Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace in Woodstock, just northwest of Oxford, is a grand World Heritage estate where dogs are welcome to explore the Parkland and the first area of the Walled Garden on lead. The Palace itself, Formal Gardens and main Walled Garden are out of bounds, but the miles of parkland routes across the estate make this a proper day out for dogs who enjoy a long, gracious ramble through one of England's most famous landscapes.

On-site parking is included with admission and shuttle buses run from the visitor car park to the estate, so you and the dog can arrive without the usual logistics juggling. Tickets must be purchased in advance and dogs need to stay on lead throughout the Parkland.

The Pantry Café welcomes dogs, which means there's somewhere to pause with a coffee while the dog settles after all that parkland sniffing. The palace opening hours vary by season and date, so it's worth checking ahead, but the Park is open daily from 9am to 6pm, giving plenty of daylight for a good walk.