Paw-some dog-friendly places to stay in Somerset
Soak up a bit of the magic emanating from Glastonbury, wander through leafy valleys, puff up to Dunkery Beacon (1,705 feet) for stunning panoramic views, wind down country lanes and splash in rivers and streams. The entire county is a doggy heaven and we’ve handpicked a selection of special places to stay that go above and beyond to welcome your furry friend to Somerset; perhaps offering sausages at breakfast, rambles from the door, safe gardens, and plenty of fuss and affection from friendly owners.
Courtyard Cottage, Broadway
Up to 2 dogs welcome; £25 per stay.
This is quintessential Somerset, in the form of a thatch-roofed, honey-coloured Hamstone cottage with a pretty courtyard garden in charming Broadway. A super base surrounded by fields, with two good pubs and walks from the door. The walking is gentle but the scenery is gorgeous through woods and down country lanes and footpaths.
The market town of Ilminster is two miles down the road for independent shops and cafés. Pick up scrummy local goodies and rustle up meals on the smart electric Aga in your warm and inviting cottage. The private courtyard garden is safe for dogs and there’s a second cottage next door if you have extra guests. The owners are around if you need any help or advice.
“The cottage is beautifully decorated with fresh flowers throughout and the enclosed courtyard is ideal if you are bringing a pet.” – Guest, Laura
Lubborn House, Glastonbury
Pets welcome; £50 per stay.
Come for a charming house, extensive gardens surrounded by glorious countryside and plenty of space for groups and pets. This much-loved family home is full of country charm and has everything you need for big gatherings. There are fireside nooks for readers, a big table in the Aga-warmed kitchen, a piano in the hall, a studio for table tennis or yoga and even a gym.
In the roomy country kitchen you can chop and chat to your heart’s content, tuck into your welcome loaf of sourdough bread, and melt into cosy leather armchairs for a post-prandial tipple. The elegant dining room seats 14 comfortably – ask about hiring a chef for a celebration. Bedrooms are spacious with views over the fenced gardens where children and dogs will love to romp. Find lovely walks in every direction.
“A stunning countryside escape surrounded by greenery, woodlands and fields. Amanda and Jeremy are wonderful and warm hosts, welcoming all their guests with open arms.” – Inspector, Marta
The Litton, Near Wells
Dogs £25 per stay. Max. 3.
By a bubbling brook in the Mendips, close to Bath and Bristol, this wonderfully revived and welcoming village inn comes with smart rooms and scrumptious food. Dogs will adore walks beside the river Chew, around the rolling Mendips and Litton Lakes, and the treats waiting at the bar. Owner Sally and her team work hard and happily to make you feel at home.
Tuck yourself into a corner or grab a Moroccan blanket and an armful of cushions and head for the riverside terrace where there’s a bar, barbecue, fire pits and upcycled beer barrels to perch on. The whisky bar is a temptation all of its own, as are the splendid Sunday roasts. Bedrooms, some upstairs, some in the adjoining mill, are individually and stylishly decorated.
“A very enjoyable stay. Food was very good (my duck was cooked perfectly) and the staff were friendly and efficient.” – Guest Amy
The Cotley Inn, Chard
£15 per dog, per stay. The 2 larger rooms are dog-friendly.
This gorgeously rural pub with rooms is nestled in a leafy Somerset valley. It’s a treat to stay somewhere with such a good food ethos, and its position on the Cotley Estate means beef and lamb are sourced directly from the estate. They raise chickens and pigs, and nurture a bountiful kitchen garden, while award-winning head chef, Dan, follows a ‘nose-to-tail’ cooking principle.
Two of the four stable bedrooms are dog-friendly and your dog is welcomed with treats, bowls, a doggy wash station, and amazing walks all around — pick up the ‘Wambrook Wanderings’ guide for suggested walks from the door. Breakfast, on your terrace or in the pub, is a generous continental spread. Dinner is a must.
“Winding down country lanes into rural Somerset, you feel as though you’ve stumbled upon a real gem. Walks, views… bring your dog and settle in.” – Inspector Patrick
The Queen’s Arms, Sherborne
£10 per dog, per stay for carpeted rooms (small cleaning fee), free for rooms with wooden flooring. Dogs are welcome in rooms 6, 7 and 8, and also the self-contained cottage.
