A dog-friendly guide to Dorset

There’s plenty for you and your best friend to do in Dorset, and with our large selection of pet-friendly cottages, there’s no need to leave them behind. We’ve put together a few dog-friendly beaches, attractions and pubs for you below so that you can be sure that your four-legged friend has the best holiday too!

Skip ahead...

• Dog-friendly beaches in Dorset
• Dog-friendly attractions in Dorset
  • Dogs in Swanage and Purbeck
  • Dogs in Lulworth
  • Dogs in Weymouth & Dorchester
  • Dogs in Bridport
  • Dogs in Lyme Regis
• Dog-friendly pubs in Dorset

Dog-friendly beaches 

There are lots of beaches on the Dorset that allow our canine friends access all year. The most famous landmark in Dorset, Durdle Door, welcomes four paws as well as two to its shores and this popular sandy beach is perfect for dogs who love to splash about in the shallows and roll about in the sand. Be mindful, Seatown beach does not allow dogs at any time of year. 

Beaches where four paws are allowed all year

• Eype Beach
• Cogden Beach, Burton Bradstock
• Abbotsbury (Chesil Bank and Fleet Lagoon)
• Weymouth – Greenhill Groyne to Overcombe and Bowleaze Cove and dog exercise area (by Pavilion)
• Ringstead Beach
• Durdle Door
• Man O’ War Beach
• Lulworth Cove
• Worbarrow Bay
• Kimmeridge

Dogs are also allowed on the South West Coast Path all year round. 

Beaches which have summertime and other restrictions for canines

• Charmouth – no dogs between 10am and 6pm during July and August.
• Lyme Regis main beach – between May 1 and September 30, no dogs up to the bridge at the end of the promenade after which dogs are allowed on leads westwards towards Lyme Regis.
• West Bay – no dogs between 1st May and 1st October except on a lead in the port area.
• Burton Bradstock – no dogs between May 1 and September 30, except on East Beach.
• West Bexington – allowed all year in a restricted area.
• Weymouth – Greenhill Groyne to dog exercise area (main sandy beach) – no dogs from Good Friday until 1st November.
• Swanage – no dogs between 1st May and 1st October.
• Studland – dogs on leads between 1st May and 30th September.

Dog-friendly attractions in Dorset

It's not all walkies! Bring your canine pal along to one of two of these dog-friendly attractions. Dorset is a dog-loving county and there are many places to take your four-legged friend while on holiday, here are some dog-welcoming attractions for you to explore. Take a look at our full guide to Dorst attractions for more inspiration. 

Dogs in Swanage and Purbeck

Agglestone Rock

At Dorset’s very own Ayers Rock, which is also known as Devil’s Anvil, your dog is allowed to roam free off the lead. To get there, walk from Studland Village across the heath for about 1 mile and you will discover a 400-tonne block of sandstone up on a hill. According to local legend, the Devil threw it from the Isle of Wight and was trying to hit Corfe Castle!

Image: Lamb_Tales on Instagram

Arne, RSPB Nature Reserve

The 563-hectare nature reserve with fantastic wildlife welcomes dogs on leads. You can wander through beech woodlands, heathland, butterfly meadows and wetlands to a small beach. You will get the opportunity to see wild sika deer, wading birds, butterflies, squirrels and the possibility of nightjar and woodlark. A good tip is to check with the wardens at the visitor centre for what to look out for while there.

Corfe Castle

This castle ruin guards the gateway to Purbeck and has been a fortification since Roman times. It is on a natural hill and dominates the local landscape. It was defeated by treachery during the English Civil War. Today you can wander around the ruins and there are often special events so time your visit to attend for more fun. Plus, there is a National Trust shop and tearoom. Dogs welcome on a lead. Click here to discover our full range of dog-friendly cottages in Corfe Castle today!

Corfe Castle Model Village

See the village of Corfe Castle in miniature and feel like a giant. Set in an acre of garden with a tearoom and shop in the centre of the ‘full size’ village, you’ll have a fun visit. Dogs are welcome to sniff around the mini-village alongside you, providing they are on a lead.

Image: emilyclayden on Instagram

Durlston Country Park

This 280-acre wildlife park situated on the western edge of Swanage welcomes dogs on a lead in specific areas of the park. Most visitors start at the castle which houses a cafe/restaurant and shop, then wander through the park gazing out across open downland and out to sea before turning back at the lighthouse. 

Image: millyhaines on Instagram

Kimmeridge

Kimmeridge Bay is a marine reserve with a visitor centre. Dogs are welcome here and can be let off the lead. There are also snorkelling trails, a Museum of Jurassic Marine Life and the Clavell Tower all situated near the picturesque village on the coast.

Image: mitzi_willow on Instagram

Swanage Railway

The Steam and Diesel Engines run from Swanage to Corfe Castle along 6 miles of beautiful countryside. They offer various dining experiences and run special events - you could even drive one on a Driving Experience. Take your dog along for the ride (on a lead, of course). Click here to read more on the top things to do in Swanage. 

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Dog-friendly cottages in Purbeck & Swanage

• Jasmine Cottage, sleeps 5
• The Snuffbox, sleeps 4

Dogs in Lulworth

Clouds Hill (Lawrence of Arabia’s home)

Once the home of T.E. Lawrence, more commonly known as of Lawrence of Arabia, this small cottage houses an exhibition about his life. The cottage is very close to how he left it just before he sadly died in a motorcycle accident on a local road nearby. You can also bring along your dog on a lead in the grounds.

Image: madreonthemove on Instagram

Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door

Lulworth is a pretty village with an oyster-shaped cove, home to two pubs and various cafes and shops. The cove is an iconic Dorset landmark as is the nearby Durdle Door, the famous rock arch. Take the short but relatively steep walk from the car park in Lulworth and head along the South West coast path until you reach the incredible view over Durdle Door. The beaches here allow dogs all year round. Click here to read our guide on things to do in Lulworth Cove.

