Carlisle Cathedral has announced that visitors will be able to bring their well-behaved dogs into the Cathedral building from Saturday 25 November 2023.
Guide, therapy, and assistance dogs are already welcome in the Cathedral for those visiting or attending services – and dogs have always been allowed in the grounds – but this new initiative will enable all visitors to bring their dog, on a short lead, into the Cathedral itself. The Dean and Chapter hope this new policy will make Carlisle Cathedral even more accessible and welcoming to visitors.
The Dean of Carlisle, the Very Revd Jonathan Brewster, said: “Increasingly cathedrals are becoming more dog-friendly, and as the Cathedral for Cumbria and the Lake District, we wish to welcome all! We understand that dogs are part of the family too, so please feel free to bring them along on your day out exploring Carlisle.”
The Cathedral asks that visitors bring well-behaved dogs (one dog per adult), always keep them on a short lead, be considerate of other visitors and clean up after any accidents. Dogs are not permitted at services, on tours that go above ground level, in the Treasury or the Cathedral Café ground floor seating. Dogs are welcome in the grounds and the Café’s Fratry Hall, Undercroft and outside seating areas (when available). A water bowl is provided opposite the main door of the Cathedral.
The Cathedral encourages visitors to share their photos of their visits with their canine companions on social media, using the hashtag #DogsInCathedrals.
If you have any queries, please read the this FAQ document.
