It’s a Dog’s World, we’re just living in it
20/08/2026
We know that for many of you, a holiday just isn't a holiday unless the dog comes too, it's why almost half of our cottages are pet friendly!
Luckily, Dorset is a paradise for four-legged friends, from year-round beaches and heathland nature reserves to clifftop climbs with views that make every human pause too. And once everyone's had a good romp, the county's pubs and cafés are some of the most dog-friendly around, with water bowls, garden tables and even the odd doggie treat on offer.
So we've pulled together our favourite dog-friendly walks and places to eat, all within easy reach of Greenwood Grange, with the practical bits like parking and loos included, so all you need to worry about is packing the pup!
Katie x
THE WALKS
#1 RINGSTEAD BEACH & THE COAST PATH
Ringstead Bay is one of our favourite spots for a dog walk, and it's only around 25 minutes in the car from Greenwood Grange. Dogs are welcome on this quiet shingle beach all year round and the clear, shallow water is perfect for a paddle.
For the more adventurous, the South West Coast Path runs right past the bay. The climb up to White Nothe rewards you with some of the best views on the Jurassic Coast.
There are two car parks to choose from: the National Trust one at the top of the hill (free for NT members, but it's a steep 15–20 minute walk down to the beach) and a paid car park right by the beach. Toilets can be found behind the kiosk at the beach car park.
#2 RSPB ARNE
RSPB Arne sits on the edge of Poole Harbour, around 40 minutes from Greenwood Grange, and is a beautiful mix of heathland, woodland and shoreline. Keep your eyes peeled for sika deer, ospreys and even white-tailed eagles.
Arne is that rare thing, a dog-friendly nature reserve. Dogs are welcome on the designated dog-friendly trails, but must be kept on a short lead at all times as the wildlife here is very sensitive (and there is livestock about). Dogs aren't allowed on the Hyde's Heath trail or inside the café and shop, but there are water bowls and a shaded tie-up area if you fancy stopping for a cuppa.
There's a large pay and display car park (free for RSPB members), open 8.30am until dusk, with a toilet block right next to it and more toilets (including an accessible one) at the café. Well worth a full morning!
#3 GOLDEN CAP
At 191 metres, Golden Cap is the highest point on the south coast of England, and the views from the top are more than worth the climb! On a clear day you can see right along Lyme Bay towards Devon.
We'd recommend starting from the National Trust car park at Langdon Hill (pay and display, free for National Trust members), around 45 minutes from Greenwood Grange. The circular route through the woodland and up to the summit is about four miles. Dogs are very welcome, just keep them on a short lead around the sheep and ground-nesting birds, and take care near the cliff edges.
One to note: there are no toilets at Langdon Hill, so remember to plan ahead! The nearest public toilets are down at Seatown beach car park, where the dog-friendly Anchor Inn makes a lovely reward after your walk. You'll have earned it!
#4 MORETON FORD
Moreton is one of our closest recommendations, just 15 minutes in the car from Greenwood Grange. Moreton is home to one of the longest fords in England, where the River Frome flows right across the road. The water is lovely and shallow, making it the perfect spot for dogs (and little ones!) to splash about on a warm day.
Cross the footbridge and you'll find pretty walks along the river and through the village, where Lawrence of Arabia is buried in the churchyard. The award-winning Moreton Tea Rooms are dog friendly too, so you can all refuel together afterwards (the cakes come highly recommended!).
There is free parking at the Walled Garden, where you'll also find toilets and a café, though it does get busy on sunny weekends so it's worth arriving early. A perfect little outing that doesn't take up the whole day.
PUBS & RESTAURANTS
#1 THE FRAMPTON ARMS, MORETON
If you're heading to Moreton Ford for a splash, the Frampton Arms is the perfect way to round off the outing. It's around 15 minutes in the car from Greenwood Grange, directly opposite Moreton station. This classic country pub welcomes dogs on leads in the Warmwell bar so you can enjoy their award-winning food and drink without leaving anyone tied up outside.
There's plenty of space outdoors too, with a beer garden and terrace for al-fresco dining, plus an orchard garden with a children's play area which is ideal if you're bringing the whole pack. There is also easy parking at the pub.
A proper Dorset country pub, and one our guests rave about!
The Frampton Arms
#2 THE HIVE BEACH CAFE, BURTON BRADSTOCK
Around 30 minutes from Greenwood Grange, this charming seaside café sits right on the beach at Burton Bradstock, with views across Lyme Bay towards Chesil Beach and the east Devon coast. It's famous for its fresh local seafood (and home-made cakes!), and dogs are very welcome in the outdoor seating area and they even bake their own doggie treats.
One thing to know: the café doesn't take reservations and it does get busy, so arrive a little early for lunch. Dogs aren't permitted on the main beach in front of the café from 1 June to 30 September, but the stretch east towards Cogden Beach welcomes dogs on leads all year round, making a lovely pre-lunch leg stretch.
Parking is in the National Trust pay and display car park right next to the beach (free for National Trust members), where you'll also find toilets. Well worth the drive for lunch alone!
Hive Beach Cafe
#3 THE COUNTRYMAN, EAST KNIGHTON
Sitting on the A352 between Dorchester and Wareham, around 15 minutes from Greenwood Grange, The Countryman is a brilliant refuelling stop after a day at Lulworth or RSPB Arne. Dogs are welcome in the bar and seating areas, and the team have even been known to produce a little plate of turkey for well-behaved visitors!
The kitchen serves food all day, every day, priding itself on Dorset suppliers, and the Sunday carvery is rightly famous (booking recommended!). There are burgers, pub classics, pizzas and plenty of options for dietary requirements, plus a well-stocked bar of cask ales and local drinks.
There's parking at the pub, and they’re easy, friendly and reliably good. This is one our team find themselves coming back to again and again.
The Countryman Inn
