A holiday to Shropshire with your dog is bound to be fun. There are lots of fantastic visitor attractions to enjoy with your four-legged friend such as country parks, ruins, canals, great places to eat, and some of the best-preserved Tudor period buildings in England. We have compiled a guide packed with dog-friendly days out in Shropshire, and information about some of its best dog-friendly inns and pubs.
Shropshire has much to offer you on a dog-friendly holiday. Why not stay at one of our dog-friendly self-catering holiday cottages in Shropshire?
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Dog-friendly days out in Shropshire
Ironbridge Gorge
Best for history in a beautiful place: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a living museum; Ironbridge Gorge is an important site in British history as it is the cradle of the Industrial Revolution. The plus side for dog owners is that many of the attractions can be enjoyed by visitors with two and four feet. There is a lovely circuit to walk that takes in the whole gorge, the iron bridge, and several lovely pubs where you can enjoy a pint. The premier destination for dogs is a day out at Blists Hill Victorian Town; dogs on leads are welcome to accompany you around this largely open-air museum that takes you back in time to the age of steam and life in the Victorian era.
For dog-friendly places to eat and drink in Ironbridge, check out the cosy Golden Ball Inn, or the rustic Horse and Jockey for a good ale and a handsome evening meal.
Why dogs will love it: Dogs are treated as equals at Blists Hill and the pubs, and there’s gorgeous countryside to discover.
Severn Hill Railway
Best for a train ride: Take your dog to one of the best dog-friendly attractions in Shropshire: the Severn Hill Railway. Catch a restored steam train between Bridgnorth and Kidderminster through some stunning countryside. Built during the age of steam, the line opened to the public in 1862 and crosses some amazing countryside that you can enjoy as you go. The line was discontinued in 1963, but it was saved by locals and turned into a heritage line. By 1970, it was back open having acquired some very interesting steam engines and rolling stock. It’s a great way to travel and, depending on where your self-catering holiday cottage is, a ride aboard could be combined with a trip to another one of Shropshire’s dog-friendly places to go.
Why your dog will love it: The sights and sounds are bound to keep your pooch alert and chipper!
Shrewsbury Prison – Jailhouse Tours
Best for naughty dogs: Has your dog been naughty? Then why not take your dog on a trip of Shrewsbury’s historic prison? In reality, your dog will probably be fascinated by this most peculiar of places. Shrewsbury Prison (also known as The Dana) was constructed by Thomas Telford and was opened in 1793, closing in 2013 and becoming a family museum a short time afterwards.
You can take self-guided tours or have an ex-prison officer take you around for a ‘warts and all’ walkabout. There are all kinds of supplementary tours at Shrewsbury like a tunnels tour and an after-dark ghost walk. At Shrewsbury Prison, there are over 200 cells in two wings, the execution room, and the executioner’s bedroom where the infamous Albert Pierrepoint would have slept before going about his business. There is also a museum and a gift shop, as well as a café.
Why your dog will love it: Although the café will be the highlight of the tour for them, it’s a veritable maze for your pup to explore with you, on the lead.
Dog-friendly walkies out in Shropshire
Attingham Park
Best for open spaces: Take your dog for a refreshing walk in the 200 acres of parkland at the National Trust’s Attingham Park. There are two types of tickets; dog owners will want the ‘Outdoors Only’ kind as dogs are not permitted inside the mansion, but that’s OK as there is still lots to see and enjoy on your visit to one of the most attractive dog-friendly places for a dog walk in Shropshire. If you are hungry after your walk, then stop in at the Carriage House Café which is located in the Stables Courtyard. There is outdoor seating for you and your dog where you can enjoy teas, coffees and light lunches throughout the day.
Why your dog will love it: With such a large country park to enjoy, this is a superb place for an invigorating walk topped off with a spot of lunch with the humans.
Old Oswestry Hill Fort
Best for level walks: This is a great open space to enjoy with your dog. Old Oswestry Hill Fort is a striking, 40-acre earthwork that forms a part of Wat’s Dyke. Dating back to the Iron Age, it is thought to be the best-preserved ancient hillfort in the UK. It remained in use for over 1,000 years before it was abandoned. Walk the multiple ramparts and stop to take in the gorgeous vistas across Shropshire’s rolling green countryside.
A visit is a must for those with elderly or small dogs and pups who would welcome a shorter, and mostly level walk. Sheep graze across the fort, so strict control over your pets is required when you visit, but nonetheless, the views are fantastic and it’s a wonderful site of historical importance to visit with your furry friend.
Why your dog will love it: For certain dogs, this will provide fun exercise and scents of rabbits to catch on the breeze.
Moreton Corbet Castle
Best for a walk and a picnic: Come and enjoy a picnic in the English Heritage-managed ruins of the curious Moreton Corbet Castle. Made up of several structures that were built over a 500-year period, the castle was ultimately devastated during the Civil War. Dogs on leads are welcome to join you on your trip to this remarkable place which is perfect for a relaxing pitstop.
Moreton Corbet Castle is a brilliant choice for a rest during your day as there are numerous trails that fan out from this landmark through the countryside. Beyond parking spaces, there are no facilities at Moreton Corbet Castle, so caution is required, and climbing is not permitted as the ruins – although periodically maintained – are very old.
Why your dog will love it: After a walk around the site, there are lots of trails to enjoy with you. The castle is iconic and perfect for a doggy photo opportunity.
