You’ve roamed the countryside, splashed in the sea and explored every inch of the beautiful Dorset landscape with your dog by your side – and it’s really worked up your appetite!
Lucky for you, there are plenty of places to eat in Dorset that welcome your four-legged adventurer too. Whether you’re after a quiet pint with your pup or you’re looking to take the whole family out for a slap-up meal, these dog-friendly pubs and restaurants in Dorset will certainly set tails wagging!
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Best dog-friendly places to eat after a country walk
The Stocks Inn, Wimborne
On the edge of the Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the dog-friendly woodland of the National Trust’s Kingston Lacy, is this traditional Dorset pub. At The Stocks Inn, you can dine in with your dog in the designated pup-friendly restaurant area, and the menu boasts plenty of local fare.
Good to know:
- Location: Furzehill, Wimborne Minster, Dorset BH12 4HT
- Opening times: Open daily 12 to late | Dining hours between 12-8pm, Friday and Saturday 12-8.30pm, Sunday 12-7pm
- Why not try? Traditional cottage pie
- Stay nearby: The Old Mill, Corfe Mullen | sleeps 8 + 4 dogs
The Brewers Arms, Dorchester
Sat on the South Winterborne River, The Brewers Arms is a peaceful pub and a great stop-off after a waterside walk with your hound. Four-legged visitors can enjoy some biscuits before dozing in front of a roaring fire, and humans will enjoy the local food and real ales.
Good to know:
- Location: Burnside, Martinstown, Dorset DT2 9LB
- Opening times: Open from 12 to late Tuesday to Sunday | Dining hours between 2-3pm and 6-8.30pm, 12-3pm on Sunday
- Why not try? Sicilian chicken
- Stay nearby: The Old Sweet Shop | sleeps 5 + 1 dog
The White Horse Inn, Hinton St Mary
Dogs are welcome in the bar at the 400-year-old White Horse Inn and will be greeted with water, treats and a nice scratch behind the ears! If the nearby walks through the Stour Valley have stoked your appetite, the menu features pub classics alongside local seafood.
Good to know:
- Location: White Horse Lane, Hinton St Mary, Sturminster Newton, Dorset DT10 1NA
- Opening times: Open from 12-3pm and 5-10pm Wednesday and Thursday, 12 to late Friday and Saturday, 12-5pm Sunday | Dining hours between 12-2.30pm and 6-9pm, 12-3.30pm Sunday (closed Monday and Tuesday)
- Why not try? Westcombe cheddar and ham ploughman’s
- Stay nearby: Sturminster Newtons Old Coach House | sleeps 2 + 2 dogs
Best dog-friendly places to eat after a day on the beach
The Smuggler’s Inn, Osmington Mills
Just a short scamper up from the coast, The Smuggler's Inn is a traditional pub with a large beer garden, a colourful history and stunning views over the Isle of Portland. Four-legged patrons can tuck into doggy ice cream after seaside walkies – what better way to spend a summer’s day?!
Good to know:
- Location: Osmington Mills, Weymouth, Dorset DT3 6HF
- Opening times: Open from 11:30 to late Monday to Saturday, 11-8.30pm Sunday | Dining hours between 12-8.30pm Monday to Thursday, 12-9pm Friday and Saturday, 12-7.30pm Sunday
- Why not try? Prosciutto pizza
- Stay nearby: Seafields - Ringstead | sleeps 8 + 2 dogs
The Black Swan Inn, Swanage
On Swanage’s high street and only half a mile from the Purbeck Heritage Coast, The Black Swan Inn is a self-declared 'old-fashioned' pub that is simply perfect after a day at the beach in rain or shine; there are two wood burners inside for cosy winter drinks and outside is a beer garden where you can bask in the last of the summer’s rays – dogs are welcome in both.
Good to know:
- Location: 159 High Street, Swanage, Dorset BH19 2NE
- Opening times: Open from 5pm to late Monday to Saturday, 12pm to late Sunday | Dining hours between 6-9pm Monday to Saturday, 12-3pm and 6-9pm Sunday
- Why not try? Unami portobello mushroom and halloumi burger
- Stay nearby: Crabstones | sleeps 5 + 1 dog
The Royal Standard, Lyme Regis
Overlooking Lyme Regis beach in West Dorset, this dog-friendly pub is a great spot for lunch and champions local produce. Dogs are allowed inside The Royal Standard on a lead or in the large beer garden which has access to the beach.
Good to know:
- Location: 25 Marine Parade, Lyme Regis, Dorset DT7 3JF
- Opening times: Open daily 11 to late | Dining hours between 12-2.45 and 5.30-9pm
- Why not try? Traditional steak pasty
- Stay nearby: Lyme Hideout | sleeps 2 + 1 dog
Best dog-friendly places to eat with multiple dogs
The Grove Arms, Ludwell
One of the most dog-friendly pubs in Dorset, The Grove Arms is a charming pub that offers its own ‘Mutt’s Menu’ for doggy diners to choose from. Your four-legged friends can meet Buddy the resident Labrador while you tuck into burgers, salads or pies – the menu caters for lots of special diets too.
Good to know:
- Location: Ludwell, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 9ND
- Opening times: 12 to late Tuesday to Saturday, 11.30 to late Sunday | Dining hours between 12-3pm Tuesday to Sunday
- Why not try? Wholetail scampi and chips
- Stay nearby: No 1 Curwens | sleeps 2 + 1 dog
The Fleur de Lys Inn
This 16th-century gastropub in the Cranborne Chase AONB welcomes dogs in the bar and spoils them with doggy treats, making The Fleur de Lys Inn a great stop-off after walkies around the woodland near the River Chase. Two-legged visitors will be equally delighted with the local, seasonal menu.
