The best dog-friendly pubs in Dorset

Food and Drink, Pet friendly

Posted by Ed Roberts on 22nd July 2022

Dog-friendly pubs in Dorset

If you are hoping to enjoy a dog-friendly holiday in Dorset, then you will be pleased to know that you will never run short of town and country pubs to visit. 

All across the UK, more and more pubs have begun to welcome dogs inside, and Dorset is no different. From the alluring coastal joys of Lyme Regis and the Isle of Purbeck to the rolling hills and unforgettable natural settings of its inland swathes, we think Dorset provides a varied and very pretty backdrop for your next dog-friendly staycation. 

We have compiled a handy guide to a selection of our favourite dog-friendly pubs in Dorset. Some are close to national trails and walks, whilst others are within a short bound of a wonderful beach. No matter where you want to discover in Dorset, why not pick your ideal base from our collection of self-catering holiday cottages?

Dog-friendly cottages in Dorset


The Ship Inn, Weymouth

The Ship Inn, Weymouth

This old pub with picturesque views of Weymouth Harbour has been operated by the same family since the mid-1800s, although many changes have occurred since it was opened. Nowadays, The Ship Inn is a welcoming, modern prospect for lunch, dinner or a simple drink. Dogs are allowed in both the downstairs bar and dining area of this waterfront pub, and they can tuck into some treats for a small charity donation too. 

Highlights:

  • Classic menu
  • Doggy treats
  • Fantastic central location

Dog-friendly cottages in Weymouth


Dog-friendly pub in Charmouth

The George, Charmouth

If you’re looking for dog-friendly pubs in Charmouth, The George has to be up there at the top of the list. Not only are pups welcomed like a member of the family, but they also have their own, dedicated section of the menu featuring doggy ice cream! Sit inside or out, enjoying the huge beer garden with a children’s play area while your four-legged friend munches on complimentary dog biscuits! The perfect dog-friendly pub on the Jurassic Coast.

Highlights:

  • Warm welcome
  • Dog beer menu
  • Large beer garden

Dog-friendly cottages in Charmouth


Dog-friendly pub in MudefordImages courtesy of The Nelson Tavern

The Nelson Tavern, Mudeford

This dog-friendly pub in Mudeford serves up delicious food and provides a welcoming environment for both man and beast! Tuck into one of The Nelson’s hearty roasts, or other delicious meals from the menu, and wash it down with a real ale, wine, or soft drink. The large garden with beach-hut booths is an inviting spot for refreshment on a sunny day.

Highlights:

  • Pretty beer garden
  • The roast dinner
  • Quiz nights

Best dog-friendly pub in Studland

The Bankes Arms, Studland

At The Bankes Arms Inn in Studland, dogs are welcome anywhere in the pub, making it a lovely choice for a lunch stop or evening meal while walking the coast path with your pup. Dubbing itself ‘the country inn by the sea’, it enjoys views across National Trust-owned Studland Bay towards Poole, Bournemouth and the Isle of Wight. Could this be the best dog-friendly pub in Studland?

Highlights:

  • Ever-changing menu of seasonally sourced food
  • Extensive gardens for seaside al fresco dining
  • Dogs can sit with you anywhere

Dog-friendly cottages in Studland Bay


Dog-friendly pub in PooleImages courtesy of The Rope and Anchor

Rope and Anchor, Poole

There are lots of dog-friendly pubs to choose from in Poole, so it was hard to pick just one to showcase here. But when it comes to the people’s choice, one name kept coming up time and time again. The Rope and Anchor is a charming little pub, where there’s something always going on. Renowned for its Sunday roast, it has a homely atmosphere, a good range of beers and a lovely beer garden.

Highlights:

  • Delicious Sunday roast with six meats to choose from
  • Good range of tasty cask ales
  • Live music some evenings

Best dog-friendly pub in Lulworth Cove

Lulworth Cove Inn, Lulworth

A beautiful setting and a welcoming, homely interior make Lulworth Cove Inn a lovely choice for a pub lunch or sunset drinks. There’s plenty of outdoor seating, but don’t worry if the weather takes a turn for the worse, your canine companion can join you inside this dog-friendly pub in Lulworth. The pub serves traditional favourites, sandwiches and Sunday roasts – a delicious meal for you, and tasty titbits for Rover, no doubt!

Highlights:

  • Wood burners create a cosy atmosphere for winter evenings
  • Download a ‘pub walk’ with a stop off here en route
  • Just a short walk from Lulworth Cove Beach and Durdle Door

Dog-friendly cottages in Lulworth


Best dog-friendly pub in WarehamImage courtesy of The Halfway Inn

The Halfway Inn, Wareham

Another place in Dorset with plenty of dog-friendly pubs is Wareham. If you’re looking for a good, old-fashioned country pub in a picturesque location, The Halfway Inn is a great choice, set in the countryside just outside of town. With crackling fires for your dog to snooze alongside, homely original features and Dorset ale on tap, both pup and owner are sure to enjoy a relaxing time here.

