Well-behaved dogs will be allowed into Carlisle Cathedral’s main building from Saturday, to help make it more welcoming to visitors.
While 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 – the new initiative will allow all visitors to bring their dog, on a short lead, into the cathedral itself.
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 said it would allow one dog per adult on a short lead. It asked visitors to be considerate of other visitors and clean up after any accidents.
Dogs are not allowed at services, on tours that go above ground level, in the treasury or inside the café.
Dogs are welcome in the grounds and the café’s outside seating area in the cloisters. A water bowl is provided opposite the main door of the cathedral.
