Dog-friendly guide to Lincoln: things to do in Lincoln with a dog

Lincoln is rich in cultural heritage, and it’s a fantastic city for history enthusiasts who are also pet lovers! From free stays through house sitting in Lincoln to gorgeous walking trails and beaches, this charming and classic city is incredibly dog-friendly.

This dog-friendly guide to Lincoln will help you sniff out the best dog-friendly places Lincoln has to offer. Plus, if you're looking for house sitting opportunities in Lincoln or need a reliable Lincoln pet sitter, read on to find out more!

Best dog parks in Lincoln

Here are the top dog-friendly parks in the city where your pup can stretch their legs and make some new four-legged friends:

Lincoln Dog Fields

Located just outside the city, Lincoln Dog Fields offer secure, off-lead areas perfect for doggos who love to run wild and free. These enclosed fields provide a safe space for play and training.

Location: Farm, Cockseys, Middle St, Burton, Lincoln LN1 2RG

Arboretum

Nestled in the heart of Lincoln, Lincoln Arboretum is an award-winning park of Grade II historical importance. It’s a stunning Victorian park with lush greenery and plenty of sniff-worthy areas.

Location: 16 Lindum Terrace, Lincoln LN2 5RT

Boultham Park

A calming short escape just south of the city center, Boultham Park offers open spaces, woodland trails, and a peaceful lake for a calm afternoon with your pups.

Location: 55 Hall Dr, Lincoln LN6 7SW

Dog-friendly restaurants in Lincoln

Every good boy (or girl) deserves a dinner date! Below are the dog-friendly restaurants in Lincoln where both you and your pooches can enjoy a meal together:

The Horse & Groom

This rustic and stylish gastropub serves a welcoming atmosphere and great food. With a designated dog-friendly area, your pups will feel like part of the family.

Location: Carholme Rd, Lincoln LN1 1RH

The Pyewipe Inn

Overlooking the Fossdyke Canal, The Pyewipe Inn is a dog-friendly inn and restaurant offering delicious and fresh British classics.

Location: The Pyewipe, Saxilby Rd, Lincoln LN1 2BG

Wig & Mitre

Perched on historic Steep Hill, this traditional oak-timbered restaurant serves British brasserie fare. No wonder the Wig & Mitre is a local favorite, known for its hearty meals and warm welcome for four-legged visitors.

Location: 30-32 Steep Hill, Lincoln LN2 1LU

Fun dog-friendly activities in Lincoln

Lincoln isn’t just about walks and treats, there are plenty of unique dog-friendly activities in Lincoln to do together:

Admiring the beauty of Lincoln Cathedral

Acknowledged as one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Europe, Lincoln Cathedral is the city's most iconic landmark. It also allows well-behaved dogs to explore its stunning grounds.

Cost: Adults £12.00 (Sunday £10), children free, students free

Date and time: Open daily (Sun to Sat 10AM - 4PM, Sunday 11.30AM - 2.30PM)

Location: Minster Yard, Lincoln LN2 1PX

Exploring the Historic Lincoln Castle

Lincoln Castle was originally built in the late 11th century. Enjoy stunning views and photo opportunities, and discover one of only four remaining original copies of the Magna Carta. Dogs are welcome almost every weekend because this wonderful castle hosts various dog events.

Cost:  Adult £17.00, concession £16.00, child £9.00, family (2+3) £43.00, family (1+3) £29.50, family (2+1) £42.00

Date and time: Sunday to Thursday (10AM - 4PM)

Location: Minster Yard, Lincoln LN2 1PX

Shopping throughout Cornhill Quarter

A multi-award-winning, high-quality town center, the Cornhill Quarter is an exciting social and shopping hub. Dozens of shops and eateries welcome dogs, making it ideal for some shopping therapy with your doggos in tow.

Cost: Free

Date and time: Open daily (Weekday 8.30AM - 5PM, Saturday 9AM - 5AM, Sunday 10AM - 4AM)

Location: 22 Sincil St, Lincoln LN5 7ET

Best dog-friendly walking trails in Lincoln

Sometimes, a simple, short stroll just won’t do. These are the dog-friendly walks in Lincoln that should be on your list:

Skellingthorpe Old Wood Walk

A peaceful woodland trail for off-lead exploration, the track is relatively easy, featuring a mixture of village pavements, stone woodland tracks, unmade woodland paths, and a tarmac cycleway.

Location: Woodbank, Lincoln LN6 5UA

Length: 3.8 km

Nocton and Car Dyke Walk

Considered a moderate dog-friendly hike in Lincoln, this trail allows you to explore the ancient history of Lincolnshire. The route is a mix of countryside paths and historical sights, ideal for curious canines.

Location: Nocton Village to Car Dyke

Length: 3.2 km loop

Hartsholme Park to Swanholme Lakes

A beautiful lakeside trail with lots of wildlife to keep your pooches entertained. This is a popular trail for hiking, running, and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of the day.

Location: Hartsholme Park to Swanholme Lakes

Length: 5 km loop

The best dog-friendly cafes in Lincoln

Craving a slurp of coffee in the morning? These dog-friendly cafes in Lincoln will happily welcome and serve you and your pup:

Caffe Nero 

The staple of Lincoln’s High Street, Caffe Nero is a European coffee house brand specializing in Italian cuisine and coffee. It provides dog-friendly seating in their front patio area.

