The UK’s cosiest dog-friendly pubs
Date published: 10 Jan 2025
Find your dog-friendly holiday cottage
Date published: 10 Jan 2025
After somewhere cosy to rest muddy wellies and paws? We’ve rounded up our favourite dog-friendly pubs that are perfect for a pre or post walk reward this winter. Think roaring fires, sheepskin rugs and treats for you and your furry best mate…
The Duncombe Arms, Staffordshire
This cosy village pub sits on the border of the Peak District, so it’s spot on for post-walk pints and snuggles. The Mail on Sunday has even hailed it ‘the local we all wish we had’. It’s super dog-friendly, too – the owners have six pups themselves (you won’t find them all in the pub, though, don’t worry!). In the dog-friendly bar, sheepskin rugs are thrown over the back of bar stools and there are dog beds for your pooch to cuddle up by the fire. There are even dog-friendly rooms, if you never want to leave.
Book your dog-friendly stay in the Peak District.
(photo credit: The Duncombe Arms)
The Litton, Somerset
We can’t think of a better way to cosy up after a walk than at The Litton. This award-winning pub sits in pretty countryside around half an hour’s drive from Bath or Bristol. Inside, you can snuggle up by the wood burner, while out on the riverside terrace there are fire pits and blankets to keep you warm. The walk around nearby Chew Valley Lake is lovely in any weather. And the pub menu is even lovelier with a big focus on local, sustainable ingredients.
The Pheasant Inn, Cumbria
We know, we know, it’s called the Pheasant, but it’s pooches that get the VIP treatment here. It’s even been shortlisted as one of the UK’s Best Pubs for Dogs at the Great British Pub Awards. There are water bowls and complimentary treats at the ready. It’s a perfect pitstop after a walk around nearby Bassenthwaite Lake. And the 17th-century coaching inn is as cosy as they come, with its dark-wood bar, dim lighting and patterned carpet. What’s more, it’s only 10 minutes’ drive away from Keswick – a must-stop for dog owners in the Lake District. It’s often crowned the most dog-friendly town in Britain, after all.
The Cat Inn, Sussex
This place might be named after every dog’s arch nemesis, but it’s absolutely perfect for pooches and their parents. The 16th-century pub has bags of character, from beamed ceilings to a pair of inglenook fireplaces, making it nice and cosy in winter. Dogs are welcome in the bar, where there are towels for wiping muddy paws and treats for their jaws. Plus, humans can look forward to the real ale – the pub prides itself on its partnership with local breweries.
The Clachan Inn, Scotland
You’re in for a warm welcome at The Clachan Inn – and we don’t just mean the staff. There’s a log burner in the bar, which keeps things nice and toasty. And you might need warming up if you’ve come in from a wintry walk along the West Highland Way, or by nearby Loch Lomond. The Clachan is Scotland’s oldest licensed pub, so that should give you some idea of what to expect. Dogs are welcome in the bar, with its tartan carpets and dark-wood décor. But you can’t book and this place gets popular, so if you’re after food, or a seat, it’s best to get there early.
The Salthouse Dun Cow, Norfolk
Exposed brick walls, beamed ceilings, log burning fires – The Dun Cow is one cosy customer, or rather you will be. You can tuck into burgers, fish stews and mussels while taking in views over the salt marshes of the gorgeous North Norfolk Coast. Dogs are welcome everywhere, so you’ll see plenty sitting patiently (or drooling patiently) under tables. As far as cosy dog-friendly pubs by the coast go, you won’t get much better than here.
The Masons Arms, Oxfordshire
From the outside, this thatched former farmhouse is seriously quaint. Inside, they’ve kept things traditional with flagstone flooring, rustic beams and exposed brick walls. But paired it with boutique, modern touches like vintage wallpaper, signs and neon lights. There are open fires on both sides of the dog-friendly bar. You can treat your four-legged friend to Lily’s Kitchen treats, or head out on a stroll around the country lanes – you’re mere miles from the Cotswolds.
The Three Horseshoes, Wales
This cosy little gastropub is right on the border of the Brecon Beacons, or Bannau Brycheiniog, National Park, in Wales. So that’s your dog walks sorted. When you need warming up, there’s a dog-friendly bar with an open fire. There are also ‘beach huts’ in the garden, complete with heaters, if you’d rather sit al fresco. If you’re visiting on a Sunday, we recommend trying the roast – it’s been included in the Good Food Guide’s Top 50 Sunday Lunches for 2025.
Ready to snuggle up by the fire with Fido? Head to our homepage to browse our full range of dog-friendly holidays. And for more inspo, check out our guide to the best beaches to visit in winter with a dog and dog-friendly winter walks.
Meet the author
Annabel JacksonAnnabel loves exploring new parts of the UK with her family, including French bulldog, Albie. They’re regular visitors to North Wales and Norfolk, but have also made some paw-some memories in the Peak District, Cotswolds, Highlands and Cornwall.
