Stansted Park

Stansted Park is a grand visitor estate near Chichester, set within 2,000 acres of ancient forest and parkland in the South Downs National Park. Dogs are welcome on the forest footpaths and bridleways and in the Walled Garden on leads, making it a genuinely useful day out when you want more than just a walk. The Arboretum, Maze, Dutch Garden and House are assistance dogs only, so it's worth planning your route before you arrive.

The estate is open daily year round, with a Garden Centre, Farm Shop and Pavilion Tearoom on site. There's plenty of free parking in the main visitor car park at the South Entrance (postcode PO9 6DU), so you can arrive without the usual hunt for a space. Dogs are generally not permitted at public events unless stated, so it's worth checking ahead if you're visiting during a special occasion.

For dog owners, the forest paths and bridleways are the real draw — long, quiet and well away from the crowds. Keep dogs under close control on the forest paths and on leads in the Walled Garden, and the estate rewards you with a proper countryside day out, tearoom included.