Pick up a Pooch Passport and get a warm welcome for you and your dog at Speke Hall this autumn

Dog owners can pick up a Pooch Passport from Speke Hall this autumn to collect stamps and get free treats for their furry friends.

The 19^th Century Tudor hall is one of more than 100 National Trust venues across the UK taking part in the Pooch Passport scheme.

Each passport will contain space to get a stamp from any of the places taking part, and with six different stamps owners will receive goodies from Forthglade’s National Trust natural pet food range – with 12 they’ll be able to collect an exclusive National Trust dog snood.

The heritage sites involved will all be given a ‘paw print’ rating to let people know which places will be best if they’re visiting with their dogs.

Amy Peacock, general manager at Speke Hall says: “We know how much it means to people to be able to bring their dogs when they visit our places and not leave them home alone.

Visitors walking their dog in the grounds of Speke Hall. Image: National Trust

“So our paw print rating makes it easy to plan a visit with your dog, and the Pooch Passport provides the perfect reason to explore new places with them.”

She goes on: “At Speke Hall visitors with dogs can expect a very warm welcome.

“There are plenty of special places across the Speke Hall estate to explore with your dog, from the semi-ancient Clough woodland to the scenic Bund walk; and dogs on short leads can explore all areas of the garden and grounds that are open.”

The Pooch Passport scheme will be running and valid from now until the end of February.

The paw print rating system goes from one to three paw prints:

* Houses and venues with three paw prints are the best NT places you can visit for a day with your dog. You’ll be able to take your dog to most areas, including indoors for a cuppa and a treat. There’ll be clearly signed dog zones and dog-friendly experiences.

* Two paw print places – like Speke Hall – have water bowls, dog bins and dog-friendly walks. You’ll be able to take your dog into some areas, but not everywhere. If there’s a café, you’ll be able to have a cup of tea with them, but probably outside.

* One paw print means dogs are welcome, but facilities are limited. They’ll be able to stretch their legs in the car park and walk in nearby open spaces depending on the season.