What’s nicer than going for a lovely drink with your dog in tow? Not a lot. That’s why we’ve come up with a list of some of the finest boozers where your furry best friend will receive a warm welcome. From cosy gastro pubs to homely inns, here’s our pick of a few of the best dog-friendly pubs in Wiltshire.
1. The Wyndham Arms
Source: The Wyndham Arms
Address: 27 Estcourt Road, Salisbury, SP1 3AS
Telephone: 0172 233 1026
Reservations: None taken
Price range: £
Recommended dish: Salt and vinegar crisps
One of the pub’s regulars says The Wyndham Arms is “like Crufts with brilliant beer!” And it’s a fitting description, so it’s no surprise that beer-loving dog owners flock to this watering hole. Dogs are given a warm welcome, a bowl of water and some biccies to keep them happy. Meanwhile, owners can look forward to sampling one or two of real ales—they have four regular and two changing ales on tap. This pub is the definition of a traditional British boozer, so there’s no food served—just a selection of crisps to soak up the beer.
The Wyndham Arms was originally built as a hotel in 1880 and in 1987 a small microbrewery was set up in the cellar but the brewery eventually moved elsewhere in the early nineties. The cosy, unpretentious pub hasn’t changed much over the years and it’s decorated with historical pictures and local maps, plus there’s a big screen TV that you can catch all the sports events on.
2. The Bath Arms
Address: The Bath Arms, Horningsham, Wiltshire BA12 7LY
Telephone: 0198 584 4308
Reservations: Recommended
Price range: ££
Recommended dish: Rare roast beef
With an ivy-covered façade and interiors brimming with character features, this welcoming inn—first established in 1736—is the epitome of an idyllic country pub. Located on the edge of the beautiful Longleat Estate, it’s the perfect pitstop during a day exploring the surrounding countryside with your four-legged friend. Only service dogs are allowed on the grounds of the neighbouring stately home, but there are plenty of other trails nearby—including the dog-friendly National Trust site of Cley Hill, which commands stunning views over Wiltshire from its peak.
Patrons will find a bar well-stocked with local ales and gins, as well as wines and cocktails. The restaurant serves seasonal food, which means the menu changes on a regular basis. During the summer months, there’s a sun-drenched garden with a marquee for you and your dog to enjoy.
3. The Boat House
Address: Boat House, Bradford on Avon Marina, Widbrook, Bradford on Avon Wiltshire, BA15 1UD
Telephone: 0122 530 9318
Reservations: Recommended
Price range: ££
Recommended dish: Pan-seared sea bass
The Boat House, which overlooks Bradford on Avon Marina and the Kennet and Avon Canal beyond, is a gem of a dog-friendly pub. Floor-to-ceiling windows ensure you can enjoy the wonderful views whether you’re sitting inside or out, and your dog can enjoy some tasty free treats while you kick back with a glass of wine or beer and watch life go by on the water. Meanwhile, a menu celebrates local produce. Should you also have children in tow, there’s also a playground for them to enjoy.
4. The Plough Inn
Address: 36 Marlborough Road, Swindon, SN4 0EP
Telephone: 0179 374 0342
Reservations: Optional (recommended at weekends)
Price range: ££
Recommended dish: Today’s fresh fish in BrewDog beer batter with hand-cut chips, homemade mushy peas and tartare sauce
Whether you’re a local or just stopping off at The Plough on The Hill on your journey up the M4, you’ll be glad to hear that the 200-year-old pub is as welcoming to dogs as it is to people. There’s always a steady supply of water for four-legged customers and the staff always have plenty of treats on hand to make them feel special.
The Cask Marque-accredited pub serves a great selection of fine cask-conditioned ales, beers, wines and spirits, and they even have an extensive gin menu. Take in the brilliant views of the Wiltshire Downs from the grassy beer garden when the mercury rises and warm your cockles by the open fire come winter. The pub serves some cracking food and you’ll be able to dine with your dog by your side in the pub area.
5. The Hare & Hounds
Address: 48 Pickwick Road, Corsham, SN13 0HY
Telephone: 0124 947 7662
Reservations: Optional
Price range: ££
Recommended dish: Hunter chicken burger
Your furry best friend will be welcome throughout The Hare & Hounds—the pub which was the inspiration behind the Charles Dickens classic, The Pickwick Papers. The team at the old coaching inn prides itself on providing a homey, relaxing environment where you can enjoy a nice pint or G&T. Your dog, meanwhile, will be offered a bowl of water and showered with affection and treats. The only stipulation they make is that they don’t venture onto the beer garden’s grass.
They serve local and guest beers and ciders, nice wine, cocktails and flavoursome, home-cooked food which you can enjoy in the bar with your little mate by your side. They also cater for allergies and gluten-free diets and ask that you phone ahead if you’d like their chefs to come up with a few options for you.
6. Crown and Anchor Inn
Address: Ham, Marlborough SN8 3RB
Telephone: 0148 850 3040
Reservations: Recommended
Price range: ££
Recommended dish: Dry aged rib eye steak
Sitting at the foot of the North Wessex Downs area of outstanding natural beauty, this popular and historic pub, which dates back to 1840, is a perfect place to relax with your dog after a long walk through the surrounding countryside. With a cosy interior, features like oak panelling and shelves adorned with antiques, you and your furry pal will feel right at home. Beers on offer include the pub’s very own local Ham 1840 Bitter made by the nearby Penton Park Brewery, alongside a range of other real ales and a selection of artisan lagers and scrumptious ciders. Meanwhile, seasonal ingredients, which are also locally sourced wherever possible, make up the pub’s impressive menu.
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If you’re worried that some pubs might be too busy in the evening for the little fella and think he might prefer to be tucked up in bed you can find great local pet sitters who provide dog boarding in Swindon, Salisbury and across Wiltshire on Rover.com.
Featured image: The Bath Arms via Instagram