Location: 292-293 High St, Lincoln LN2 1AL

Stokes Lawn Café

Located near Lincoln Castle, Stokes is a charming café offering a wide selection of freshly roasted coffee, fine teas, fresh food, and pastries. Stokes Lawn Café is a hit with dog owners, thanks to their comfy dog beds made from recycled coffee sacks.

Location: The Lawn, Union Rd, Lincoln LN1 3BU

Rising Cafe

Situated within the Alive Church on Newland, this vintage café offers quality home-baked goods, deliciously innovative classic dishes, and excellent beverages in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Location: Alive, Newland, Lincoln LN1 1XD

Annual dog events in Lincoln

Here are the most exciting dog-friendly events in Lincoln held throughout the year—and luckily, they happen quite frequently (almost every month).

Dog-Friendly Days

Explore the castle grounds as your dog accompanies you on a journey through history. Afterward, let your furry friends savor some delicious treats.

Cost: Free

Date and time: Every mid-month

Location: Lincoln Castle

Ulti-Mutt Dog Fun Day

A family-friendly dog competition featuring classes for four-legged friends of all shapes, sizes, and ages.

Cost: £3 per dog

Date and time: Annually in May or July

Location: Lincoln Castle

Lincolnshire Dog Shows

Various fun dog shows with market stalls and demonstrations.

Cost: £1 per dog

Date and time: Seasonal (Typically in March, July, & November)

Location: Butt Lane Park

The best dog-friendly pubs in Lincoln

Fancy a drink? These dog-friendly pubs in Lincoln are great to unwind with a pint while your dogs get all the attention they deserve:

Woodcocks

Located next to Burton Waters, the UK’s most prestigious purpose-built marina. This exotic pub has its own canal moorings, so you can hop ashore for a refreshing beer and delicious pub grub with your pooch by your side.

Location: Saxilby Road, Burton Waters, Lincoln LN1 2BE

The Cosy Club

Located in the Cornhill Quarter, this quirky bar offers warm service, stunning interiors, and exceptional food. The bar is available for various fun events or meetings and is pet-friendly, welcoming well-behaved dogs inside.

Location: Corn Exchange, Sincil St, Lincoln LN5 7ET

The Dog and Bone

A local favorite with an inviting beer garden, friendly staff, and a nice atmosphere. This little pub features live entertainment and hounds are allowed in to join the fun.

Location: 10 John St, Lincoln LN2 5BH

Dog-friendly wineries in Lincoln

Sip and stay with your dogs at these top dog-friendly wineries in Lincoln:

Mayfield Vineyard

This dog-friendly winery produces delicious British white, red, and sparkling wines. Its picturesque setting offers the perfect backdrop for a breathtaking tasting session with your dogs welcome to join you.

Location: Burton Pedwardine, Sleaford NG34 0BX

Somerby Vineyards

A charming vineyard set in a place of outstanding natural beauty on a south-easterly escarpment. It’s known for dog-friendly wine-tasting experiences.

Location: Somerby, Barnetby DN38 6EX

Steep Hill Wines

Located on Steep Hill in Lincoln's historic Cathedral Quarter, this boutique wine shop and bar offers a welcoming atmosphere for wine enthusiasts. With over 30 years of industry experience, this family-run business specializes in sourcing high-quality wines and artisanal spirits from small, quality-driven producers around the world. 

Location: 25 Steep Hill, Lincoln LN2 1LU

Dog-friendly beaches in Lincoln

Who says beach days are just for humans? These dog-friendly beaches near Lincoln are perfect for sandy fur and paws:

Ingoldmells Beach

This beach, situated along the Lincolnshire coast, is popular amongst local humans and dogs for swimming and walking.

Location: Ingoldmells, Skegness PE25 1LJ

Wolla Bank Beach

Wolla Bank Beach is a secluded stretch of beach often enjoyed as a fantastic place for spending time and walking dogs year-round.

Location: Skegness PE24 5XH

Winthorpe Beach

With miles of unspoiled beach and a wide promenade ideal for long walks, the Winthorpe coastline offers a relaxed family day out and open spaces for dogs to run and play.

Location: Winthorpe Ave, Skegness PE25 1QZ

Tips for pet parents in Lincoln

This dog-friendly guide to Lincoln has hopefully left you bursting to try out these dog-friendly destinations. Before you hit the town, here are some helpful top tips for pet owners: 

Tip 1. Stroll through the historic streets

Lincoln’s charming cobbled streets and scenic waterfront areas are perfect for a relaxing walk with your fur-ever friend. Make sure to explore pet-friendly pathways and take in the city’s historic sights.

Tip 2. Be mindful of Steep Hill 

Lincoln’s famous Steep Hill can be a challenge for both humans and pups! If your dog struggles with steep climbs or has any mobility issues, take breaks or explore alternative routes around the city.

Tip 3. Clean up after your pup 

Always carry waste bags and dispose of your dog’s business properly to keep Lincoln’s parks and streets squeaky clean and welcoming for everyone.

Tip 4. Find dog-friendly accommodation in Lincoln

There are numerous options for dog-friendly accommodation in Lincoln, from pet-friendly hotels to self-catering homes your pet companion will love.

But what about when the time comes for you to go on vacation without your furry friend? Pets are happiest at home, and vets agree–so why not consider welcoming an in-home pet sitter to keep your home and pets safe while you're away? To find out more, click below:

Useful resources

The UK's most dog friendly cities

Considerations when planning a countryside walk