Attraction extends dog-friendly trial scheme for another six months

A trial scheme allowing dogs to visit RHS Garden Rosemoor in Torrington has been extended for another six months.

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) garden said it would be continuing the trial over the winter following positive feedback from visitors, RHS members and staff.

The trial, which allows dog-owners to bring their pets to the garden every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, following a strict ‘paws on paths’ policy, was reviewed in September to assess the impact of dogs on the garden, staff and visitors.

As with the initial trial, dogs and their owners must adhere to a strict ‘paws on paths’ policy but are allowed to explore the Formal Gardens, Stream Field, lakeside, arboretums and woodlands.

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All dogs must be kept on short leads throughout their visit – short leads will be available on loan to those who arrive with long or extendable leads.

Children's play areas, The Garden Restaurant, Wisteria Tea Room, Education Centre, fruit and vegetable gardens, Potager garden and any lawns will remain dog-free.

The new trial period begins on Monday (October 6) and runs until Wednesday, March 25.

During winter dog walkers will also have access to the Otter Café between October 2025 and March 2026

Whilst initially opinions were divided on dogs visiting the attraction, the results from the six-month survey of visitors to the garden (both with and without dogs, members and non-members) has shown the initiative to be popular overall.

The garden said it has seen a marked increase in visitor numbers (both members and non-members) on these traditionally quieter days of the week since the trial began.

Since the beginning of the trial in March this year, visitor numbers have increased by 11.1% on dog-friendly days, in comparison to an increase of 1.1% on non-dog days.

Emma Thompson, head of site at RHS Rosemoor, said: “We want to be as accessible as possible and welcome people from all walks of life to our beautiful spaces. The trial enabled us to listen to what people are asking us for and their concerns.

“Whilst the response has been positive overall there were some questions raised about the impact on the garden in wintertime and we felt that by extending the trial this would give us an overview of all the gardening seasons.

“We understand that whilst some people love dogs, others really value a space that is pet-free and this is why we have chosen designated dog days and restricted access to pathways and specific areas of the garden. Given RHS Garden Rosemoor has a wonderful 65 acres to explore, we are confident that we have plenty of space to provide an enjoyable experience for all.” 

Richard Green, director of visitor experience and estates for the Royal Horticultural Society, said: “It’s encouraging to see the positive feedback, an increase in visitors at RHS Rosemoor as well as minimal impact upon the Garden itself.

“Based upon ‘on-the-ground’ experiences from our garden’s team we now have an opportunity to improve and refine our initial pilot and to consider if access in the winter, with more challenging weather conditions, will have the same positive outcome as the summer trial.”

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Assistance dogs will continue to have access every day and RHS Rosemoor’s current ‘no dogs in cars at any time' policy will remain firmly in place, to ensure the safety of pets.

Feedback will be collected from all visitors to the gardens, RHS members, staff and volunteers throughout the next six months period to help decide future policy following the trial.