A cathedral city in the north west that’s home to extensive Roman walls, impressive shopping, and scenic outdoor spaces, dog-friendly Chester is a fantastic place to choose for your next holiday.
If you’re thinking of a holiday to Chester, you and your four-pawed best friend will have a wonderful time uncovering the city’s long and complex history that has seen Vikings, Saxons and Normans occupy this sight at various times over the centuries. Discover the ancient city walls that are over 2,000 years old or for a mix of heritage combined with modern luxuries, take a stroll down the two-tiered medieval shop fronts of The Rows.
Chester is bursting with exciting days out, things to do and places to eat with your four-pawed pal in tow. Read on to discover a few of our favourite dog-friendly places in Chester. Alternatively, start searching for your dream city break with a look through our pet-friendly cottages in and around Chester.
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Dog-friendly things to do in Chester
Chester Castle
Best for anyone with a nose for history: Begin your city break with a trip to the ancient heart of Chester, a motte and bailey castle founded by William the Conqueror in 1070. Chester Castle was rebuilt in the 12th century in stone and the outer bailey was added, and during the reigns of Henry III and Edward I the castle became the military headquarters for the conquest of Wales.
There’s an outer and inner bailey, armoury, barracks and Agricola Tower, which was the original gateway to the castle. Climb the stairs to stand on the castle walls and take in the views that make this a great strategic location for such an important building.
Why your dog will love it: Your four-pawed friend will feel like king of the castle as you investigate this important heritage site.
Grosvenor Park
Best family day out with the dog: An ornamental Victorian park overlooking the River Dee, Grosvenor offers a wide range of activities and covers 20 acres of ground for you and your faithful friend to explore.
This dog-friendly attraction is popular with families as there’s a wonderful miniature railway and play area, while grown-ups will enjoy investigating the exquisite planting. Tree-lined avenues, seasonal bedding displays, and St Mary’s Nunnery Arch all make this a great place to visit. Look out for the Second Marquess of Westminster Statue and Billy Hobby’s Well Community Garden while there, before popping into the Lodge Café. Plan ahead to see the Grosvenor Park Open Theatre in action too.
Why your dog will love it: This is the ultimate day at the park for your canine pal!
ChesterBoat
Best for seeing the sights: Hop aboard a boat and sail down the Shropshire Union Canal to get to know this city from the water. You can spot birds and take in medieval bankside buildings from the deck of the Lady Diana or Mark Twain boat on one of the sightseeing cruises run by ChesterBoat.
Enjoy a half-hour city cruise, a 2-hour Iron Bridge Cruise, or hire your own private skippered boat for the afternoon.
Why your dog will love it: Your hound can people-watch or snooze in the hull of the boat as you sail down the river.
Dog walks in Chester
Chester City Walls Walk
Best city dog walk in Chester: Discover the heritage of dog-friendly Chester on two feet (or four paws!). The 2-mile circular Chester City Wall Walk follows the ancient walls, which were built by the Romans and are over 2000 years old.
You’ll be walking along a raised walkway past Chester Cathedral, Addleshaw Bell Tower, Kaleyard Gate, Phoenix Tower and many more historical buildings, and get to soak in views of the River Dee and the Shropshire Union Canal too.
Why your dog will love it: Hounds who love the city atmosphere will enjoy digging up history during this easy 2-mile walk – ideal for older dogs and pups with little legs.
Delamere Forest
Best forest dog walk in Chester: To the east of Chester lies the oasis that is Delamere Forest, home to three walking trails, two cycling trails and a wealth of wildlife.
Escape the crowds in this wonderful beauty spot perfect for families and groups on a day out with a Go Ape course, orienteering trail and the opportunity to hire bikes or even Segways. Look out for the Gruffalo Sculpture at Delamere Forest, spot squirrels scampering about the forest floor, before heading to the café or laying out a blanket for a picnic.
Why your dog will love it: There are so many sticks in this immense forest, perfect for a good ol’ game of fetch.
Wales-England Border Walk
Best for a mix of industrial and rural sights: Set off from the edge of Chester and you can take in two countries in one afternoon by tackling this dog walking route.
Beginning at Little Roodee car park, you’ll never be far from the banks of the River Dee, walking right on its banks for parts of it when you can keep an eye out for birdlife along the river. You’ll pass by the Chester Racecourse and can see planes coming and going from Hawarden Airport.
Why your dog will love it: Your four-pawed pal can go home and boast to all their mates that they’ve stood with their paws in two countries.
Find more fantastic trails to conquer with your four-pawed pal in our guide to scenic dog-friendly walks in the North of England. Just tap the button below.
Dog-friendly places to eat in Chester
The Ship Inn
Best dog-friendly pub in Chester: This traditional inn is full of charm and style with eclectic décor and a hearty menu. Tuck into a full English breakfast complete with pork sausage and black pudding, or savour a fully-loaded cajun chicken burger for lunchtime at The Ship Inn.
Classic burgers and pies, nachos and halloumi can all be found in their foodie selection, and this pet-friendly pub is set right opposite a small park and by the River Dee so there are a couple of options for a pre-dinner dog walk too.
Why your dog will love it: This dog-friendly pub in Chester has a meaty menu (check out their gourmet menu offerings) so your canine companion will be keen to hoover up any scraps that come their way.
Marmalade
Best dog-friendly café in Chester: This snug café is in the heart of town making it a perfect retreat during an afternoon of shopping or walking through dog-friendly Chester.
If you’ve got a jam-packed holiday schedule to keep up with, you can pick up a meal to go at Marmalade but if you’re ready to rest weary legs, pull up a chair at this dog-friendly cafe in Chester and try one of their lemon drizzle cakes with a frothy coffee, or treat yourself to a cider.
Why your dog will love it: This delightful café is wonderfully attentive to hounds and their human buddies so your dog might receive a bit of a fuss during your meal.
The Architect
Best dog-friendly restaurant in Chester: Dine in this beautiful pub and restaurant with your dog at your feet and enjoy a meal of braised lamb shoulder, crispy gyoza or deep-fried cod in beer batter.
The perfect place for celebrating a special occasion or just enjoying an evening out with the family, this dog-friendly restaurant in Chester boasts elegant Georgian rooms with walls lined with books and framed pictures creating a warm and welcoming environment. Head to The Architect for stylish evening dining with the dog.
Why your dog will love it: There’s a wonderful outdoor garden space where your dog can enjoy a walk and breath of fresh air, and there are picnic tables so your whole group can dine outside together when the weather’s warm.
Holiday cottages in Chester
Three Borders Barn (top), Windlestone (bottom left) and Solway - Chester (bottom right)
From riverside walks to boat tours on the water, there are lots of fun things to do in dog-friendly Chester whether you’re travelling as a family, as a couple or with your friends. Take a look through our dog-friendly cottages in Chester and get further inspired by the beautiful properties in our collection.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.