If you’re planning a holiday with pets in tow, get to know this beautiful corner of Dorset in our guide to dog-friendly Weymouth before venturing off on an exciting UK break.
There’s a wealth of dog-friendly things to do in Weymouth: take a trip with family and friends to this exquisite holiday destination where you can hunt for fossils along the coastline, visit exciting attractions across the county and stop by traditional pubs in Weymouth’s town centre, all with your four-pawed best bud by your side every step of the way.
Head out on big adventures and sniff out wildlife, track down delicious dog-friendly dinners, and unwind on the beautiful beaches. We have a fantastic choice of pet-friendly cottages you’ll love in and around Weymouth so if you can’t wait to book your next getaway, start browsing our Weymouth collection now.
What have we got to get tails wagging?
Get to know dog-friendly Weymouth...
Top dog-friendly days out in Weymouth
RSPB Radipole Lake Nature Reserve and Lodmoor Nature Reserve
Get back to nature at either of the two magical wetland reserves in town, by the harbour: RSPB Rapidole Lake and Lodmoor Nature Reserve. You can look out for a range of wildlife including kingfishers flitting around the banks, colourful dragonflies darting across the water, and you might even spot an elusive otter playing in the shallows. Your pup is welcome on a lead so as not to scare the birds and other creatures that make their home here; it’s one of our top dog-friendly attractions in Weymouth with beauty in abundance.
Minterne Gardens
The enchanting house and garden at Minterne allows dogs on leads in to see the sights and sniff out a range of plants with you. These horseshoe-shaped Himalayan gardens have been landscaped in the manner of Capability Brown, exuding charm, and are renowned for their world-famous collection of rhododendrons. There are regular benches along the 1-mile trail so you can rest and admire the fauna on display here, small lakes, waterfalls and streams you’ll pass as you wander, and a cafe where you can end your visit with tea and cake.
Why your dog will love it: Intriguing smells and plant textures provide interest on a relaxing garden dog walk.
Stay at: Honey Bee - Wild Meadow Cottages | 1 dog and 4 humans
Nothe Fort
Dogs are welcome to join you inside this impressive seafront fort that was originally built between 1860-1872 and now has been transformed into a museum of coastal defence with artefacts, displays and exhibitions throughout the building and grounds. This fascinating destination allows you to travel back in time and see wartime technology and interactive displays, there are even special events running throughout the year that you can get involved in.
Why your dog will love it: For dogs who aren’t so interested in artefacts, there’s plenty of green space outside so you can unwind in the fresh air when your canine companion is ready for a break.
Stay in: Skylark At Lower Manor Farm | 2 dogs and 5 humans
Dog walks in Weymouth
Legacy Trail 1 - Around Lorton Meadows
Enjoy an easy 2.3-mile stroll around this exquisite nature reserve bursting with wildlife and scenic beauty. This delightful wildlife haven offers scenic surroundings and a simple route, the perfect choice for a young family as kids can have fun spotting the bugs and birds as you make the rounds. There’s a small woodland, hedgerows and meadows that are fragrant with wildflowers during the summer. Take along snacks or a full picnic to enjoy in this tranquil natural space.
Why your dog will love it: Hounds will have a great time joining the whole family on this delightful dog walk that’s a good choice for older hounds who won’t want to venture too far.
Stay at: Cowleaze Cottage | sleeps 1 dog and 8 humans
Bindon Hill
If you decide to venture over to the famously beautiful Lulworth Cove, 16 miles away, this Bindon Hill walk begins and ends at Lulworth car park and offers fantastic views across the bay and along the coast. You’ll visit the Fossil Forest on your tour where rings in the rock mark out where trees once stood millions of years ago, and along the way, you’ll also gain an excellent view of Kimmeridge Bay.
Why your dog will love it: It’s an interesting walk with open spaces and meadows along the way.
Stay at: Lynwood Lodge - The Garden Room | 1 dog and 2 humans
Abbotsbury Castle
Challenge yourself and your energetic canine companion with a longer 6-mile trek along the coast. It’s a relatively flat walk with one long climb to conquer. The ‘castle’ is actually an Iron Age hillfort enclosed by a double rampart of earthen banks; you can still make out the faint foundation outline of huts that once stood here. Once you reach this beauty spot, the panoramic views across Lyme Bay are remarkable so don’t forget your camera! There’s also a post marking the place where a Tudor beacon once stood, part of a network along the coast, and the remains of a WWII gun emplacement. Uncover over 5,000 years of history on this scenic dog-walking route.
Why the dog will love it: Any dog whose ears perk up at the sound of ‘walkies’ will have a fantastic time trekking along with you.
Stay at: Bridge Cottage | 1 dog and 5 humans
Dog-friendly beaches in Weymouth
Bowleaze Cove
This dog-friendly beach is just 2 miles north east of Weymouth and a tranquil location for dog walking with your beloved hound. It can get busy during the summer and it’s a popular coastal destination for jet skiers, so you could take to the water if you’re so inclined. Children will love investigating the rock pools that are revealed at low tide, there are stunning coastal views towards Weymouth for you to enjoy, and a cafe and gift shop ensure you can pick up amenities when needed. Best of all, this dog-friendly beach in Weymouth welcomes pups all year round.
Why dogs will love it: They can enjoy digging in the sand at low tide and might meet other canine companions at this dog-friendly beach near Weymouth.
