Surrounded by picture-postcard countryside, Peterborough is home to some excellent dog-friendly drinking holes well placed for exploring some of the best nature reserves in the country. From beer gardens and gastro pubs serving local farm produce, to traditional village boozers, and barges selling ale and Thai food, Peterborough’s got everything you’d expect from a dog-friendly city, and more besides.
1. Dog in a Doublet
Address & Map: North Side, Thorney, PE6 0RW
Head east away from the bustle of central Peterborough and before long you’ll be at Dog in a Doublet, an award winning gastropub that knows how to make hungry humans and dogs drool. They really take their food seriously, with delights including confit duck leg, rib-eye steak, and mussels—we’ll leave the difficult decision of choosing what to have up to you! Visiting doggies will smack their lips for a free portion of the Sunday carvery and on other days of the week treats and water bowls are always available. The restaurant area is humans-only, but dogs can enjoy the bar area or head outside to lounge in the sun. When you’re full, enjoy a ramble down the River Nene, which is just across the road.
2. Charters Bar
Address & Map: Town Bridge, PE1 1FP
Make sure you and your dog have your sea legs on when visiting Charters Bar, because this dog-friendly Peterborough pub is aboard a Dutch barge. That’s right, serving up pan-Asian food and a large selection of award winning real ales, this pub is bound to float your boat. Ensconce yourself with your doggy on one of their comfy sofas indoors, or in fine weather grab your drinks and head back across the gang plank to the beer garden, where there are plenty of tables, trees for shade, and a marquee where you can catch the best local musical talent during their summer festivals. Once you’re full of Thai food, stretch your legs on the River Nene towpath. If you’ve got bags of energy, or a car, head down the road to Ferry Meadows Country Park.
3. The Prince of Wales Feathers
Address & Map: 38 Peterborough Road, PE5 7AL
Nestled on the western side of Peterborough in the charming village of Castor is the next stop on our tour of Peterborough’s dog-friendly pubs—The Prince of Wales Feathers. Dogs and their owners can expect a warm welcome, with a water bowl at the ready and treats for good boys and girls. For the real ale enthusiasts, there are six different beers on draught, and to accompany them is some traditional British pub fare, plus a few more exotic additions. If the weather entices you outdoors, The Prince’s garden has a few shaded spots under umbrellas and trees for your dog. Castor Hanglands National Nature Reserve has plenty of sights and smells to keep your hound entertained for hours.
4. The Orange Tree Inn
Address & Map: High Street, Thornham, PE36 6LY
Nestled in one of north Norfolk’s many scenic coastal villages is The Orange Tree Inn. You’ll find great food like local seafood dishes and signature steaks. Best of all, your dog can sit inside with you while you eat. To save them drooling over your meal, get them a treat from their very own menu. Delicacies include pigs ears washed down with gravy and marrow bones. Water bowls are always available and there are plenty of tables with enough room for even the tallest dogs. The main restaurant is dog-free so you can be sure that everyone sitting near you is a fellow dog aficionado. Once finished, you’ll be spoilt for choice of surrounding green areas to romp around in.
5. The White Swan
Address & Map: Main Street, PE8 5EB
The White Swan has three main areas; two of which are dog-friendly. Sip a little something from the gin collection in the main bar with your dog by your side, or venture outside where there’s a courtyard garden for sun-loving hounds. Water bowls are provided on tap and there are doggy treats in the foyer to make your little mate feel extra welcome on arrival. To dine dog-free, if you prefer, head through to the restaurant. After a long walk in the surrounding countryside you’ll want to try the lunchtime risotto or the Sunday roast beef, both of which come with rave reviews from regulars.
6. Admiral Wells
Address & Map: 41 Station Road, Holme, PE7 3PH
Situated south of Peterborough, the Admiral Wells is the perfect spot to take the whole family including your dog. With plenty of water bowls distributed around the pub and garden, the staff are sure to welcome dogs of all sizes. Dog treats aren’t currently available here but staff will only too gladly provide a tub of tasty vegetables and gravy for dogs envious of their owners tucking into one of their Sunday roasts. Families are welcome here so bring the kids and the dogs along—the sprogs can enjoy the kiddy play area in the garden while the dogs snooze in a shady spot. Pub staff may ask you to keep your dog on their lead whilst in the garden to allow children to play freely without being bothered by dogs. After sampling one of their five ‘always on’ real ales, go exploring in Holme Fen National Nature Reserve. If heading to Admiral Wells after a dog walk, don’t fret if you’ve gotten your boots muddy—they have boot scrapers, mats and wooden floors where boots can be left if needed.
We think you’ll agree—the Peterborough area has more dog-welcoming pubs than you can shake a stick at. However, if your dog doesn’t enjoy going to the pub as much as you and would prefer to stay in bed once in a while, you can find plenty of dog sitters who offer dog boarding in Peterborough on Rover.com! They’ll be delighted to take care of your furry little darling while you’re away.
