cattle so please help them and walk your dog on a lead.

If cattle approach it may be appropriate to let your dog off the lead.

Well behaved dogs are welcome in the shop and seating area of the tea-room.

Dogs on leads are welcome.

The striking twin-towered gatehouse of 14th century Donnington Castle, near Newbury, survives within impressive earthworks. It shows the luxury enjoyed by Sir Richard Abberbury, Donnington's builder, whose private quarters lay within it. Both Henry VIII and Elizabeth I are thought to have stayed here.

The large defences built to protect the castle during the English Civil War still survive.

Coffee stop - The Castle

We welcome dogs, and we are conveniently situated opposite a lovely recreation ground - perfect for a walk before or after your meal.

Dogs

The country park is enjoyed by a wide variety of different users, each with their own interests and motivations. We try hard to balance these users to ensure peaceful co-existence.

Please ensure that you respect our other users by keeping your dog under control at all times. We provide a few dog bins around the perimeter of the park and request that you collect all dog excrement. 

In addition, we do not allow dogs in the play park under any circumstances and dogs must be on leads in the areas signed - the main walkway to the bird feeding area, the Activity Center beach front and in our nature areas during bird nesting season (April - July). These areas include Middle March, Herons Water, Sandford Lake and Levells Lake.  

Blue-green algae occurs naturally in our freshwater lakes. During prolonged spells of warm and dry weather, it can occasionally form algal blooms and potentially pose a risk to dogs entering the water. We suggest that dog owners exercise caution during the warmer months. If you suspect that your dog has been exposed to this algae, please seek advise from a vet. Further information about blue-green algae is available from the Environment Agency website.

There're refreshments available.

Please respect our boundaries

We welcome dogs to join you on a walk around the park and lakes but there are areas where they are not permitted. Please familiarise yourself with these areas before your visit:

Dogs are welcome in the: 2,000 acres of parkland, the East Courtyard including the Oxfordshire Pantry outdoor seating and the Pizzeria outdoor seating area.

Dogs are not permitted in the: Palace, the Great Court or West Courtyard including the Stables Café, the Formal or Walled Gardens. This is with the exception of assistance dogs.

Please be responsible

We want to ensure all our guests have a perfect day out, dogs included, so please:

• Always keep your dog on a lead. This is for safety and the protection of wildlife and livestock in the Park

• Clean up after your dog and either take away or use the dog waste bins across the Park

• Do not leave dogs unattended in the car parks especially during warm days or if they are in distress. We will always try to find the owners but reserve the right to report dogs in distress to the RSPC.

• Make the most of our doggy facilities

  We want everyone to enjoy their day out with us so we:

  • Keep fresh dog water bowls available

  • Serve doggy ice cream from our ice cream stands

  • Have dog waste bins across the park

  • Dogs must be on a lead.

    We can't stress enough the importance of keeping your dog on a lead when visiting the Park. It is a part of the Countryside Code and a requirement for all visitors to Blenheim.

    The safety of our livestock, resident wildlife, guests and staff is our priority. Please abide by the Countryside Code and keep your dog on a lead, to create a safe, respectful environment for everyone. Thank you.

Dogs

Only assistance dogs are permitted inside Shaw House. Responsible owners are welcome to bring a dog for a walk around the grounds as longs as they are kept on a lead. Please do not bring dogs with you and then leave them in your car during your visit.