11 best dog friendly pubs in the UK
For some of us, a holiday simply isn’t complete without the company of our four-legged friends. We’re sure that all dog owners would agree that their pup is an important family member, so if you’re planning on taking them with you on your next break, you’ll want to make sure they’re welcomed wherever you go. To help enjoy your holiday, we’ve compiled a list of the best dog-friendly pubs in the UK.
1. The Shepherd and Dog
Location: Fulking, Sussex
Opening times: 11 am – 11 pm (closes 7 pm on Sundays)
Nearby walk: The Fulking Escarpment is a short three-mile walk through the countryside, starting and finishing at the pub.
A lively pub at a tranquil location in Sussex. The Shepherd and Dog is a haven of real ale and hearty home-cooked food. The pub welcomes all four-legged friends both inside the premises and outdoors in their spacious beer garden. As an added bonus, you’ll find lots of dog-walking opportunities right on the doorstep of this charming pub.
Find out more about The Shepherd and Dog >
2. The Fox and Hounds
Location: Reading
Opening times: 11 am – 11 pm (closes 10.30 pm on Sundays)
Nearby walk: Head over to the nearby Hosehill Lake, a local nature reserve that is home to a variety of wildlife.
The Fox and Hounds is a charming and welcoming pub in Theale, Reading. Winner of ‘Great Britain’s Dog Friendliest Pub of The Year’ award in 2017 and 2018, it’s evident that the pub is very welcoming of its furry guests. There’s even a special area in the bar equipped with a big, cosy dog bed if your four-legged friend is in need of a quick nap.
Find out more about The Fox and Hounds >
3. Brewdog Perth
Location: Scotland
Opening times: 12 pm – 11.30 pm (open until 12.30 am on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays)
Nearby walk: Take your pooch along for a four-mile walk up to the scenic Kinnoull Hill. The good thing about this route is that you can start it from the city centre.
The famed brewery has modern bars across the UK, all of which are dog-friendly. In fact, Brewdog even sell their very own doggy beer – so even your beloved pup can enjoy a refreshing pint alongside you. Take your pup along to the bar in Perth, Scotland, and it might quickly become his favourite watering hole…
4. Leicester Arms
Location: Kent
Opening times: 8 am – 11 pm
Nearby walk: The nearby Penshurst Place circular walk is approximately three-miles long and takes you all around the historic Penshurst Place building.
Leicester Arms is a historic pub in the medieval village of Penshurst, Kent. Dating back to the 16th century, this dog-friendly coaching inn remains the social hub of the village and is a popular destination for London weekenders. Ideal for refuelling after a busy day of walking with your pooch, you’ll find dog treats on the bar, with fresh water bowls supplied on request.
Find out more about Leicester Arms >
5. The Hope and Anchor
Location: Devon
Opening times: 8 am – 11 pm (open until 12 am on Fridays and Saturdays)
Nearby walk: Take a journey from Hope Cove to the town of Salcombe, via a seven and a half-mile walking route filled with gorgeous coastal sights.
The Hope and Anchor at Hope Cove in Devon is a contemporary, coastal retreat in the peaceful and secluded seaside village of Kingsbridge, overlooking the beach. Their relaxed bed and breakfast is dog-friendly too so it’s ideal for all the family. With sea view decking, this is a glorious spot on a sunny day.
Find out more about The Hope and Anchor >
6. The Ship
Location: Suffolk
Opening times: 8 am – 11 pm (closes 10.30 pm on Sundays)
Nearby walk: Take a two and a half-mile circular walk around the Dunwich Heath nature reserve; dogs can enjoy sniffing along the woodlands and heather heaths.
The Ship is located in the quiet, seaside village of Dunwich in Suffolk. Inside, a log fire is kept roaring in winter to warm the ramblers and dog owners who flock to this rugged area of East Anglia. There is a large garden to the rear to savour a well-earned afternoon drink in the warmer months of the year. Ideal for walkers looking to explore this beautiful stretch of English coastline.
Find out more about The Ship >
7. Village Inn
Location: Isle of Wight
Opening times: 11 am – 11 pm (Opens 9 am on Fridays and 12 pm on Tuesdays)
Nearby walk: Ventnor Downs is a challenging two and a half-mile walk but you’ll be rewarded with great views and lots of open spaces for the dogs to run wild.
Village Inn is a traditional country pub on the High Street of the Old Village of Shanklin in the Isle of Wight. The atmosphere is lively and friendly, and dishes include pub classics such as slow-cooked lamb shank, steak and ale pie and Sunday roasts. Food is served all day and well-behaved dogs and kids are welcome. They also have regular live music events.
Find out more about Village Inn >
8. The Royal Oak
Location: Kent
Opening times: 12 pm – 11 pm (closes 9 pm on Sundays)
Nearby walk: The Tunbridge Wells Circular Walk spans a huge 27.5 miles but you join on at any point to explore the gorgeous countryside surroundings.
The Royal Oak is a welcoming, dog-friendly country pub in the town of Tunbridge Wells. The pub takes pride in carefully curating each and every beverage on offer so you’ll find an excellent selection of both independent and local ales, ciders and beers. The pub is close to the huge Dunorlan Park, where your dog can run free and let off steam.
Find out more about The Royal Oak >
9. The Pheasant
Location: Cumbria
Opening times: 11.30 am – 11 pm (opens 12 pm on Sundays)
Nearby walk: Take a walk around the Dubwath Silver Meadows, a wetland nature reserve with lots of plants and animals to discover.
The Pheasant in Bassenthwaite is a friendly pub that has been serving guests for the past two centuries. Here, you can tuck into delicious pub dishes that have been created using fresh, local produce from Cumbria. Surrounded by the beautiful scenery of Lake Bassenthwaite, this 17th-century coaching inn is a good stop off for walkers and dogs are also warmly welcomed.
Find out more about The Pheasant >
10. The George at Burpham
Location: West Sussex
Opening times: 12 pm – 11 pm (opens 10.30 am on Saturdays and Sundays)
Nearby walk: Burpham Circular Walk is around four miles long, with gorgeous views across Arundel and the South Downs.
The George at Burpham is an award-winning village pub in Burpham, West Sussex, that seeks to provide excellent locally-sourced food in a friendly setting. This traditional 17th-century pub is a particular favourite among dog walkers and hikers, who come in to refuel after exploring the South Downs National Park.
Find out more about The George at Burpham >
11. The Crabshell Inn
Location: Devon
Opening times: 8.30 am – 12 am
Nearby walk: The Kingsbridge to Bowcombe Creek walking route is just under three miles, offering great views of the estuary and surrounding countryside.
The Crabshell Inn is a beautifully positioned dog-friendly pub on the quayside in Kingsbridge. In warmer months, sit outside to enjoy extensive views over the estuary. Aptly named, the menu at The Crabshell features seafood-inspired dishes and sharing platters. From Brewdog beer-battered fish and chips to fresh crab goujons, there’s lots to enjoy here.
Find out more about The Crabshell Inn >
