Dorset: more commonly known as Cider Country, it’s is a lovely place to visit, and full of dog-friendly beaches as well as dog-friendly pubs. You’ll be hard pushed to find somewhere this lovely, dog-friendly, and enthusiastic about cider.
Top 5 Dog Friendly Pubs in Dorset
1. Vivo Lounge
Address: 21 Weymouth Avenue, Dorchester DT1 1QR
A beautiful, colourful, bohemian style boozer that loves dogs, food and cocktails—they are one in a chain of “Loungers”, and each is just as wonderful as the last. A truly great pub with very friendly staff (see their website for smiley staff with cheesy grins), plus fresh bowls of water and doggy treats for your furry best mate. You’ll want to stay here all day!
2. The Blue Raddle
Address: 9 Church Street, Dorchester, DT1 1JN
“If you’re after something a little quirky but great fun then you won’t be disappointed with The Blue Raddle!”–their words, not ours, but they’re as true as the day is long. Their tagline is also ‘Laughter On Tap,’ so you get the picture. When you visit their website, you can listen to some sheep noises, and as if that wasn’t enough, when you visit their toilets, you’ll be accompanied by the sound of comedy classics (and there’s even some satirical reading material thrown in for the gents). Kids aren’t allowed but well-behaved dogs are more than welcome. The Blue Raddle is a haven with plenty of stuff to feast your eyes on, and charismatic locals to invest your banter in. It’s a proper ‘real pub’ that you and your furry mate will love spending time in.
3. The Fox Inn
Address: Lower Ansty, Ansty, DT2 7PN
Originally a local brewer, but now converted into a beautiful, old wooden inn that is a stone’s throw from the Wessex Ridgeway and the Dorset Gap. You can enjoy a nice, big, long walk and end up at The Fox Inn for a pint of their local real ales, a dish from their scrum-diddly-umptious menu, or even a bed in one of their 4 star rooms if it turns into a late one. This place has it all. Dogs are only allowed in the bar area, though. If you want to experience the full-blown foodie experience in the Woodhouse restaurant, you may have to leave the hairy little guy behind.
4. The Sailor’s Return
Address: East Chaldon, Dorchester, DT2 8DN
Cosy, traditional, welcoming, and everything you could possibly want from a wee, dog-friendly pub in Dorset. They pride themselves on their nice vibe, nice food, and nice beers. They have tankards all over the place to create that proper old-school feel, and they do it well. No frills, no hassle, just a straight up old-fashioned pub that welcomes well-behaved dogs (just not in the snug or in the restaurant—everywhere else is fine though).
5. The Smugglers’ Inn
Address: Osmington Mills, Weymouth, DT3 6HF
Complete with their own resident dog, lovely coastal walks nearby, and a beautiful front garden to boot, The Smugglers’ Inn is a gem. Inside, expect beautiful wooden beams, some of the friendliest staff known to humankind, and a jar of dog biscuits on the bar for the taking. This pub is ace, and probably one of the nicest dog-friendly pubs in Dorset. It lives up to expectations and gets very busy though when the sun’s out so be prepared!
These are just a few of the great dog-friendly pubs Dorset has to offer, but not all dogs enjoy joining their owners when they go to the pub—and that’s ok. You can find lots of local sitters who provide dog boarding in Bournemouth and throughout the rest of Dorset on Rover.com—it’s now super easy to find someone to look after your furry little chum when you go to the pub.
