Explore our dog friendly days out around Oxfordshire – for the whole family to enjoy over the summer

The school holidays are almost upon us and that means 6-8 weeks of children at home and entertainment options needed! Here are some of our top choices for dog friendly days out around Oxfordshire that that whole family can enjoy.

Greys Court is a historic Tudor country house near Henley-on-Thames. Filled with history, natural beauty, and plenty of activities for everyone to enjoy, it’s a wonderful choice for a family day out. While dogs can’t enter the house itself, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy where they can go:

• Gardens and Grounds: Greys Court has some stunning gardens and extensive grounds. Kids will enjoy exploring the secret gardens, playing on the lawns, and discovering hidden pathways.
• Nature Walks: Greys Court offers several nature trails that allow visitors to explore the surrounding countryside. Take a stroll through the woodland paths, enjoy the meadows, or venture along the River Thames, which flows nearby.
• Picnic Areas: There are several designated picnic areas for you to enjoy a leisurely lunch surrounded by nature.
• Adventure Playground: Kids will love the adventure playground at Greys Court. With slides, swings, climbing frames, and more, the play area promises to burn off that seemingly never-ending energy!
• Tea Room and Gift Shop: After a day of exploring, head to the tearoom to enjoy sandwiches, cakes, and refreshments. At the gift shop you can browse a range of souvenirs, books, and locally sourced products.

Throughout your visit, dogs must be kept on the lead and there are dog waste bins through the grounds for you to dispose of waste. You’ll find dog water bowls around but it’s always a good idea to bring your own too.

Cogges Manor Farm is an historic working farm in Witney. It is a popular attraction that offers a glimpse into rural life throughout the centuries. Here’s what you can expect from your visit:

• History and Heritage: The Farm dates back to the 13th century and has a rich history. With its manor house, barns, a walled garden, and traditional farm buildings, it provides an interesting insight into the agricultural practices and way of life from the past.
• Farmyard Animals: One of the highlights of a visit to Cogges Manor Farm is the opportunity to interact with a range of animals. From chickens and ducks to pigs and goats, you can observe and sometimes even feed and pet the animals.
• Explore the Grounds: With beautiful grounds and scenic walks, you, your pooch and the kids can explore the orchard or stroll along the River Windrush. The farm’s gardens are also worth exploring.
• Family-Friendly Activities: Throughout the year, the farm also organises a range of family-friendly activities and events. These may include workshops, craft sessions, storytelling, and demonstrations of traditional rural skills. Check the website if you want to coincide your visit with one of their events.
• Café and Shop: The café serves light meals, snacks, and drinks made with locally sourced ingredients and the gift shop sells a selection of products, including locally produced food items, crafts, and souvenirs.

As for dogs, Cogges Manor Farm welcomes well-behaved dogs but they must be kept on a lead at all times to ensure the safety of the farm animals and other visitors. The farm also provides bins where you can dispose of dog waste.

Millets Farm is a popular family-friendly day out with a range of things to do:

• Farm Shop and Garden Centre: Millets Farm is well-known for its farm shop and garden centre, which sells a big range of locally sourced produce, fresh fruits and vegetables, plants, flowers, and gardening supplies.
• PYO (Pick Your Own) Fields: A great one for the kids, Millets Farm is famous for its PYO fields, where you can enjoy the experience of picking your own fruits, such as strawberries and raspberries depending on the season.
• Animal Walkway: The farm has an animal walkway where you can encounter and interact with various farm animals, including pygmy goats, rabbits, chickens, and more allowing children to learn about and have hands-on experiences with animals.
• Play Areas: The farm has several play areas to keep children entertained. These include outdoor play equipment, a sandpit, and an indoor play barn with slides, climbing frames, and soft play areas.
• Maize Maze: During the summer months, Millets Farm creates an exciting maze, offering a fun adventure for visitors and especially children.
• Restaurants and Cafés: There is a selection of dining options, including a café, a tearoom, and a restaurant.

The farm welcomes dogs to all the outside areas but they must remain on leads.

The Bernwood Butterfly Trail is made up of extensive and scenic forest paths which weave through mixed woodland. Careful vegetation management has created the favourite habitats of butterflies and moths so this is a wonderful place to go looking for them.

The full butterfly trail is 2 miles long and perfectly doable for older children. Those going with younger children can explore the paths without going the full way around.

Admission is free and dogs are welcome on a lead.

I hope this has given you some ideas for dog friendly days out in Oxfordshire to keep the kids and dog entertained over the long summer holiday!

And if you’re looking for another activity to celebrate your family, book a pet portrait session with me.

But if taking your dog on holiday with you this year just isn’t an option, and you’re looking for another way to make some memories with them, consider booking a pet portrait session with me at my studio in Thame.