Dog-friendly Sheffield: Things to do in Sheffield with a dog

Live in Sheffield or planning a trip to Sheffield with your four-legged friend? This dog-friendly guide to Sheffield highlights the best walks, activities, and pet-welcoming cafés in the Steel City. 

Plus, explore house sitting opportunities in Sheffield or find a trusted Sheffield pet sitter for worry-free care while you're away. You’ll quickly see just how dog-friendly Sheffield truly is!

Best dog parks in Sheffield

As one of the greenest cities in Europe, Sheffield is filled with stunning green spaces. Here are some of the top parks in Sheffield for off-leash fun:

Graves Park

Arguably the largest park in the southwest of Sheffield, this public park consists of a 248-acre area with vast open spaces, woodland trails, and even a city farm with a wide range of animals to meet and feed.

Location: Hemsworth Rd, Sheffield S8 8LJ

Endcliffe Park

Situated near Ecclesall Road, Endcliffe Park is great for a riverside walk, featuring duck ponds, flowing water, and ample space for ball games. It offers a quiet retreat close to the city centre.

Location: Rustlings Rd, Sheffield S11 7AB

Rivelin Valley Dog Park

A safe and secure exercise field for dogs. The park setting provides numerous sniff-worthy trails and splash zones.

Location: A6101, Sheffield S6 5PQ

Dog-friendly restaurants in Sheffield

Paws up for good food! These dog-friendly restaurants in Sheffield will welcome you and your furry babies for a delicious meal:

Sheffield Plate

This food hall is a favorite among locals, offering a variety of global cuisines and bars. Your pup is welcome to join you as you explore different street food vendors.

Location: 31-33 Orchard Square, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S1 2FB

Domo Restaurant

An award-winning establishment located in the iconic Eagle Works building in the heart of Kelham Island district. This warmly furnished restaurant highlights Sardinian cuisine and features a pet-friendly terrace with a welcoming atmosphere.

Location: Eagle Works, 34-36 Cotton Mill Walk, Little Kelham St, Sheffield S3 8DH

The Three Merry Lads

Nestled on the edge of the Peak District, this British-inspired restaurant offers a hearty menu and beautiful outdoor seating, providing a comfortable place for your canine companion to unwind. It’s also conveniently close to nature reserves, iconic walking trails, and campervan stopovers.

Location: 610 Redmires Rd, Sheffield S10 4LJ

Fun dog-friendly activities in Sheffield

Whether you're up for a casual stroll or some sightseeing, these dog-friendly activities in Sheffield will keep you and your dogs excited:

Animal viewing at Heeley City Farm

A community farm and a rare breeds visitor centre just a few minutes from Sheffield City Centre. Visiting the farm will be a delightful experience as your four-legged friend encounters other friendly animals and roams through open green spaces.

Cost: Free

Date and time: Open daily except Christmas (9.30AM - 4PM)

Location: Richards Rd, Heeley, Sheffield S2 3DT

Strolling around Sheffield City Centre

A dog-friendly guide to Sheffield wouldn't be complete without mentioning its buzzing city centre. Strolling through the area reveals numerous pet-friendly locations, including locally owned cafés, shops, restaurants, bars, pubs, and food halls.

Cost: Free 

Date and time: Open daily

Location: Sheffield, UK

Historical learning at Kelham Island Museum

Sheffield has a rich history in the steel industry, and this iconic museum celebrates its 300-year legacy. Here, you can explore archive materials that showcase Sheffield's industrial story, while your pup is welcome to join you outdoors.

Cost: Free

Date and time:

Location: Alma St, Sheffield S3 8RY

Best dog-friendly walking trails in Sheffield

If you and your barking buddy love walking and exploring the refreshing outdoors, here are some of the best dog-friendly walks Sheffield has to offer:

Porter Brook Trail

A moderate yet delightful dog-friendly hike in Sheffield that winds through diverse woodlands and parks. This trail becomes even more beautiful in spring when wildflowers are in bloom.

