St Albans is frequently recognized as one of England's most dog-friendly cities. It has a wealth of experiences for canines and their carers. From eateries to pet sits in St Albans, dog parks to available pet sitters in St Albans, let’s see what dog-friendly St Albans has to offer.
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Dog parks in St Albans
Verulamium Park
This expansive park features open fields, a lake, and Roman ruins. Dogs are welcome, but it's advisable to keep them on a lead, especially near wildlife habitats.
Location: St Michael's Street, St Albans AL1 3JE, United Kingdom
Clarence Park
A beautifully maintained space ideal for walks and picnics, with designated areas where dogs can roam off-lead under supervision.
Location: 1A Clarence Rd, St Albans AL1 4NF, United Kingdom
Heartwood Forest
One of the largest new native forests in England, offering miles of woodland trails, wildflower meadows, and open spaces for dogs to explore off-lead, and humans to enjoy long hikes.
Location: Sandridge, St Albans AL4 9DQ, United Kingdom
Sopwell Nunnery and Cottonmill Park
A quieter green space with picturesque ruins, open grassy areas, and access to riverside walks.
Location: 2795 Cottonmill Ave, Kearney, NE 68845, United States
Highfield Park
A mix of woodlands, orchards, and open fields, with a variety of trails suitable for both leisurely strolls and more energetic dog walks.
Location: St Albans AL4 0DY, United Kingdom
Greenwood Park
A spacious park with large open fields, woodland areas, and a nature reserve. Dogs are welcome both on and off-lead in designated areas.
Location: Greenwood Park Community Centre, Tippendell Lane, Chiswell Green, St Albans AL2 3HW, United Kingdom
Jersey Farm Woodland Park
A hidden gem with winding trails, open grassland, and small wooded areas, making it a great spot for off-lead adventures.
Dog-friendly restaurants in St Albans
The Hare and Hounds
This pub serves local and sustainable food, complemented by a range of wines, ales, lagers, and craft ales. It boasts a family-friendly atmosphere with a large south-facing garden, welcoming both children and dogs.
Location: 104 Sopwell Ln, St Albans AL1 1RL, United Kingdom
The Cock Inn
A modern interpretation of the traditional public house, offering good food and drink in a relaxed atmosphere. The pub is dog-friendly, featuring a heated garden and free Wi-Fi.
Location: 48 St Peter's St, St Albans AL1 3NF, United Kingdom
Fun dog-friendly activities in St Albans
The Odyssey Cinema
Not just a place to catch a film, but also home to a pet-friendly café area where you can relax with your dog and enjoy snacks and drinks.
Cost: Showing dependent
Date and time: Tuesdays to Sundays, 12 pm - 4 pm
Location: 166 London Rd, St Albans AL1 1PQ, United Kingdom
St Albans Cathedral
Dogs on leads are welcome within the cathedral, allowing you to explore this historic site together. The surrounding parkland also provides ample space for walks.
Cost: Free entry
Date and time: 9 am - 5 pm, every day
Location: Cathedral, Sumpter Yard, St Albans AL1 1BY, United Kingdom
Dog-friendly walking trails in St Albans
Heartwood Forest
Just a short drive from the city center, this vast forest offers miles of trails through woodland and wildflower meadows, providing a natural playground for dogs.
Location: Sandridge, St Albans AL4 9DQ, United Kingdom
Length: 347 hectares (858 acres)
Alban Way
A scenic, 6.5-mile walking and cycling route along a former railway line, connecting St Albans to Hatfield. Ideal for dogs that enjoy longer walks.
Location: Hatfield, UK
Length: 6.5 miles / 10.5 km
Dog-friendly cafes in St Albans
Inn on the Park
Located within Verulamium Park, this café offers outdoor seating where dogs are welcome, making it a perfect spot for a post-walk refreshment.
Location: Verulamium Park, St Michael's St, St Albans AL3 4SN, United Kingdom
The Pudding Stop
Known for its delectable desserts, this city-center café allows dogs in certain areas, so you can enjoy a sweet treat without leaving your pet outside.
Location: 6, The Colonnade, Verulam Rd, St Albans AL3 4DD, United Kingdom
Annual dog events in St Albans
St Albans Dog Day
A city-centre celebration featuring a range of fun activities across Market Place and Christopher Place Shopping Centre, all designed for dogs and their owners. Activities may include dog shows, agility courses, and stalls offering pet products and services.
