Dorset is abundant with rugged fossil-filled cliffs and rolling countryside, and like many rural counties, there’s plenty of dog-lovers in residence!
Families flock here for seaside staycations with the pooch, whilst hike-loving humans and hounds trek along the coastal paths and cliffs of the dramatic Jurassic Coast as part of some of the best walks in Dorset.
But even the local pups like to get about, tagging along with their humans to their local. Whatever tempts you to this neck of the woods, you’re sure to sniff out one of these dog-friendly pubs in Dorset to rest and refresh yourself and the pooch.
The Goat and Tricycle is one of the most dog-friendly pubs in Bournemouth as well as one of the most highly reviewed by humans.
It’s in an amazing location in the middle of town within walking distance of the beach and most hotels, but it’s tucked away in the backstreets away from the hustle and bustle. There’s plenty of real ales and ciders to wet your whistle, and water bowls to quench your pup’s thirst.
Address: 27-29 West Hill Road, Bournemouth, BH2 5PF
Opening Times: Every day: 12:00-23:00
The New Inn is a handsome and historic coaching inn in the heart of Cerne Abbas, and a super pit-stop for you and the pooch after walkies to visit the giant. It’s just as beautiful inside as it is out, with a warm atmosphere and well-presented and mouth-watering food.
Even the dog is welcomed into the pub with water and biscuits, and you can even buy them a doggy ice-cream. Better yet, this dog-friendly pub in Dorset also has pet-friendly guest rooms.
Opening Times: Mon-Sat: 12:00-23:00 / Sun: 12:00-22:00
The Rope and Anchor is one of the most popular pubs in Poole, and it also happens to be one of the most family and dog-friendly in town.
It’s right by the quay so it’s perfect for a pit-stop after walkies along the waterfront, or you can simply sit inside to watch the ocean whilst relaxing with your pup, a pint, and piping-hot pub grub in bright and comfortable surroundings.
Address: Sarum Street, Poole, BH15 1JW
Opening Times: Mon-Tue: Closed / Wed-Sat: 12:00-23:00 / Sun: 12:00-19:00
The Square & Compass is an utterly unique watering hole with a personality and attraction all of its own. The pub itself is cosy and relaxed with lots of real ales and ciders and plenty of homemade pies, but there’s also a local history museum here should you fancy a bit of culture alongside your pint.
It’s a proper country pub, including chickens in the garden, so keep Fido on a lead if you’re outside so they don’t chase anything and cause a “fowl” mood. Otherwise, just “pup” inside to relax and enjoy a crisp cider carefully crafted onsite by the landlord!
Address: Worth Matravers, Swanage, BH19 3LF
Opening Times: Every day: 12:00-23:00
The Fat Badger is a fabulously fur-iendly watering hole and one of many dog-friendly pubs near Weymouth. Few pubs boast such a brilliant location, being close to town, near the caravan park, inside the Heritage Coast AONB, and overlooking Chesil Beach, plus there’s views over Portland!
This family and dog-friendly pub in Dorset is happy to host your whole pack for drinks, including water for the dog. Or fill up with potentially the best breakfast in town before heading to the beach.
Address: Camp Road, Weymouth, DT4 9HF
Opening Times: Every day: 10:00-23:00
The Ginger Viking is a cool watering hole in the heart of Blandford Forum, and this cocktail bar and restaurant won a coveted Dorset Food, Drink, and Farming award last year as testament to their quality.
They’re well-known for their heaping portions of beautifully presented charcuterie and class cocktails, but you can also peruse their small shop of local produce too. Plus, pooches are always welcomed with a bowl of water and a fuss from the staff.
Opening Times: Sun-Wed: Closed / Thu-Sat: 10:00-23:00
Anyone visiting the gorgeous Lulworth Cove or dramatic scenery near Durdle Door is sure to set foot in the Lulworth Cove Inn. This bright and airy pub is positively family and dog friendly, “as any great pub should be”.
It’s the perfect place for a bite to eat after a day on the beach or walkies along the rugged Jurassic Coast.
