14 of the Best Dog Friendly Hotels in Dorset
With its wonderful beaches, cliff-walks and rolling countryside, Dorset cries out to be explored by dogs and their owners. We’ve tracked down some of the best dog-friendly hotels in Dorset. While many are on the coast, with ready access to beaches, several are in towns and villages, often with grounds and gardens to explore. Dorset’s dog-friendly hotels often offer welcome treats plus beds and bowls. Use our guide and start planning your trip without leaving your four-legged friend at home!
Dog-friendly hotels on the coast
- Close to Chesil Beach, the Seaside Boarding House is far-removed from traditional boarding houses. Understatedly chic, with a touch of Cape Cod to its styling, there are just nine rooms with a mix of vintage and upcycled marine salvage. It’s totally relaxed and dogs are made very welcome.
- Even closer to Chesil Beach, and surrounded by fields, Moonfleet Manor is well-placed for lovely long dog-walks. This former stately home, with a mix of traditional and contemporary styling, is also family-friendly with both a spa and children’s activities.
- Not far away, on the other side of the peninsula, on Weymouth’s seafront, B+B Weymouth offers excellent value with its smart minimalist rooms and open-plan breakfasting area. Dogs receive treats, including dog-sitters if required!
- If you’re looking for pub-style accommodation, the 16th-cetury Castle Inn, near Lulworth Cove, is picture-perfect with its thatched roof, white-washed walls and picket fence. Rooms are cosy with exposed stone mixed with a light contemporary style plus its garden is just the place for a post-walk pint.
- For a chic-looking pub, try The Plantation in Poole with its bold-coloured bedrooms, charming garden with gazebos and stylish restaurant.
- Just to the east, in Christchurch, the Captain’s Club Hotel & Spa sits on the town’s outskirts overlooking the River Stour. The style is contemporary with some nautical influences, and all suites have kitchen facilities. Choose a luxury suite to include dog-beds and a doggy menu!
Dog-friendly hotels in the country
- With 20 acres of grounds, Plumber Manor, near Sturminster Newton, is the perfect place for your furry friend to burn off energy. This family-run former Jacobean manor house has a delightful air of faded grandeur with comfortably welcoming bedrooms and a popular restaurant.
- For a country-house experience, it’s hard to beat Summer Lodge, a former 18th-century manor house. Public rooms are awash with swags and ornaments, while bedrooms are very pretty. Dogs are welcomed with canine treats, and even have their own ‘washing station’.
- At Yalbury Cottage, near Dorchester, you can step straight out of the door on long, rambling walks. Rooms are cottagey simple while the food – as the property is chef-owned – offers gourmet dishes.
- Also offering walks from the doorstep, Winyards Gap Inn, on the edge of Chedington village, is a quintessential British pub where dogs are made very welcome in the bar.
Dog-friendly hotels in towns and villages
- In the centre of Shaftesbury, The Grosvenor Arms is a stylish inn where all rooms are dog-friendly, as is the bar. The latter surrounds a courtyard and, together with the restaurant, is popular with locals.
- Also locally popular, and great value, is The Fontmell in the North Dorset village of the same name. Rooms are light and contemporary and there’s a clubby bar and stylish restaurant with daily-changing menus.
- The handsome red-brick Crown Hotel in Blandford Forum has eye-catching views across the River Stour plus a delightful garden. Country-house-style rooms are spacious plus there’s hearty food and the hotel’s own-brew ales in the restaurant and bar.
Still not sure which to book?
- Expand your search to include all of our recommended hotels in Dorset
- or the best dog-friendly hotels in Devon,
- or the best dog friendly hotels in Cornwall.
- Alternatively, you can contact a friendly guru for advice.
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The Seaside Boarding House Burton Bradstock, Dorset 9 rooms from £195
Restaurant - Delicious food championing the local seafood and country produce in a dining with beautiful viewsSights nearby - Visit Roman Camps, beautiful gardens, Lyme Regis and historic stately homesLocal markets - The Saturday market in Bridport rivals that of London's Portobello RoadHouse party feel - With only nine rooms, this is property has a great vibe.
