12 of the best pubs in Dorset to refuel in

When on holiday in a place as lovely as Dorset, a pitstop at a pub is always a must during a day trip! 

There are delightful country pubs in Dorset for all occasions and tastes. Some aim to impress with their Sunday lunch menu, then there are family-friendly pubs that offer special kids' menus. Some come alive after dark and they are great places to enjoy a few pints with friends, whilst others take their selection of ales very seriously and are the perfect place to read your book with your trusty dog. 

If you are planning a holiday, book a stay at one of our self-catering Dorset cottages. What better way to experience Dorset rural life than down at the local pub? 

Dorset cottages

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• The best gastropubs in Dorset
• The best pubs for Sunday lunch and carvery in Dorset
• Pubs with the best beer gardens in Dorset
• Best country pubs in Dorset
• Best dog-friendly pubs in Dorset
• Best family-friendly pubs in Dorset

The best gastropubs in Dorset

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The Acorn Inn 

This gastro pub in a Dorset village is firmly situated at the heart of Thomas Hardy country. With cosy firesides and good potential for some amazing pub food, The Acorn Inn is a fine bet for a satisfying feed. Mingle with the locals at this delightful gastro pub in Dorset and enjoy a pint of Otter Ale in the long flagstone bar. In the dining room, try out some traditional Dorset fare (menus are dominated by locally sourced ingredients). Our recommendation would be the Acorn Inn’s signature homemade burger, followed by sticky toffee pudding. Children have their own menu too, and dogs are also welcome in the main bar! 

Dorchester cottages

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The Bull Hotel

For those of you looking for a touch of class to your pub outing, The Bull Hotel in the heart of coastal Bridport is well-worth your time. Tasteful, modern décor and contemporary artworks adorning the walls make for a brilliant informal dining choice. Enjoy a pint of London Pride or a glass of wine at the bar. The menu is exciting and varied and includes local favourites like Dorset lamb and Portland crab. On sunny days, you can enjoy your lunch or dinner in the pub’s courtyard garden. For more restaurant options here, take a look at our article on places to eat in Bridport.

Bridport cottages

Best pubs for Sunday lunch and carvery in Dorset

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The Chetnole Inn 

For seriously impressive Sunday lunches with some of the best pub food in Dorset, head into The Chetnole Inn, close to Sherborne. It’s a good spot after a climb up the hill to see the local chalk man of Cerne Abbas. This dog-friendly pub has a reputation for good food and a friendly crowd of locals. Low ceilings, flagstone floors, and wood burners keep this cosy in the colder months. Sunday lunch is popular so book ahead. Other delicious features on the menu may include the rabbit and pork rillette, or their impressively tasty steak and ale pie.

Cerne Abbas cottages

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The Grosvenor Arms 

For a classy Sunday carvery or lunch outing, The Grosvenor Arms is the place to head to. Surrounded by woodlands and sweeping hills of the Cranborne Chase AONB, Shaftesbury is an ancient Dorset town with connections to King Canute and King Alfred. For some of us, the pinnacle of any Sunday is an almighty Sunday roast and we would heartily recommend this pub’s considerable contribution to the oeuvre.  

Shaftesbury cottages

Pubs with the best beer gardens in Dorset

Square & Compass 

Summer was designed especially with pubs like the Square & Compass in mind. Set high in the hills above Swanage with views down to the sea, the garden out front is a superb spot to enjoy an icy cold lager. With the sun twinkling off the blue sea, it’s unbeatable. Dogs and kids are welcome and there’s a great relaxed vibe to this place. There’s a small shop where you can buy pasties and other baked goods close by as well as a museum on the premises. It’s a uniquely wonderful pub and one of our favourites on the Isle of Purbeck.

Swanage cottages

The Old Inn

The Old Inn is a fantastic pub with a garden in Dorset that is usable whatever the weather - there's a lovely covered stretch to keep you dry or keep the hot sun off you while you dine, as well as an undercover bar in the garden that opens up when the weather's just right. A mix of chairs and benches can be found out here, they've been known to add bean bags during the summer, and the centrepiece of the entire garden is a wonderful fountain. They have excellent foodie options too, from pork belly to pizza.  

Wimborne cottages

Best country pubs in Dorset

The Countryman

A few miles north of Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door and the Blue Pool sits The Countryman pub. Just off Wareham Road, it is a great place for a stop-off. This family-run pub welcomes wayfarers and is dog-friendly. The Sunday carvery is a good prospect too, so book ahead if your walking route winds past this friendly outpost. 

Wool cottages

The World’s End 

Just off the A31, a few miles south of Blandford Forum, amid the wide-open, rolling countryside of Dorset, you will find the aptly named The World’s End. You do feel like you’ve made a journey to reach this fine hostelry for a beer or a cool wine. With a charming thatched roof and a pub garden, it’s a great choice for a relaxing beer and a slap-up lunch. 

Blandford Forum cottages

The best dog-friendly pubs in Dorset

The Bankes Arms  

At the eastern tip of the Isle of Purbeck is the tiny village of Studland, which is also home to a lovely beach and huge nature reserve. The Bankes Arms attracts walkers and the patrons are particularly nice to dogs, welcoming them in the bar and the large pub garden. Built from Purbeck stone, you can enjoy a pint as you take in the views across Poole Bay. Specialising in local ales, there’s also a kids’ menu if you plan on stopping in with the family too. The pub is also home to the Isle of Purbeck Brewery and they stock five core brews, as well as plying a trade in new concoctions.

Purbeck cottages

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The Scott Arms 

With fantastic views of the ruins of Corfe Castle from its large pub garden, The Scott Arms is a great dog-friendly pub, where you can enjoy a pint and a very impressive menu that is served at lunch and dinner. Dogs are permitted at the bar with you and it’s a good choice of a pub to unwind after a climb all around the castle ruins. Perhaps take a steam train from Corfe Castle station on down to Swanage after lunch.

Wareham cottages

Discover more top pubs that welcome dogs 

We know how important is it to find a selection of places to eat while you're on holiday that welcome both you and your four-pawed pup, so we've done our research and found a variety of wonderfully dog-friendly pubs in Dorset. 

Dog-friendly Dorset pubs

The best family-friendly pubs in Dorset 

The Anchor Inn 

This could be the ultimate family-friendly pub thanks to its fantastic location at the beach. Just feet away from the front door and you are on the sand. The Anchor Inn also has a large kids menu too, welcomes dogs and has a range of dishes concocted from local fare. Fish and shellfish landed at the beach are also a centrepiece to the cavalcade of mouth-watering meals on offer. Beers and ales reflect the eternal summer feel of this cosy winner by the sea.

Seatown cottages

St Peter’s Finger

With a name like St Peter’s Finger, the name alone will make most children laugh, and that’s just the start of the fun that can be had at this child-friendly pub in Dorset. There is a great play area and a large garden. Children are also welcome in the bar and dining areas during the day time. With an informal atmosphere, this country-style pub is one of the best family-friendly pubs for you to discover in Dorset. It is dog-friendly too. 

Poole cottages

Eat out in one of these Dorset pubs 

We hope our guide to some of the best pubs in Dorset has been inspiring. This compilation is merely a toe in the water as there are many more pubs all across Dorset that are dog-friendly, children-friendly, offer free Wi-Fi and those that blur the lines between fine-dining and gastropub. 

If you are planning a trip to Dorset, stay at one of our self-catering holiday cottages; we have properties large and small throughout this gorgeous county - many of which have a country pub within short walking distance. Where will you stay?

Dorset holiday cottages