Updated on April 16, 2023
Lincoln, the county seat of Lincolnshire, is a lovely old city in the heart of the East Midlands. Despite its mediaeval origins, this city is full of life and offers an abundance of pleasant strolls. These strolls will allow you and your dog to discover the scenic countryside beyond the city limits.
There are many fun things to do in Lincoln with your dog. Lincoln is a surprisingly great place for walkies, and the city has even produced its own list of dog-friendly lodgings, eateries, and attractions.
These are some possible paths to take while out dog walking in Lincoln. Even while some of these strolls will take you outside of the city proper, you’ll still be very close to the action.
LINCOLN CASTLE
During limited times each month, canine companions are welcome at the beautiful Lincoln Castle. That means you may take Fido with you while you learn about the Magna Carta, the Magna Carta Walk, and the Victorian Prison.
Basically, as long as they’re leashed, dogs are welcome pretty much everywhere people go. The only place dogs aren’t allowed is in the vault. With no time constraints, you and your loved one can take your time touring Lincoln’s most famous site.
Be sure to arrange your trip through time with your dog in tow by checking the website for dog-friendly days. You and your dog will have a day of walks that you won’t soon forget.
How Far You Want to Walk
Pronounced “easy,” indicating a low degree of difficulty.
The entrance to Lincoln Castle is our first stop.
Paths, stones, stairs, indoors, gravel, and flat surfaces are the terrain types that you’ll encounter.
Parking for free? Not in this case.
Lincoln Castle, Castle Square, Lincoln LN1 3AA
WEST COMMON
The Lincoln locals know that West Common is the best place to take their dogs for a stroll because it’s a lush, green oasis. Lincoln Common was once used as a racetrack, but now it’s just a pleasant place to stroll through all four seasons because to its mixture of marsh and grassland. Keep your dog on a leash at all times because there are many horses in the area.
You may also keep a watch on your dog to make sure it doesn’t go for a swim in one of the ponds! Animals abound besides the horses; if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a skylark soaring overhead.
The breathtaking panorama of Lincoln Cathedral is sure to be one of the highlights of your journey. It’s a captivating view that makes a stroll through the common all the more rewarding. You can take your dog for a stroll along the river or canal if you go south through the common. It’s possible to return to the city after a walk and choose from a wide variety of eateries that welcome four-legged companions.
Duration of a 3.3k Walk
Pronounced “easy,” indicating a low degree of difficulty.
Parking Lot as Point of Origin
Trails, even slopes, flat ground, and grassland describe the landscape.
Location: 169 Angelica Road, Lincoln, LN1 1DG Free Parking: No
SKELLINGTHORPE OLD WOOD
The proximity of this woodland to the city makes it ideal for dog walking and equestrian activities. Your dog will enjoy running around unleashed in this gorgeous stretch of old forest, as suggested by the name.
The woods are conveniently located above the town of Skellingthorpe, making it easy to begin and conclude your hike in the same place. You can walk this route with your dog unleashed, save for a brief section on the village paths. The Stone Arms pub is pet-friendly, so you can stop in after your stroll and relax with your dog while you rehydrate. They will even bring your dog a bowl of water.
Distance of a Walk: 7.2Km
Pronounced “easy,” indicating a low degree of difficulty.
Community centre in Skellingthorpe is the initial location.
Paths, level, uneven, wooded, unpaved trails
Parking is free?
Postal Code: LN6 5UT Skellingthorpe, Lincoln
COW PADDLE
Not only does this piece of common in Lincoln have a fantastic name, but it’s also a fantastic place to take your dog for a stroll. The area is a narrow green oasis in the city’s eastern quadrant, and it’s a great place to let your dog off the leash for a little run. The space isn’t huge, but it’s good for a stroll or some friendly ball tossing. From this vantage point, you can see the cathedral, which is stunning at sunset.
Combining a trip through Cow Paddle with one on the South Common, described below, gives you the option of taking a much longer walk. As with many of the other treks here, you won’t have to travel far to reach the heart of Lincoln, where you can stock up on picnic supplies or visit one of the numerous restaurants that welcome four-legged friends. Three bars, including the welcoming The Shakespeare, may be found in the vicinity of Cow Paddle (And South Common).
Distance of a 3K Walk
Pronounced “easy,” indicating a low degree of difficulty.
Washingborough Road serves as the initial point of departure.
Trails, level fields, and other flat landscapes.
Parking is free?
Cow Paddle, Washingborough Road, LN4 1EF, Lincoln.
SOUTH COMMON
This huge piece of public ground is more reminiscent of the open countryside than a city park. We’ve included Cow Paddle, another fantastic spot for dog walking in Lincoln, because it’s so close to this one.
There is a wide variety of people who frequent this location because it provides a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis. The common is well-known for hosting periodic fairs and circuses, but its diverse natural habitats also make it a great place to take your dog for a stroll and enjoy a wide range of suburban scenery. The south-western part of the common, in particular, has been left wild and unkempt, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a remote rural location.
