Dog-Friendly Durham: Pubs, Cafés and Walks

With its wooded riverbanks, compact centre and plenty of welcoming pubs, Durham is a lovely city to explore with a dog. You can walk the whole peninsula on the leads, stop for a coffee by the water and settle in beside a fire at a traditional inn without ever having to leave your companion at home. Here is our guide to dog-friendly Durham, from the best walks to the pubs and cafés that will happily pour a water bowl.

The riverside walk

The circular walk around the cathedral peninsula is the classic Durham outing for dogs and owners alike, roughly three miles of shaded, mostly level paths along the River Wear, taking in Prebends Bridge and grand views of the cathedral above. It is popular with local dog walkers, so your dog will have plenty of company, and there are gentler shorter loops if you do not fancy the full circuit. Keep dogs on leads near the busier bridges and the rowers' landing stages.

Best for: Best for an easy, scenic walk right in the heart of the city.

Wharton Park

Behind the railway station, Wharton Park offers open lawns, gardens and some of the best views of the city skyline, with plenty of room for a run-around. It is a Green Flag park with a café and toilets, and a good spot to combine a walk with a picnic. As always in a shared public park, keep an eye on signage about where dogs need to be on the lead.

Best for: Best for space, skyline views and a café stop.

Ye Old Elm Tree

Just up from the Market Place, Ye Old Elm Tree is one of Durham's oldest inns and a firmly dog-friendly one, with traditional beams, flagstone floors and a snug, welcoming bar. It is exactly the kind of proper old pub where a muddy dog after a riverside walk is met with a fuss and a water bowl rather than raised eyebrows.

Best for: Best for a cosy, traditional pub that genuinely welcomes dogs.

The Victoria Inn

A short walk away, The Victoria Inn is a beautifully preserved Victorian pub near the cathedral, known for its well-kept local ales and unspoilt period interior. Dogs are welcome, and it is a favourite for a quiet, characterful pint after exploring the city, a real slice of old Durham.

Best for: Best for a heritage pub with great ales and a warm welcome for dogs.

Riverview Kitchen

For daytime refuelling, Riverview Kitchen is a pet-friendly café alongside the River Wear, with a cosy atmosphere and a spot to sit with your dog over breakfast, lunch or a coffee. Its riverside position makes it an ideal pause on a walk around the peninsula.

Best for: Best for a dog-friendly coffee or lunch stop by the water.

Out and about with your dog

Beyond these, many of Durham's city-centre pubs and cafés welcome dogs, particularly in bar areas and outdoor seating, so it is always worth asking. Bring water and a towel for muddy paws after the riverbanks, and check individual venues' current policies before you visit, as these can change. With a little planning, Durham is one of the most rewarding cities in the North East to enjoy with a dog.

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