Chichester Cathedral Opens its Doors to Dogs

19th May 2023

Chichester Cathedral has announced that it has opened its doors to dogs – and there are special dog treats on the menu in the café this weekend.

Summer in our cathedrals: Chichester opens its doors to dogs just in time for summer visitors.

Chichester Cathedral‘s Interim Dean, the Revd Canon Simon Holland, and his Border Collies, Callie and Rae, are delighted with the news which comes just in time to welcome summer visitors.

He said:

“We cannot wait to welcome our four-legged friends into the Cathedral. Dogs are such an important part of our daily lives, bringing so much love and joy to their families. We hope that by making the Cathedral a dog-friendly space, our visitors will be able to make more meaningful memories with their canine companions.”

All our cathedrals welcome assistance dogs.

To mark the occasion, and the arrival of Goodwoof at the Kennels at the Goodwood Estate, Chichester Cathedral’s newly opened Cloisters Kitchen & Garden will be giving away free home-baked dog treats on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd May.

 

Information for Visitors

  • Dogs are welcome to explore the Cathedral, and its grounds, during key visiting hours (Monday – Saturday, 9.00am – 5.00pm and Sunday, 12.30 – 2.30pm).
  • Dogs are permitted in the Garden of the newly opened Cloisters Kitchen & Garden.

To ensure that the Cathedral remains a safe and enjoyable space for all visitors, the following rules will apply to visitors with dogs:

  • Dogs must be on a leash at all times
  • Owners must clean up after their dogs
  • Dogs must be well-behaved and not disturb other visitors

Water stations and treats will be available at different points across the Cathedral Grounds.

Chichester has become the latest cathedral to welcome four-legged friends. Lincoln, Durham and Wells all welcome dogs. Wells won silver for best dog friendly café in awards last year and Durham’s volunteers are currently working with the British Guide Dog Trust to ensure a better visitor experience and welcome.

All our cathedrals welcome assistance dogs.