Is Furness Abbey dog friendly?

Yes, dogs are welcome at Furness Abbey and are allowed throughout the site on a lead. Assistance dogs are also welcome. The sheltered valley setting makes it a pleasant visit for dogs, with level, shaded ground and enough space among the ruins to make a proper circuit rather than just a quick lap.

Are dogs allowed at Furness Abbey year round?

The listing doesn't specify any seasonal restrictions on dogs, so they appear to be welcome whenever the site is open. Bear in mind that the car park is secured with lockable bollards when the site is closed, so make sure you check opening times before you visit and don't leave your car overnight.

What should I know before visiting Furness Abbey with my dog?

Dogs must be kept on a lead throughout the site. There's free parking for 20 to 30 cars next to the visitor centre, and additional parking at the Abbey Mill café at the far end of the site. There's no café within the ruins themselves, just a vending machine, so if you're planning a longer stop it's worth knowing the Abbey Mill café is nearby. Picnic seating is available on site if you'd rather bring your own food.

AttractionEnglish Heritage

Furness Abbey

Barrow in Furness, Cumbria

Red sandstone ruins of England's second richest Cistercian abbey, in a sheltered wooded valley that gives your dog level, shaded, enclosed going.

Furness was the second richest Cistercian abbey in England and the scale still shows. The ruins include the tower and conserved east end of the great church, the chapter house, and almost the entire east range of the cloister. A conservation programme added a reconstructed stairway, so you can now climb to the monks' night stair level and look down over the church from above, which changes how the whole building reads.

Whilst you work through the church and take the new stairway, your dog gets the valley setting, which is the appeal: enclosed, green, well shaded and level, with the ruins spread out enough to make a real circuit rather than a lap.

Dogs on lead are allowed and assistance dogs are welcome. The car park sits next to the visitor centre with space for 20 to 30 cars and is free, though secured with lockable bollards when the site is closed, so do not leave a car overnight. There is no café on site, only a vending machine, though the Abbey Mill café sits at the far end. Shop, toilets, museum and picnic seating available.

At a Glance

Dog Access: On-lead in the grounds; Dogs on lead allowed, assistance dogs welcome.
Site Type: Abbey & Church
Entry: £9.35 adult; £4.67 child · £23.37 family
Members: Free for English Heritage members
Facilities: Café / restaurant, Gardens, Museum, Parking, Picnic seating, Shop, Toilets, Wheelchair access
Telephone: 01229 823420
Parking: Car park located next to Visitor Centre entrance with space for 20-30 cars. Car park is secured with lockable bollards when site is closed. Parking is free. There is additional parking at Abbey Mill café, located at the far end of the site.

English Heritage Membership

Planning Your Visit

Opening times

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 10:00 - 17:00
Thursday: 10:00 - 17:00
Friday: 10:00 - 17:00
Saturday: 10:00 - 17:00
Sunday: 10:00 - 17:00

Opening times and prices were checked on 26 August 2026 and are subject to change, and some sites close for events or over winter. Confirm on the English Heritage site page before you travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Furness Abbey dog friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome at Furness Abbey and are allowed throughout the site on a lead. Assistance dogs are also welcome. The sheltered valley setting makes it a pleasant visit for dogs, with level, shaded ground and enough space among the ruins to make a proper circuit rather than just a quick lap.
Are dogs allowed at Furness Abbey year round?
The listing doesn't specify any seasonal restrictions on dogs, so they appear to be welcome whenever the site is open. Bear in mind that the car park is secured with lockable bollards when the site is closed, so make sure you check opening times before you visit and don't leave your car overnight.
What should I know before visiting Furness Abbey with my dog?
Dogs must be kept on a lead throughout the site. There's free parking for 20 to 30 cars next to the visitor centre, and additional parking at the Abbey Mill café at the far end of the site. There's no café within the ruins themselves, just a vending machine, so if you're planning a longer stop it's worth knowing the Abbey Mill café is nearby. Picnic seating is available on site if you'd rather bring your own food.