Dog Days AwayGOOD DAYS. TOGETHER.
Staffordshire · England · Town
Stafford works well when you want a town park on arrival and a separate estate outing the next day. The Swan is on Greengate Street in the centre, while Holiday Inn Express is at Acton Gate near the M6. That distinction changes the amount of driving in the break, so choose the room before planning Victoria Park and Shugborough.
Policies researched 27 September 2026 · Check directly before booking
A BASE FOR YOUR BREAK
Dog access can depend on the room or accommodation you choose. Confirm the exact dog arrangements before you pay.
The Swan charges £15 per room per night for up to two dogs and asks guests to call for dog rooms. Holiday Inn Express publishes £30 per pet per stay, with pre-booking essential. A per-stay charge may suit a longer visit, but the town-centre versus Acton Gate location and meal arrangements are equally important.
Acton Court, Acton Gate · Stafford (Acton Gate)
An Acton Gate base outside central Stafford, convenient for a driving break. Contact the hotel before booking to secure pet availability.
The dog details£30 per pet per stay; pre-booking essential. Confirm dog numbers, suitable room, eating space and supervision directly.
Book directly with the property
Arrange the dog room and confirm the total charge directly before paying.
46a Greengate Street · Stafford
A Greengate Street hotel in the town centre. Call to reserve a dog room and request the pet-friendly dining option for meals.
The dog detailsUp to two dogs; £15 per room per night. Confirm the bedroom and dog table in advance and ask about any remaining restrictions.
Book directly with the property
Arrange the dog room and confirm the total charge directly before paying.
GOOD DAYS OUT, TOGETHER
Use the town park for an arrival walk rather than beginning with a longer countryside excursion. Pick a route that avoids the enclosed children’s play space.
Dogs must be on leads in most of the park and are prohibited from the play area. Follow the signs at your entrance.
Official visitor informationMake a separate trip to the estate for its outdoor spaces. Check opening times and admission before travelling and build the visit around parkland rather than the house.
Keep dogs on leads and away from livestock enclosures. Pet dogs cannot enter the house or Servants’ Quarters; check current café and shop rules on arrival.
Official visitor informationAN UNHURRIED COUPLE OF DAYS
Settle into the Swan or the Express, then visit Victoria Park for a modest walk. Arrange your evening meal with the dog rather than assuming all dining areas accept pets. From Acton Gate, allow for the journey into the centre.
Check the estate’s current access and weather, then choose an outdoor walk that fits your dog. Keep the lead handy throughout and do not plan a house tour with a pet. Shorten the outing if another journey or wet ground makes it less appealing.
A suggested plan, not a booked itinerary. Adapt it to your dog, the weather and current access.
THE DETAILS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
The Swan’s charge is nightly per room; the Express charge is per pet for the stay. Confirm the total for your actual dates.
Official pages differ on some food and shop access, so confirm the particular facility; the outdoor lead requirement is clear.
The hotel lists £30 per pet per stay and says pre-booking is essential; contact the hotel to check availability. Its location is at Acton Gate, outside Stafford town centre, so allow for the journey if you want to visit town on foot.
The Swan’s current dog information allows up to two dogs and charges £15 per room per night. Call to reserve a dog room; select pet-friendly dining when booking a table.
No. Stafford Borough Council says dogs must be on leads in most of the park and are prohibited from the play area. Follow on-site signs and the council’s current restrictions.
No. The National Trust excludes pet dogs from the house, Servants’ Quarters, shops, Mansion Tearoom and Park Farm House. Dogs are welcome in outdoor areas and Park Farm café; keep them on leads on the bridleway and close to livestock.
Sources: National Trust - visiting Shugborough Estate with your dog
Yes, but choose the dog-friendly option: the National Trust lists Park Farm café as dog-friendly. Dogs are excluded from the Mansion Tearoom, though sheltered seating is available in the Midden Yard for its food and drink. Check opening times before setting out.
Sources: National Trust - visiting Shugborough Estate with your dog
Researched from accommodation operators, property listings and visitor information linked above on 27 September 2026. Prices and policies can change; a stated dog fee is not a room quote or a promise of availability. We have not personally inspected these places. Our day plans are editorial suggestions.
Read our research approach