Dogs at Saltram: Parkland and Parts of the Garden

Short answer: Yes. Saltram is a two-pawprint National Trust property with miles of estate paths, water bowls and dog bins. Dogs are now welcome in parts of the garden every day as well, on a short fixed lead — borrow one at the Welcome Centre if you need to.

The short answer

Yes. Saltram has miles of paths around the estate with areas where dogs can go off the lead, and the National Trust rates it two pawprints — water bowls, dog bins and dog-friendly walks, with access to some areas but not everywhere.

The garden is now open to dogs

This is new and worth knowing. Saltram is trialling dogs inside parts of the garden every day of the week, as part of a wider National Trust push to make dog owners more welcome. Dogs need a short, fixed lead — you can borrow one at the Welcome Centre — and should be kept to the paths.

Across the rest of the estate there are acres of parkland and woodland with more freedom.

What makes it unusual

Saltram sits on the edge of Plymouth with views into the city, which gives you a genuine country estate walk within minutes of a city centre. For anyone staying in or near Plymouth with a dog, it is the obvious escape.

The Canine Code

• Short lead near livestock and ground-nesting birds.
• Pick up the poo, and take the bags home if there is no bin.
• Watch for local signs, which vary by area and season.
• If cattle approach, let the dog off the lead and recall when safe.

Other dog-friendly options around Plymouth

Devil's Point at Stonehouse is a free headland with wide views across the Sound, accessible paths and benches, and three hours of free parking. Royal William Yard has coastal walks and a ferry across to Cornwall. The Hoe is free and open. Dartmoor is half an hour north.

And one that does not take dogs

The National Marine Aquarium on Sutton Harbour does not admit dogs. Worth knowing if you are planning a Plymouth day around both.

Dog policies change, and the consequence of getting it wrong is being turned away at the gate. This was checked in September 2026 — ring ahead if you are driving any distance.