Even when your dog runs amuck on the common, you can look up and take in the church and castle perched on the hill. It’s also rich in history, with things like a pond made from reclaimed clay quarries and the remnants of a Roman road.
Its proximity to the city centre means that there are many conveniences within walking distance. Both The Shakespeare and the Golden Eagle are good options. You might perhaps continue walking into town and stop at one of the many dog-friendly restaurants.
The distance of a six-kilometer stroll
Pronounced “easy,” indicating a low degree of difficulty.
Parking Lot as Point of Origin
Trails, meadows, and steep inclines or declines are some of the varied topographical features
Parking is free?
Postal Code and Address: South Common and South Park, Lincoln, LN5 8ER
FOSSDYKE CANAL
The oldest canal in Britain is not far from Lincoln, and is located at Burton Water. The Romans constructed a canal called the Fossdyke to connect the city to the River Trent. There is now a beautiful trail that runs parallel to the river, making it ideal for a stroll with your dog along the water’s edge in the Lincoln area.
The track extends for six miles, giving you and your dog plenty of opportunities to take in the sights and sounds of nature while getting some exercise beside the serene lake. The Woodcocks and the Pyewipe Inn are both wonderful country pubs that provide for excellent starting points for walks. In fact, the trail may be started in the middle of town and made into a loop by going out to the Pyewipe Inn and back. There is plenty of parking near the pub, and the promise of a refreshing beverage and delectable treat at the end of the walk will serve as an added incentive. (That goes for people, too!)
Total Distance: 9.6km
Pronounced “easy,” indicating a low degree of difficulty.
The Pyewipe Inn will serve as our first stop.
Trails on relatively flat ground.
Parking is free?
Saxilby Road, Lincoln, Lincolnshire LN1 2BG
LINCOLN WALKING TOUR
Take a walking tour around the cathedral district if this is your first time in the city. Self-directed tours are free, and your pet is allowed to join along, but the guided tours are well worth the little charge. While you take in the sights and sounds of this old city, your dog can enjoy some exercise and fresh air on a long stroll.
You may take advantage of the city’s many dog-friendly restaurants if you stay in the area. In the area around the cathedral, there are at least nine bars that welcome dogs. The Wig & Mitre is one such establishment that can be located on Steep Hill. One of the best streets in Britain, it lives up to its billing. Steep Hill also has the Pimento Tea Rooms, which, unlike the pubs nearby, allow dogs.
The Arboretum, located in Lincoln’s cathedral area, is our next stop since it’s a fantastic place to take your dog for a stroll.
Distance of a 5K Hike
Moderate in Difficulty
The Lincoln Visitor Center is the starting point.
Paths, cobblestone, hills, and flat ground
Parking for free? Not in this case.
Postal Code: LN1 3AA Address: 9 Castle Hill, Lincoln
LINCOLN ARBORETUM
Lincoln’s lovely, grade II listed park was designed by the renowned Victorian gardener Edward Milner and is located right in the city centre. The park, including the bandstand, has recently undergone a massive multi-million dollar repair, making it seem better than ever.
With its many parks, lakes, fountains, and beautiful gardens, this site has something for everyone. You’ll appreciate the canopy of the many tall trees that line the walkways, and Fido will love the wide open spaces that are ideal for fetch games on a hot day.
Due to their close vicinity, a walk with your dog can double as a tour of the nearby castle and cathedral, followed by a relaxing stroll around the arboretum. In addition, there are other excellent dog-friendly establishments within walking distance; for those who would rather not travel too far, there is always the arboretum cafe.
You can take as long or as little of a stroll as you like.
Pronounced “easy,” indicating a low degree of difficulty.
The Front Door, as the Point of Origin
Paths, level ground, hills, paths, and grassy lawns are all types of terrain.
Parking for free? Not in this case.
The address is: Monks Road, Lincoln, Lincolnshire LN5 7AY.
HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK
A green flag has been awarded to this 200-acre country park, making it ideal for a picnic, a camping trip, or a stroll with the kids and the dog. There are many wonderful places to spend time in nature, such as walking your dog on the open grassland, riding your bike around the lakes, or strolling through the floral gardens.
Access to Swanholme Lakes natural reserve, an amusement park, a cafe, a visitor centre and facilities, and a playground are also available. (Dogs on leashes are not permitted in the reserve.)
The park provides all the amenities necessary for a day trip or a weekend getaway in the country. Take a stroll through the picturesque Swanholme lakes and end your day with a great meal at the Swan Holme tavern.
Varying Stroll Times
Pronounced “easy,” indicating a low degree of difficulty.
Hartsholme Park, the point of departure
Paths, level ground, hills, paths, and grassy lawns are all types of terrain.
Parking is free?
Lincoln, LN6 0EY, 377 Skellingthorpe Road.