This friendly family-run inn near Sherborne is ideal for foodies and dog-walkers who love their comforts. Off the beaten track, in a tiny Somerset village, this mellow stone building is an old cider pub, now a whole lot smarter, tastefully updated, and yet emitting country warmth and character.
Locals flock for the log fire in the bar, the idyllic summer terrace, and the gorgeous food – Cornish monkfish, homemade pork scratchings, local cheeses with membrillo. Whether you drop by for a laid-back lunch, a candlelit dinner or a restorative pint of Lawrence’s cider, it’s a very pleasing place. Stay in the coach house where ‘Dogs and muddy boots are welcome!’ — dogs are welcome to dine in the pub.
“If you want a taste of relaxed luxury in a cosy country pub with the comfort of a hotel, this is the place to go. Plus it’s a foodie’s dream and dogs are welcome.” – Inspector Gwen
Chapel Studio, Downhead
£30 per dog, per stay.
Spaciousness and peace for couples and a dog at this charming old chapel built in 1863. There’s gravel at the front, seating space to the side – almost a walled garden feel; with just a couple of neighbours, you’re nicely private. Walk into a lofty, airy living space with stripped floors and contemporary pieces, arched chapel windows, and black and white portraits on pristine white walls.
Close by is Frome – a small market town with specialist shops and galleries, and on the first Sunday of each month a popular food and flea market takes over Catherine Hill and the centre. Pick up treats to cook in your sleek kitchen. Sleep upstairs on the airy mezzanine.
“Chapel Studio is a charming and comfortable place to stay in the hamlet of Downhead. We were left plenty of information on the local attractions, pubs and restaurants.” – Guest, Lesley
Exmoor Forest Inn, Minehead
Well behaved dogs are welcome in most guest rooms for a small charge.
Enjoy a local ale or cider near the highest point on Exmoor after superb rural yomps with the dog. You’re in a valley beside a babbling brook in an old fishing lodge that’s been transformed from a crumbling inn into a warm, light and welcoming space. Puff up to Dunkery Beacon (1,705 feet) for stunning panoramic views.
Return to a friendly bar where walkers rub shoulders with locals and dogs are part of the picture. Funky art adorns the walls, there’s a lounge for sitting by the fire and a dining room for some good home-cooked food. Head chef Ben uses the freshest organic meat from the owner’s farm, which produces beef, lamb and venison. Breakfast is a hearty affair. In summer, you’ll spill out to the suntrap garden.
“Recharge your batteries with great views, big skies, amazing food and poor phone signal. It’s lovely…and I’ll be going back with my bike or walking boots.” – Inspector Gwen
Lord Poulett Arms, Hinton Saint George
Well behaved dogs are welcome for a little extra fee to cover housekeeping costs.
This 17th-century thatched inn gives you a warm welcome, rooms (some dog-friendly) come with views of the village and much attention to detail: bathrobes, snazzy bath stuff, fresh milk in a china jug, little bags of shortbread. Choose a table by the fireplace in the downstairs pub or in the Provençal courtyard and tuck into a full Somerset breakfast – pastries, fruit compote and yoghurt; eggs with pork and marmalade sausages or scrambled eggs and smoked salmon; porridge with brown sugar and cream.
The food is fresh, seasonal and local while the atmosphere is easy going but refined, with proper silverware and linens. Walks leave from the door and dogs are provided with water, bones and plenty of affection.
“We had a lovely stay. The staff were all very welcoming – it was almost like being hosted by friends. The food in the restaurant was incredible and our room was elegant.” – Guest Samantha
Explore all our dog-friendly places to stay in Somerset >
Written by
Carmen McCormack
Carmen is a freelance writer specialising in travel. She once lived in a bus in north Wales, skipped off to study in Barcelona, and now calls Bristol home. When she’s not tapping away on her laptop, she can be found reading (a lot), lake swimming (a little), and pottering on the allotment with husband and two kiddos. She’s currently dreaming about cold cerveza and torta in Mexico.
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