It makes sense that the seven of the best dog-friendly pubs in Gloucestershire are in cities, towns and villages with historic significance. Gloucestershire is packed with preserved places that go back centuries and thanks to it being part of the Cotswolds it offers up a dizzying choice of dog friendly walks and trails.
The Best Pubs in Gloucestershire where Dogs are Welcome
When in its capital you can visit the cathedral with the biggest church window in England and chill out with your pup in a pub overlooking the docks. While the rest of the family visits The House of Tailor, a tribute museum to Beatrix Potter, you and your furry family member can explore the city and have a swift pint in one of the pubs that allow pets. On the outskirts you and your pooch can get a nature fix by doing a trail up to Symonds Yat Rock, a geological formation on a platform with telescopes so that you can experience the landscape close up.
You might be lucky enough to find yourself in the gateway to the Cotswolds, Cirencester, the biggest town in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The vibrant market square of this Roman town plays host to a number of dog pubs where locals and their canine charges meet for a good natter. Just outside are the perfumed walled gardens of Cerney House where dogs are welcome and where you can gain horticultural inspiration.
Cheltenham is a newly appointed city that has similar Roman roots to Cirencester where you are going to be spoilt for choice as to what to do and see. If you are here for the races you are going to be in for a treat. Although Fido is not allowed in the enclosures on race days you can apply for a jockey club dog walking pass online to explore the course and its surroundings with your furry mate.
In Gloucestershire pubs that allow dogs are everywhere, just that some are more partial to pooches then others and these we have highlighted to give you more than a few options. You can also browse the choice of pet friendly cottages in Gloucestershire if you need accommodation as well.
Our Top 7 Choices
Find below 7 of the best pet friendly pubs in Gloucestershire
1. Bear Inn, Cirencester
Set in this historic market town, the gateway to the Cotswolds, it is a dog-friendly pub that has all the creature comforts for you and your canine. Sink into the high backed Chesterfield chair beside the open fire in the Inglenook, sampling a pint of their best bitter such as the newly brewed Butcombe Stateside. Dogs are welcome in the bar which has tables too, so feel free to order a meal off its classic pub grub menu. After recently undergoing a refurbishment, it still retains much of its original features such as exposed stone feature walls and old wood beamed ceilings.
2. The Chequers, Bristol
Overlooking the River Avon river this light and airy watering hole still maintains a cosy feel thanks to log burning stoves and gleaming wood finishes. Bi-fold doors let the outside in and beyond take a table on the infinity terrace where you can eat alfresco with Fido at your feet, watching the river go by. If you need a bit more space, there is a garden on the banks of the canal too with knee blankets to keep you warm on chilly days. It’s a Young’s pub, so expect to find a menu that complements its fine cask ales. There’s a couple of great vegan options too like its butternut squash Wellington.
3. Gloucester Old Spot, Cheltenham
Pub grub with provenance is the order of the day in this pub that takes dogs with a distinct country feel yet only a stone’s throw from the city centre. Inside there is a baronial dining room with a capacity of 100 where paws are not permitted. This shouldn’t stop you visiting this foodie pub though because there is a covered outdoor barn and marquee with twinkling fairy lights which is a pooch paradise. There’s biscuits and bowls of water for your pup too. You should try the pork loin stuffed with black pudding and prunes and have an ale from either Wye Valley Brewery or the Bristol Beer Factory.
4. Dr Fosters Liquor Co., Gloucester
Set in the historic Gloucester Docks and only a short walk away from the city centre you can take a break from your historic explorations here. It’s a quirky waterfront venue with a difference. It is zoned with a traditional pub, waterfront conservatory and a first floor restaurant with great views of the harbour. A warm welcome awaits you and your little four-legged buddy as soon as you come through the doors. Small plates feature on its provenance-driven menu and you won’t be disappointed with its well-kept ales such as Bath Gem and locally brewed Gloucester Gold.
5. The Maytime Inn, Asthall
This stunning 17th-century country inn is in a charming Cotswold village near Burford. Since the 1600s this traditional pet friendly pub has been welcoming guests. For G&T enthusiasts look no further because there are 140 varieties of gin here. The pub grub is seasonal such as the roasted partridge, spinach and parsnip tart. For vegetarians there is a falafel burger or some butternut squash gnocchi. Outside is a crowd pleaser, especially those with dogs. There is an alfresco bar, boules pitch and views over the Oxfordshire landscape. You can take time out to visit the Cotswold Wild Life Park and Gardens in nearby Burford.
6. The Pheasant Inn, Toddington
Conveniently situated right next door to Toddington’s Great Western Railway station, it is frequented by train enthusiasts and dog walkers alike. Expect a perfect pint from the Donnington Ales range while enjoying a meal from its classic British pub grub menu. An added bonus with this dog friendly pub is that its vegan menu has three starters, four mains and even two sides. The cauliflower Wellington keeps plant-only purists coming back for more. The well manicured lawn makes for an ideal romping space for dogs and it has innovative pod-style enclosed picnic tables that are great for social distancing as well as protecting you from the elements.
7. Pilot Inn, Gloucester
Due to its location this has to be up there with the best pet friendly pubs in Gloucestershire. Here you can sit on the banks of the Gloucester and Sharpness canal watching canoeists paddle past and barges float by. This section of the canal also has its fair share of swans, ducks and moorhens. You are likely to see Fuller’s London Pride and Wadworth’s 6X on tap. The port and starboard platters are favourite choices and include mozzarella sticks and chilli cheese bites that are great for sharing. You and your canine companion won’t be alone here in this dog owners’ destination pub.
Last Word
Gloucestershire provides a perfect balance of history, city sites such as cathedrals and museums and miles and miles of rolling hills that will give you plenty of things to do. Their plenty of the best dog walks in Gloucestershire, along with a large selection of dog attractions. If you need accommodation, check out our guide on pet friendly log cabins in Gloucestershire.
If you are interested in geology or Roman history or simply just enjoy the great outdoors, then this county should be on your staycation break bucket list. Making it all the more tempting is the wide range of Gloucestershire dog friendly pubs that will decide you to head for this county of contrasts.