Corfe Castle

Corfe Castle in Corfe Castle village is one of those dramatic days out that makes even a regular walk feel slightly more heroic. The ruined castle sits high above the village and offers plenty to explore, from wandering through the ruins to following trails and spotting wildlife in the surrounding hills. Well-behaved dogs on short leads are welcome all year, which is excellent news for households where sightseeing usually comes with four legs attached.

The on-site tea-room welcomes dogs inside too, along with the shop and visitor centre, so nobody needs to do the pavement-waiting shuffle. There's also a picnic area, and the combination of big views, old stones and proper exploring makes it work well as more than just a quick look around. Opening hours are generally 10am-4pm in winter and 10am-5pm in summer, with the tea-room serving hot and cold food, drinks, cakes and bakes throughout the day.

It's a proper exploring sort of place, so sensible shoes and lead control are advised. The National Trust car park has 90 spaces at the base of the castle (free for members, charges for non-members), and the combination of history, fresh air and scenic walks makes it a great pick for dog owners who want a day out with substance.