Good to know:
- Location: 5 Wimborne Street, Cranborne, Dorset BH21 5PP
- Opening times: Open 3 to late Thursday to Saturday, 12-8pm Sunday | Dining hours between 5-9pm Thursday to Saturday, 12-3pm Sunday
- Why not try? Sunday roast
- Stay nearby: Lavender Lodge - New Forest | sleeps 4 + 1 dog humans
The Ship Inn, Weymouth
Dogs are allowed in both the downstairs bar and dining area of this waterfront pub in the centre of Weymouth and can tuck into some treats for a small charity donation. The Ship Inn's menu blends classic favourites with more modern flavours including lots of vegan and gluten-free options, so it’s great for pleasing a crowd!
Good to know:
- Location: Custom House Quay, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8BE
- Opening times: Open daily from 11.30am to late, 11am to late Saturday | Dining hours between 12-8.30 Monday to Thursday, 12-9pm Friday, 11.30-9pm Saturday, 11.45am-8pm Sunday
- Why not try? Loaded nachos
- Stay nearby: Sun Beam - Weymouth | sleeps 8 + 2 dogs
Best dog-friendly places to eat which cater to families
The Royal Oak, Milborne
This traditional village pub is a great choice for families, with outdoor play equipment and a kids’ menu with firm favourites like macaroni cheese, pizza, and sausage and chips. At The Royal Oak, four-legged guests aren’t forgotten either – they can chow down on meaty treats while you dig into the legendary carvery.
Good to know:
- Location: Dorchester Hill, Milborne St Andrew, Dorset DT11 0JG
- Opening times: Open daily from 12 to late | Dining hours between 12-8pm Monday to Saturday, 12-7.30pm Sunday
- Why not try? Beef stroganoff
- Stay nearby: The Beeches - Milborne St Andrew | sleeps 12 + 2 dogs
The Angel, Longham
With an outside children’s play area, a lovely garden, and biscuits and ice cream for dogs, there’s something for the whole family at this pretty, red-brick pub. Situated in a village 7 miles outside both Bournemouth and Poole, The Angel is popular with ghosts too – rumour has it that a young child haunts the 18th-century building!
Good to know:
- Location: Ringwood Road, Longham Wimborne, Dorset BH22 9AP
- Opening times: Open daily from 9.30am to late | Dining hours between 9.30am-9pm Monday to Saturday, 9.30-8pm Sunday
- Why not try? Mac and cheese
- Stay nearby: Dairy Cottages – Big Barn | sleeps 8 + 2 dogs
The Greyhound, Corfe Castle
This appropriately named pub spoils dogs with their very own ‘K9 menu’! Kids can also choose from their own menu, and its location close to the entrance to Corfe Castle – and only 7 miles from Wareham – makes The Greyhound a great choice for dinner after a day exploring as a family.
Good to know:
- Location: The Square, Corfe Castle, Wareham, Dorset BH20 5EZ
- Opening times: Open daily from 12 to late | Dining hours between 12-8pm
- Why not try? Ham, egg and chips
- Stay nearby: Plum Tree Cottage - Corfe Castle | sleeps 4 + 2 dogs
Best dog-friendly places to eat for one man and his dog
The Acorn Inn, Evershot
A must-visit for literary lovers – this pub was featured in Hardy’s novel Tess of the d’Urbervilles. The Acorn Inn's cosy interior makes it a great destination for a pint with your pooch after wandering the nearby countryside trails – treat Fido to a dog biscuit from behind the bar when you arrive!
Good to know:
- Location: 28 Fore Street, Evershot, Dorset DT2 0JW
- Opening times: Open daily | 3-10.30pm Monday and Tuesday, 12-10.30pm Wednesday and Thursday, 12-11pm Friday and Saturday, 12-10.30pm Sunday | Dining hours between 6.30-8.30pm Monday and Tuesday 12-1.45pm and 6.30-8.30pm Wednesday to Sunday
- Why not try? Miso and honey pork belly
- Stay nearby: Jemma’s Cottage – Manor Farm | sleeps 2 + 2 dogs
Ye Olde George Inn, Christchurch
This cosy little pub on the River Avon is great for a pint after a waterside walk with your four-legged best friend. In the summer, make the most of the weather by heading out into the beer garden at the Ye Olde George Inn for a drink while your pup naps at your feet.
Good to know:
- Location: 2A Castle Street, Christchurch, Dorset BH23 1DT
- Opening times: Open daily | 9am to late Monday to Thursday, 10am to late Friday and Saturday, 11 to late Sunday | Dining hours between 11-10pm
- Why not try? Burrito bowl
- Stay nearby: Wick Cottage | sleeps 5 + 3 dogs
The Cobb Arms, Lyme Regis
Overlooking Lyme Regis’ historic Cobb, this charming pub welcomes soggy doggies after bracing coastal walks. There are lots of cosy tables inside The Cobb Arms where you can watch the world go by, with your tufty-pawed pal by your side.
Good to know:
- Location: Marine Parade, Lyme Regis, Dorset DT7 3JF
- Opening times: Open daily from 10am to late | Dining hours between 12-4pm and 5-9pm
- Why not try? Mushroom and leek pie
- Stay nearby: Burton House Apartment | sleeps 2 + 2 dogs
Map of Dorset's best dog-friendly pubs and restaurants
Plan your pawfect Dorset holiday
Tummies full and eyelids heavy, it’s time to find somewhere cosy to rest your head. Our dog-friendly cottages in Dorset not only allow your four-legged family members too, but welcome them with open paws! Take a look at our full collection of cottages or read our ultimate guide to Dorset to plan the rest of your epic dog-friendly adventure.
For even more great places to chow down with your pooch, why not go out for a dog's dinner at the UK's most dog-friendly pubs or the UK's most dog-friendly cafes?
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.