Dog Friendly Holidays – Dorset
Jane’s Places allows good/well-behaved pets into our homes, however, for some animals such as dogs, you may not want to leave them behind. Henceforth we have compiled a brief list of places you and your dog can go:
Restaurants and Cafes
Dog Friendly Walks
Dog Friendly Beaches
Restaurants & Cafes
Many dog-friendly eating places on the Isle of Purbeck have been named favorable places below:
Model Village Gardens & Cafe
The Square, Corfe Castle, Wareham, Dorset BH20 5EZ
https://www.corfecastlemodelvillage.co.uk/
Dogs are allowed on a lead throughout the whole attraction, including the tea room. There is a water bowl at the entrance to the gift shop and on our terrace in the garden.
Why not visit and see what the village and castle would have looked like before its destruction by Oliver Cromwell’s troops during the English Civil War in 1646. Set in an acre of landscaped gardens, we are the ideal place for a lazy few hours for both young and old alike.
The Kings Arms
3 Corfe Road | Stoborough, Wareham BH20 5AB
http://www.thekingsarms-stoborough.co.uk/
Set at the gateway to the Isle of Purbeck in the picturesque countryside of Dorset, The Kings Arms is a historic village inn steeped in character and warmth. An inn has stood at this site for the last 400 years, and there is no sign of this tradition changing anytime soon. The building itself was once used as a butchers, and you can still spy the old hooks hanging below the canopy. Today, the inn serves pub food in a different sort of style – in a tempting mix of modern and traditional dishes created by an experienced kitchen team.
The Kings Arms in Stoborough is a dog-friendly, family inn that draws locals and visitors from all over with its mix of contemporary and time-honored elements.
The Greyhound Inn
The Square, Corfe Castle, Wareham BH20 5EZ
https://www.greyhoundcorfe.co.uk/about/
Low-ceilinged pub with oak and stone floors, a British/European menu, and a grassy beer garden.
The Greyhound Corfe is a scenic relaxed venue that serves fresh food all day throughout the year.
The pub is ideally suited for small parties, patrons with their dogs, families, as well as walking groups.
Fresh food is served all day and is sourced from local suppliers and farmers within a 20-mile radius. Our head chef, Dumitru Fercal, a trained rosette chef, changes his menus daily depending on the availability of fresh produce.
The Scott Arms
West St, Kingston, Wareham BH20 5LH
https://www.thescottarms.com/
A pub with arguably the best view over the majestic Purbeck countryside, taking in the stately Corfe Castle ruins and following the route of the steam railway right down to the Swanage beaches. A pub that’s as welcoming in the crazy, lazy, heat-hazy outdoors of Summer as it is in the fireplace-cosy, mulled warmth of Winter.
Dog-Friendly Walks
The Isle of Purbecks is a famous place for some lovely picturesque walks
Old Harry Rocks
South Beach car park, Studland, Dorset
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/purbeck-countryside/trails/old-harry-rocks-walk
Breathtaking views of the Jurassic coast and unique rock formations await you on this circular pub walk.
This is a fairly gentle walk, normally with good conditions underfoot. One steady climb up Ballard Down. Beware of sheer cliff edges on and approaching Old Harry. Dogs welcome under close control.
Corfe Castle
Corfe Castle, Wareham, Dorset
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/corfe-castle/lists/walks-near-corfe-castle
Set on the Isle of Purbeck, Corfe Castle is famed for its ruined castle and beautiful surrounding countryside that makes for some challenging walking. There are a number of trails starting from Corfe Castle. For the adventurous dog walkers, there is a 12-mile walk to Swanage where you can get the steam train back to Corfe. It’s a challenging walk but perfect for those who enjoy a spot of history along the way. Dinosaur footprints have been found here, and there have even been sightings of dolphins! If you’re looking for something a little gentler, a stroll around the Castle itself is well worth a look and much more leisurely! There’s a National Trust car park nearby.
