Carlisle Cathedral has announced that visitors will now be allowed to bring in their pet dogs, if they are well-behaved.

Guide dogs have always been welcome, by law, as they are allowed to go anywhere you are, as well as assistance and therapy dogs.

Pet dogs were always allowed on the grounds of the cathedral, but now they are allowed to come inside to the cathedral itself, on a short lead.

This comes into effect on November 25.

The dean of Carlisle, the Very Revd Jonathan Brewster, said: “Increasingly, cathedrals are becoming more dog-friendly, and as the Cathedral for Cumbria and the Lake District, we wish to welcome all.

“We understand that dogs are part of the family too, so please feel free to bring them along on your day out exploring Carlisle.”

The cathedral asks that visitors bring well-behaved dogs (one dog per adult), always keep them on a short lead, be considerate of other visitors and clean up after any accidents.

Dogs are not permitted at services, on tours that go above ground level, in the treasury or inside the Cathedral Café.

Dogs are welcome in the grounds and the Café’s outside seating area in the Cloisters.

A water bowl is provided opposite the main door of the Cathedral.

The Cathedral encourages visitors to share their photos of their visits with their canine companions on social media, using the hashtag #DogsInCathedrals.