Stay at: Thyme Cottage | 1 dog and 6 humans
Chesil Beach
A wonderfully unique and immense pebble bank which stretches some 17 miles from Portland to West Bay, this impressive expanse of beach welcomes dogs all year round to explore its shores. Towards the eastern end of Weymouth, the idyllic Fleet Lagoon sits behind Chesil Beach and provides an important habitat for wildlife. Follow the South West Coast Path to see the lagoon and meet the mute swans, Brent geese and the glossy ibis are just a few of the birds you may spot here.
Why your dog will love it: Your pup will enjoy feeling the wind in their fur at this remote blustery bank.
Stay at: The Old Sweet Shop – Weymouth | 1 dog and 5 humans
Ringstead Bay
This sweeping shingle beach curves around and is backed by farmland, cliffs and the quaint Ringstead village, 8 miles east of Weymouth. It’s a National Trust site with a couple of historical landmarks you could pop by, Ringstead Radar Station and the pretty chapel of St Catherine-by-the-Sea, and there’s a store where you could pick up an ice cream during the summer. You can hunt for fossils at Ringstead Bay; just beware of potential rockfalls by the cliffs. This beauty spot is dog-friendly year-round and a pleasant destination for a quiet coastal trip.
Why dogs will love it: Playful pups will enjoy splashing about in the crystal-clear waters.
Stay at: Seafields – Ringstead | 2 dogs and 8 humans
Dog-friendly places to eat out
The Ship Inn
A harbourside pub with big windows so you can watch the hubbub of the harbour while you dine; The Ship Inn is a stylish place to eat with your dog. Enjoy tasty grub as the menu boasts burgers, pies and curries to select from, and sip a well-deserved pint after you’ve spent a day out and about in Dorset. It’s a dog-friendly pub right in the heart of Weymouth so if you’re staying in town you may be able to enjoy an evening stroll back to your holiday cottage after you’ve dined.
Why your dog will love it: There’s the chance for tasty titbits, so don’t be surprised to see a wet nose appear from under the table.
Stay at: Goldfinch At Lower Manor Farm | 2 dogs and 4 humans
The Good Life Café
This charming tearoom offers homemade fresh food in a delightful setting. It overlooks the beach so you can enjoy a jam-laden scone while taking in the sights and people-watching from one of the window seats. It’s one of our favourite dog-friendly places to eat in Weymouth and a delightful eatery to stop by. Enjoy a stroll along the waterfront to and from this quaint cafe by the beach.
Why your dog will love it: The coastal walk to this tearoom will blow away the cobwebs for your pup and ready you for a hot drink.
Stay at: Lynwood Lodge - Little Lynwood | 2 dogs and 2 humans
The Black Dog Pub
Dating back to the 1500s and believed to be the oldest pub in town, The Black Dog Pub is a traditional stone dog-friendly pub in Weymouth that’s full of character and original features such as oak beams and stone walls, and there’s a wood burner throwing out heat on chilly evenings. A cosy atmosphere fills this coastal dog-friendly pub and ensures you’ll have a relaxing dinner out with your pup snoozing at your feet.
Why your dog will love it: The crackling wood burner offers warmth for dogs who can curl up and snooze at your feet while you dine.
Stay at: Sun Beam | 2 dogs and 6 humans
Dog-friendly towns and villages near Weymouth
Dorchester
This city is a bustling hub of the area and only 9 miles north of Weymouth, with a variety of dog-friendly places to see, eat and stay within the area. You’ll be spoilt for choice of attractions on a day out here - The Dinosaur Museum is a family-friendly attraction that dogs can visit too, while The Brewhouse and Kitchen is a stylish pub and microbrewery where you can enjoy a pint. Ensure you visit to make the most of the beautiful architecture, historical sites, and serene parkland during a holiday to Dorset.
Why your dog will love it: Excitable pups will get a thrill from the many different smells and people bustling about. There’s always a dog-friendly attraction around the next corner too!
Stay at: Lavender Cottage - Whitcombe | 2 dogs and 5 humans
Poole
Poole is always a favourite destination on the Dorset coast, with a wealth of activities and attractions throughout the city, not to mention an exquisite natural harbour where you can watch the boats come and go. It’s a large town, over 30 miles from Weymouth but a great choice for a day out! Stroll through the gardens and stop off at the tearoom in Compton Acres with your happy hound, play fetch at Poole Park, and get sandy paws down at one of the wonderful beaches surrounding this coastal town.
Why your dog will love it: There’s so much to see and do, your canine companion may need a lie down after such a busy and exciting day out!
Stay: Dog-friendly cottages in Poole
Corfe Castle
A village overflowing with history and heritage, it’s a remarkable destination to uncover during your dog-friendly holiday to Weymouth. It’s a 23-mile trip over to the heart of the stunning Isle of Purbeck to discover this ancient site where you can wander cobbled streets, get a bite to eat at charming cafes, and step foot inside the incredible castle itself. Corfe Castle which overlooks the village of the same name is 1,000 years old and has a wealth of stories and secret places for you to seek out. See the 'murder holes', step past fallen walls, before enjoying a picnic down on the grass.
Pet-friendly holidays in Weymouth
Top: Cowleaze Cottage | Left: Honey Bee | Middle: Sun Beam | Right: Honeysuckle Cottage
Escape to Dorset for a Weymouth dog-friendly holiday and discover ancient sites, thrilling attractions and remarkable beauty spots with every member of your pack. Begin planning your next holiday to Weymouth by browsing through our collection of pet-friendly cottages.
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.