With sandy walks along tranquil beaches, countryside scrambles with epic vistas and cosy pubs with roaring fires, Dorset is a dog-friendly holiday destination where you and your four-legged best friend are sure to have a ball.
Boasting more than 1,000 square miles of countryside and coast, Dorset offers ample opportunity for you to embark on an incredible adventure – but where to begin?
We’ve sniffed out the county’s best walks, prettiest beaches, tastiest places to eat and, of course, the cosiest dog-friendly cottages to create our canine guide to Dorset.
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The best dog walks in Dorset
With both the Dorset National Landscape and the South West Coast Path to roam, there are endless opportunities for epic dog walks in Dorset.
Durdle Door and White Nothe walk
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If you head out on the iconic Durdle Door and White Nothe walk, you’ll take in some of Dorset’s most spectacular coastal scenery. Starting at Lulworth Cove, this fabulous circular route is a must for all adventurous canines and humans! Make sure to pack provisions as it is 7 miles long and incorporates some challenging steep sections.
Highlands End and Golden Cap
The walk between Highlands End and Golden Cap on the Jurassic Coast (near Bridport) is great for experiencing the World Heritage Coast. Beginning in Eype, it’s a 4.5-mile circular trail that passes Seaton, where you can stop for a refreshment break if the mood takes you.
Want to discover more scenic coastal walks in Dorset, or find out where you can walk among carpets of bluebells with your pup? Read our full guide to the best dog walks in Dorset.
Dog-friendly beaches in Dorset
With 23 restriction-free stretches of sand and 88 miles of coastline to explore, you’d be barking mad not to take your pup to the beach.
Hive Beach
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Consider Hive Beach, a large stretch of golden sand where you can hunt for fossils and your canine companion can dig to their heart’s content. You’ll catch glimpses of pillboxes dotted along the coastline, which bear witness to the area’s wartime past.
Bowleaze Cove
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Bowleaze Cove near Weymouth is also a favourite amongst the Canine Cottages crew. It welcomes dogs all year round and is really handy for the town centre. It’s a great spot for families to visit, with space for the kids to play and splash around. And if you want to stretch your legs, the South West Coast Path is close at hand.
Read about more of the best places for your four-legged friend to get salty fur and sandy paws in our complete guide to Dorset’s best dog-friendly beaches.
Dog-friendly attractions in Dorset
There is so much to see and do in Dorset when you are on holiday with your beloved hound or pack of hounds. We’ve selected three attractions guaranteed to get tails wagging.
Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens
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Explore the unique microclimate of Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, the 20-acre West Dorset garden which is home to many rare species of plants. Your four-legged best friend can sniff out the alluring scents of the garden’s exotic and unusual flora. Kids will love the adventure play area and nature trail, plus there’s a lovely tearoom where well-behaved dogs are welcome.
Sandsfoot Castle
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Built in 1539 on the orders of Henry VIII, Sandsfoot Castle was originally built to defend Portland Harbour. It’s now a ruined landmark in a public garden with a handy cafe, making it a great day out for all ages. Additionally, the castle is on the Rodwell Trail, a dog-friendly trail along a former railway line which has delightful coastal views.
Corfe Castle Model Village
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At Corfe Castle Model Village, you can get a unique insight into what Corfe Castle looked like in 1646, before it was destroyed in the English Civil War by Cromwell’s soldiers. The 1/20th scale models have been handcrafted to impressive detail, and when you’ve finished exploring, there’s a dog-friendly tearoom too. Your dog will love looking down on the world for once!
Dog-friendly places to eat in Dorset
After action-packed walkies and days spent sniffing out adventure, we recommend a stop at one of these top Dorset pubs to refuel.
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The Acorn Inn, Evershot
With literary links to Thomas Hardy’s Tess of the d’Urbervilles, the dog-friendly The Acorn Inn is a lovely place for a bite to eat after exploring the Dorset countryside.
The Stocks Inn, Wimborne
A welcoming, traditional pub, The Stocks Inn has a dog-friendly restaurant area, and on sunny days, you can soak up some rays in the charming, terraced garden area.
The Royal Standard, Lyme Regis
Enjoying a prime spot on Lyme Regis seafront, The Royal Standard has been run by the same family since 1993 and welcomes dogs on leads and in the large beer garden.
You can browse more mouthwatering options among Dorset’s dog-friendly places to eat and drink in our dedicated guide.
Dorset’s dog-friendly cottages
To fully appreciate dog-friendly Dorset, you’ll need to take your time, so why not book somewhere to rest those paws between adventures? Our guide to Dorset’s best dog-friendly cottages can point you in the right direction.
All of our dog-friendly cottages in Dorset not only allow four-legged guests but welcome them with open paws, making sure they feel just as at home as you do – so take a look at our full collection and take the first steps towards a magical holiday.
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.