The South West is filled to the brim with walks across rivers and coastlines, as well as charming villages for you to explore. But, after all that walking, there’s nothing better than chilling with a pint and a meal at a nearby pub. Whenever you head out for a walk or plan a day trip, it’s important to check around because not all pubs in the UK allow dogs.
Dog-Friendly Pubs Our Testers Visited in the South West
Our testers have rounded up some fantastic dog-friendly pubs in Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, and beyond who will be more than happy to cater to your every need as well as your dog’s. The regional winner is announced at the end of the roundup.
The Rising Sun, Pensford
Address: Church Street, Pensford, Bristol, BS39 4AQ
Telephone: 01761 490 006
Nearest train station: Keynsham
Nearest bus stop: Pensford Bridge
Reservations needed: Recommended, especially on weekends
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both available
Live music: Occasionally
Price range: £20-£25
Good for: Gluten-free and vegetarian options available
Recommended dish for humans: Pie of the day with roast new potatoes and braised red cabbage.
Hours of operation:
- Sunday to Thursday: 12pm-11pm
- Friday and Saturday: 12pm-12am
Located at the foot of the impressive Pensford Viaduct on the River Chew, The Rising Sun is the perfect spot for a tasty pub lunch. Dogs are welcome to relax in the large pub garden, where water bowls are available. For pet parents, there’s a wide range of food available, including Sunday roasts and locally caught fish. You can also choose from a selection of local cask ales and ciders.
The Crystal Palace, Bath
Address: 10-11 Abbey Green, Bath, Somerset, BA1 1NW
Telephone: 01225 482 666
Nearest train station: Bath Spa
Nearest bus stop: Grand Parade
Reservations needed: Yes, especially recommended on weekends
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both available
Live music: Occasionally
Price range: £20-£25
Good for: Vegetarian and vegan options
Recommended dish for humans: Beer-battered haddock & chips served with peas, tartare sauce, and lemon.
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Saturday: 10am-11pm
- Sunday: 12pm-10.30pm
Located near the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey, The Crystal Palace is the perfect spot for you and your dog to take a breather after exploring everything that Bath has to offer. Whether you’ve been admiring the city’s stunning Georgian architecture or walking along the River Avon, The Crystal Palace offers a range of refreshments in a stylish setting. Water bowls are available, so your dog can have a cooling drink too.
The Saracens Head Inn, Ross-on-Wye
Address: Symonds Yat East, Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, HR9 6JL
Telephone: 01600 890 435
Nearest train station: Hereford or Gloucester
Nearest bus stop: High Street
Reservations needed: Yes, especially during busy periods
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both indoor and outdoor seating available
Live music: Occasionally
Price range: £25-£35
Good for: Vegetarian and gluten-free options
Recommended dish for humans: Gammon steak with chips, fried eggs, and garden peas.
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Sunday: 10.30am-10.30pm
If you’re exploring the countryside of the Wye Valley, The Saracens Head Inn is the perfect place to stop. Dogs are allowed in the bar and outside areas. If you’re planning to eat, it’s best to book ahead, especially during busy times. Enjoy the stunning views of the River Wye, and sample a range of award-winning food, real ales, and ciders.
The Avon Causeway, Christchurch
Address: Hurn, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 6AS
Telephone: 01202 482 714
Nearest train station: Christchurch
Nearest bus stop: Avon Causeway
Reservations needed: Yes, recommended, especially on weekends
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both available
Live music: Occasionally
Price range: £25-£35
Good for: Gluten-free and vegetarian options
Recommended dish for humans: 8-ounce, 28-day dry-aged steak served with garlic butter, thick-cut chips, roasted mushroom, and watercress
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Friday: 7.30am-11pm
- Saturday: 8am-11pm
- Sunday: 8am-10pm
Housed in a former railway station, The Avon Causeway is packed full of charm and unique features. It’s also perfectly located for you and your dog to explore the New Forest and Dorset coast. The bar is dog-friendly, and if you’re keen on staying in the area for longer, The Avon Causeway also has a selection of dog-friendly rooms, subject to availability. Comfy dog beds are included, so your pup is guaranteed a good night’s sleep!
The Riverside Inn, Cheddar
Address: Cliff Street, Cheddar, Somerset, BS27 3PX
Telephone: 01934 310 730
Nearest train station: Weston-super-Mare
Nearest bus stop: Tweentown
Reservations needed: Recommended, especially on weekends
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both available
Live music: Occasionally
Price range: £20-£25
Good for: Gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options
Recommended dish for humans: Steak and ale pie served with seasonal vegetables, gravy, and your choice of mash or chips
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Sunday: 10am-11pm
No trip to Somerset is complete without seeing the iconic Cheddar Gorge. This area is perfect for long walks with your dog. When you’re both ready for a rest, The Riverside Inn has a stunning riverside garden for you to relax in. Water bowls are available for thirsty dogs and the extensive human menu includes pub classics alongside plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
The Prince of Wales, Ham Hill
Address: Ham Hill, Stoke Sub Hamdon, Somerset, TA14 6RW
Telephone: 01935 822 848
Nearest train station: Yeovil Pen Mill Station
Nearest bus stop: Ham Hill
Reservations needed: Recommended, especially during busy times
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both available
Live music: Occasionally
Price range: £15-£20
Good for: Vegetarian and vegan options
Recommended dish for humans: Venison burger
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Sunday: 8.30am-11pm
The Prince of Wales is in the perfect location for you and your dog to stop in after exploring Ham Hill Country Park, which is full of beautiful dog walking trails. The pub is proudly dog-friendly, with a water trough outside for thirsty dogs, plus a hose for muddy paws and wellies. Inside, you’ll find a doggy snack dispenser filled with tasty treats from Honey’s Choice.
