Britain's 25 most dog-friendly pubs: the perfect end to a weekend walk
If you love having a dog, you probably love doing things that dogs love doing too – and a good walk is top of the list. We are lucky enough to live in a beautiful country, and not only that, a country that is criss-crossed with a network of public footpaths crying out to be explored.
This wonderful access we are given to our countryside is one of the greatest privileges of living and holidaying in Britain. As dog owners, we naturally want to share the scenery with the company of a dog or two – or in my case, three.
Yet often in the past it has been a challenge to find somewhere equally pleasurable to have a restorative drink – and perhaps a lovely meal as well – at the end of a stroll. I’m sure I’m not the only one of us who has ended up in a pokey, lino-clad room tucked away down some dark corridor that describes itself as “dog friendly”. But there are plenty of civilised, dog-friendly pubs out there.
The dedicated team at Sawdays have travelled the length and breadth of Britain to find an enticing collection of places to eat and stay. And if, like me, you are eccentric and dotty enough to want to bring your dog along too, you can. I call it the “tail-wagging” guide, and it has never failed me or my dogs yet.
SOUTH WEST
The Boot Inn, High Street, Berwick St James, Wiltshire SP3 4TN
In the pretty village of Berwick St James in the Till Valley, sits this “real British inn” where Giles and Cathy are working a quiet magic with food, ales and happy locals. You can sit snugly at the fireside with a ploughman’s and a pint, while dogs enjoy treats and the secure garden outside for play. There are plenty of walks nearby for a post-lunch dog walk.
Lunches from £9, dinner from £13. theboot.pub; 01722 790243
The Mill House Inn, Trebarwith Strand, Tintagel, Cornwall PL34 0HD
Coast down the steep winding lane to a 1760s mill house in a woodland setting. Trebarwith’s spectacular beach is a 10-minute walk away. Back at the inn, the bar combines the best of Cornish old and new: big flagged floor, wooden tables, leather sofas by a wood-burning stove and a swanky dining room. Dogs are in good company, Doc Martin’s dog, Dodger, stays here. Ask for tips on local walks.
Lunch from £7.50, dinner from £12, three-course Sunday lunch £17.85. Rooms from £75 per night, dogs £7.50 per night. themillhouseinn.co.uk; 01840 770200
The Halsetown Inn, St Ives, Cornwall, TR26 3NA
This inn has impeccable eco credentials and plenty of character. Tuck into the likes of pan-fried scallops with caramelised cauliflower and apple, followed by slow roasted pork belly. Walk the dogs around St Ives, or let them blow off steam in the large field backing onto the pub. They can return to dog treats from the friendly staff.
Lunch/dinner from £11. halsetowninn.co.uk; 01736 795583
The King’s Arms, The Street, Didmarton, Gloucestershire GL9 1DT
Next to the main road in Didmarton, close to Tetbury and the Badminton Estate, is this recently refurbished inn – a perfect place in the Cotswolds. An inviting interior is warmed by a big old fireplace for winter, and there’s a lovely walled garden for warmer days. Dogs are made a fuss of with Snuffle dog beer offered to keep them happy.
Light lunch from £6.50, mains from £12.95, wood-fired pizzas £9.50. Rooms from £95 per night. kingsarmsdidmarton.co.uk; 01454 238245
The Bird in Hand, Weston Road, Long Ashton, Bristol, BS41 9LA
The Bird in Hand is an unassuming little pub on Long Ashton’s high street. The food is satisfying, unshowy and steeped in flavour, and dogs are always welcome. Take advantage of the many walks nearby and return to the pub for good ale and a hearty meal while the dogs rest their heads, and keep refreshed with water bowls provided by the owners.
Lunch/dinner from £9. bird-in-hand.co.uk; 01275 395222
The Acorn Inn, Fore Street, Evershot, Dorset DT2 0JW
Perfect Evershot and rolling countryside lie at the door of this 400-year-old gem in Thomas Hardy country. It’s very much a traditional inn; locals sup pints of Otter Ale in the long bar and guests sample tasty gastro pub fare. Dogs are welcomed with a paw-friendly guide to the area, water bowls, towels and treats. Footpaths go off in all directions.
Lunch/dinner £5.25-£22.95, bar meals from £4.95. Rooms from £99 per night, dogs £12 per night. acorn-inn.co.uk; 01935 83228
The Lion Inn, North Street, Winchcombe, Gloucestershire GL54 5PS
Push open the heavy oak door to reveal a beautiful main bar with a log fire crackling in a 15th-century inglenook. Review the papers over a pint of real ale with your pooch at your feet. Dogs can enjoy a biscuit in the garden, or enjoy a walk on the Cotswold Way.
