Art Fund is a charity that connects museums, people, and art – and dogs, too! The charity shares its rundown of the best museums to head to with your canine companion…
(Image credit: The Brunel Museum)
The Brunel Museum, London
One for the intellectually curious pups – the Brunel Museum uncovers the story of an engineering dynasty that built the world’s fi rst tunnel of its kind. It’s a perfect choice for a dog-friendly day out because it welcomes pet dogs inside the museum. Here you can explore the stories behind the Thames Tunnel, the Brunel family and their relevance today, and the museum’s rich collection, including everything from technical watercolour drawings and oil paintings to everyday trinkets and pottery. Visitors with a National Art Pass gain free entry.
(Image credit: Allan Pollok-Morris, courtesy of Jupiter Artland)
Jupiter Artland, Edinburgh, Scotland
Set across 120 acres of meadow and woodland, Jupiter Artland, just outside of Edinburgh, is the ideal location for a breath of fresh air with your furry friend. Bring your dog by purchasing a dog day ticket online or when you arrive. The open-air art space is home to over 30 permanent sculptures created especially for this dramatic location by artists including Phyllida Barlow, Antony Gormley, Anish Kapoor, and Cornelia Parker. If you’re a member you can even apply for a Dog Membership. Visitors with a National Art Pass gain 50% off entry.
(Image credit: Andre Pattenden)
Chiswick House and Gardens, London
Got a playful pup that loves a big day out? Chiswick House and Gardens boasts a doggy playground kitted out with a multi-stage obstacle course, as well as lots of routes across the grounds for lovely walks. And if all that activity has got you both parched, drop by the dog-friendly Colicci Café to refuel with a tasty treat, a brew, and a refreshing bowl of water. Dogs are not permitted in the house, kitchen garden or shop. Visitors with a National Art Pass gain free entry.
(Image: Jonty Wilde, courtesy of Yorkshire Sculpture Park)
Yorkshire Sculpture Park Wakefield, Yorkshire
Home to around 100 stunning modern sculptures, Yorkshire Sculpture Park (YSP) combines art with the striking landscape of the 18th-century Bretton Estate just outside of Wakefield. Dogs are welcome almost everywhere in the parkland and woodlands on a short lead, with water bowls dotted around the site, and a dog-friendly seating area at the Kitch Café. Enjoy YSP’s open-air collection with works by internationally acclaimed artists Elisabeth Frink, Andy Goldsworthy, Henry Moore, and James Turrell. Dogs are not permitted around Upper Lake or Menagerie Wood to protect livestock and wildlife. Visitors with a National Art Pass gain free entry.
(Image credit: Horniman Museum and Gardens)
Horniman Museum and Gardens, London
A south London gem, the Horniman Museum and Gardens boasts over 16 acres of outdoor space with dramatic views of the city. Explore the gardens with your four-legged friend on a lead, and let them roam free in the Meadow Field. However, they are not permitted to go in the museum or nature trail. There are free exhibitions for those with a National Art Pass.
(Image credit: Andy Crouch)
Sainsbury Centre Sculpture Park, Norwich, East Anglia
The hundreds of acres of parkland at this fantastic Norfolk art gallery are home to a large collection of striking sculptures. While dogs are not allowed in the main Sainsbury building, they are welcome to explore the stunning grounds with works by artists including Henry Moore and Liliane Lijn, wildfl owers, and ancient oaks providing a backdrop for the stunning urban architecture of the gallery building itself. Visitors with a National Art Pass gain 50% off entry.
St Fagans National Museum of History, Cardiff, Wales
Explore the story of Wales and its people through St Fagans National Museum of History’s extensive collections and historic buildings, all set in beautiful parkland which you are welcome to explore with your dog on a short lead. One of Wales’ most popular heritage attractions, the museum stands in the grounds of St Fagans Castle and Gardens, a Grade I listed sixteenth century manor house just outside Cardiff . Enjoy walking through the 100-acre parkland with your pet, with 40 original re-erected buildings giving a taste of Welsh life from diff erent periods of history. Dogs are welcome within the grounds but are not permitted in the historic buildings or galleries. Visitors with a National Art Pass gain 10% off in the shop and café.
(Image credit: National Trust)
Ham House and Garden Richmond, London
Treat your furry friend to stunning views of the River Thames and colourful gardens blooming with flowers and plants during the spring season. Well-behaved dogs on leads are allowed in all outside areas (except Petersham Meadows), the gift shop, and in a section of the Orangery Café. Visitors with a National Art Pass gain free entry.
(Image credit: National Trust Images/Andrew Butler)
Runnymede and Ankerwycke, near Old Windsor, Surrey
In the grounds of Runnymede and Ankerwycke, a dog-friendly riverside site in Surrey run by the National Trust, you’ll fi nd a striking architectural landmark by Turner Prize-winning artist Mark Wallinger, Writ in Water, responding to the Magna Carta (which was sealed at this site). After a dose of art, explore the many waymarked walks with your pet along the riverside and through open meadows. Don’t forget to head to the designated dog-friendly areas at the tea room for a coff ee, with water bowls and a space for your pet to relax. Visitors with a National Art Pass gain 20% off in the café.
(Image: National Trust Images/Andrew Butler)
Osterley Park and House, Isleworth, London
Experience a taste of rural living at this Georgian country estate in west London. With your dog on a lead, meander through the surrounding park, unwind in the Stables Café and treat yourself to a gift from the shop. There’s also an area on the front lawn where dogs can be let off -lead. Dogs are not permitted in the garden over spring and summer, or in the house. Visitors with a National Art Pass gain free entry.
(Image: English Heritage Photo)
Marble Hill House, Twickenham, London
Roam through over 60 acres of parkland overlooking the River Thames at Marble Hill House, an elegant Georgian villa built for King George II’s lover, Henrietta Howard. Dogs can explore most areas of the park off - lead (but under close supervision), and can unwind with you in a designated area in the café on their lead. Dogs are not permitted in the house. Visitors with a National Art Pass gain free entry.
(Image: Serpentine Galleries)
Serpentine, London
Take your dog for a relaxing walk through Hyde Park, where you will stumble upon the Serpentine, a free contemporary art gallery. Pet dogs unfortunately can’t experience their cutting-edge exhibitions, but they can explore the iconic Serpentine Pavilion when it’s open during the summer months. Outside Serpentine South, you’ll find dog water bowls. Visitors with a National Art Pass gain 10% off in the café.
The National Art Pass offers free or discounted entry to hundreds of museums, galleries, and historic places in the UK, plus 50% off major exhibitions. This summer, you can try a pass for three months for just £20 (annual membership is £83). To learn more about membership visit artfund.org