If you’re looking to explore Cambridge with your four-legged friends, you’ll have no shortage of options. There are so many dog-friendly things to do in Cambridge, from riverside walks and vast open parks to cosy pubs and friendly cafes.
Here’s our guide to making your break in Cambridge a truly dog-friendly adventure.
When taking your pup anywhere new, you’ll want to help them feel comfortable in their new, temporary surroundings. Just opposite our dog-friendly rooms is the beautiful Parker’s Piece, a sprawling grassy park in the heart of the city, and the perfect place for a calm, leashed walk to settle into the area. Letting them have a good sniff around will help boost their confidence and sense of safety before you head out to the busy streets of Cambridge.
Once they’re more comfortable, Parker’s Piece is a lovely space for an early morning wander or a leisurely late night stroll, with dogs able to roam off the leash. There’s lots for your pooch to explore; although as a central city park, it can get busy during the day, so more nervous pups may prefer quieter times.
As your pup grows in confidence, head into the cute laneways and find some of the many dog-friendly shops in Cambridge. From big retailers like John Lewis and Apple to amazing independents like G. David Bookseller and Relevant Record Cafe, a dog-friendly day out in Cambridge is simply a treat. You can even go on a private walking tour especially for dog owners, with plenty of canine tales and tasty treats.
The city’s plentiful green spaces and riverside wanders make dog-friendly things to do in Cambridge easy to find. While much of ‘The Backs’ - the colloquial name for where the University’s gardens and grounds meet the River Cam - is off limits to dogs (although not from a punt - more on this in a moment), there’s still plenty to choose from.
For tree-lined avenues and riverside pootles, Jesus Green is the perfect spot. Spend a lazy afternoon watching the punts float by or enjoy a band concert in the sunnier months. For a slightly quieter green space within the city, Midsummer Common is just across the road and a wonderful place to catch the morning light on an easy jog with wide-open spaces for your pooch to enjoy.
For longer walks just outside the city, head out towards Grantchester Meadows or Milton Country Park. There are lots of sights and smells to explore on an adventure into the scenic views and quieter corners of Cambridge. And wherever you go, you’re never too far from Gonville Hotel’s conveniently central spot in the city.
Cambridge and punting are like Wimbledon and strawberries - they just go together. It’s a relaxing and scenic way to see the city, and there’s no reason your four-legged companion can’t come along for the ride.
If your dog is comfortable (and calm) on the water, a punting trip is a truly special experience to share with them. The majority of the bigger punting operators will be happy for your pooch to jump on board but double-check the website and confirm when you book. If you’re joining a shared or public tour, the other passengers will have to okay having a dog onboard; otherwise you can hire a private glide along the River Cam.
A leisurely punt along the river is a great way to see The Backs with your dog and the only way to see the famous Rialto-style Bridge of Signs at St John’s College. You can also take your punt downriver to the charming town of Grantchester to enjoy the beautiful meadows and give your pup a chance to stretch their legs.
All these dog-friendly things to do in Cambridge have easy rest stops not far away from a glass of wine and a puppacinno.
There’s a bevvy of pubs in the centre that will be happy to host your pooch. The Waterman and The Granta are excellent options - and if you’re exploring Midsummer Common, head for Fort St George. For a dose of characterful Cambridge history, try The Free Press on Prospect Row for a traditional dog-friendly back street pub.
For brunches, lunches and cream teas, the famous Fitzbillies on Trumpington Street is dog-friendly. Otherwise, there’s Pages Coffee House, The Cherry Pit, Cofein and many more to choose from. And, of course, the Long Bar at Gonville Hotel is the perfect place to enjoy a coffee with your dog before heading out for a day of adventure.
To make your Cambridge adventure with your pup a fun and smooth day, it’s worth making sure you’re prepared. Naturally, you’ll want to bring water, poo bags and leads for busier areas when you’re out exploring, but what else is there to consider?
When planning your dog-friendly things to do in Cambridge, make sure there are no unexpected limitations at any of your planned activities. Here are a few things to ask:
When heading anywhere indoors, such as a pub or cafe, keep your dog on a short lead and settled by your feet. A good chew toy can work wonders to help them settle in busy environments.
As a general rule, get to know and respond to your dog’s body language. Be prepared to change plans if your dog is restless or vocal, but also be aware of their subtler signs of stress or fatigue, such as excessive panting or a tucked tail. Constant new smells and places can be overwhelming and tiring, so work plenty of downtime into your day.
Getting these little things right means a happier adventure and a stronger bond between you and your pup.
After a day out exploring the best dog-friendly things to do in Cambridge, you’ll want to head back to somewhere that doesn’t just tolerate dogs but welcomes them with open arms (and doggie treats). At the Gonville Hotel, we greet dogs of all shapes and sizes with a fresh bowl of water, not a list of rules.
Avoid the guilt of leaving your beloved dog at home and bring them along for the adventure. We’ll make every effort to give them a stay that is as comfortable and enjoyable as your own. Pups staying at Gonville Hotel can enjoy dog-friendly private gardens, an easy-access lift and plenty of attention from our staff. We can even celebrate your pup’s special day with the Dog Birthday Package to make tails wag and paws dance.
Your four-legged friends can join you in any of our classic and superior rooms. Start planning your dog-friendly weekend break in Cambridge and reserve your rooms now.
If you’re looking to explore Cambridge with your four-legged friends, you’ll have no shortage of options. Here’s our guide to making your break in Cambridge a truly dog-friendly adventure.
This short itinerary includes everything from the city’s famous colleges and museums to experiencing a traditional punting experience. And, not forgetting a few key stops for an enjoyable lunch.
Whether you visit in the crisp calm of winter, the bloom of spring, the long days of summer, or the rich colours of autumn, Cambridge has an abundance of beautiful green spaces to explore.
From medieval market squares and cobbled independent streets to grand covered shopping centres and artisan craft stalls, the city offers one of the most rewarding retail experiences in the region, all within easy reach of Gonville Hotel.
You don’t need a big budget to enjoy culture in Cambridge. In fact, many of the city’s finest attractions are free to enjoy. With museums, galleries and collections packed together with architectural marvels, quaint market streets and stunning riverside pathways, there’s so much to explore for free.
Join us as we explore some of the most famous people from Cambridge, and discover the places around the city where you can still trace their footsteps. How many will you recognise?
This historic city has quietly shaped the modern world. Walk through medieval courtyards where brilliant minds once studied, and discover how a Roman settlement along the River Cam became the birthplace of breakthroughs that still define our lives today.
A city full of majestic architecture and cultural delights, Cambridge is famous for its world-renowned university — but there are plenty of other reasons to visit this vibrant city.
For anyone planning a trip to Cambridge for the first time, there are a few things that should be included in your itinerary. The iconic King’s College, The Bridge of Sighs, The Eagle Pub and of course, Cambridge’s scenic views and sunset.