Taking Your Pet to Stay in a Castle

James Davies
Jun 9
4 min read

Arthur, the pampered puppy, loves sniffing around and playing with his toys in the grounds

Imagine this: you, your trusty sidekick (a.k.a. your pet), and a grand castle or historical building as your backdrop. It sounds like a scene straight out of a fairy tale, doesn’t it? But before you grab your pet’s travel bag and set off to explore the turrets and towers, there are a few things to consider—both the rules of the castle and the benefits of travelling with your furry friend.

Castle Rules for Pets

With more choice of unusual accommodation venues than ever before, pet owners are wondering whether four-legged family members can also join in with the fun. Before you pack up your pet’s favorite squeaky toy however, check if the castle or historical venue allows pets. If the answer is yes, there might still be a few stipulations-

Arthur is a good boy inside, but make sure that your pet is allowed in bedrooms or upstairs

Here are some common rules you might encounter:

Designated Areas: Some castles might have specific areas where pets are welcome. Be sure to read the signs—no one wants to be that person whose dog decides to make a royal mess in the great hall!
Clean Up After Your Pet: Bring plenty of poop bags. Trust us, the castle staff will appreciate it, and you’ll avoid a royal reprimand.
Size Limitations: Some places may only allow small pets. If your Great Dane thinks he’s a lap dog, you might need to reconsider your travel plans.
Number Limitations: Venues might restrict the number of pets you can bring. 101 dalmatians is too many for some!
Pet fee: To help with the extra effort involved in cleaning up after pets like cats or dogs, some places might ask for a little extra on top of what they charge for us humans.
Lead Required: Some places will want your pet on a lead. After all, you wouldn't want Fido to take off and start a game of chase with a suit of armor! On a serious note, castle grounds might not be completely fenced in and there are often livestock or wildlife beyond the lawns.

*Jack and Ted (sadly no longer with us) loved sniffing in the bushes. Your time with your pet is precious, don't waste it*

The Perks of Taking Your Pet Along

Now that you’re aware of the rules, let’s dive into why taking your pet on holiday beats leaving them at the kennel:

Unconditional Love: Nothing beats the joy of having your furry friend by your side. They don’t care if your room has a view of the moat—they just want to be with you!
Adventure Buddy: Your pet can be the perfect tour guide, sniffing out hidden corners and secret gardens that you might otherwise overlook. Plus, they’re great at attracting attention from fellow tourists who want to pet the “royal hound.”
No Guilt Trips: Leaving your pet in a kennel can lead to a serious case of the guilts. By bringing them along, you can enjoy your holiday without worrying about how they’re faring without you.
Photo Opportunities: Imagine the Instagram-worthy shots of your pet posing in front of ancient stone walls or lounging on a plush castle bed. Your followers will be green with envy!
The Cost of Kennels: Whisper it, kennels are a lot of money. Bringing your pet with you will keep costs down and mean you have more money to spend on treating the family, including Rex.
Castles over Cottages: If the holiday you have in mind includes grandma, grandpa, uncles, friends et al plus their furry friends, you are going to need a bigger place. Watching all the dogs playing together on the lawns when you get together will make it extra special. No-dog left behind!

A castle stay is a great treat for a dog! Credit: Javier Esteban

Castles that Accommodate Pets

Here are a few castles and historical accommodation providers in the UK that allow guests to bring along their shaggy friends-

Lickleyhead Castle
This 16th century Grade A listed building is in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. It sleeps 16 adults across 8 bedrooms and allows up to 4 dogs of any size. The pet fee is £10 per pet per stay.
Barns Tower
This 15th century tower house in Peebles, Scottish Borders. It sleeps 4 people. Pets are allowed at £35 per pet per stay.
St. Peter's Court
This is a Grade II listed building in Somerset. It sleeps 14 people across 5 bedrooms. Well behaved dogs are permitted at a cost of £75 per pet per week.
Healey House
A Georgian house in The Peak District which sleeps 18 across 8 bedrooms. 2 dogs are permitted at £20 per pet per week.

Cats and castles could be made to work, but there are extra risks such as your feline friend getting stuck up high

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re wandering through the halls of a medieval castle or enjoying a stay in a historical group accommodation venue, taking your pet along can make for a memorable adventure. Just remember to check the rules, pack some bones, and get ready for a holiday filled with wagging tails and happy barks. After all, who wouldn’t want to share their castle experience with their furry companion?