Our favourite dog-friendly pubs in Dorset
At the beginning or end of every good dog-walk there should be delicious food and drink – for those on two legs and four. And that’s exactly what you’ll get at any of these charming Dorset pubs and inns hidden in gently rolling countryside or standing proud in a vibrant town. Smiley staff, good food, dog treats and real ale at the bar; tips for the best walks nearby and a tap to wash muddy paws on your return. Strike out along the majestic Jurassic coast, beach comb for fossils, run wild on the beach. Or turn inland to discover Iron Age hill forts, take a stroll through Thomas Hardy countryside, then finish up at one of these dog-friendly pubs for a well-deserved meal.
The Acorn Inn
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 nurse pints of Otter Ale in the long flagstoned bar and guests sample food made entirely from ingredients sourced within 25 miles. In the dining room, the atmosphere changes to rural country house and good gastropub fare is taken seriously, be it a homemade burger, or open lasagne of confit rabbit followed by twice-cooked pork belly then a warm sticky toffee pudding. After lunch, take off down footpaths weaving through 900-acres of parkland or be on the coast path in 20 minutes. Dogs are welcomed with treats at the bar; and you can stay the night in stylishly traditional rooms.
Guest Elizabeth: The staff are so welcoming and made us feel very special. The meals in the comfortable dining room were delicious and the lounge was a welcome refuge.
The Grosvenor Arms
A nicely priced inn on Shaftesbury’s high street with a warm contemporary style and some excellent bistro food. The conservatory opens onto a pretty courtyard and the sitting-room bar doubles as a café and acts as the hub of the inn. The place is open all day and buzzes with local life, so sink into a sofa, grab the daily papers and while away the afternoon. Dogs are welcome in both the bar and conservatory, where a full restaurant menu is served – try wood-fired pizzas and local steaks. Fine local walking waits: go in search of sweeping vistas, ancient woodlands, the odd prehistoric hill fort. Return to stay the night – every room is dog-friendly.
Owners Rob & Camille: The famous Gold Hill is 100m away with stunning views across Blackmore Vale. Wander around the museum at the old Saxon hill top fort, the Abbey from King Alfred’s day, and the farmers market.
Fleur de Lys, Cranborne
A seventeenth-century inn nestled in the charming village of Cranborne and run by a welcoming husband and wife team, Matt and Emily. Menus are packed with locally sourced produce as well as homegrown veg from the inn’s gardens. Try tasty Poole seafood dishes or perfectly cooked steaks sourced from the local village butcher. People travel especially for their Sunday roasts. You eat at scrubbed wooden tables in a stylishly relaxed dining room with your dog snug under the table. You’re in an AONB on the edge of the New Forest with the Jurassic Coast and Stonehenge both a 30-minute drive away. Ask at the bar for maps and dog-walk suggestions, return for dog snacks at the bar and a hearty lunch for you.
Guest Gareth: Lovely country pub atmosphere. Food amazing, as it always is. I would highly recommend a visit.
The Queen’s Arms
Dogs and muddy boots encouraged! This friendly, family-run inn is ideal for foodies and dog-walkers who love their comforts. Nab a seat by the fire in the bar and tuck into a robust menu of both elegant modern and pub classics with a twist. They don’t clock up too many food miles here: eggs, veggies and most of the rest are local; some from their smallholding. And if Fowey mussels with champagne sauce and aged sirloin of beef don’t do it for you, tuck into a hazelnut and mushroom roast instead. Find dog biscuits on the bar, dog-friendly walk suggestions and a hose outside for washing off muddy paws before you sit down to eat. It’s peaceful and remote-feeling here, but Sherborne is just three miles away.
Owner Doune: The Macmillan and Monarch’s way are close by and can offer long distance walks or a shorter afternoon stroll like the route to and from the Queens Arms to Cadbury Castle, the home of King Arthur.
The Rock Point Inn
An attractive inn standing proud on the harbour in lovely Lyme Regis with watery views you won’t be able to tear yourself away from. Open every day for lunch and dinner, you can pitch up at the cosy-chic restaurant or prop up the bar for a pint of award-winning beer. Dogs are welcome to join you anywhere indoors or outside on the suntrap terrace. Tuck into nibbles and light bites or pub classics: fish and chips, steak, burgers, local mussels, then finish off with a comforting pudding. Walk it all off on a fossil hunting expedition on Charmouth beach or a stroll along the dramatic Jurassic Coast.
Guest Abi: Lovely pub, great location, brilliant friendly service, all staff were very chatty and accommodating. A fab meal, I would highly recommend it.
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.
