Dog Friendly Cheshire

Your guide to the best dog friendly places to stay, walks, days out and places to eat across Cheshire – from Chester’s city walls to the Sandstone Ridge and Delamere Forest.

Cheshire is one of those counties that quietly has everything a dog owner could want. Historic Chester with its Roman walls and dog friendly cafes. The Sandstone Ridge running through the middle – a spine of castles, woodland and long-distance trails. Delamere Forest for shady summer walks. And some of the finest country pubs in the north of England, many with rooms upstairs and a bowl of water already by the door.

What sets Cheshire apart is the mix. You can walk the oldest city walls in Britain in the morning, paddle in the River Dee after lunch, and settle into a country pub with a fire and a proper menu by evening – all without driving more than twenty minutes. The county is compact, well-connected and packed with variety, from canal-side cafes in Northwich to farm shops in the Cheshire countryside and a converted cinema food hall in Macclesfield.

This page pulls it all together – dog friendly places to stay, walks, pubs, cafes and days out across Cheshire – so you can plan your trip in one place.

Dog Friendly Places to Stay in Cheshire

Country inns, cosy cottages, a city hotel and floating pods on the canal – handpicked places where dogs are part of the welcome.

Cheshire’s strength is its pubs with rooms – proper country inns where you can eat well, sleep well and walk your dog from the doorstep. But there’s variety beyond the pub, from cottages on the Sandstone Ridge to glass-fronted pods on a canal marina and a city-centre hotel in Chester.

The Pheasant Inn sits high on the Sandstone Ridge at Higher Burwardsley with panoramic views across the Cheshire Plain and into North Wales. It’s midway along the Sandstone Trail, making it an ideal base for walkers – and dogs get a genuinely warm welcome with treats and water bowls. The terrace views alone are worth the visit. Pair it with a walk along the ridge to Beeston Castle and you’ve got a perfect Cheshire day.

The Lion at Malpas is a charming inn in the pretty market town of Malpas, close to the Shropshire border. Cosy rooms, good food and a welcoming atmosphere for dogs and their owners. Malpas itself is a lovely base for exploring the quieter southern end of Cheshire.

The Swan is a 16th-century inn at the heart of Tarporley, regularly described as one of Cheshire’s best-kept villages. History, character and a proper welcome for dogs – with the Sandstone Trail and Delamere Forest both within easy reach.

The Partridge at Stretton serves inspired British dishes in a wonderfully inviting setting, with stylish rooms for an overnight stay. Midway between Chester and Manchester, it’s a smart choice for a weekend away with your dog.

Pennsylvania Cottage is tucked into the Sandstone Ridge at Higher Burwardsley – three bedrooms, six guests and room for four dogs. This is proper countryside escape territory, with the Sandstone Trail on the doorstep and The Pheasant Inn a short walk away for dinner.

Sandhole Cottages are four beautiful holiday cottages set in the Cheshire countryside near Crowton, between Northwich and Frodsham. Two bedrooms, four guests and two dogs – a peaceful base with easy access to Delamere Forest and the Weaver Valley.

The Snug is the cosiest of holiday cottages, also near Crowton in the heart of the Cheshire countryside. One bedroom, two guests and two dogs – perfect for a couple who want to disappear into the countryside for a few nights.

Adhara is a secluded off-grid cabin hidden in a clearing of Cheshire woodland, just minutes from Delamere Forest. One bedroom, two guests and all dogs welcome. Woodburner, outdoor bath, firepit and an enclosed field for your dog to run – the kind of place where you truly switch off.

Moxy Chester brings a modern, playful energy to a Chester city break. Dog friendly rooms in the heart of the city, with Chester’s city walls, the cathedral and the best of the city’s dog friendly cafes all within walking distance.

The Floating Pods at Tattenhall Marina are unlike anything else in Cheshire – glass-fronted pods right on the Shropshire Union Canal. One bedroom, two guests and one lucky dog. Watch the narrowboats drift past from your bed, then walk the towpath to The Boathouse Cafe Bar for morning coffee.

Combermere Abbey is an idyllic estate on the Cheshire/Shropshire border with ten cosy holiday cottages sleeping 4-10 guests. The grounds are beautiful – woodland, lakes and formal gardens to explore with your dog before retreating to your cottage for the evening.

Dog Friendly Walks & Days Out in Cheshire

Ancient woodland, canal towpaths, castle trails and city walls – the best places to explore with your dog in Cheshire.

Cheshire’s walking is wonderfully varied – from the Sandstone Ridge with its castle ruins and far-reaching views, to Delamere Forest’s shady trails, canal towpaths winding through the countryside, and Chester’s ancient city walls for a shorter stroll. Most walks are gentle and well-maintained, making them ideal for dogs of all sizes and energy levels. Keep dogs on leads near livestock, especially across the farming country of the Cheshire Plain.

Chester City Walls are the most complete circuit of city walls in Britain – almost two miles of elevated walkway with views over the city, the cathedral and the River Dee. About three kilometres and an hour to walk the full circuit, passing through four medieval gates. It’s a brilliant introduction to Chester, and dogs are welcome throughout. Afterwards, drop into Chalk Coffee or The Naughty Badger Bistro on the Rows for a well-earned coffee.

Delamere Forest is Cheshire’s largest area of woodland – 972 hectares of mixed forest with trails for every ability. The Linmere trail is flat and family-friendly, while Old Pale takes you to higher ground with views across the Cheshire Plain. Shady in summer, atmospheric in autumn, and dogs love it year-round. Multiple car parks and a visitor centre make it easy to plan your visit. The Fishpool Inn is nearby for lunch afterwards.

