Heaven’s Gate

Updated: July 31, 2025
Featured image for Heaven’s Gate

Walk Highlights

Location:
Warminster
Postcode:
BA12 7LG
Parking:

Parking: There is a dedicated, free car park directly at Heaven's Gate. It's a reasonably sized car park but can get busy, especially on weekends and sunny days, due to the popularity of the viewpoint. Arriving earlier or later in the day is recommended.

Distance:
1.10 miles
Time:
0.50 hours
Difficulty:
Easy
Terrain:

Terrain: A delightful and relatively easy walk, primarily through peaceful woodlands and parkland, leading to an iconic viewpoint. Paths are a mix of well-maintained gravel tracks and natural earth paths through the trees. The terrain features gentle undulations (total ascent 40m / 131ft) with short, mild slopes, making it a comfortable stroll. Expect paths to be muddy and prone to puddles in places, especially after rain or in wetter seasons. Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Accessibility: The main paths around the Heaven's Gate viewpoint are generally wide and firm, offering good accessibility. However, some woodland trails might be uneven or muddy, making them less suitable for standard pushchairs or those with significant mobility issues for a full loop.

Get Directions:

Get driving directions to the starting point:

Dog-Centric Details

Poo Bins Available:
Yes
Secure/Fenced Area:
No
Dog Water Source:
No
Dog Notes:

Dog-Friendliness: Heaven's Gate offers a wonderful and very dog-friendly walk, providing stunning views and tranquil woodland paths! Dogs are very welcome throughout the site. However, due to its location within the wider Longleat Estate (home to free-roaming wildlife), and its popularity as a viewpoint, specific lead rules apply.

EV Charger Nearby:
No
Fuel Station Nearby:
No
Livestock Information:
Off-Leash Policy:
On-Leash Only
Dog Traffic:
Moderate
Seasonal Advice:
Height Restriction:
No
Printable Version:
PLUS Feature

Panoramic Vistas and Woodland Wonders: Heavens Gate, Wiltshire

Location: Heavens Gate, Longleat Estate, near Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 7LG (This postcode is for the dedicated car park at Heaven's Gate.)



The Walk: A 1-Mile Loop to Iconic Views

This suggested circular walk is approximately 1.0 mile (1.63 km), offering a concise yet highly rewarding exploration of Heaven's Gate and its immediate surrounds.

  1. Starting from Heaven’s Gate Car Park: Begin your walk directly from the car park. Head towards the famous Heaven's Gate viewpoint.

  2. The Iconic Gates and Panoramic Views (Dogs on Lead): You'll quickly reach the impressive ornamental Heaven's Gate itself. From this elevated viewpoint, you are treated to breathtaking panoramic views stretching across the vast Longleat Estate, including glimpses of Longleat House and (with a keen eye) even parts of the Safari Park, as well as the rolling Wiltshire countryside beyond. Dogs MUST be kept on a lead at all times at Heaven's Gate. This is crucial due to the close proximity to the Longleat Safari Park (where free-roaming deer and other animals may be present, even if behind fences, their scents are strong), and for the safety and enjoyment of other visitors at this popular spot.

  3. Woodland Trails: From the viewpoint, follow the paths that lead into the surrounding mixed woodlands. These offer a peaceful contrast to the open view, with shaded trails and plenty of interesting natural scents for your dog to explore. The paths gently undulate as you weave through the trees.

  4. Wildlife Awareness: The woods are home to various birds, squirrels, and other small woodland creatures. Keep your dog under control and from disturbing any wildlife.

  5. Looping Back: The paths are designed to create a straightforward circular route, guiding you back through the woodland and eventually returning you to the Heaven's Gate car park.


 

Important Considerations for Your Walk

  • DOGS ON LEAD AT ALL TIMES (CRITICAL): Dogs MUST be kept on a lead for the entire duration of the walk at Heaven's Gate. This is a non-negotiable rule to protect wildlife (especially deer within the wider estate) and ensure public safety at a popular viewpoint.

  • WATER FOR DOGS: Bring plenty of fresh water for your dog, especially on warmer days, as there are no public water facilities on the walk.

  • DOG WASTE: Please be a responsible dog owner and always clean up after your dog. Bins are usually available in the car park.

  • SHARED SPACE: The viewpoint can be very popular. Be courteous and share paths respectfully.

  • EXPOSURE: The viewpoint itself is exposed. Be prepared for sun or wind.

  • TICKS: As with any woodland, ticks can be present. Check your dog thoroughly after the walk.


 

Why Your Dog Will (Still) Love This Walk (On Lead)

  • Rich Scents: The mix of woodland and open parkland (with distant safari park scents) provides a continuous sensory feast for their nose.

  • Beautiful Scenery: Stunning panoramic views and peaceful woodland.

  • Gentle Exercise: A lovely short walk suitable for dogs of all ages and energy levels.

  • Focused Bonding Time: Walking on a lead in a new and interesting environment provides valuable quality time.



Overall:

Heaven's Gate offers a beautiful, peaceful, and incredibly dog-friendly walking experience in Wiltshire. With its iconic gates, breathtaking panoramic views, and tranquil woodlands, it's a fantastic destination for a refreshing and memorable short outing with your four-legged companion. Just remember to adhere strictly to the on-lead rule to ensure a wonderful time for everyone.

Image: © Copyright Paula Kingswood and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

Information Accuracy

Conditions can change. Please verify critical information locally. Your safety is your responsibility.

Report an Issue

Map

Get Premium Features

Upgrade to DogWalksNearMe+ to save this route for offline use and print a copy to take with you.

Share this walk:

Comments & Reviews (0)

Get More From This Walk!

Create a free account to save this walk, rate it, and share your experience.

Be the first to comment on this walk!