Location: Endcliffe Park, Rustlings Rd, Sheffield S11 8TF

Length: 6.5 km

Norfolk Heritage Park Trail

This easy walking trail winds through beautiful parks, woodlands, and historic landmarks southwest of the city. Though the route is relatively short, it offers numerous opportunities to explore local history and find refreshments along the way.

Location: Guildford Ave, Sheffield S2 2PL

Length: 2 km

Limb Valley to Whirlow Brook Hall

A countryside escape through woodlands, following the course of the River Limb and passing through the stunning trails of Whirlow Brook Park. Stay mindful of wildlife along the way!

Location: Limb Brook Valley to Whirlow Brook Park

Length: 2.2 km

The best dog-friendly cafes in Sheffield

Nothing beats a coffee shop break with your furry friend! These dog-friendly cafes in Sheffield are worth a visit:

The Grind Cafe

Situated in the heart of Sheffield's bustling Kelham Island and Broomhill, this award-winning rustic café welcomes dogs inside. It serves tasty treats baked on-site daily and offers a delicious menu bursting with flavor.

Location: Cornwall Works, 3 Green Ln, Sheffield S3 8SJ

Forge Dam Cafe

Located in the scenic Edge District, this café offers home-baked coffee and pastries. The café is also loved for its facilities, which include water bowls for pooches, a ball pool, a reading corner, and a play park suitable for children.

Location: Forge Dam, Sheffield S10 3TE

Cornerstone @Dyson Place

An Italian-inspired cafe serving brunch and dinner with an inviting atmosphere and a warm welcome for pups. It’s famous for its exceptional coffee sourced from fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Location: The Mission, Dyson Pl, Sharrow, Sheffield S11 8XX

Annual dog events in Sheffield

Every year, the Steel City hosts many exciting parades, celebrations, and events. Get ready to make time for these exciting dog-friendly events in Sheffield:

Pooches in the Park

A fun local dog festival featuring various classes and competitions. You and your dogs will also enjoy delicious treats, as there are many stalls offering food, drinks, and games.

Cost: £2.5 per person

Date and time: Annually in August or September

Location: Millhouses Park

Off Lead Dog Socials

A meet-up event for dogs and their owners in a secure indoor area. This event is usually divided based on each dog's size and social preferences.

Cost: £6 per dog

Date and time: Typically in April

Location: Mansion House Farm

Mad Hatter's Dog Banquet

A quirky-themed dining experience for pups with hand-crafted dog-friendly treats like themed iced dog biscuits, cakes, popcorn, and a special puppuchino.

Cost: £16.96 per person

Date and time: Annually in April

Location: Cambridge Street Collective

The best dog-friendly pubs in Sheffield

For a well-deserved pint after a long walk, these dog-friendly pubs in Sheffield are the must-go places:

Porter Brook

A favorite pub in Sheffield, great for social pups and their humans, offering up to 10 real ales at any time, along with a classic bar menu and live sports on TV.

Location: 565 Ecclesall Rd, Sharrow, Sheffield S11 8PR

Pangolin Craft Beer

A craft beer specialist in Hillsborough offering a great range of craft beers. This bar is well-loved by locals for its relaxed setting, extensive craft beer menu, and dog-friendly policies.

Location: 80 Middlewood Rd, Hillsborough, Sheffield S6 4HA

Bungalows & Bears

Located on Street S1, this modern pub, housed in a former fire station, serves cask ales, cocktails, brunch, and a burger menu with dog-friendly seating. It is also a hub of indie-oriented activity, featuring frequent DJ nights and live music.

Location: Old Fire Station, 50 Division St, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S1 4GF

Dog-friendly wineries in Sheffield

Check out these top dog-friendly locations near Sheffield where you can enjoy high-quality wine:

Holmfirth Vineyard

With seven acres of vineyard, panoramic views of the Holme Valley, and outdoor seating, this winery will be a great place for wine tasting with your dogs.