The River Dee at Eccleston is a beautiful walk from Eccleston into Chester and back – about eight kilometres through woodland and open fields along the river. Dogs can paddle and swim in the shallows, and the route is flat and easy-going. Two route options from the car park – right for woodland, left for open fields with river access.

The Sandstone Trail is Cheshire’s finest long-distance path – 34 miles from Frodsham to Whitchurch along the sandstone ridge. You don’t need to walk the whole thing. The section from Tarporley to Higher Burwardsley (8km, about 3 hours) passes both Beeston Castle and Peckforton Castle, with sweeping views across the plain. It can be muddy underfoot after rain. If you’re staying at Pennsylvania Cottage or The Pheasant Inn, you’re right on the trail.

Whitegate Way is a traffic-free path along a former railway line – 10 kilometres of easy, flat walking through the Cheshire countryside. Perfect for dogs who prefer a steady pace, and ideal for families with pushchairs. Start from Whitegate Station car park (Clay Lane, Marton, CW7 2QE).

The White Nancy Circular from Bollington is a 5km walk (about 1.5-2 hours) up to the distinctive 1817 summit marker on Kerridge Hill, with sweeping views across the Cheshire Plain towards the Peak District. Dogs on leads near livestock. Tegg’s Nose Country Park is nearby for a longer day out.

The Cloud is a steep but rewarding climb near Congleton to a 343-metre summit with panoramic views. About 4km and 1.5 hours from Timbersbrook car park (Weathercock Lane, CW12 3PP). National Trust land, with a trig point and viewfinder at the top.

Anderton Boat Lift near Northwich is a remarkable piece of Victorian engineering – a historic boat lift built in 1875, connecting the River Weaver to the Trent & Mersey Canal. Dogs are welcome in the gardens and along the riverside paths. The treetop cafe serves puppuccinos and doggy treats. Allow at least two hours, and consider walking to Marbury Country Park afterwards (1.5km away).

National Waterways Museum at Ellesmere Port tells the story of Britain’s canals and waterways. Dogs on leads are welcome in the outdoor areas and around the historic boats. A fascinating day out for anyone interested in canal heritage.

Tatton Park near Knutsford is a National Trust estate with 1,000 acres of deer park to explore. Dogs on leads are welcome in the parkland and in the formal gardens on short leads. The park is beautiful in every season, and The Lambing Shed nearby is a perfect lunch stop.

Beeston Castle is an English Heritage ruin perched dramatically on a rocky crag with far-reaching views across the Cheshire Plain. Dogs on leads are welcome throughout, including the 40 acres of surrounding woodland park. Combined with a walk along the Sandstone Trail, it makes a brilliant day out.

For more walking ideas, see our guide to the ten best dog walks in Cheshire.

Dog Friendly Pubs, Cafes & Restaurants in Cheshire

From Chester’s independent coffee shops to country pubs with dog menus and farm kitchens serving local produce – where to eat with your dog in Cheshire.

Cheshire takes eating seriously, and dogs are welcome at more places than you might expect. Chester alone has a cluster of brilliant independent cafes where dogs are part of the scene, while the countryside around the Sandstone Ridge and Delamere Forest is home to proper country pubs where muddy paws are the norm. Here are our favourites.

Chalk Coffee on Watergate Street is quietly cool – a small but perfectly formed menu of coffee, brunch and bakes in one of Chester’s most characterful settings. Dogs are welcome, and the cobblestoned historic street adds to the atmosphere.

The Naughty Badger Bistro is a multi-award-winning hidden gem on Chester’s famous Rows. Brunch, lunch, coffee and wine – with paw-print-adorned cappuccinos for good measure. Dogs are welcomed with treats, making this a firm favourite with four-legged visitors to the city.

Ginger Monkey 31 is a welcoming spot near Chester city centre serving brunches, lunches, coffees, teas and cake. Close to the Shropshire Union Canal and Christleton, so ideal for combining with a canal towpath walk.

Jaunty Goat in the city centre is another strong option for coffee and a bite in Chester with your dog.

The Fishpool Inn near Delamere is a must-visit after a forest walk. Dogs receive a wonderfully warm welcome, and there’s a special dog menu from Sir Woofchesters – think Bark Burgers and Sniff & Snaffle Sausages. Log fires, treats and a proper dining experience for both ends of the lead. One of the best dog friendly pubs in Cheshire.

The Bear’s Paw at Warmingham near Sandbach is a beautifully restored country pub worth seeking out. A good menu and a warm welcome for dogs in a setting that feels like it hasn’t changed in centuries.

If you’re staying on the Sandstone Ridge, The Pheasant Inn and The Partridge both serve excellent food alongside their rooms – the Pheasant’s terrace views across the plain are hard to beat, while The Partridge serves inspired British dishes with fireside seats and a terrace.

At The Lion at Malpas and The Swan in Tarporley, you can eat as well as sleep – both are proper inns where the food is a genuine draw in its own right.

The Lambing Shed Farm Shop & Kitchen near Knutsford sits on 400 acres of working Cheshire farmland, serving local, seasonal and home-reared produce. Dogs are welcome, and it’s perfectly placed for a visit to Tatton Park or a walk at Marbury Country Park.

The Boathouse Cafe Bar at Tattenhall Marina is a waterside treat – tea and sweet treats overlooking the Shropshire Union Canal. If you’re staying at The Floating Pods, this is your morning coffee spot.

Picturedrome Macclesfield is a transformed 1911 cinema with communal tables, vintage film clips and multiple food vendors – the Tender Cow burgers come recommended. Dogs are welcome and the atmosphere is something different from the usual cafe.

Alty Market in Altrincham (on the Cheshire/Greater Manchester border) is a bustling food market with independent traders and a brilliant atmosphere. A good option if you’re in the north of the county.

For more dining ideas, see our guide to dog friendly dining in Cheshire.