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Tyneham Village (check opening times)

A village ‘frozen in time’, the village was evacuated in 1943 as it had been commandeered by the army for training purposes and the war effort. Today the ruin sits in a beautiful valley with a track leading to Worbarrow Bay. The village has two exhibitions in the church and the old school house, displaying what life was like before the evacuation. The ancient Hill Fort of Flowers Barrow is set high above and provides great sunset views during an evening dog walk.

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Dog-friendly cottages in Lulworth

• Beach Cottage, sleeps 6
• Churchfield House, sleeps 9

Dogs in Weymouth and Dorchester

RSPB Radipole Lake Nature Reserve and Lodmoor Nature Reserve

Two delightful wetland nature reserves found in the centre of town, just behind the harbour. Information centre, cafe and toilets. Dogs are welcome to come and stretch their legs with you but due to the wildlife, you are asked to keep them on a lead during and to clear up after them during your visit.

Image: matthayward2509 on Instagram

Minterne Gardens

The valley was landscaped in the style of Capability Brown in the 18th century. The gardens are in a horseshoe shape below Minterne House, with a chain of small lakes, waterfalls and streams to explore. There is a unique collection of Himalayan Rhododendrons and Azaleas, and the garden is famous for its autumnal colours. Dogs are welcome on a lead in the grounds.

Sandsfoot Castle

Built by Henry VIII to protect Portland Harbour, the castle is now a ruin, sitting in the pretty Green Flag gardens where there is a pleasant outdoor cafe. Located halfway along the Rodwell Trail, which follows the course of the old Weymouth to Portland railway, it's the ideal pitstop during a walk with your canine. 

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Dinosaur Museum

A mix of life-size models, fossils and skeletons, you are encouraged to have a ‘hands-on experience’! Your dog can come too as long as he is well-behaved around the exhibits.

Dog-friendly cottages in Weymouth and Dorchester

• Cowleaze Cottage, sleeps 8
• Higher Burton Barn, sleeps 4
• Honeypot Cottage, sleeps 2

Dogs in Bridport

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens

This historic subtropical garden is over 250 years old and welcomes dogs on leads throughout the 20 acres of exotic and unusual shrubs and trees. This botanic treat is located in a unique, mild climate with a restaurant, plant nursery and play area - ideal if you have little ones with you.

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Eggardon Hillfort

Dogs are welcome at Eggardon Hill as long as they are kept under control around the farm animals that graze on the land. At 827 feet above sea level, this Iron Age hillfort commands a fantastic vantage point so you can enjoy fantastic views. On a good day you can see South Devon, Start Point and the English Channel. You can drive there along the line of the Roman Road. If you’re lucky, you may spot a heard of wild deer grazing with a spectacular white stag in its midst.

St Catherine’s Chapel

Dogs are welcome at this iconic Dorset landmark as it sits all alone on a hilltop. Be sure to check for farm animals and ensure your dog is on a lead should there be sheep or cattle around. Walk up the hill to see the panoramic views of Chesil Beach and Portland. Wander around the nooks and crannies of the chapel, including the ‘wishing holes’ where the local women used to pray to St Catherine to find them a husband. Click here to view our dog friendly cottages in Bridport.

Image: yavenne on Instagram

Dog-friendly cottages in Bridport

• Dorset Hollow, sleeps 7
• Sunnyside - Bothenhampton, sleeps 5

Dogs in Lyme Regis

Forde Abbey and Gardens

Self-proclaimed as a 'south-west treasure' Forde Abbey is a wonderful day out. Dogs on a short lead are welcome in the gardens and there is always a bowl of fresh water at tearooms. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed in the house but there is plenty to see in the beautiful grounds.

Image: xaviercharlesclerc on Instagram

Golden Cap Estate

The great rocky shoulder of Golden Cap is the highest point on the South Coast at 191m and provides panoramic views in every direction. There are National Trust car parks on each side of Golden Cap at Stonebarrow Hill to the west and Latyngdon Hill in the east, and there are 25 miles of footpaths around the Golden Cap estate. An old radar station houses a National Trust information point, shop and toilets.

Image: bowescollars on Instagram

The Cobb

This historic harbour wall has a fascinating history and is famous in its own right, as well as having been featured in many literary works.

Dog-friendly cottages in Lyme Regis

• Lyme Hideout, sleeps 2
• Lower Pound Farm, sleeps 9
• St Gabriel's, sleeps 5

Dog-friendly pubs in Dorset

• The Smugglers Inn, Osmington Mills – A super dog-friendly welcome awaits - there's doggy ice cream!
• The Royal Standard, Lyme Regis – an all-round British pub experience, right next to the beach.
• The Castle Inn, Lulworth – Dogs are welcome in the bar with special treats and lots of fuss.
• The Greyhound Inn, Corfe Castle – it certainly stays true to its name!
• The Old Granary, Wareham – Dogs are welcome in the bar area and outside in the beer garden.
• New Eype Inn, Eype – A popular walking area just minutes from the sea, it’s an ideal refreshment stop.
• The Green Man, Wimborne – A traditional family pub that welcomes every member of your group.
• The Black Swan, Swanage – Not one but two log fires where your canine can warm his paws.
• The Ropemakers, Bridport- A traditional pub with a friendly atmosphere. Well-behaved dogs are welcome.
• The Ship Inn, Weymouth – A great location next to the harbour. Dogs are allowed in the bar and restaurant.

Dog walks in Dorset

Need a little more info? Head over to our guide on Dorset coastal walks, or why not read about the best beaches to visit in Dorset here... 

Are you ready to explore Dorset with your faithful friend by your side?