A dog-friendly day out in Cambridge

As travelling pet sitters, one of the best parts of our job is visiting places all over the U.K. and beyond, and we love when a dog is up for adventuring with us! At a recent house sit we took care of super friendly Cockapoo Archie who, even at five and a half years old, still had lots of puppy-like energy and loved nothing more than getting out for a good walk. With Cambridge only a twenty minute train journey from his hometown, on one of the better weather days together we made the trip into the city. As you’ll find with most English cities, Cambridge was incredibly dog-friendly and we didn’t get around very fast purely because everybody wanted to stop and say hello to Archie! He enjoyed lots of head pats and chin scratches from passers-by, whether they had dogs of their own or not. Here’s how we spent a dog-friendly day out in Cambridge:

Getting here and getting around

We took Archie on the train into Cambridge from Ely, and walked for around twenty minutes from Cambridge (CBG) station into the centre of the city. Being avid walkers, we’re very used to getting around on foot instead of using public transport, though it’s worth mentioning that all Park and Ride buses allow dogs to travel for free and these buses will take you right into the centre of Cambridge. Stagecoach buses within Cambridge are also dog-friendly, though at the discretion of the driver – so it’s not guaranteed.

If you do choose to walk along the main roads, the pavements are well-maintained and wide enough to comfortably stroll along with your pooch. The closer you get to the centre of the city the more you’ll notice narrow pavements and side streets. These cobbled streets are part of the charm of Cambridge, along with the hundreds of cyclists you’ll see on the network of cycle paths around the city. It’s best to look both ways a few times when you’re crossing the roads with your four-legged friends!

Sight-seeing

There are so many wonderful, historic points of interest in Cambridge and a lot of them are outdoors, making for a great day of sight-seeing without having to leave your doggo out! If you want to experience an iconic part of Cambridge’s history, taking a punt down the river is top of our list. We recommend Scudamore’s punts, as dogs are allowed to join you, with a guide to punt your vessel and provide you with interesting information about the buildings you pass. If you can visit Cambridge on a week day, you’ll find the river much quieter and therefore enjoy a more relaxing trip along the river. You’ll pass the King’s College Chapel, the Wren Library, and punt under the Mathematical Bridge, as well as the famous Bridge of Sighs which is only accessible on land by paying to visit St. John’s College. As the college buildings do not allow dogs inside, viewing the beautiful architecture from your punt is the only way to see them with your dog.

We visited the Mathematical Bridge on foot to take a few snaps – though Archie was more interested in watching punters float along the river! From there it’s just a five minute walk to the famous Corpus Clock – a beautiful albeit eery monument representing the fleeting nature of time, and a must-see when visiting Cambridge. It’s positioned on the corner of a busy road between St Catharine’s College and King’s College, so you might have to wait a few minutes to be able to get a good view between cars and pedestrians. Archie didn’t mind waiting as we watched the hypnotic movements of the clock, seeing the unsettling grasshopper atop the clock face move with every passing second.

Over the other side of the bustling Grand Arcade shopping centre (unfortunately not dog-friendly), a picturesque walk awaits at Christ’s Pieces – an oasis of calm in the middle of the city. Here the tree-lined paths form fragment-shaped grass patches, and you can enjoy a gentle stroll, meeting other dog-walkers or those just looking for a slice of calm in the middle of the city. Just down the road, Parker’s Piece is an equally green space, though much more open.

Where to eat

After a morning of sight-seeing around Cambridge, we ducked into one of our favourite restaurants – Pho. While it is a chain restaurant not unique to Cambridge, their delicious noodle soups are the perfect Winter warmer! The staff were so happy to greet Archie, and gave us a nice big table tucked away in the restaurant so that we and Archie had enough space without disturbing other patrons.

There are SO many dog-friendly cafes to pop into for a lighter bite too, including any Caffe Nero, or if you’d like to try out one of the many independent eateries in Cambridge head to Hot Numbers on Trumpington Street. We stopped in to warm up with a delicious vanilla chai tea, enjoying the respite from the Wintery cold outside, as Archie sat at our feet. We love the modern, cosy decor here and the staff are super friendly!

Ideally situated right on the River Cam for picturesque riverside views, Cafe Foy is another great dog-friendly option. There’s a wide range of options on the menu for brunch, lunch and drinks, including loaded toasties and bagels, plus a range of hot drinks and cocktails. There’s a daily specials board as well as sweet baked goods supplied from a local Cambridge bakery. Sit and relax, watching the world go by on the river!