Cost: TBC
Date and time: TBC
Location: Upper Dagnall St, St Albans AL3 5DQ, United Kingdom
St Albans Foodies Festival 2025
A three-day event at Oaklands College celebrating top chefs, tasty food, delicious drinks, and live music. While the festival is primarily food-focused, well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome, allowing you to enjoy the festivities alongside your pet. Find out more on their website.
Cost: £14 per day
Date and time: May 30th – June 1st, 2025
Location: Oaklands College, East Drive, AL4 0HS
The best dog-friendly bars in St Albans
Ye Olde Fighting Cocks
Reputed to be one of the oldest pubs in the UK, this establishment offers a warm welcome to dogs and their owners, with a cozy atmosphere and scenic surroundings.
Location: 16 Abbey Mill Ln, St Albans AL3 4HE, United Kingdom
The Six Bells
A traditional pub known for its friendly staff and dog-welcoming policy, making it a favorite among local dog owners.
Location: 16-18 St Michael's St, St Albans AL3 4SH, United Kingdom
White Lion
A welcoming pub offering real ales, free Wi-Fi, and a garden. Dogs are allowed inside, with water bowls and treats provided.
Location: 91 Sopwell Ln, St Albans AL1 1RN, United Kingdom
The Goat Inn
An award-winning historic pub offering a variety of real ales, lagers, ciders, and an impressive selection of wines and spirits. Dogs are welcome, and the pub features a garden and free Wi-Fi.
Location: 37 Sopwell Ln, St Albans AL1 1RN, United Kingdom
Jolly Sailor
A local pub featuring two bars—a sports bar with a pool table and darts board, and a quiet lounge bar suitable for families. Dogs are welcome, and there's a garden for outdoor enjoyment.
Location: 3 Stonecross, St Albans AL1 4AA, United Kingdom
The Colney Fox
A dog-friendly pub where four-legged friends are welcomed with water and treats. Dogs are allowed in the bar area, providing a relaxed environment for both pets and owners.
Location: 1 Barnet Rd, London Colney, St Albans AL2 1BL, United Kingdom
Dog-friendly wineries in St Albans
MUST Wine Bar
A cozy wine bar offering an interesting selection of wines. While dogs are allowed inside, it's worth noting that some patrons have mentioned concerns about noise from yapping dogs.
Location: MUST Wine Bar, 3 George St, St Albans AL3 4ER, United Kingdom
Tips on dog-friendly things to do in St Albans from dog owners and pet sitters
With its array of parks, eateries, accommodations, and events that welcome dogs, St Albans is an ideal destination for a memorable outing with your canine companion. These extra tips, for both pet parents and pet sitters, will make sure you have a great day out.
Tips for pet parents
Explore surrounding green spaces
St Albans and surrounding Hertfordshire area is known for its stunning natural beauty and surrounding nature reserves, so be sure to make the most of the short drive into the surrounding countryside.
Local etiquette
While St Albans is notably dog-friendly, it's courteous to keep your dog on a leash in public areas and always clean up after them.
Check dog-friendly policies
While you’re surrounded by dog-friendly places in St Albans, it’s always a good idea to call up before arriving, just in case rules have changed around dog-friendliness.
Plan ahead for your vacation
It’s one thing to plan a day out in your home city, but what do you usually do with your pooch when you go away? Well, as vets agree pets are happier at home, consider connecting with a trusted St Albans pet sitter ahead of your next trip. Click below to find out how.
How to connect with pet sitters in St Albans
Tips for pet sitters
Make use of local dog-friendly areas
Hereford has loads of dog-friendly outdoor areas, some designed specifically for letting our canine friends run free. Make the most of those nearby to help your furry pal run off steam, and meet likeminded locals.
Local events
Keep an eye out for local events or festivals during your visit, as many are accommodating to dogs and can add a unique touch to your experience.
Get pet parent permission
Before deciding to take your new pet pal on public transport or to a busy cafe or bar, double check they’re used to those settings.
Experience St Albans through house sitting
If you want to take care of a new furry friend in exchange for a place to stay. Click below to find out how to secure a St Albans house sit.
How to find house sits in St Albans
