Visitor hits out over castle ban on dogs

When David Parry-Jones decided to find out more about the history and heritage of south Shropshire he decided his two-year-old cocker spaniel Sally would be the ideal companion.

Mr Parry-Jones, who hails from Treflach, near Oswestry, spent last weekend in Seifton, near Craven Arms, and made his first ever trip to two of the county's famous castles — Ludlow and Stokesay.

When he arrived at Ludlow, staff were more than happy to accommodate Sally provided she was kept on a lead — and even provided a poop scoop to clear up after her.

But when he journeyed up the A49 to Stokesay he was greeted with a sign telling him dogs were not allowed unless they were guide dogs, prompting him to give the attraction a miss.

He has since hit out at English Heritage chiefs for their stance and has called on them to follow the example set at Ludlow.

But heritage officials have claimed there are insufficient outdoor grounds at Stokesay to accommodate dogs and have advised Mr Parry-Jones to visit other English Heritage attractions.

Mr Parry-Jones said: "Ludlow Castle has fabulous staff. They were exceedingly welcoming to me and my dog and were a tribute to a great castle. But there was such a contrast between the two castles. When I got to Stokesay there was a big sign saying I couldn't take my dog in. I promptly didn't get past the gate and turned around. It was such a hot day I couldn't have left my dog in the car.

"These castles are highlights for tourists. I have lived in Shropshire all my life but never been to either of the two castles."

A spokesman for English Heritage said: "English Heritage has many dog-friendly sites in its care across the country.

"In some instances, however, it's not appropriate to allow dogs on to our sites and Stokesay Castle is an example of this. There are no outside grounds at the castle, apart from a small courtyard.

"Kenilworth Castle, Wenlock Priory, Wigmore Castle and Witley Court and Gardens are all dog-friendly sites nearby."