Address: Main Road, Wareham, BH20 5RQ
Opening Times: Mon-Sat: 12:00-23:00 / Sun: 12:00-22:00
The Red Lion is a beautiful old-world inn in Swanage, conveniently located on the high street and worthy of a mention in the Good Pub Guide. This popular old-school pub is packed with period features and perfectly poured pints, and pups are always welcome in this dog-friendly pub in Dorset.
They have one of the biggest ranges of real ales, ciders, and beers anywhere in town and you and the pooch are welcome to soak up some rays in the sun-trap of a garden, or head inside to nestle by the fire.
Address: 63 High Street, Swanage, BH19 2LY
Opening Times: Mon-Sat: 11:30-23:00 / Sun: 12:00-23:00
If you’re in Dorchester at the weekend, you’ll need to sniff out The Blue Raddle. This snug pub has a limited but delicious menu of homemade comfort food, and visitors and residents alike are all treated like much-loved locals.
There’s no music, screens, or machines in here, it’s a proper little social spot for good beer, great food, and good times. Young children aren’t allowed inside, but well-behaved dogs are welcome anytime.
Address: 9 Church Street, Dorchester, DT1 1JN
Opening Times: Mon-Thu: Closed / Fri-Sat: 12:00-22:00 / Sun: 12:00-16:00
Not just one of the most beloved pubs in Wareham, The Old Granary was named the best pub in Dorset this year according to the National Pub and Bar awards so it’s definitely worth a trip to visit!
Wareham is also home to some of the best dog walkies in Dorset and you can stroll along the River Frome before popping in to this stylish pub to see what all the fuss is about or stay out on the sunny terrace watching the river roll by.
Address: The Quay, Wareham, BH20 4LP
Opening Times: Mon-Sat: 11:30-22:30 / Sun: 12:00-21:00
The Greyhound is a charming dog-friendly pub in the centre of historic Beaminster, surrounded by Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Muddy boots and paws are welcome in this characterful, proper pub.
It’s warm and cosy inside, not least because of the roaring fire, with quality ales, a small but wide-ranging stock of spirits and wines, fresh hot coffee, and plenty of honest homely food to fill you up.
Address: 11 The Square, Beaminster, DT8 3AW
Opening Times: Mon-Wed & Fri-Sat: 12:00-14:30 & 18:00-22:00 / Thu: 12:00-14:00 / Sun: 12:00-14:30
Nestled between the Cranborne Chase AONB and the River Stour, the big brick gastropub The Anchor Inn is the perfect place for a pit-stop after exploring the beautiful Dorset countryside or taking a trip to nearby Badbury Rings.
Walkers on two legs or four are made very welcome, with water and free biscuits on hand for the furballs, whilst the humans have a spectacular choice of mouthwatering dishes made using local ingredients and global flavours.
Address: West Street, Shapwick, DT11 9LB
Opening Times: Various - Check their website
The delightful Coppleridge Inn is set within 15 acres of (bluebell) woodland and meadows, so you and the pooch can enjoy walkies after lunch to burn off some of those tasty treats.
This dog-friendly pub in Dorset also has dog-friendly rooms and this gorgeous country inn is used to hosting holidaymakers, walkers, and even weddings so looking after you and your woofer is a walk in the park.
Opening Times: Call ahead to check
Given how popular Poole is for a getaway in Dorset, we had to include another fantastic friendly pub in town and you won’t find better than The Blue Boar.
This cosy and atmospheric boozer is both family and dog-friendly with plenty of room inside for the whole pack. There’s free doggy treats on the bar so Fido can settle down with some bar snacks whilst you tuck into unpretentious proper pub grub.
Address: 29 Market Close, Poole, BH15 1NE
Opening Times: Mon: Closed / Tue-Thu: 16:00-22:00 / Fri-Sat: 12:00-21:00 / Sun: 12:00-19:00
The bonny blue beachside pub The Rock Point Inn is perched on the harbour of Lyme Regis, overlooking the river and the beach. There’s gluts of St Austell’s beers and other tasty tipples, pub classics, and lots of other exciting dishes like their ever popular market fish.
Dogs are welcome inside the pub and guest rooms, and there’s always water and treats on hand. The friendly staff will make sure every human and hound is comfortable at this scenic and dog-friendly pub in Dorset.
Opening Times: Every day: 11:00-23:00
More pubs: Weymouth, Weston-super-Mare, Newquay