Wareham Forest
Coldharbour, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 7PA
https://www.visit-dorset.com/things-to-do/wareham-forest-p814323
There’s some excellent woodland walking to be had in Wareham forest, with several acres of different routes for you and your dog to explore. The forest is made up of heathland, pine woodland, and trails, so there’s lots of variety. It’s approximately 7 miles from Wareham itself.
Langton Matravers
Langton Matravers, Swanage, Dorset BH19
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/purbeck-countryside/trails/scratch-arse-ware-and-dancing-ledge-walk
A lovely little village with walks stretching down to the famous Dancing Ledge (not a ledge you’ll want your dog to jump on!) but lovely to admire. The Dancing Ledge is one of the quarries sticking out of the cliffs along the Jurassic Coast. There’s a pub and on-street parking in the village. Choose from numerous routes from the village, depending on how far you want to walk!
Dog Friendly Beaches
The Isle of Purbeck has so many great beaches that you can go to a different spot every day during your week away; giving you loads of great memories and the chance to explore this spectacular region.
Swanage Bay
Shore Road, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 1LB
https://www.visit-dorset.com/things-to-do/swanage-beach-p850673
Dogs are only allowed on the beach from the 1st of October to the 30th of April each year.
The sandy beach is one of the main attractions of the town. The waters are clean, and the beach has won many European Blue Flag Awards, as well as the Encams Quality Coast Award. Swanage beach has a well-earned reputation for being a good place to soak up the sun and play in the sand and sea.
Studland Beach
Studland, near Swanage, Dorset
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/studland-bay
They welcome dogs all year round, but to make sure everyone enjoys themselves, they ask that you please keep your dog on a lead of fewer than 2m anywhere on the beach between 1 May and 30 September
A glorious slice of natural coastline in Purbeck featuring a four-mile stretch of golden, sandy beach, with gently shelving bathing waters and views of Old Harry Rocks and the Isle of Wight.
Designated trails through the sand dunes and woodlands allow for exploration and spotting of deer, insects, and birdlife as well as a wealth of wildflowers.
Kimmeridge
Kimmeridge, WAREHAM, Dorset, BH20 5PF
https://www.visit-dorset.com/things-to-do/kimmeridge-bay-p581223
Kimmeridge Bay lies within the Purbeck Marine Wildlife Reserve and boasts the best rock pooling and safest snorkeling site in Dorset! Check tide times to gain the most reward
The Fine Foundation Marine Centre at the end of the bay encourages all ages to explore the bay, its ledges, and rockpools, or walk up to Clavell Tower for spectacular views over the bay.
There are a number of fairly easy walks from Kimmeridge, along flat headland (with some hills!) or along the rocky ledges on the beach. Your dog will love jumping in the water and exploring. The ‘Nodding Donkey’ also lives here, a BP oil pump, as the area is famous for its oil production.
Please note that in the interest of public safety, fossil collecting and the use of hammers are prohibited at Kimmeridge.
Lulworth Cove
Main Road, WEST LULWORTH, Dorset, BH20 5RQ
https://www.visit-dorset.com/things-to-do/lulworth-cove-p807263
A West Dorset gem, Lulworth Cove combines steep hills with flat beaches, making for a good, brisk stroll with your dog. With Durdle Door and Man of War nearby, you can see all three in one walk, or just settle for one if you want to set a slower pace. The views are impressive, and there’s a pub, café, and toilets all near the National Trust car park. Definitely worth a visit if you’re staying in Dorset.
Durdle Door
Via Durdle Door Holiday Park, WEST LULWORTH, Dorset, BH20 5PU
https://www.visit-dorset.com/things-to-do/durdle-door-p1262763
Eroded by time and nature, Durdle Door is one of Dorset’s most photographed and iconic landmarks.
It is located on the Lulworth Estate in south Dorset and is part of the Jurassic Coast. The coastline is of such international geological importance that it was designated England’s first natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2001 and is now part of a family of natural wonders including America’s Grand Canyon and Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.