A pawfect day out

The grounds of Holker Hall at Cartmel are a favourite with human and canine visitors

- Emily Rothery

Holker Hall and Gardens at Cark in Cartmel could be the best doggy day out you’ll find. The Cavendish family at Holker are avid dog lovers themselves and so it seemed inevitable, as they mark the 70th anniversary of the hall and gardens being open to the public, that dogs would be included in the celebrations.

Going all out to welcome canine visitors, Holker Hall has 25 acres of grounds to explore. Dogs are now allowed in the formal gardens, if walked on a lead, as well as the courtyard, café and parkland providing they are considerate to the beautiful herd of fallow deer, East Indian black ducks and chickens that roam the grounds.

The Cavendish family and staff love to see dogs of all shapes and sizes enjoying the site and actively encourage visitors to bring them along. There is even a new initiative to acknowledge visiting dogs which results in one lucky pooch being named ‘Holker Hound of the Week’.