England is home to some magnificent cathedrals and churches containing stunning architecture. However, you would probably expect that stepping inside them any of them would be off limits if you have a pet dog.
But with some well-known cathedrals recently allowing pets to join visitors inside, it’s become clear that there are many cathedrals that allow pet dogs inside. Consider visiting one of these dog-friendly cathedrals in England with your dog by your side…
#1 Canterbury Cathedral
When I first visited England with my dog, one of the important cathedrals on my itinerary was Canterbury Cathedral. Regarded as the first cathedral in England and home to the archbishop of Canterbury, the most senior cleric of the Church of England, Canterbury Cathedral is on the UNESCO World Heritage list due to its historic importance.
While I wasn’t able to take my dog inside during my visit, after a successful trial in 2023 pet dogs are now allowed to join you on a visit to Canterbury Cathedral any day. Pet dogs are allowed both on the grounds and inside the buildings, as long as they are kept on a short leash and you clean up after them.
While an entry fee is charged for adults visiting inside the cathedral, there is no fee for dogs accompanying you. Note that pet dogs are not allowed to accompany you on guided tours or mini talks, or attend services. Canterbury is an easy day trip from London.
#2 Liverpool Cathedral
The city of Liverpool is home to a very different cathedral. Liverpool Cathedral was only recently completed in 1978, one of the newest cathedrals in England. The towering neo-Gothic edifice is famous for being Britain’s largest cathedral.
Entry to Liverpool Cathedral is free, although donations are encouraged. An additional charge applies for ascending the towers, but these are naturally off limits for pet dogs.
Pet dogs are welcome to join you throughout the main space of the cathedral, outside of events. They are also allowed in the outdoor porch area of the onsite Welsford Bistro. Naturally, it’s requested that dogs are kept on a leash, plus an “indoor voice” is requested.
#3 Salisbury Cathedral
Salisbury Cathedral is also up there in terms of size: it boasts the tallest spire in Britain, as well as the largest cathedral close in the country. But this 13th-century Gothic cathedral is best known as the home of one of the most important documents in English: the Magna Carta.
Exploring Salisbury Cathedral is a highlight of a visit to Salisbury, and there’s no need to leave your dog behind. Well-behaved dogs are welcome inside, as long as they are always kept on a leash. Note however that dogs are not permitted inside the Refectory restaurant, or to be left unattended.
Water bowls are provided for visiting dogs in the Cloisters, plus you can collect a biscuit treat for your pup at the Welcome Desk. It’s best to tickets in advance for cheaper entry, although no entry fee applies to dogs or children under 12. Note that the cathedral is closed to visitors on Sunday mornings.
#4 Bristol Cathedral
When I recently visited Bristol Cathedral, I was delighted to be told by staff members that pet dogs had never been explicitly forbidden from joining their owners inside the cathedral. And dogs continue to warmly welcome inside this cathedral in the heart of Bristol, next to College Green.
Built progressively between the 13th and 19th centuries, the oldest part of the cathedral is its late 12th-century Chapter House, part of an abbey consecrated in 1148. The Harrowing of Hell stone carving is even older, dating to 1020-1060. However, the western towers were not completed until 1888.
When visiting the cathedral, don’t miss the exhibit “All God’s Children”, which explores the interactions between the slave economy and the cathedral – a sobering reminder of this aspect of Bristol’s history. Entry to the cathedral is free, although donations are welcome.
All dogs visiting the cathedral should be well-behaved and kept on a leash. If visiting between Thursday and Sunday, also consider visiting the Lord Mayor’s Chapel across College Green. Pets dogs are also welcome inside, with a small entry fee for humans.
#5 Winchester Cathedral
Once the capital of England, Winchester is still home to a grand cathedral. Over 900 years old, Winchester Cathedral is home to one of Europe’s largest medieval naves and a mixture of architectural styles, including many interesting highlights.
Inside this dog-friendly cathedral, don’t miss the West Window (reconstructed from fragments of shattered glass in 1660 following the Civil War), the icon of St Swithun, the plaque marking the grave of Jane Austen and the medieval floor tiles. Head down to the Norman crypt to view Sound II, a mysterious life-size statue of a man by Antony Gormley, often standing in water up to his shins.
Note that dogs joining you inside the cathedral need to always be kept on a leash and not left unattended. Dogs are not allowed inside the Morley library or the cafe, plus during services, on tours or at events. The entry fee provides you with an annual pass to the cathedral.
#6 Chester Cathdral
The historic city of Chester is delightfully dog-friendly, so naturally dogs are welcome to join you on a visit to Chester Cathedral. Construction of this labyrinthine cathedral dates to between the 10th and 16th centuries, although it was built on the site of an even earlier church with a shrine to St Werburgh, which still stand inside.
Well-behaved dogs on a short lead are welcome to join you inside, except in the Lady Chapel, the cafe and the cloister garden. Note that dogs may be prevented from entering if there are large numbers of school children inside, plus it’s requested to let the staff know if any accidents happen on the porous sandstone floors.
Don’t miss visiting the beautiful gardens surrounding the cathedral, where dogs are allowed to join you, unlike in the cloister garden. Some of the best views of the cathedral and its gardens are from the eastern city walls, which are also dog-friendly.
Entry to the cathedral is generally free. A small fee is charged during the busy summer and Christmas periods, with donations welcome during the rest of the year.
#7 Norwich Cathedral
Head to northeastern England to visit charming Norwich and Norwich Cathedral. This Romanesque cathedral dating to the 12th-century is home to the second tallest spire in England (after Salisbury Cathedral), but is best known for its exquisite “roof bosses”. These decorative medieval carvings can be found in both the Nave and the Cloister.
Dogs are allowed throughout the cathedral, including the Cloister with its labyrinth. They are also welcome to join you in the Close, the 44 acre area that surrounds the cathedral, home to a picturesque riverside walk and green spaces perfect for picnics.
Just keep your eyes peeled in both the cathedral and the Close for Budge the Cat – the resident feline friend of the cathedral! Entry to Norwich Cathedral is free.
More Dog-Friendly Cathedrals in England
There are plenty more cathedrals in England where well-behaved dogs are also allowed inside. These cathedrals have clear policies permitting pet dogs on their websites:
- Bradford Cathedral
- Carlisle Cathedral
- Coventry Cathedral
- Chichester Cathedral
- Ely Cathedral
- Lincoln Cathedral
- Newcastle Cathedral
- Peterborough Cathedral
- Portsmouth Cathedral
- Sheffield Cathedral
- Southwell Minster
- Truo Cathedral
- Winchester Cathedral
- Worcester Cathedral
- Wells Cathedral
It’s best to double check the rules in advance, in case any changes have been made. Pet dogs may or may not be allowed during services, and are often not permitted on guided tours or certain areas of the cathedral. And of course, be a responsible dog owner and respectful visitor so this privilege remains.
But Skip Visiting These Cathedrals…
While many cathedrals in England allow pet dogs inside, there are still many other cathedrals and famous churches where this is not possible, with only guide or assistance dogs permitted inside. Skip visiting these churches and cathedrals with your pet dog, for now at least:
- Bath Abbey
- Durham Cathedral (Pet dogs in grounds only)
- St Paul’s Cathedral, London
- Westminster Abbey, London
- York Minster
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About the Author
Shandos Cleaver is the founder of Travelnuity: Dog-Friendly Travel. She has travelled extensively with her Miniature Dachshund, Schnitzel, including to 33 countries across Europe, every state and territory of Australia except Tasmania, and 10 of the United States. She’s passionate about providing inspiration and information to others wanting to travel with their dogs, whether close to home or internationally.