The South West is a haven of coastline, rivers, and charming villages. All in a day’s walk for your dog, of course, but you’ll have so much to explore that chilling out with a pint and a meal will be welcome afterwards. However, not everywhere welcomes dogs, so be sure to check before you turn up. Which pub in the South West is friendliest to dogs?
Dog-Friendly Pubs Our Reviewer Visited in the South West
Our Public House Office (PHO) rounded up some fantastic dog-friendly pubs in Somerset, Dorset, Bristol, and Wiltshire 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 Stocks, Furzehill
Address: The Stocks Inn, Furzehill, Wimborne Minster, Dorset, BH21 4HT
Telephone: 01202 882481
Nearest train station: Yeovil Pen Mill
Nearest bus stop: New Inn
Reservations needed: Yes, especially recommended on weekends
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both available
Price range (meal and a pint): £20-£25
Dietary requirements? Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Saturday: 11am-10pm
- Sunday: 12pm-5pm
Patient staff who know a Husky from a Pomsky can go a long way in providing dog hospitality, and the good folks at the Stocks Inn knew to find a quiet, outdoor spot for our PHO’s lively, post-travel dog without kicking up a fuss. Water bowls are everywhere in their sizeable and secure garden, as the Stocks’ staff wasted no time in dishing out a proper country pub welcome.
The nearby Holt Heath provides a golden little spot for a two-hour stroll with your dog by your side. Plus, this pub has Cranborne Chase and the West Wiltshire Downs practically on its doorstep.
Rope & Anchor, Poole
Address: 4 Sarum Street, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1JW
Telephone: 01202 120989
Nearest train station: Poole
Nearest bus stop: N/A
Reservations needed: Recommended during busy periods, but walk-ins are possible
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both indoor and outdoor seating available
Price range (meal and a pint): £25-£30
Dietary requirements? Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Saturday: 12pm-10pm
- Sunday: 12pm-8pm
This wonderful waterside venue went above and beyond in making sure their treat drawer was topped up right after giving our Public House Officer’s dog some much-needed H2O (and bowls are available all over the pub). Even on busy days, the staff are proactive in finding a quiet spot for dogs and their pet parents to relax.
The Rope & Anchor is also beautifully decorated and the atmosphere very laid-back, which is perfect for knocking back a meal or pint with your best friend at your feet.
The Cow, Parkstone
Address: 58 Station Road, Poole, Dorset, BH14 8UD
Telephone: 01202 482714
Nearest train station: Parkstone
Nearest bus stop: N/A
Reservations needed: Walk-ins welcome but you can book
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both available
Price range (meal and a pint): £15-£20
Good for: Vegetarian and vegan options
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Saturday: 12pm-11pm
- Sunday: 12pm-10pm
Incredibly friendly staff run The Cow. This superb commuter pub is right next to the station, so as soon as you roll into Poole, you know that you and your dog have somewhere to chill. Alongside water and treats, The Cow offers up a delicious doggy menu (even though the staff unfortunately couldn’t find it when our PHO visited).
It’s probably better to stick to quieter times when visiting The Cow, especially with a large dog. But it’s still a great location that makes a real effort with our furrier halves.
Poachers Pocket, Shepton Mallet
Address: Chelynch Road, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA4 4PY
Telephone: 01749 588028
Nearest train station: Frome
Nearest bus stop: Abbey Barn Inn
Reservations needed: Booking recommended for meals, as the restaurant can get busy quickly
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both available
Price range (meal and a pint): £25-£30
Dietary requirements? Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options
Hours of operation:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Thursday: 12pm-11pm
- Sunday: 12pm-10pm
A gem in the beautiful village of Shepton Mallet, Poachers Pocket was built from stone right from the local quarry, and its rural spirit shows in how the staff welcome dogs. While the adults can busy themselves with board games and a calming atmosphere, the dogs get water, snacks, dog toys, and affection from the staff.
These are proudly on display rather than an under-the-table request — a sure sign of a dog-friendly establishment. (There’s also a massive sign telling you they’re dog-friendly as you enter, which may be an even surer sign.) Walk off that dinner afterwards with a trot about Shepton Mallet, a gorgeous village setting.
Ring O Bells, Hinton Blewett, Bristol
Address: Ring O Bells, Hinton Blewett, Bristol, BS39 5AN
Telephone: 01761 451245
Nearest train station: None
Nearest bus stop: None
Reservations needed: Booking recommended as it can get busy
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both available
Price range (meal and a pint): £20-£25
Good for: Vegetarian and gluten-free options
Hours of operation:
- Wednesday-Thursday: 12pm-3pm, 5:30pm-10:30pm
- Friday: 12pm-3pm, 4pm-10:30pm
- Saturday: 12pm-11:30pm
- Sunday: 12pm-8pm
A family-owned pub with real heart, The Ring O Bells Hinton Blewett boasts proudly of its “100% dog-friendly” status in all parts of the pub and gardens. They even have a fully stocked dog bar that’s perfect for the more discerning pets and a selection of toys to keep them occupied.