Recommended by - SawdaysCheck AvailabilityA stunning addition to Dorset's Jurassic Coast. Nine stylish and comfortable bedrooms, most with views over Lyme Bay, excellent restaurant championing local seafood and mainland produce, plus a bar specialising in classic cocktails. A recipe for a laid back break in fossil hunting country. See More
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Moonfleet Manor Weymouth (Dorset) 36 rooms from £120
Families - Pleasing both parents and children alike. There's plenty of activities for kids.Tennis - Play a game on one of the two courts. Coaching is also available.Spa - Treatments for children also availableGreat walks - Take long walks along the beach.
Check AvailabilityBoasting a peaceful setting overlooking Chesil Beach on Dorset’s Jurrasic Coast, Moonfleet Manor is a stylish escape for all of the family. Kids can join in a plethora of fun-filled activities – from fossil hunting to playing in the enormous games room. And for adults spa treatments and childcare See More
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The Castle Inn Dorset 12 rooms from £119
Country Escape - The location of this quiet country inn is perfect for exploring the beautiful countryside of the Isle of PurbeckFamilies - With lots to explore on the coastline, and family rooms available at the inn, this pub is a family favouriteLocal exploring - With Lulworth Cove a stone's throw from the hotel this is a great base for local Dorset exploringGreat walks - There are endless great walks to explore the Dorset countryside and coastline; tuck into a warm meal in the pub afterwards
Check AvailabilityThis historic Dorset inn is nestled on the beautiful Jurassic coast. Under the thatched roof, individually designed rooms invite you in with warm and cosy soft furnishings. The 16th-century pub has been lovingly restored and offers a separate dining area and garden. A charming and traditional inn. See More
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The Plantation , Poole Poole (Dorset) 10 rooms from £116
Local exploring - Well located in the smart area of Canford Cliffs with many of Poole's main attractions within easy reach.Great walks - Stroll through the beauitful Compton Acres, an expanse of glorious manicured gardens.Restaurant - Recommended.Boutique
Check AvailabilityA lively combination of chic pub and stunning contemporary accommodation. Rooms are beautifully styled with a bold colour palate, patterned wallpaper and crisp white linen. The restaurant mixes British classic with more tropical offerings and is worthy of a visit alone. See More
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Captain's Club Hotel & Spa Christchurch (Wick Lane) 17 rooms from £229
Families - Family can accommodate between 3 and 6 guest (plus furry friends) and one even comes with a cinema room!Riverside - Perfectly set on the banks of the River Stour.WeddingsSwimming Pool - The spa has an indoor hydrotherapy pool complete with resistance jets and poolside loungers
Recommended by - I Escape, SawdaysCheck AvailabilityA modern seaside hotel on the banks of the River Stour in Christchurch. Self-catering rooms and suites have fully equipped kitchens, modern furnishings, and balconies with views. Top of the range spa and therapies, terraces, good restaurant, and plenty of local activities. Very family oriented. See More
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Plumber Manor Hotel Sturminster Newton, Dorset 16 rooms from £160
Country Escape - A perfect base for exploring the Dorset countryside- gardens, National Trust Houses, villages and walks.Great walks - Bring your dog and enjoy the 20 acres of well kept grounds, with a river running through.Birdwatching - Take a deckchair and plonk it down by the river, sit, relax and listen to the birdsong.Tennis - Tennis courts on site are available for guests to use.Recommended by - Good Hotel Guide, SawdaysCheck AvailabilityCharacterful, family-run Jacobean manor house in glorious Thomas Hardy country. This quintessentially English manor has been in the same family for centuries, with portraits to match. An air of faded grandeur. The real deal. See More
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Summer Lodge Evershot, Dorset 24 rooms from £265
Foodies - The dream team of Head Chef Steven Titman and world-renowned Sommelier Eric Zwiebel make dinner an unforgettable experience.Romantic Break - Let your romantic side out with candlelit hot tub sessions, in room champagne and rose petals on the bed.Great walks - Borrow wellies for strolls around the English garden or the adjoining deer park teeming with wildlife and natural beauty.Tennis - Guests are welcomed to use the hotel rackets for a Sunday afternoon knockabout on the courts.