Dog-friendly pubs and inns to dine at in Shropshire
The Boathouse, Ellesmere
Best for a lakeside lunch: Situated waterside on The Mere, a lake at the edge of Ellesmere, the idyllic Boathouse is a great choice for a good meal. Dogs are welcome at the Boathouse in the bar and the garden with its amazing views. The menu covers all standards like Sunday roasts, burgers, steaks, seafood, and vegetarian options.
Why dogs will love it: They will love watching the ducks on the water whilst they await welcome scraps from the table.
The Stiperstones Inn, near The Stiper Stones
Best for cosy cooked meals: If you love traditional English country pubs, then this dog-friendly place to eat and drink in Shropshire is a winner. Situated in the South Shropshire Hills AONB, it's close to landmarks like the Stiperstones Ridge and the Long Mynd. The Stiperstones Inn has been serving beer since the mid-1800s and it has been run by the same family for over 50 years. The beer garden is very popular in the summertime and it’s a superb choice of place to dine and rest after a walk with your dog.
The menu is deep with fantastic choices ranging from steaks to varied starters and hard-to-refuse puddings and desserts. Vegetarians and vegans are also well catered for and there’s provision for dairy and gluten-free meals.
Why your dog will love it: It’s one of those pubs with a cosy fireplace and warm carpets to stretch out on after a long walk.
The Old Castle, Bridgnorth
Best for a town walk before dinner: Come to lovely Bridgnorth with your dog; at the heart of this very pretty town is the dog-friendly Old Castle. A favourite with holidaymakers and locals alike, The Old Castle is Bridgnorth’s best pub for real ale and traditional home-cooked food. Located in High Town close to the Bridgnorth Castle’s ruins, it’s a great idea to sit down after a good walk around the streets. Food is cooked to order so, if you have time to relax with a pint, this is where you want to be. Please book ahead as the pub gets busy especially in the evenings and at weekends.
Why your dog will love it: It’s sooooo cosy in the bar.
Towns to visit in Shropshire
Dog-friendly Ludlow
Best for urban open spaces: High on a cliff above the River Teme, you’ll find Ludlow. It lies close to England’s border with Wales and is 23 miles north of Hereford. The town is characterised by its ancient castle and its Medieval architecture, and there are lots of open spaces at its heart where you can relax and exercise your dog like Castle Gardens and Millennium Green. There are many dog-friendly cafes, pubs and inns to try out at the heart of town, some with on-street seating. After an explore of the town, run off the calories at nearby Caynham Camp, an Iron Age hill fort just outside Ludlow.
Why your dog will love it: There are lots of open spaces to amble around between food breaks!
Dog-friendly Bridgnorth
Best hidden gem to discover: Bridgnorth is a true find for the discerning visitor, your dog will be impressed indeed. Beautiful Bridgnorth occupies two areas divided by a sheer cliff: High Town and Low Town. Connected by the UK’s steepest funicular railway, the High Town is home to winding streets and cosy pubs and inns. A climb between the two parts of town via the staircases will guarantee that you and your dog will leave town in shape. In the Low Town is the former port and the River Severn, as well as the Castle Keep that leans at a more precarious angle than the Tower of Pisa in Italy. Take your dog for a wander in Severn or Lavington Park, or along the town’s prettiest street: Cartway.
Why your dog will love it: Fit dogs will adore all the steps; other dogs will love the funicular train ride. The views are worth the exertion. We promise.
Dog-friendly Shrewsbury
Best for remarkable heritage: Home to 600 listed buildings, Shrewsbury is a historic and architectural wonder. There’s also much to see and do with your pooch on a visit like a river cruise on Sabrina, Shrewsbury’s famous pleasure boat which takes you down the River Severn as its course swoops through the centre of the town. For a run in the park, we’d recommend Quarry Park which is 29 acres of open space; it’s also a good pick for a special picnic. The most eye-catching of all the town’s historic edifices is Shrewsbury Castle, a vast red sandstone building which is home to the Shropshire Regimental Museum. Being the county’s second-largest town (after Telford), there are lots of shops and places to eat and drink with your hound.
Why your dog will love it: They will especially enjoy Quarry Park with its large open spaces to play and sniff trees.
Dog-friendly places to stay in Shropshire
Ryton – The Old Milking Parlour | Sleeps: 1 dog + 4 guests
The best cottage for a relaxing break
For a family break away with the dog, Ryton – The Old Milking Parlour, located 6 miles from Shrewsbury, is a superb choice. Converted from a red brick barn, it is now a hub of convenience and comfort for visitors hoping to find the perfect dog-friendly accommodation in the Shrewsbury countryside. It’s close to Attingham Park, central Shrewsbury, and lots of rural walking trails in the immediate area.
The Dog House | Sleeps: 2 dogs + 2 humans
The cottage with the hot tub
This luxury hideaway for two humans and two dogs, known as The Dog House, comes complete with a hot tub to die for and a lovely garden. There’s even a heated kennel for your hounds to make their stay even more special. It’s a spacious prospect even though there is just the one bedroom, and it has a well-equipped kitchen for the gastronomes and a BBQ outdoors for fair weather meals in the garden. The location is close to attractions such as Battle Heritage Park, Haughmond Hill, and Shrewsbury.
Stay at a self-catering dog-friendly holiday cottage in Shropshire
If you are planning a dog-friendly holiday to lovely Shropshire, our accommodation for rent offers the memorable backdrop you’re looking for. Are you hoping to enjoy a romantic escape or a fun-packed getaway with all the family? Then browse our collection of properties for you, your dog, and your loved one today.
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.