Dog-friendly guide to Cambridge.
Want to explore Cambridge with your four-legged compadre? You're in for a treat. Among the grand colleges, iconic spires and medieval cobbled streets, you'll discover a city that rolls out the welcome mat for dogs everywhere you turn.
We're talking sun-soaked riverside hangouts and scenic green spaces galore. Dog-friendly shops and attractions they can get on board with (literally). Cosy pubs and welcoming cafés where your pup might get more attention than you. If you're wondering, 'Is Cambridge dog friendly?' The answer is a resounding yes.
Top dog-friendly parks and green spaces.
When it comes to dog-friendly days out in Cambridge, the city’s green spaces are a dream. Just 10 minutes’ drive towards town from Turing Locke, Jesus Green is a great spot for morning runs along the river, or lazy afternoons watching punts drift by. Head to the swimming areas to turn your water-baby’s happiness levels up to max.
Just along the Cam, Midsummer Common brings countryside vibes into the city. Hit the walking trails early to catch the morning light and avoid the crowds. Just don’t upset the local cows, yeah?
On the other side of the city centre – 16 minutes’ drive from Turing Locke – is Parker's Piece, a historic green perfect for burning off energy with a game of fetch. In the summer it’s a popular spot for picnics and ball games, so be wary if your pooch is a thief.
The first thing to know about Lammas Land is that it has nothing to do with llamas. Back in the day, ‘lammas lands’ were private property until Lammas Day (August 1st) after which they were subject to common rights. These days, they’re geared towards dog-walking with a dedicated dog exercise area and gentle paths.
Dog-friendly attractions and activities in Cambridge.
In Cambridge, we punt. The good news is, lots of punting companies – like the Traditional Punting Co, Let’s Go Punting, and Rutherford’s – are happy for well-behaved dogs to hop aboard. Picture those furry ears flapping in the breeze… It's a quaint experience and just one of many dog-friendly things to do in Cambridge.
The Backs’ grand architecture and gorgeous gardens are Instagram gold – and just a 10-minute drive from Turing Locke. Observe from the water, or take your time wandering on foot past centuries-old buildings while your dog sniffs out new adventures. Just watch out for cycling students.
Want to level up your local knowledge? Join a dog-friendly walking tour and dive into Cambridge's fascinating stories. Footprints offers free tours, but guides rely on tips. Or you can pay for a private tour specially for dog-owners packed full of pooch-related tales with Hidden Cambridge. (The guides usually have treats in their pockets – just saying.)
Don't skip the network of narrow lanes and historic passages between colleges, offering a fascinating glimpse into Cambridge's past. They also make excellent walking shady routes on hot days.
Dog-friendly cafés, pubs, and restaurants.
Worked up an appetite? Drive 16 minutes to The Mill Pub. Perched on the banks of the River Cam overlooking Laundress Green, often with stacks of punts moored outside, this cosy spot is known for its wide choice of well-kept real ales (and being dog-friendly).
If you’re in the market for something sweet, feast your eyes and your belly at the legendary Fitzbillies. Dogs are welcome in their outdoor seating area – the perfect spot to sample their “famously sticky” Chelsea buns on a sunny morning.
Coffee addicts should make a beeline for Bould Brothers Coffee, 13 minutes’ drive from Turing Locke. Seating is limited but they welcome dogs with open paws (or you can grab and go). For a more hearty brunch, the buttermilk pancakes at Hot Numbers on Trumpington Street (10 minutes away by car) are some of the fluffiest we’ve ever tasted.
Top tip: Dog-friendly places in Cambridge to eat and drink tend to be popular, so it’s best to book ahead or swing by between 2pm and 5pm on weekdays to dodge the crowds. Pack your pup’s water bowl (most places will fill it up if you ask nicely) and, of course, keep them on a lead inside!
Dog-friendly shops and indoor spaces.
Rainy day? No problem. There are plenty of sheltered dog-friendly things to do in Cambridge.
G. David Bookseller is a vibe – think floor-to-ceiling antiquarian, secondhand and remaindered books, maps and prints, plus dog-friendly browsing. Podarok also gives the thumbs up to dogs on leads, so you can discover their treasure trove of small-business-made gifts and trinkets. Over on cool-kid hangout Mill Road, known by locals as ‘The Mile’, you and Fido can browse new and pre-owned vinyl at Relevant Record Café.
Quite a few chain stores are jumping on the dog-friendly bandwagon, too. John Lewis, Apple Grand Arcade, Oliver Bonas, Waterstones and Mountain Warehouse all have dog-friendly shops in Cambridge. In fact, woof on the street is that lots of big-name shops now allow polite pooches on leads, so it’s worth asking at the door.
On weekends, head to the dog-friendly Museum of Technology. Or, if the weather’s on your side, why not potter round the market? From Monday to Saturday in the main market square you’ll find 100 stalls offering everything from fruit and veg to vinyl, pottery to picture-framing; while Sundays bring the Arts, Craft and Local Produce Market.
Dog-friendly day-trips from Cambridge.
Looking for dog-friendly days out near Cambridge? Level up your adventure game at Wandlebury Country Park, where you’ll find miles of trails through ancient woodlands and rolling hills. The Iron Age hillfort loop walk is a local fave with local dog walkers (a.k.a. your people). We suggest packing snacks and making a day of it.
Another great leg-stretcher is the 7.9km walk from the Millpond out to the picturesque village of Grantchester along the River Cam and back (find it on AllTrails). Follow the winding path through wild flowers and past grazing cows (dogs on leads to avoid any bovine drama) until you hit The Orchard Tea Garden – a welcoming spot for dogs whose scones are legendary.
If you’re looking for epic views over Cambridge, Gog Magog Hills deliver. Legend has it this beauty spot south of Cambridge is the final resting place of the last giant in England… One thing’s for sure: it's a haven for doggos needing to let off some steam, plus its chalk paths mean you’re both less likely to end up a muddy mess.
Getting there's easy – most local buses allow well-behaved dogs on board. Just check individual operator rules before you hop on, especially at busy times.
Looking for dog friendly hotels in Cambridge?
After all that, you'll need somewhere comfy to rest your paws… We mean feet. The stylish apartments at Turing Locke welcome both you and your four-legged friend, making it your perfect dog-friendly Cambridge base camp.
To book a getaway with your furry friend, pick your dates and room, then select ‘WOOF Package’ under ‘Enhance your stay’. You’ll get everything you need for a tail-wagging stay, from welcome treats, dog bowls and a cosy dog bed, to a keepsake dog toy and bandana. We even do a deep clean, so you don’t need to worry about the mess.
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