Recommended by - I Escape, Frommers, Good Hotel Guide, Kiwi Collection, Relais & ChateauxCheck AvailabilityA Hardy-esque country house turned hotel, surrounded by lovely gardens and spectacular countryside. Luxurious rooms boasts elaborate floral fabrics and plush furnishings. The gourmet restaurant is not to be missed, nor the extensive bar. A cosy countryside base, complete with pool, spa and tennis. See More
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Yalbury Cottage Dorchester (LOWER BOCKHAMPTON) 8 rooms from £125
Foodies - This is a chef owned property, and a talented one at that, expect local produce turned into superb creative dishesCountry Escape - Set in a particularly picturesque part of Dorset countryside this is a perfect spot for walking enthusiastsGreat walks - Step out the front door and head out on long picturesque walksSights nearby - Thomas Hardy's cottage is walking distance from the propertyRecommended by - Good Hotel GuideCheck AvailabilityA charming cottage set in a particularly picturesque corner of Dorset. A handful of rooms are simply and traditionally dressed with exposed beams, whitewashed walls and light-wooden furniture. Downstairs, cosy lounges are warmed by roaring fires and the restaurant serves superb gourmet dishes. See More
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Winyards Gap Inn Beaminster, Dorset 4 rooms from £100
Country Escape - A quintessentailly British pub set in the beautiful Dorset countryside.Great walks - Take picturesque walks in the surrounding countryside staring straight from the property.Restaurant - Recommended.Full of character
Check AvailabilityA charming inn set in a secluded spot on the outskirts of Chedington village surrounded by beautiful Dorset countryside. Simple and comfortable rooms have recently undergone a refurbishment leaving them fresh and bright. An atmospheric pub serves hearty fare alongside a choice selection of ales. See More
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Grosvenor Arms Shaftesbury, Dorset 16 rooms from £100
Sights nearby - Walking distance to all Shaftesbury's sightsLocal markets - Good for local colour.Restaurant - Recommended.Great walks - Good for walkers.
Check AvailabilityThis former Georgian inn in the middle of Hardy country oozes casual elegance. Retire to stylish rooms upstairs after dinner in the first-rate restaurant. Great service and classy accommodation without the high price tag. See More
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The Fontmell Dorset 6 rooms from £105
Restaurant - Daily changing menus where dishes are made from locally sourced, seasonal produce.Great walks - The surrounding countryside is full of lovely walking routes.Sights nearby - Pay a visit to Sherborne Old Castle.
Check AvailabilityTaking its name from the surrounding village, The Fontmell mixes a traditional pub atmosphere with a modern, more urbane aesthetic. The result is an atmospheric bar, an excellent restaurant and lovely rooms with luxury trappings. A great base for a trip to Dorset and superb value for money. See More
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The Crown Hotel, Blandford Forum Blandford Forum (Dorset) 27 rooms from £124
Country Escape - Find easy access to the beautiful Blackmore Vale and the Dorset Downs countryside.Great walks - Embark on long walks along picturesque trails starting straight from the property.Birdwatching - Spot a wide variety of birds located on the marsh lands along the River Stour.Full of character
Check AvailabilityAn imposing country manor in the market town of Blandford offering spectacular views across the River Stour and surrounded by beautiful countryside. Traditionally dressed rooms are light and spacious. The food is hearty and bar has a wide variety of ales coming from the hotel's own brewery. See More
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Written by Helen Pickles
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