We travel with Winnie a lot around the UK and we love visiting churches and cathedrals because they are a magnificent synthesis of religion, history, architecture, music, and art. They all look very impressive, inside and outside, and this is a part of their purpose. We visit cathedrals not only for religious reasons, but to have some moments of quietness and contemplation, admiring their scale and splendour. And we were always disappointed when we weren’t able to go inside because of their ‘dogs are not allowed’ policy.
Fortunately, some of Britain’s cathedrals have been dog-friendly for a while, other cathedrals have recently changed their policy and now welcome well-behaved dogs on a lead with their responsible owners. As an example, when we were in Winchester about two years ago, we couldn’t step inside because visitors with dogs weren’t allowed. Surprisingly, in October 2023 Winchester Cathedral launched a three-month trial to allow dogs in the Cathedral and afterwards it has become their permanent policy.
This trend inspired us to create a comprehensive list of dog-friendly cathedrals so that you can enjoy the grandeur of these religious buildings with your four-legged companion.
There are some rules for dog-owners that are almost the same for all dog-friendly cathedrals:
- your dog must always be on a lead;
- they shouldn’t be noisy or disruptive in any way, otherwise you have to leave a cathedral;
- you need to clear up the mess after your dog;
- dogs must be accompanied by their owner at all times;
- usually, dogs are not allowed at events, services or tours;
Dog-friendly Wells Cathedral in Somerset.
Address: Cathedral Green, Wells, Somerset, BA5 2UE.
Dogs are welcome in Wells Cathedral providing they are on a lead, well-behaved and accompanied at all times by their owner. Water bowls are available in the Cathedral and dog biscuits can be found at the counter in The Loft Café.
The Cathedral is open daily, 07:00 – 18:00.
General admission (adults) is £14 and includes re-entry for 12 months from the date of purchase. The reduced admission is £8, if you visit the Cathedral on Monday to Saturday, 16:00 – 16:30 or on Sunday, 12:00 – 14:00.
There is no charge for people who come to the Cathedral to pray, attend a service, or light a candle.
Dog-friendly Lincoln Cathedral in Lincolnshire.
Address: Minster Yard, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, LN2 1PX.
Well-behaved, quiet and controlled dogs are welcome to Lincoln Cathedral.
The Cathedral is open daily, but hours vary depending on the day and the time. For the best experience, they recommend visiting between 10:00 and 16:00 Monday to Saturday, or between 11:30 and 14:30 on Sunday.
General admission (adults) is £12 on Monday to Saturdays or £10 on Sundays. There is no charge for people who come to the Cathedral to pray, attend a service, or light a candle.
Dog-friendly Winchester Cathedral in Hampshire.
Address: 9 The Close, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 9LS.
www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk
Well-behaved dogs are welcome inside Winchester Cathedral but must always be kept on leads and you must not leave your dog unattended. The Cathedral is open Monday – Saturday 09:00 – 17:00, Sunday 12:30 – 15:00. We also recommend checking the Cathedral’s website for any upcoming closures.
General admission (adults) is £13.50 (£12.50 if you book online) and includes re-entry for 12 months from the date of purchase.
Dog-friendly Salisbury Cathedral in Wiltshire.
Address: Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP1 2EF.
Well-behaved dogs are welcome inside Salisbury Cathedral and must be kept on leads at all times. There are water bowls in the Cloisters, and some biscuity treats for your dog at the Welcome Desk.
The Cathedral is open Monday – Saturday 10:00 – 16:30, Sunday 12:30 – 16:00.
General admission (adults) is £10 in advance, £12 on the day. Tickets are valid for a year from the date of purchase.