Our furry friends deserve a change of scene as much as we do, and Dorset is the perfect place to take your pet on a dog-friendly holiday or short break. Glorious beaches beckon (many of them open to dogs year-round), as does incredible countryside. Meanwhile, scores of local restaurants, pubs and cafés go out of their way to welcome dogs as much as they do their human companions.
Dog-friendly Beaches and Walks in Dorset
Thorncombe Woods, opposite Greenwood Grange
Next to Hardy’s Cottage – birthplace of the great novelist Thomas Hardy – these glorious 26-hectare woods are the perfect place for a wild outdoorsy romp with your canine friend.
Ringstead Bay, east of Weymouth, 25 minutes from Greenwood Grace
This quiet National Trust shingle beach offers good facilities, great views to the Isle of Portland and access to the South West Coastal Path taking you to White Nothe, one of the best viewing points on the Jurassic Coast.
Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door, 30 minutes from Greenwood Grange
Another National Trust beach with wonderful views and great amenities, this gorgeous spot is also a good way to get to Durdle Door Beach to see the rocky arch of one of the UK’s most iconic geological wonders.
Old Harry Rocks, Studland Bay, 40 minutes from Greenwood Grange
This is a more challenging walk, and dogs have to be kept on leads on the clifftops leading along part of the South West Coast Path to these chalk formations that feature among the south coast’s most recognisable landmarks.
Hengistbury Head and Mudeford Sandbank, 60 minutes from Greenwood Grange
Accessible by ferry from Mudeford Quay, this scenic headland near Bournemouth and the sandbank extending off it make for a fun day out, not least because you and your dog can hop aboard the 15-minute land train from outside the café and feel the wind in your face as you ride to the sandbank. There are delightly trails through grassland, heathland, woodland and wetland, and views to Bournemouth Pier and the Isle of Wight.
Dog-friendly Restaurants, Pubs and Cafés in Dorset
The Blue Vinny, Puddletown, 7 minutes from Greenwood Grange
One of the closest pubs to our cottages, with a garden and exceptional food making the most of seasonal local produce.
Thimble Inn, Piddlehinton, 12 minutes from Greenwood Grange
An award-winning dog-friendly thatched pub popular with families for its kids’ menu.
The Oak, Dewlish, 12 minutes from Greenwood Grange
A traditional village inn, also on our doorstep, with its own pub dog.
Hive Beach Café, Burton Bradstock, 30 minutes from Greenwood Grange
A charming seaside spot with views across Lyme Bay and Chesil Beach as far as the east Devon coast, serving home-baked doggie treats along with everything from home-made cakes to fresh local seafood
Billy Winters, Weymouth, 30 minutes from Greenwood Grange
A chilled beach bar and diner in an old boatyard on the road to the Isle of Portland.
Dog-friendly Accommodation in Dorset
Greenwood Grange is the ideal spot for a dog-friendly holiday in Dorset, with an enclosed dog-exercise area, pet-friendly cottages (almost half of our properties), feeding bowls, mats and leads by request, and a hosepipe for washing those inevitable muddy paws. We can also arrange dog-sitters.
