Autumn Paws Outdoors: Blenheim Palace invites dogs to explore the gardens this autumn

Autumn walks without leaving four-legged friends at home are on the cards for dog owners visiting Blenheim Palace this autumn.

From 1st September to 4th October, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is opening its Formal Gardens, Great Court, and Walled Garden to dogs for a special seasonal event – Autumn Paws Outdoors. Visitors are invited to parade their pooches and explore even more of Blenheim Palace.

In a rare opportunity, dogs will be allowed into Blenheim Palace’s iconic Formal Gardens, an area usually off-limits to four-legged visitors – giving owners a chance to enjoy these historic and beautifully maintained spaces with their pets for a limited time. Guests can meander through the Formal Gardens, pause in the Great Court, take a slow walk through the Water Terraces or enjoy the fresh air in the Walled Garden, all in the company of their canine companions.

To help dogs stay happy and hydrated during their visit, water stations will be dotted throughout the Courtyards and Walled Garden area. The Blenheim Palace team has carefully planned the experience to be both dog-friendly and mindful of the site’s historic significance and natural surroundings.

While dogs will not be permitted inside the Palace or the Adventure Play area (with the exception of assistance dogs), they remain welcome in the Pantry Café, so guests can enjoy refreshments without needing to leave their pets behind.

As part of the lead-up to DogFest (3rd – 4th October), which is hosted in Blenheim Palace’s Parkland, Autumn Paws Outdoors offers an opportunity to get tails wagging in anticipation.

Visitors are encouraged to share their experience on social media using the hashtag #DogsofBlenheim, with the Palace team resharing standout snaps throughout the season.

To help ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors, dog owners are asked to keep their pets on short leads at all times, clean up after them using the general waste bins provided, and avoid leaving dogs unattended in vehicles.

For opening times, to purchase tickets and for more information, please visit www.blenheimpalace.com/whats-on/events/autumn-paws-outdoors/

For more information on DogFest please visit, https://dogfest.co.uk/dogfest-at-the-palace-blenheim/