Lunch from £12, three-course dinner £28. Rooms from £79 per night, dogs £15 per night. thelionwinchcombe.co.uk; 01242 603300
The Farmers Arms, Higher West Hatch, Taunton, Somerset TA3 5RS
On the edge of the spectacular Somerset Levels with views to the Quantocks, Mendips and Brendon Hills – you don’t often wash up at such a wonderful, characterful inn. Inside, friendly staff greet you and your four-legged friends with water bowls and dog treats. Have a real ale, enjoy delicious food and then head off for a walk.
Lunch/dinner £5-£35. Double rooms from £89.25 per night. farmersarmssomerset.co.uk; 01823 480980
The Pump House, Merchants Road, Bristol, BS8 4PZ
Meander through Bristol’s boatyards and find this grand ex-Victorian pumping station, with the chef Toby Gritten at the helm. With local beers and ales abound behind the bar, and more than 400 gins you’ll be spoiled for choice for refreshments after a walk with the dogs along the nearby Bristol cycle network.
Starters from £5. Mains from £15. the-pumphouse.com; 0117 927 2229
NORTH & MIDLANDS
The Fuzzy Duck, Ilmington Road, Armscote, Warwickshire CV37 8DD
Nestled in the rolling folds of the Cotswold countryside, close to Stratford-upon-Avon, is this 18th-century coaching inn, serving great food with gleaming tables and beautiful fireplaces. Try Cotswold chicken breast with slow-cooked chorizo and white bean stew. There is a secure garden for dogs to roam, and they are welcomed with beds, blankets and biscuits. Staff will happily advise on nearby walks.
Mains from £9.95. Double rooms from £110 per night. fuzzyduckarmscote.com; 01608 682635
The Three Greyhounds Inn, Holmes Chapel Road, Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 9JY
This wonderfully renovated coaching inn, is popular with families and dog walkers. Try a Cheshire cheese board with a warming cider brandy after a great walk around Shakerley Mere (right next to the pub). There is a dog’s dinner menu, doggie beer for sale and treats on the bar for well-behaved hounds, who can snuggle up or play in the large garden.
Lunch/dinner from £10.50, bar meals from £5.95. thethreegreyhoundsinn.co.uk; 01565 723455
The Cholmondeley Arms, Wrenbury Road, Cholmondeley, Cheshire SY14 8HN
As prim and proper as a Victorian schoolmistress on the outside, this old school house is as stylish as Beau Brummell within. The glorious carved oak bar dominates the main hall and apart from the malted charms of the local ales, there are a staggering 200 varieties of ruinously good gin to discover. Fear not, for your faithful friend will not go thirsty, dog beer is available and baskets provided for those that stay over.
Lunch/dinner £7.25-£17.95, Sunday lunch £14.50. Rooms from £75 per night, dogs £10 per night. cholmondeleyarms.co.uk; 01829 720300
The Rose & Crown, Romaldkirk, Co. Durham, DL12 9EB
Lovely Romaldkirk sits peacefully in the north Pennines, as for the Rose & Crown, it dates to 1733 and stands right on the village green, dogs will love it. Grab a pint of local ale, then sit in the sun and watch life pass by or warm up by the fire in the wonderfully old-school bar and chuck your pooch a locally made treat.
Lunch from £10.50, three-course dinner from £27, Sunday lunch £19.50. Rooms from £115 per night. rose-and-crown.co.uk; 01833 650213
The Inn at Whitewell, Clitheroe, Lancashire BB7 3AT
The old deerkeeper’s lodge sits just above the river Hodder with views across parkland to rising fells. You can eat in the bar, but the long restaurant and the outside terrace are ideal for admiring the views. The river Hodder runs adjacent to The Inn, which is a favourite for dog walkers. Dogs can rest afterwards on beds provided by the inn. Bar meals from £8, dinner £25-£35. innatwhitewell.com; 01200 448222
EAST
The White Hart, Main Street, Ufford, Stamford, Cambridgeshire PE9 3BH
Wash up at the White Hart and mix with the locals drawn by the lovely, lived-in farmhouse feel and the big, beamy bar; the ales are good, too. In summer, life spills onto the terrace, while cracking fires keep you warm in winter. Food can be anything from a ploughman’s to a three-course feast, with memorably good Sunday roasts. Dogs will love the secure garden and lead-free walks that surround.
Two-course lunch £14.95, mains from £10.50, two-course Sunday lunch £19.90. Rooms from £80 per night, dogs £15 per night. whitehartufford.co.uk; 01780 740250
The Globe Inn at Wells-next-the-sea, The Buttlands, Wells-Next-The-Sea, Norfolk NR23 1EU
The Globe is an inn for all seasons. Outside, there’s a sun-trapping terrace at the front, a flower-filled courtyard where you can eat in summer, then a colourful roof terrace for guests. Inside, wood-burners sit at both ends of the bar. Take the dogs down for a walk on the nearby beach, they can enjoy homemade biscuits and soft cushioned beds during their stay.
Lunch from £6, three-course dinner £25-£35. Double rooms from £100 per night. theglobeatwells.co.uk; 01328 710206.
