With its tail-wagging combination of beautiful open parkland, golden Regency architecture, and myriad pet-friendly attractions, eateries and shops, Bath is a wonderful destination for a city break with your canine companion.
Grab the collar and lead, and treat your tufty-pawed pal to a stroll around the city which has inspired countless literary greats, including Jane Austen, Charles Dickens and Anna Sewell. There is an abundance of dog-friendly places to visit in Bath, so much so that we have created a guide to a few of the best.
Discover the top dog-friendly places to eat in Bath, find the best parks and gardens to take your pup for a w-a-l-k and, after a fun day of sightseeing, unearth some of the cosiest dog-friendly places to stay in Bath. From exciting off-the-lead frolics to romantic doggy date nights, enjoy a memorable holiday in the Cotswolds with our guide to dog-friendly Bath.
What have we got to get tails wagging?
Great dog-friendly days out in Bath
Royal Victoria Park: Best family day out
Pack a picnic and take a stroll to the Royal Crescent where you will find Royal Victoria Park, a haven for those with both two legs and four. Here there are dedicated dog-walking areas as well as several open spaces where pups can be let off the lead to stretch their paws and enjoy a good game of fetch. This 57-acre park is not only one of the best dog-friendly things to do in Bath, but it’s also a great spot for humans to have some fun too, with a tennis court, bowling green, crazy golf course and a botanical garden.
Why your dog will love it:
There are so many new sights and scents to sniff out among the flowers, bushes, and trees.
The Little Theatre Cinema: Best romantic day out
Make the most of your city break and treat your pup to a doggy date night at The Little Theatre Cinema. One of our favourite dog-friendly places in Bath, this lovely little cinema hosts special dog-friendly screenings for canine film fanatics at certain times throughout the year. Cosy fleece blankets are on offer to make your pal as snuggly as possible along with water and treats, and the volume is dipped to ensure the utmost comfort for furry family members.
Why your dog will love it:
What tufty-pawed pal doesn’t like cuddling up with their human for a cosy film night?
American Museum and Gardens: Best cultural day out
Tails are sure to be wagging at the American Museum and Gardens, home to one of the finest gardens in the South of England. Regarded by many as one of the top dog-friendly things to do near Bath, there are around 40 acres of grounds for canines to excitedly scamper through. While those with four legs aren’t able to explore the museum, there’s more than enough to discover outside, from an arboretum dedicated to American trees to a unique replica of George Washington’s flower garden at Mount Vernon, Virginia.
Why your dog will love it:
After an on-the-lead stroll along the twisting pathways beneath majestic old cedars, and along ancient meadows and colourful flower borders, pups can rest their paws on the terrace where there are dog bowls brimming with water and takeaway snacks for the humans from the café.
Wonderful dog-friendly walks in Bath
Bath Skyline Walk: Best scenic walk
When it comes to dog-friendly walks in Bath, you can’t beat the National Trust’s Bath Skyline Walk which stretches for 6 miles and boasts extraordinary panoramic views of the city. Along the route, you and your pack can admire beautiful flora and fauna, along with hidden valleys, and an Iron Age fort on Little Solsbury Hill which is the perfect spot to lay down a picnic rug and relax for a while.
Why your dog will love it:
This walk offers unparalleled elevated views of the magnificent architecture of the city and the surrounding Somerset countryside.
Two Tunnels Greenway: Best flat walk
One of the most unique walks in pet-friendly Bath is the Two Tunnels walking and cycle track that runs through two disused railway tunnels, one of which is the longest in Britain at over a mile long. Curious canines can enjoy atmospheric light and sound installations as they traverse the tunnels and, if they’re feeling super energetic, they can complete the full 13-mile Two Tunnel Circuit.
Why your dog will love it:
The path is relatively flat, and it’s not often that pups can pad along to music during walkies.
Kennet and Avon Canal: Best waterside walk
Follow in the famous footsteps of Jane Austen and trot through Sydney Gardens to the picturesque waters of the Kennet and Avon Canal. If you and your pack have the legs for it, you can follow the canal all the way to the charming town of Bradford-on-Avon and beyond as it weaves its way through the picturesque countryside. You can always catch the train back to Bath afterwards!
Why your dog will love it:
There’s gorgeous scenery to admire and some great dog-friendly waterside pubs en route to refuel.
Top dog-friendly places to eat and drink in Bath
Hall & Woodhouse: Best for sophisticated dining
Located in the heart of the city, Hall & Woodhouse is one of the top dog-friendly restaurants in Bath, whether you are looking for a quick lunch, a relaxed dinner or just a few drinks with your pup by your side. Fido can join you in the street-level Pantry where you’ll find a delectable menu of modern British tapas and a chic take on traditional classics like fish and chips, and burgers.
Why your dog will love it:
There’s lots of fuss for well-behaved pooches, plus a refreshing water bowl on request.
The Marlborough Tavern: Best for traditional pub grub
Just around the corner from The Royal Crescent, you’ll find one of the best dog-friendly pubs in Bath. The Marlborough Tavern is a laidback inn, known for its friendly atmosphere and great food. Best of all, dogs are warmly welcome inside and out, with bowls of water readily available on request. While humans tuck into hearty pub classics (the Sunday roasts are legendary), pups can have fun socialising with their new furry friends.
Why your dog will love it:
When the sun is shining, the walled beer garden is the perfect spot for a midday snooze.
Boston Tea Party: Best for coffee and cake
Serving an extensive range of cakes, brunches, and delicious coffees, Boston Tea Party is loved by many as one of the top dog-friendly cafes in Bath. Take a seat inside or out and watch the world go by with your happy hound at your feet as you sample the likes of truffle mushroom toasties, sourdough eggy bread, and vegan flatbread with butternut falafel and hummus.
Why your dog will love it:
Choose one of the tables outside on the pavement and your pup will happily spend hours people watching as you enjoy your food.
Exciting dog-friendly Bath cottages to stay in
The Studio At Downedge: Sleeps 1 dog and 2 humans
The best dog-friendly cottage for romantic getaways: Couples and their canine companion can hide away in this cosy studio apartment near dog-friendly Bath. Scenic walkies can be found from the doorstep through the verdant Wiltshire countryside and Bannerdown Common (3.5 miles), while humans can tee off at Wiltshire’s oldest golf club, just 100 metres away.
Rosie Cottage: Sleeps 2 dogs and 4 humans
The best dog-friendly cottage for family escapes: Treat the whole pack to a luxurious dog-friendly holiday in Bath at this stylish Banksy-inspired home. There’s plenty of space for fun and games inside and out, along with a bubbling hot tub in the enclosed garden for the humans.
16 Loves Lane: Sleeps 2 dogs and 4 humans
The best dog-friendly cottage for walking holidays: Endless walkies are on offer at this Grade II-listed cottage in the quaint village of Wingfield. After a busy day spent exploring all the dog-friendly shops in Bath, this welcoming retreat provides a sanctuary for four-legged family members to relax and unwind with the rest of their pack.
Self-catering holiday cottages in Bath
For the ultimate backdrop to your staycation in the Cotswolds, choose one of our self-catering dog-friendly holiday cottages in Bath. Whether you are looking for spacious houses in the country or chic retreats in the city, you’ll find a wide range of pet-friendly accommodation within our collection which will place you perfectly for memorable holidays in this glorious part of Somerset.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.