Highlights:

  • Dogs are welcome throughout the pub
  • Thatched roof and original features
  • Garden room and large beer garden with children’s play area

Dog-friendly pub in Lyme RegisImages courtesy of @dorsetfoodiefeed and @mckstvns_2

The Royal Standard, Lyme Regis

Overlooking Lyme Regis Beach in West Dorset, The Royal Standard’s cosy interior makes it a great destination for a pint with your four-legged friend after wandering the nearby countryside trails. Dogs are allowed inside the bar on a lead or in the large beer garden which has beach access. Treat your beloved hound to a dog biscuit from behind the bar when you arrive!

If after enjoying a drink, you decide you fancy something to eat, then check out our Lyme Regis restaurant guide that features some of the best places to eat in town, most of which will welcome your pooch. 

Highlights:

  • Access to a dog-friendly beach
  • Lovely Lyme Regis views
  • Relaxing pub garden

Dog-friendly cottages in Lyme Regis


Best dog-friendly pub in DorchesterImages courtesy of @the.brew.box

Brewers Arms, Dorchester

Discover this idyllic pub on the banks of the South Winterbourne River in Martinstown near Dorchester. Indulge in an ice-cold drink after a sunny waterside walk with your mutt; the bar staff welcome dogs in with a tasty biscuit. On colder days, there is a lovely fire to unwind in front of at the Brewers Arms. This is a good ale pub, stocking lots of beers from local breweries. 

Highlights:

  • Great local food and ales
  • Fireplace for cooler days
  • Nice riverside location

Dog-friendly cottages in Dorchester


Best dog-friendly pub in CranborneImages courtesy of @arthurmallett and @kp_harrow

The Fleur de Lys Inn at Cranborne

The Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is one of the most exceptionally lovely parts of inland Dorset, which makes this 16th-century gastropub the place to be. The Fleur de Lys Inn at Cranborne welcomes dogs inside the bar and the staff may well spoil them with some crunchy treats; the menu for humans isn’t too shabby either.

Highlights: 

  • A great stop-off after walkies around the woodland near the River Chase
  • A delightful local, seasonal menu
  • Doggy treats at the bar 

Best dog-friendly pub in SwanageImages courtesy of @black_swan_swanage

The Black Swan Inn, Swanage

Handsome, remote Swanage is a superb choice for a dog-friendly holiday. There are walks galore all along the Purbeck Heritage Coast and peninsula. The Black Swan Inn is a cosy olde-worlde pub located on the High Street, so it’s easy to find. There is a great suntrap garden for the summer and wood burners inside for when the sun does not have its hat on.

Highlights: 

  • Fantastic, varied menu full of pub favourites
  • Close to the beach
  • Wood burners inside and great pub garden for warm weather 

Dog-friendly cottages in Swanage


Best dog-friendly pub in Corfe Castle

The Greyhound, Corfe Castle

Dogs should love this aptly named family-friendly pub; it even has its own themed ‘K9 menu’, how awesome is that? Corfe Castle is a great village for a day of exploration making The Greyhound a great bet for a slap-up lunch or dinner after touring the castle and local walks.

Highlights:

  • Great location close to the castle ruins
  • Large pub garden and terrace for outdoor dining
  • Dog-themed menu

Dog-friendly cottages in Corfe Castle


Best dog-friendly pub in Bournemouth

The Goat and Tricycle,  Bournemouth

One of the most dog-friendly pubs in Dorset, this popular central hostelry in The Triangle offers diners a great choice of meals. Your four-legged friends can relax at your feet while you tuck into burgers, salads, pies, and much more. Head on down to Bournemouth's beach or the city gardens after your dog-friendly outing to The Goat and Tricycle.

Highlights:

  • Good location close to Central Gardens and the beach
  • Fabulous, inventive menu
  • Dog-friendly atmosphere and lovely staff

Dog-friendly cottages in Bournemouth


Best dog-friendly pub in Bridport

The Bull, Bridport

A boutique hotel with a dog-friendly bar, this is one of the more hip eating spots in Bridport, and it’s a forward-looking enterprise that offers an exciting menu full of amazing lunches and enticing evening meals. The bar at The Bull is always stocked with impressive spirits and wines, as well as catering for those who love an ale. Needless to say, dogs are most welcome in the bar area.

Highlights: 

  • Chic modern surroundings
  • Interesting bar menu and drinks list
  • Central location in lovely coastal Bridport

Dog-friendly cottages in Bridport


Map of dog-friendly Dorset pubs

Find these wonderful Dorset dog-friendly pubs with our useful map.

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Stay at a dog-friendly holiday cottage in Dorset

The best way to discover these fantastic dog-friendly pubs is by staying at one of our self-catering holiday cottages. Our dog-friendly Dorset holiday properties are located the length and breadth of the county, from the fringes of the New Forest to the borders of Wiltshire and Devon. Browse our collection to find your ideal dog-friendly property today.

Dog-friendly cottages in Dorset

Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing, please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.