Dog-friendly places to stay in Dorset

Dorset’s long stretch of wild coastline, with dog-friendly beaches like Durdle Door and Chesil Beach, make it one of the best dog-friendly destinations in the UK. Spend your mornings hiking the Jurassic Coast with your four-legged pal by your side, afternoons discovering National Trust trails, and evenings curled up beside the fire in a country pub.

Our collection of dog-friendly places to stay includes everything from snug cottages and rustic barns to welcoming pubs with rooms, all personally inspected by our team to ensure they give your dog the same warm welcome they give their human guests. With its mix of natural beauty, warm hospitality and wag-worthy adventures, Dorset promises an escape you’ll both love.

Featured dog-friendly places to stay in Dorset

53 Durweston - Gallery

53 Durweston

Blandford Forum, Dorset

More dog-friendly inspiration

Some of our favourite dog-friendly things to do in Dorset

Dorset has plenty to keep dogs and their humans occupied. The glorious Jurassic Coast – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its hidden bays, fossil-laden beaches and soaring cliffs, as well as gentle rivers, ancient castles, country parks, Iron Age hill forts and chugging steam trains. Everything you (and your dog) might wish for on a quintessential English holiday can be found in Dorset, which tends to be quieter than its neighbour Devon or nearby Cornwall. And, if you get lucky with the weather, there’s no better place to be on a sunny weekend.

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A few of our favourite dog walks in Dorset

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to dog walks in charming Dorset. The Jurassic Coast – a UNESCO World Heritage Site — is a glorious jumble of hidden bays, towering golden cliffs and beaches laden with fossils, all wrapped up in breath-taking coastal routes. While inland there are nods to the Romans, cheeky chalk figures and plenty of history and interest peppered around Thomas Hardy country to discover. Dogs and their humans will delight in all the lovely country air and there are dog-friendly cafes, pubs and restaurants to rest weary paws and feet after a good stomp.

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Dog-friendly beaches in Dorset

Dorset is one of our favourite choices for a weekend break because of its spectacular scenery, buzzing seaside towns and beautiful marriage of lush countryside and craggy coastline. It’s also got some of the best dog-friendly beaches in the country, perfect for stretching your legs and breathing in salty air with your best friend by your side. To help you plan your trip, we’ve rounded up five of the best year-round dog-friendly beaches in Dorset, with more sparkling seas and golden sands than you can shake a muddy stick at.

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Your guide to a dog-friendly stay in Dorset

  • Dog-friendly beaches: Dorset is home to some of the UK’s best beaches for dogs, with plenty of year-round access. From the wide sands of Chesil Beach to the peaceful coves near Kimmeridge Bay, you’ll find room to roam and paddle to your heart’s content.

  • Dog-friendly walks: The South West Coast Path serves up miles of cliff-top routes and dramatic sea views, while Thorncombe Woods near Dorchester offers peaceful woodland walks. Don’t miss Old Harry Rocks or a stomp up Golden Cap, Dorset’s highest point, for unbeatable views.

  • Dog-friendly pubs, cafés and local treats: Dorset’s villages are filled with welcoming spots where muddy boots and paws are part of the furniture. Try The Acorn Inn in Evershot for hearty local fare, The Sailor’s Return in Chaldon Herring for a post-walk pint, or head to West Bay for fish and chips on the quay. Discover more of our favourite dog-friendly pubs in Dorset for places that make both you and your four-legged companion feel right at home.

  • Dog-friendly attractions: Wander through Corfe Castle, explore Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, or hop aboard the Swanage Railway, where well-behaved dogs can join you for a nostalgic ride through the countryside.

  • Dog-friendly stays: After a day of exploring, settle into one of our favourite dog-friendly cottages in Dorset – from cosy coastal hideaways to converted barns tucked among the hills. If you prefer a little extra comfort, explore our favourite dog-friendly hotels in Dorset for stays with roaring fires, country views and plenty of room for paws to stretch out.