Rickerby Park and the River Eden
Cumbria
Rickerby Park is a Grade II registered park on the north bank of the River Eden at Stanwix, just outside Carlisle city centre, laid out as a war memorial and formally handed over to the city in 1922. Cattle and sheep still graze parts of the open grassland, but a dog with reliable recall has plenty of room to roam. Mature parkland trees, some dating from the original 940-acre estate, shade a memorial cenotaph and the open grassland beyond. This 4.3km circular walk follows the riverbank path along a wide sweep of the Eden, passing Swifts Golf Course, before crossing the river on the Memorial Bridge, a suspension footbridge, to return along the opposite bank towards the city centre. The going is flat and easy throughout, on tarmac, gravel and mown grass paths.
This is a dog friendly park with good off-lead potential in the open green spaces for a dog with reliable recall, though a lead is sensible in the busier riverside sections, on the footbridge, near the car park, and whenever the park is busy with families, cyclists and runners. Cattle and sheep graze beneath the parkland trees, so dogs need to be kept close around them. The River Eden itself has strong currents and cold water even in summer, so it is not a safe place for a dog to swim, and the banks can flood after heavy rain. There are no toilets or cafes in the park, but Stanwix and Carlisle city centre are both a short walk away for refreshments afterwards.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 4.3 km (2.7 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1 hr 10 min
- Walk Type
- River, Park
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- No toilets or cafes in the park; Stanwix and Carlisle city centre are a short walk away.
- Parking
- Free dedicated car park at Rickerby Park, off Stanwix; busy at weekends.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Rickerby Park and the River Eden, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
Keepers Cottage - Hoddom
Sleeps 2 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £543 / 7 nights
Booking links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you. Prices are a guide only and change with dates and availability.
All dog friendly stays in CumbriaFrequently Asked Questions
Is Rickerby Park and the River Eden dog friendly?
Rickerby Park scores a solid 8/10 for dog friendliness, and it's easy to see why — the open grassland, mature parkland trees and riverside paths make for a genuinely enjoyable outing with a dog. The 4.3km circular route is flat and easy throughout, and the suspension footbridge crossing of the River Eden adds a nice bit of variety to the walk. There are no cafes or toilets in the park itself, but Stanwix and Carlisle city centre are both close by if you need a post-walk pit stop.
Can dogs be off lead at Rickerby Park and the River Eden?
Dogs with reliable recall have good off-lead potential in the open green spaces and grassland areas of the park. That said, a lead is sensible in the busier riverside sections, on the suspension footbridge, near the car park, and whenever families, cyclists or runners are around. Cattle and sheep graze parts of the park too, so dogs should be kept on a lead and close to you whenever livestock are nearby.
What should I know before visiting Rickerby Park and the River Eden with my dog?
The River Eden has strong currents and cold water even in summer, making it unsafe for dogs to swim in, and the banks can flood after heavy rain — so it's worth keeping an eye on conditions before you go. The car park at Rickerby Park is free but can get busy at weekends, so an early arrival is a good idea. Pack your own water and snacks, as there are no facilities in the park itself, though refreshments are available a short walk away in Stanwix or Carlisle city centre.
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