Mayor partners with castle for exclusive dog walk to raise local charity funds
Warwick residents will have a rare opportunity to walk their dogs inside the grounds of Warwick Castle this autumn when the Mayor of Warwick hosts a ticketed charity event on Thursday 17 September.
The event, billed as “The Mayor of Warwick’s Paws for a Cause”, will see the castle grounds closed to the general public between 4.30pm and 6.30pm so owners and their four-legged companions can enjoy the landmark together while supporting two charities.
Money raised from the event will be donated to the Sea Life Trust and The Graham Fulford Charitable Trust. Organisers say the format is intended to bring the community together in a family-friendly way while generating funds for causes described as making "a real difference".
“This really is a unique opportunity to bring people and their four-legged friends together to enjoy the beautiful grounds of Warwick Castle while raising money for some fantastic charities,” said the Mayor of Warwick, Coun Simon Pargeter.
Coun Pargeter thanked Matt Halford and the Warwick Castle team for helping to stage the event, adding that it was about creating community memories as much as raising funds. Matt Halford, head of heritage and estates at Warwick Castle, said the castle was pleased to support the mayor and the charities in staging the walk, emphasising the rarity of allowing dogs into the grounds in this way.
Tickets, timing and practical details
Organisers have advised would-be attendees to secure tickets in advance via Eventbrite. The walk is a timed, ticketed event and the grounds will not be open to the wider public during the two-hour slot.
- Date: Thursday 17 September
- Time: 4.30pm–6.30pm (grounds closed to general public)
- Purpose: Fundraising for Sea Life Trust and The Graham Fulford Charitable Trust
- Booking: Tickets available via Eventbrite
| Organiser | Beneficiaries | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Mayor of Warwick (Coun Simon Pargeter) | Sea Life Trust; The Graham Fulford Charitable Trust | Warwick Castle grounds (closed to public for event) |
The Sea Life Trust operates rescue and conservation programmes for marine animals, while The Graham Fulford Charitable Trust is a Warwickshire-based charity involved in local causes. No further operational details, such as ticket prices or maximum numbers, were provided in the initial announcement; attendees are advised to consult the Eventbrite listing for full booking information.
Community and conservation angle
Locally hosted fundraising events that combine heritage access and public participation have become more common as charities seek imaginative ways to attract supporters. For Warwick, the castle is both a tourist draw and a civic asset. Allowing dogs into the grounds for a limited, ticketed occasion represents a controlled opening of the site that is likely to appeal to residents who normally cannot stroll the landscaped areas with pets.
Coun Pargeter said he was "absolutely delighted" the castle was supporting the event. Matt Halford described it as “a great pleasure” for the castle to back the mayor and the chosen charities.
Residents wishing to attend should note the date and secure tickets in advance. Further logistical information, including any rules about dog behaviour, leads, and waste disposal on the castle estate, will be available from the organisers when booking.
This event reinforces Warwick’s tradition of community-centred fundraising while offering a distinctive experience at one of the town’s most recognisable sites. For many local dog owners, it will create a rare chance to enjoy the castle’s setting outside normal visitor arrangements.
