Warwickshire is landlocked, so there are no seasonal beach bans, but it has five councils with different dog rules, some well-known places that don’t allow dogs, and a good run of country parks and estates that do. Where we couldn’t confirm dates or details, we’ve said so. For water, see our Warwickshire dog swimming guide.
Council rules by district
North Warwickshire Borough Council’s fouling order took effect on 4 March 2024 for three years, so it runs to about March 2027 unless extended. It bars dogs from children’s play areas and school land, with a £100 fixed penalty reduced to £75 if paid within 10 days, no dog limit and no lead rule. Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough Council requires leads at five cemeteries, on borough roads and on sports grounds in authorised use, excludes dogs from enclosed play areas, courts and skate parks, and charges a £100 fixed penalty. We couldn’t confirm its expiry, because the council’s pages carry conflicting 2017 and 2021 labels. Rugby Borough Council’s order was renewed in March 2022 and requires leads on public roads, in council cemeteries and in Caldecott Park, plus a lead on an officer’s request, with no dog limit. We couldn’t confirm whether it has been renewed since, so check with the council.
Stratford-on-Avon District Council has a fouling order across the district that started on 31 March 2025, with a fixed penalty of no more than £100 in the draft text; we couldn’t confirm the final figure or the expiry, and found no lead orders. Warwick District Council’s main page lists four 2026 orders: fouling, dogs on leads by direction, dogs on lead and dog exclusion. Leads apply in Jephson Gardens, the district’s cemeteries, Pageant Gardens, and parts of Victoria Park, St Nicholas Park and Abbey Fields, while play areas, bowling greens, courts and skate parks are excluded. The Leamington Observer reported in June 2026 that councillors dropped blanket leads in Victoria Park, Pump Room Gardens and parts of St Nicholas Park and Abbey Fields, but we couldn’t read the sealed order, so check the council’s maps for the current detail.
Where dogs are welcome
Warwickshire County Council’s country parks ask for dogs on leads or under close control, and to obey signs: Ryton Pools, Burton Dassett Hills (where dogs have worried sheep), Hartshill Hayes and the Stratford Greenway. Kingsbury Water Park lists dog walking, but the lake is untreated with a Weil’s disease risk and swimming isn’t allowed. At Charlecote Park (National Trust), dogs on short leads are welcome on a designated route, with free-roaming deer and sheep. At Packwood, dogs on leads can use the estate footpaths, car park and barnyard but not the house or formal gardens. Kenilworth Castle (English Heritage) allows dogs on leads. Welcombe Hills and Swift Valley (Wildlife Trust) allow dogs, with cattle grazing, so keep dogs close and use a short lead near livestock. Canal towpaths ask owners to keep dogs under close control.
Where dogs aren’t allowed
Draycote Water says dogs are not allowed around the reservoir except guide dogs, so use its country park instead. Brandon Marsh allows assistance dogs only, and Stratford Recreation Ground allows no dogs. At Baddesley Clinton, dogs are limited to the car park and public footpaths. Coughton Court is no longer part of the National Trust, and we couldn’t find its dog policy. Coombe Abbey is run by Coventry City Council on the border, with off-lead areas only in designated zones.
What we couldn’t confirm
We couldn’t confirm dog rules at Warwick Priory Park and Mill Garden, Stratford Riverside and Bancroft Gardens, Bedworth Arboretum or Pooley Country Park, or any Warwickshire blue-green algae notice. County guidance says nature reserves usually don’t allow dogs, with a short lead where a public path crosses.
Deer, cattle and busy estates make for a lot to take in. A calming bite can help take the edge off a busier day out, and if your dog struggles to settle wherever you walk, that is worth a word with your vet or a qualified trainer. For everything else, see our Warwickshire dog services hub, and if you want a fenced field to let a reactive dog run, our secure dog fields in Warwickshire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I walk my dog around Draycote Water?
No. Severn Trent says dogs are not allowed around the reservoir, except guide dogs. Use the country park and Hensborough Trail instead.
Do I need a lead in Jephson Gardens?
Yes. Warwick District Council requires dogs on leads in Jephson Gardens.
Which Warwickshire country parks allow dogs?
Ryton Pools, Burton Dassett Hills, Hartshill Hayes and the Stratford Greenway all ask for dogs on leads or under close control and to obey signs.
Written by Georgiana & Figo, who reads every estate noticeboard twice.