Location: Vineyard, Woodhouse Ln, Holmbridge, Holmfirth HD9 2QR

Womack's Vineyard

Offering exquisite tastings of artisan wines and fruit juices, made from its own-grown produce and processed in a 5-star hygiene-rated micro-winery. This vineyard welcomes dogs outside to enjoy the stunning views.

Location: Rose Cottage, Sookholme Ln, Sookholme, Mansfield NG19 8LW

Rothley Wine Ltd

This boutique vineyard with over 1,200 vines produces both sparkling and still wines at its on-site winery. Known for its award-winning English wines, this vineyard welcomes pets and allows well-behaved companions to roam freely.

Location: Kingfishers’ Pool Vineyard, 43 Westfield Ln, Rothley, Leicester LE7 7LH

Dog-friendly beaches in Sheffield

There aren't any dog-friendly beaches in Sheffield since it's not coastal, but you can find some just a short drive away.

Barmston Beach

Surrounded by gorgeous cliffs with a quiet, relaxed atmosphere, this sandy beach allows dogs to roam freely.

Location: 2QCM+7M, York, Driffield YO25 8PQ

Fraisthorpe Beach

Expansive, flat sands and shallow waters make this a pups’ paradise. This not-so-crowded beach is ideal for an enjoyable day out and its low clay cliffs make it easily accessible for all ages.

Location: Barmston, Driffield YO15 3QU

Humberston Fitties Beach

A peaceful retreat with vast golden sand beaches, rolling dunes, expansive sea views, and a wealth of quirky history to uncover.

Location: Humberston, Grimsby DN36 4EU

Tips for pet parents in Sheffield

Sheffield is a fantastic city for dog owners, with its mix of urban convenience and access to beautiful green spaces. Here are some top tips to help you and your pup enjoy life in the Steel City!

Make the most of Sheffield’s green spaces 

Who said living in a big city means you can’t enjoy nature? With its many parks, woodlands, and easy access to the Peak District, Sheffield is perfect for dog-friendly adventures. Treat your dog to some off-leash fun and scenic countryside walks – just be mindful of local leash rules, livestock, and wildlife.

Keep your dog comfortable in city & rural Settings

Sheffield’s mix of bustling streets and peaceful nature spots means your dog will experience both urban and countryside environments. To help them adjust, socialize them in different settings and visit dog-friendly pubs and cafés (a good excuse to get a pint and a pup cup!).

Scout out dog-friendly accommodation

Visiting Sheffield with your pup? Happy days! – you'll find plenty of dog-friendly accommodation, from pet-friendly hotels to snazzy self-catering apartments your furry friend will adore.

Find a reliable pet sitter

If your dog isn’t joining you on your travels, home is often the best place for them – and vets agree! Why not consider welcoming an in-home pet sitter to keep your home and pets safe while you're away? Curious? Find out more below:

Tips for pet sitters in Sheffield

Caring for clients’ pets isn’t a small task, and ensuring their satisfaction requires excellent service, which comes after extra steps of preparation, such as:

Learn the dogs’ commands

Before the owners head off, ask about the dog’s commands and routines. Do they come to “here” or “come”? Are there hand signals involved? Using the same cues keeps the dog comfortable and helps you build trust from the start.

Ask for emergency contacts

No one wants things to go wrong – but if they do, it’s best to be ready. Get a list of emergency contacts, including the local vet, a friend or neighbor, and instructions on what to do if anything unexpected comes up. It’s also worth checking where the nearest 24-hour animal clinic is in Sheffield.

Respect the owner’s home (like your own!)

Pet sitting means you’re also house sitting. Respect the home by tidying up after yourself, following any specific house rules, and making sure it looks just as lovely when the owners return. A thoughtful thank-you note (or even a cute photo of their pup relaxing in Endcliffe Park) can go a long way.

Useful resources

The UK's most dog friendly cities