Riverbank paths from the door, woodland country parks, Wash nature reserves and forest trails. Here are the walks we suggest to guests at The Barn, with each site's own dog rules.
The Barn at White House Farm sits on the banks of the River Witham at Brothertoft, near Boston. That means a dog walk can start the moment you open the door. After a day out, you come back to a fully enclosed, dog-proof private garden and a log burner.
For each place we've given the dog rules as the site itself publishes them. For a day on the sand, see our dog-friendly beaches guide.
Check before you go: opening times, access and dog rules change. Every place in this guide links to its own official website, and we checked each one on 18 October 2026. Please check the latest details there before you set off.
The Barn sits right on the River Witham. Head along the riverbank for big skies, passing boats and wildlife. A short walk down the bank and over Langrick Bridge brings you to the Langrick Station Café, a former railway station with some great memorabilia from its past.
Walk from the doorThe Barn is set directly on Route 1 of the National Cycle Network. Walk Wheel Cycle Trust describes the Water Rail Way section of Route 1 as flat and almost entirely traffic-free. It follows the former Lincoln to Boston railway line beside the River Witham, by way of Langrick Bridge. Watch out for bikes, and keep your dog close on shared paths.
Shared with cyclistsWhite House Farm is a working farm with sheep, horses and hens. Please follow the Countryside Code and keep your dog under close control around livestock.
Run by the Boston Woods Trust, the country park covers over 80 acres of woods and parkland, including the established Westgate Wood and the younger Jenny's Wood and Oak Wood. The Trust says there are over 4 km of all-weather paths, plus a large wildflower meadow, ponds and two tree-lined avenues. Car parks are on West End Road (PE21 7LP), Five House Lane (PE20 1RY) and Old Hammond Beck Road (PE20 1SA).
Dogs on leads in the meadow, March–JulyThe newest Boston Woods site, between Willoughby Road and the rear of Pilgrim Hospital, with 3 km of paths. The Boston Woods Trust says it is a designated nature reserve, so no dogs are allowed. Leave this one for a walk without your dog.
No dogsForestry England lists dogs as welcome here, along with walking trails, cycling, horse riding and hidden Second World War bunkers. The car park is just under a mile down Kirkby Lane from Woodhall Spa, and parking is free. Pair it with tea at the Tea House in the Woods in Woodhall Spa, where dogs are welcome outside.
Dogs welcomeThe Wash is the UK's largest bay and, according to the RSPB, its most important estuary for birds. The RSPB runs two reserves near Boston, and their dog rules differ.
According to the RSPB, dogs are welcome on the public footpaths, including the seabank and the Grassland Trail, on a lead and under close control at all times. Dogs are not allowed on the Reedbed Trail, the paths to the hides, or inside the visitor centre or café. There is dog-friendly seating outside. Parking is free to RSPB members; non-members pay the reserve fee, which includes parking. In October 2026 the RSPB reported Environment Agency work on the sea bank closing the seabank sections of the Wash and Grassland trails, so check before you go.
Dogs on a lead, footpaths only Not on the Reedbed Trail or hide pathsAccording to the RSPB, dogs are welcome on the trails, which run to 8 km through saltmarsh, a saltwater lagoon and wet grassland. There are no toilets, and the car park has 20 spaces. Don't park on the road, verges or gateways.
Dogs welcome on the trails No toiletsThe National Trust allows dogs at this 15th-century red-brick castle on a short lead, but only assistance dogs inside the Great Tower. The grounds have a double moat. Check the opening days first, because the National Trust currently lists the whole site as open on Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday only.
Dogs on a short lead Not inside the Great TowerThe edge of the Wolds is about 15 minutes away by car. There you'll find rolling hills, woodland and long-distance paths, including the Viking Way.
Countryside CodeFor our full dog policy, the enclosed garden, dog-friendly pubs and the nearest vet, see the dog-friendly guide to The Barn. You can check live dates and book direct with us, with no booking fees, on our availability page. For more ideas, see all our local guides.
Yes. The Barn sits on the River Witham, with the riverbank and National Cycle Network Route 1 (the Water Rail Way) on the doorstep. Keep your dog close on shared paths and around livestock on the farm.
The RSPB says dogs are welcome on the public footpaths, including the seabank and Grassland Trail, on a lead at all times. They are not allowed on the Reedbed Trail, the paths to the hides, or in the visitor centre or café.
Yes. The RSPB says dogs are welcome on the trails. There are no toilets on site.
Yes. The Boston Woods Trust asks that dogs are kept on leads in the meadow between March and July to protect ground-nesting birds. Dogs are not allowed at Dion's Wood Nature Reserve.
Yes. Up to 2 dogs are welcome per stay, with a £25 dog fee per stay (the same for 1 or 2 dogs). The garden is fully enclosed, dog-proof and private to The Barn's guests. Dogs stay downstairs, and they must not be left alone in The Barn or the garden when you go out.
A dog-friendly riverside barn near Boston: up to 2 dogs, a fully enclosed private garden and walks from the door.
