Best dog-friendly pubs in Somerset

Somerset in the south-west of England is a winner for dog owners. There are lots of dog-friendly attractions for you to visit with your four-legged furry companions, so if you are hoping to come to Somerset for a holiday break, this county is very charming. Most of all, there is no shortage of dog-friendly pubs to spend time in all across the county, from Exmoor in the west to Chew Valley, near Bristol. 

Some of the pubs are coastal winners such as the hostelries at Minehead, Brean and Cheddar Gorge, each of which is near one of Somerset’s dog-friendly beaches. Further inland, you will find more excellent Somerset pubs that welcome dogs at some of the ancient spots such as Glastonbury or Sedgemoor; many of them are set in gorgeous locations, offering the perfect finish line after a Somerset dog-friendly walk.

We have chosen eight of our favourite dog-friendly pubs in Somerset for you to sniff out on your holiday. If you would like to tour the county, why not book into one of our self-catering dog-friendly cottages in Somerset? We have a whole pile of properties to set your tails wagging. Click on the button below to find your next dog-friendly accommodation in Somerset.

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Best dog-friendly pub in Bath – The Crystal Palace 

The Crystal Palace is a superb dog-friendly pub and a firm family favourite set in the heart of historic Bath. Just metres away from the Roman Baths, this is a classic old brewery pub with cosy spaces and a good range of ales and spirits. 

Historians will get a kick out of the fact that Admiral Nelson is thought to have stayed at the pub when it was a lodging house. Also, in 1981 during renovations to the cellar, human skeletons were found as well as a Roman mosaic! Get some inspiration for things to see and do with your pet in dog-friendly Bath.  

Best dog-friendly pub in Brean – The Brean Down Inn 

There is only one real pub in Brean, but it’s a good one. Dogs love Brean because there is so much room for play and discovery. The Brean Down Inn is located very close to the natural landmark of Brean Down, a massive headland just out into the Bristol Channel. It has a Napoleonic-era fort and the site of a Roman temple at its tip. The beach is also incredible and very sandy, long and wide. 

The pub itself is very popular and has lots of seating inside and out for you and your dog. Brean is an extremely family-friendly place to visit with its theme parks, penny arcades and the Brean Down Way, so after a well-deserved meal at the inn, you will find lots of other things to occupy your time. Read our guide on Brean to get the full low-down.  

Best dog-friendly pub near Bridgwater – The Bower Inn

The Bower Inn is the best pub around Bridgewater that allows dogs inside to join you for a well-earned pint. Situated on the edge of lovely Bridgewater (1.5 miles from the town centre), at the edge of the Somerset Levels, this 18^th-century pub is a delight. 

Fully restored to evoke the original trappings of the period, its interiors are rustic with wooden flooring and exposed brickwork. The chefs concoct delicious, mouthwatering meals from locally sourced food, so you are guaranteed a good feed here. Dogs are welcome at the bar and in the large beer gardens. Local attractions include the Quantock Hills AONB, West Somerset’s beaches, and the annual Bridgwater Carnival. 

Best dog-friendly pub in Cheddar – The Riverside Inn

Situated at the bottom of the iconic Cheddar Gorge, The Riverside Inn is a comfortable dog-friendly pub where everybody gets a warm welcome. It’s a great place to settle in after a good walk in the gorge or around the surrounding hills. 

If you happen to be in Cheddar on a Sunday then the roast dinners are very impressive. There is an interesting and varied range of ales, wines and spirits for you to choose from, you can even have a cocktail if the mood takes you. Local attractions include the paths up through the gorge and the wider Mendip Hills AONB; you could also take a leisurely stretch around Cheddar Reservoir. 

Best dog-friendly pub in Chew Magna, near Bristol – The Queens

Located in lovely Chew Magna, close to Chew Valley Lake and the happening city of Bristol, this a stylish choice for you and your dog to enjoy a pub lunch or a simple drink. The Queens Chew Magna is a family-run pub with lovely interiors and a nice beer garden for sunny afternoons and evenings. 

The quality food, made with locally sourced ingredients is the reason to seek out this great community pub. After a busy day in the city of Bristol with its wonderful parks such as Brandon Hill, Ashton Court Estate, and Queen Square where your dog can have fun and exercise, The Queens is the perfect place to slow down. Don’t miss a walk around the vast Chew Valley Lake too.

Best dog-friendly pub on Exmoor – The Exmoor White Horse Inn

The eastern side of Exmoor National Park lies in Somerset, and close to the centre of the area is the tiny village of Exford; this is where you will find the dog-friendly Exmoor White Horse Inn. It’s a fantastic establishment and a beacon for gastropub connoisseurs. 

Dogs are welcomed into the bar and the beer garden but not the restaurant, however, your enjoyment won’t be dimmed as the place is so comfortable and cosy. You can reach open moorland easily along one of several trails that criss-cross the village, as well as drive to the ornate seaside resorts of Lynton and Lynmouth, gorgeous Watersmeet, Dunster Castle, Dunkery Beacon, and the pleasant market town of South Molton, which frequently holds wonderful salvage and flea markets at weekends. There are so many places to go on Exmoor. 

Best dog-friendly pub in Glastonbury – The Market House

The ever-fascinating and storied Glastonbury is home to a very nice dog-friendly pub, The Market House. Situated metres from the historic ruins of Glastonbury Abbey, right at the centre of town, this pub is the best place around for dog owners to enjoy a great lunch accompanied by a pint of Somerset cider or ale. Your hound will be treated like a guest of honour by the staff who love meeting dogs. 

There is so much to see and do in Glastonbury, especially if the ancient world enthrals you. After lunch, why not scale Glastonbury Tor, The Oaks of Avalon, or learn about the legend of the Holy Thorn on Wearyall Hill? 

Best dog-friendly pub in Minehead – The Old Ship Aground

Located on the seafront with wide views of the Bristol Channel, Minehead’s dog-friendly Old Ship Aground is an excellent choice to stop and unwind. A former pier house, built in 1911, nowadays it’s a lively spot with a programme of live music and televised sporting events. There is a great choice of ciders, beers, ales, spirits and wines available to imbibe on your visit; you are also guaranteed a warm welcome from their staff, they love dogs here. There is a courtyard restaurant at this pub where you can enjoy a selection of tasty home-cooked meals. 

After you’ve enjoyed a drink, take a walk along the seafront or climb aboard a steam train to Watchet or Dunster Castle with the dog. It’s an enriching way to see the Somerset countryside spin by. Other attractions include the South West Coast Path and Blue Anchor Bay. 

Map of the dog-friendly pubs in Somerset

Find the pubs showcased in this guide on our handy map.

Stay at a dog-friendly cottage in Somerset

Feeling inspired to embark on a dog-friendly holiday in Somerset? We have a pack of self-catering holiday cottages that are just great for a staycation with your tail-wagging best buddy. We have properties of all breeds and pedigrees (sorry, we meant sizes) for you to uncover. Browse our range of holiday prospects today by clicking on the button below.