If it weren’t for the bright red exterior, it would be possible to miss Misù (formerly Modigliani) tucked away on Mill Road. This Italian cafe is small inside but packs a punch, with a range of fresh pastries, homemade cakes, focaccias and desserts on offer, as well as Italian coffee.

There’s nothing like a traditional English pub, especially when it’s dog-friendly! The Champion of the Thames, situated just off Christ’s Pieces park, is the perfect place to stop in for a drink or a meal after a good long dog walk. The staff welcome those with dogs and there’s always a water bowl available for four-legged friends, and treats behind the bar! With intimate booths, ambient lighting, a plethora of guest ales and tasty bar snacks, you could easily spend quite a few hours here enjoying the cosy atmosphere. Plus, in Winter, there’s a roaring open fire to keep you and your pooch warm.

Just off the River Cam, on Magdalene Street, The Pickerel Inn is a 16th century pub that honours its historic charm without feeling dated. Dogs are given a warm welcome here, and there’s a beer garden for you and your dog to enjoy on sunny days. The menu is packed with classic British meals like hand-battered fish and chips, pie and mash and delicious burgers for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. A good, proper pub that’s perfect for a sit down meal or a drink after punting along the Cam.

Shopping

We were delighted to discover that most chain shops in Cambridge are dog-friendly, so we could all step inside out of the Winter cold. Mountain Warehouse, Paperchase and Oliver Bonas not only allow dogs, but all the staff welcomed us and gave Archie a treat (in return for his party trick of a sit and high five!) We discovered an Aladdin’s cave of treasures in Podarok, where you’ll find items from a variety of small businesses, and Archie gave a few items his sniff of approval.

Back on the cobbled streets, we took a wander through the market square to explore the rows of independent businesses all offering their own unique wares. It’s definitely worth asking whether a shop is dog-friendly if you’re unsure, as you’ll be surprised to discover that most are! Shopping along the market square is the perfect place to come if you’re out with your dog, as although there are a few shopping centres in Cambridge, none are dog-friendly. We passed by The Grand Arcade on our way back to the train station, beautifully decorated for Christmas. While the centre itself does not allow dogs inside, the John Lewis on the corner of the centre is dog-friendly (though not in the cafe). From The Grand Arcade it’s around a 20 minute walk back to the train station, so we headed home where Archie could enjoy a long snooze in front of the fire after a long day of walkies around the city!

Pet-friendly places to stay in Cambridge

If you’re looking to spend more than one day exploring the city, here are our top picks for dog-friendly accommodation in Cambridge:

Ibis Cambridge Central Station. For those arriving in Cambridge by train, as we did, the pet-friendly Ibis hotel is perfectly situated just a 1 minute walk from Cambridge Central Station. From here it takes around 20 minutes to walk into the centre of the city, which allows four-legged friends time to relieve themselves before you arrive at the busier parts of Cambridge! There is a charge of £10 per night for dogs to stay at the Ibis, but they are permitted everywhere in the hotel meaning you can bring your buddy to breakfast – unlike other hotels who don’t permit pets in the dining areas. Find out more about Ibis Cambridge and book your stay here.

Graduate by Hilton. This hotel wins our award for most characterful decor! Each room features bespoke designs honouring the prestigious heritage of Cambridge University – think side tables in the shape of punting boats, and a reception desk designed to replicate a college library. Guests can bring up to two dogs per room at a fee of £40, and dogs are also allowed to enjoy the gardens. The hotel is situated right on the River Cam, so you’ll be treated to stunning riverside views whether from your private balcony or in the gardens below. Find out more about Graduate and book your stay here.

The Varsity Hotel. This is a true dog-friendly paradise. The Varsity specialises in pampering guests at their in-house spa, and they put just as much thought into the care of their four-legged guests. For a charge of £28 per stay, your pooch is greeted in the room with a welcome package (think treats!) And all staff are incredibly welcoming to dogs. Just a couple of minutes walk from Jesus Green and Midsummer Common parks, the hotel is ideally situated for walkies. Find out more about The Varsity and book your stay here.

Brunswick Terrace. If you’re looking for a home away from home instead of a hotel, just a 10 minute walk from the city centre is a pet-friendly holiday home in Brunswick Terrace. Don’t be fooled by the plain facade – inside this little gem is a beautifully decorated, private, three-bedroom space, with a secure garden at the rear that’s perfect for letting dogs do their business without having to leave the house. There’s a fully-equipped kitchen for making your dogs’ meals (and your own!) With free parking included if you choose to arrive by car. Find out more about Brunswick Terrace and book your stay here.