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 quiet pint with your pooch 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
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The Brewers Arms credit: Instagram @oslo.the.cockapoo
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. You can dine in with your dog in the designated pup-friendly restaurant area, and the menu boasts plenty of local fare.
Stay nearby: The Old Mill, Corfe Mullen – sleeps 4 dogs and 8 humans
Sat on the South Winterborne river, this peaceful pub is 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.
Stay nearby: The Old Sweet Shop – sleeps 1 dog and 5 humans
Dogs are welcome in the bar of this 400-year-old pub 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.
Stay nearby: Sturminster Newtons Old Coach House – sleeps 2 dogs and 2 humans
Best dog-friendly places to eat after a day on the beach
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The Smugglers' Inn credit: Instagram @dollychopscoleman
Just a short scamper up from the coast, this traditional pub has 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?!
Stay nearby: Seafields - Ringstead – sleeps 2 dogs and 8 humans
On Swanage’s high street and only half a mile from the Purbeck Heritage Coast, this self-declared “old-fashioned” pub is 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.
Stay nearby: Crabstones, Swanage – sleeps 1 dog and 5 humans
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 on a lead or in the large beer garden which has access to the beach.
Stay nearby: Lyme Hideout, Lyme Regis – sleeps 1 dog and 2 humans
Best dog-friendly places to eat with multiple dogs
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The Grove Arms credit: Instagram @meganshave29
One of the most dog-friendly pubs in Dorset, this charming pub 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.
Stay nearby: No 1 Curwens, Melbury Abbas – sleeps 1 dog and 2 humans
This 16th-century gastropub in the Cranborne Chase AONB welcomes dogs in the bar and spoils them with doggy treats, making it 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.
Stay nearby: Lavender Lodge - New Forest, Fordingbridge – sleeps 1 dog and 4 humans
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 menu blends classic favourites with more modern flavours including lots of vegan and gluten-free options, so it’s great for pleasing a crowd!
Stay nearby: Sun Beam, Weymouth – sleeps 2 dogs and 6 humans
Best dog-friendly places to eat which cater to families
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The Greyhound Inn credit: Instagram @bentley_the_foxred
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. Four-legged guests aren’t forgotten either – they can chow down on meaty treats while you dig into the legendary carvery.
Stay nearby: The Beeches – Milborne St Andrew - Blandford Forum – sleeps 2 dogs and 12 humans
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, it’s popular with ghosts too – rumour has it that a young child haunts the 18th-century building!
Stay nearby: Dairy Cottages – Big Barn, Wimborne Minster – sleeps 2 dogs and 8 humans
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 it a great choice for dinner after a day exploring as a family.
Stay nearby: Plum Tree Cottage – Corfe Castle – sleeps 2 dogs and 4 humans
Best dog-friendly places to eat for one man and his dog
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The Acorn Inn credit: Instagram @redcarnationhotels
A must-visit for literary lovers – this pub was featured in Hardy’s novel Tess of the d’Urbervilles. Its 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!
Stay nearby: Jemma’s Cottage – Manor Farm, Frome St Quintin – sleeps 2 dogs and 2 humans
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 for a drink while your pup naps at your feet.
Stay nearby: Wick Cottage, Christchurch – sleeps 2 dogs and 5 humans
Overlooking Lyme Regis’ historic Cobb, this charming pub welcomes soggy doggies after bracing coastal walks. There are lots of cosy tables where you can watch the world go by, with your tufty-pawed pal by your side.
Stay nearby: Wandas, Lyme Regis – sleeps 2 dogs and 2 humans
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.