The Floating Bridge, Dartmouth
Address: Coombe Road, Dartmouth, Devon, TQ6 9PQ
Telephone: 01803 832 354
Nearest train station: Totnes
Nearest bus stop: Dartmouth Embankment
Reservations needed: Yes, recommended, especially on weekends
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both available
Live music: Occasionally
Price range: £20-£25
Good for: Gluten-free and vegetarian options
Recommended dish for humans: Fish and chips
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Saturday: 11am-9pm
- Sunday: 11am-8.30pm
Devon is a dog-lover’s dream, whether you’re planning on exploring the rugged coastline or wandering through the picturesque towns and villages of this region. After a day of exploring, settle down and enjoy stunning views of the River Dart from The Floating Bridge. Dogs are welcomed with water bowls and pet parents can treat themselves to some of the best fish and chips in Dartmouth, made with locally caught fish, freshly made batter, and real cask ale.
The Working Boat Pub, Falmouth
Address: Greenbank Quay, Harbourside, Falmouth, TR11 2SR
Telephone: 01326 314 283
Nearest train station: Falmouth Town
Nearest bus stop: Falmouth Quay
Reservations needed: Recommended, especially during busy times
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both available
Live music: Occasionally
Price range: ~£20. On Wednesdays, a burger and house pint are £16 and on Fridays, fish and chips are £14 per person
Good for: Vegetarian and vegan options
Recommended dish for humans: Boat burger (fried chicken or prime beef) and chips.
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Sunday: 10am-11pm
The Working Boat Pub sits on the waterside in Falmouth, making it the perfect place to take in the views of this stunning coastline. Dogs are welcome inside and outside the pub, plus you’ll find water bowls and a jar of dog biscuits at the ready. Falmouth itself is also dog-friendly, and depending on the time of year, you’ll be able to explore stunning beaches like Swanpool and Gyllyngvase.
Highbury Vaults, Bristol
Address: 164 St Michael’s Hill, Bristol, BS2 8DE
Telephone: 01179 733 203
Nearest train station: Clifton Down
Nearest bus stop: Cotham Hill
Reservations needed: No, usually not necessary
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both available
Live music: Occasionally
Price range: ~£15
Good for: Vegetarian and vegan options
Recommended dish for humans: Traditional steak pasty (bar snacks and pasties are available, but not full meals)
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Saturday: 11am-11pm
- Sunday: 12pm-10pm
Located near Bristol University, Highbury Vaults has a stunning hidden walled garden that’s perfect for relaxing with your dog after exploring the city. The pub also features in the CAMRA Heritage Guide and offers a wide range of real ales. Once you and your dog are ready for another adventure, ask for details of the pub’s guided tour, taking in Bristol’s iconic graffiti or Clifton Suspension Bridge.
The Best Dog-Friendly Pub in the South West: The Hope & Anchor, Clifton, Bristol
Address: 38 Jacobs Wells Road, Bristol, BS8 1DR
Telephone: 0177 929 2987
Nearest train station: Clifton Down
Nearest bus stop: Blackboy Hill
Reservations needed: Recommended
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both indoor and outdoor seating available
Live music: Occasionally
Price range: ~£20
Good for: Vegetarian and vegan options
Recommended dish for humans: Ploughman’s.
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Thursday: 3pm-10pm
- Friday and Saturday: 10am-10pm
- Sunday: 12pm-10pm
If you’re exploring the vibrant area of Clifton in Bristol, or going for a walk on Brandon Hill, The Hope & Anchor is the perfect spot to rest with your dog. You’ll likely be greeted by the pub’s two dogs, Paddy and Polly, who can be found lounging in the bar or snoozing in the beer garden. This traditional pub has a modern twist, featuring both pub classics and a Mexican-inspired menu. The warm and welcoming staff make dogs feel right at home, offering treats and water and engaging with stories about other canine visitors.
This pub allows dogs in all indoor areas, including cosy booths with plenty of space for pets to relax. Dogs are free to explore, and the pub provides vet information for added peace of mind.
Not sure what to do if your dog isn’t pub-friendly?
Some dogs love meeting new people and exploring different places. Others might be anxious, reactive, or simply prefer staying at home. So, you might be worried about how they’ll cope if you head out to explore with them. Fortunately, Rover dog sitters are available up and down the country, allowing you to relax knowing that your pup is in good hands while you’re away.