The Chequers Inn, High Street, Thornham, Norfolk PE36 6LY
Cheerful Chequers, beloved by locals and visitors alike, is thriving and there’s some of the best seafood you’ll find in this part of the world. Thornham is a pretty little village nestled along the coast, close to spectacular scenery and nature reserves, the perfect spot for a dog walk. Dog blankets are provided in rooms, and they always get a sausage for breakfast.
Mains from £13.95. Double rooms from £120 per night with a £10 charge per dog per night (maximum of 2). chequersinnthornham.com; 01485 512229
The Ship, St James Street, Dunwich, Suffolk IP17 3DT
For walkers, birders and lovers of an old-fashioned bar, frothing pints of Adnams and great big platefuls of ham, egg and chips await. There’s a large garden for dogs to explore whilst you enjoy a drink, and dog biscuits to save them stealing your chips. Great walks on the heaths are nearby and the all year-round-dog-friendly Dunwich beach is close.
Lunch from £4.95, Dinner from £10.75. Double rooms from £120 per night. shipatdunwich.co.uk; 01728 648219
The Alford Arms, Frithsden, Nr. Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP1 3DD
In a hamlet enfolded by acres of National Trust common land, this pub is heaven for dogs and walkers. There’s a path into Ashridge Forest right outside the door, with thousands of acres of ancient beech woods. Top up on delicious food and head out with the dogs for a walk. Owners provide dog treats and welcome dogs to chill out in the bar.
Lunch, bar meals & dinner £11.75-£19.75. alfordarmsfrithsden.co.uk; 01442 864480.
SOUTH EAST
The Westleton Crown, The Street, Westleton, Suffolk, IP17 3AD
A charming Suffolk inn that’s been welcoming guests for 800 years, with outstanding fish and chips. Food provides the perfect post-walk fuel and you can enjoy it by a fire. Dogs are welcome to stay in comfortable rooms with exceptional beds. Aldeburgh and Southwald are nearby for perfect walking country.
Dinner from £11.95. Double rooms from £100 per night. westletoncrown.co.uk; 01728 648777
The Greyhound Inn, Main Street, Letcombe Regis, Oxfordshire, OX12 9JL
This beautiful red-brick pub is nestled on the quiet road that winds through Letcombe Regis, a spectacular area for walking. Four-legged friends are offered a selection box of tasty treats, comfy bed, water bowl, and a towel to dry muddy paws after country walks. Enjoy a trendy-country feel with excellent food and coffee, rooms are comfortable with plush beds.
Lunch from £7, dinner from £11. Double rooms from £90 per night, £15 per dog. thegreyhoundletcombe.co.uk; 01235 771969.
The Welldiggers Arms, Low Heath, Petworth, Sussex, GU28 0HG
A true country classic where the views stretch for miles and the staff are warm, friendly and attentive. The kitchen turns out delicious modern British dishes, or just pop in for a drink, there’s a great selection of local ales and they even sell ‘dog beer’ too. Rooms come with dog beds and bowls and there are plenty of long walks nearby for exercise.
Mains from £11.95. Double rooms from £90 per night. thewelldiggersarms.co.uk; 01798 344288.
The Ginger Dog, College Place, Brighton, East Sussex BN2 1HN
This gem of a pub is tucked away in Brighton’s Kemptown just a short stroll from the promenade. Expect hearty, traditional-with-a-modern-twist fare, like beef jerky popcorn. There are water bowls and treats in the bar for dogs to enjoy whilst you sample a range of local ales. A roaring open fire is a big hit with exhausted pets, tired from nearby seaside walks.
Starters from £7. Mains from £13.50. thegingerdog.com; 01273 620990
The Royal Oak, Frieth Road, Bovingdon Green, Buckinghamshire SL7 2JF
This thriving dining pub is just down the road from beautiful Marlow Common, a fantastic dog walking spot. Order a pint of local Rebellion and check out the daily chalkboard or printed menu, all food is superb. There’s a huge garden for dogs to run around in, dog biscuits on the bar and fresh water outside for refreshment after a days walking.
Lunch & dinner £11.75-£19.75. royaloakmarlow.co.uk; 01628 488611.
The Wellington Arms, Baughurst Road, Baughurst, Hampshire RG26 5LP
Lost down a web of lanes, the ‘Welly’ draws foodies from miles around. Cosy, relaxed and decorated in style the newly extended bar-dining room fills quickly, so make sure you book Migrate to the huge garden for views of the pub’s small holding. Dogs will love the open fields and woodland walks.
Dinner £11-£21. Double rooms from £110 per night. thewellingtonarms.com; 01189 820110
More information on all pubs: pubs.sawdays.co.uk and the Dog Friendly Pubs collection. Sawday’s new Special Places to Stay: Dog-friendly Breaks in Britain is on sale from 1 February at £14.99 from all good bookshops.