They offer a menu bursting with local and seasonal produce, even foraging for some ingredients themselves. Plus, the rooms leave space for a medium-sized dog crate if you’re staying over. The pub is also in prime dog-walking territory: the Hinton Blewett circular route, which takes you past Litton Reservoirs, and the Mendip Hills are both recommended if you’re a pet parent near Bristol.
The Lion, West Pennard, Glastonbury
Address: Glastonbury Road, West Pennard, Glastonbury, Somerset, BA6 8NH
Telephone: 01458 832941
Nearest train station: Bristol Temple Meads
Nearest bus stop: Sunnymead
Reservations needed: Worth booking, but seats sometimes available
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both available
Price range (meal and a pint): £25-£30
Dietary requirements? Gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Sunday: 9am-10pm
Dogs are welcome at The Lion, and staff rushed to our PHO’s dog to offer up treats despite its “foodie pub” atmosphere and reputation. They offer the standard water bowls and treats along with toys to keep your dog occupied. The garden is especially relaxing, and its lush countryside setting certainly doesn’t hurt the ambience for human guests.
Its “foodie pub” decor and vibe aren’t smoke and mirrors: the food is incredible and the staff knowledgeable and welcoming. However, it’s notable that dogs don’t get left behind here, and the attention they get is impressive.
The Crown, Blandford Forum
Address: West Street, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 7AJ
Telephone: 01258 456626
Nearest train station: Poole
Nearest bus stop: Crown Hotel
Reservations needed: They’re helpful, but staff can help you find seating if not
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both available
Price range (meal and a pint): £25-£30
Dietary requirements? Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Saturday: 9am-11pm
- Sunday: 9am-10pm
The Crown is a hotel, bar, and restaurant that not only loves dogs, but they also let them stay in rooms on the first floor and offer dog ice cream. Dogs aren’t allowed in the restaurant, but they’re fine at the bar, where they’re greeted with water bowls and snacks. Staff also offer treats to dogs outside, and they’ll refill any water bowl at the bar.
And the staff even moved our PHO and their dog twice after another dog started growling at them, taking active steps to help the dogs feel calm and happy.
The Curlew, West Parley
Address: 287 Christchurch Road, West Parley, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH22 8SQ
Telephone: 01202 594811
Nearest train station: Bournemouth
Nearest bus stop: Parley Cross Roads
Reservations needed: Booking recommended to guarantee a table
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both available
Price range (meal and a pint): £25-£30
Dietary requirements? Gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Friday: 11:30am-11pm
- Saturday: 9am-11pm
- Sunday: 9am-10:30pm
The Curlew offers a dedicated, dog-friendly space as well as a plentiful outside garden. When you book, you can specify that you’d need the dog-friendly seating, meaning that they have plenty of space to unwind away from the hubbub of other diners. They also offer a wide array of dog amenities, including bowls with fresh water, treats, snacks, beds, blankets, and towels for cleaning after a muddy walk.
The staff are incredibly welcoming, keeping dogs delighted with treats, and the cosy spot by the fireside is an excellent place for your pup to yawn, stretch out, and snooze. And if your dog is more the running-around type, there’s plenty of space at the front of the pub for them to do so.
The Hope & Anchor, Clifton, Bristol
Address: 38 Jacobs Wells Road, Bristol, BS8 1DR
Telephone: 01779 292987
Nearest train station: Clifton Down
Nearest bus stop: Blackboy Hill
Reservations needed: Recommended
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both indoor and outdoor seating available
Price range (meal and a pint): £15-£25
Good for: Vegetarian and vegan options
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Thursday: 3pm-10pm
- Friday and Saturday: 10am-10pm
- Sunday: 12pm-10pm
If you’re exploring Clifton or going for a walk on Brandon Hill, The Hope & Anchor is a superb 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. 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 local vet information for added peace of mind. Plus, the pub garden offers plenty of shade for your dog on hot days, which is always a plus.
The Best Dog-Friendly Pub in the South West: The White Hart, Bishopstone
Address: Butts Lane, Bishopstone, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP5 4AA
Telephone: 01722 780244
Nearest train station: Salisbury
Nearest bus stop: White Hart
Reservations needed: Not necessarily, you can get seated without, but book ahead if you need a larger table, and it can get busy so booking ahead may be helpful
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both available
Price range (meal and a pint): £25-£30
Dietary requirements? Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options
Hours of operation:
- Tuesday to Thursday: 12pm-3pm, 6pm-11pm
- Friday and Saturday: Bar open all day, food served between 12pm 2pm, 6pm-8:30pm
- Sunday: 12pm-8pm
The size of the warm welcome is matched only by the scale of The White Hart‘s garden. Plus, it’s also secure, making it safe for well-behaved dogs to canter around at will. From the water bowls to the bar treats to the doggy menu, The White Hart makes sure that dogs have a superb time.
Plus, the beer selection is superb, which is great news for hop-loving humans. A walk before or after in the Chalke Valley and along the River Ebble is a must.
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.
