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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
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- 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!
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- 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
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- 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?