Despite its size the Isle of Wight is jam-packed with places where you and your pooch will be gladly received. There are some, however, who make it their mission to let you know loud and clear that their establishments value paw fall as much as foot fall. It is these dog-friendly pubs in the Isle of Wight that stand out from the rest.
7 of the Best Dog Friendly Pubs in Isle of Wight
It might only be four miles from mainland UK, but it has its own identity that is so distinct you will feel that your visit here is more than just a staycation.
It has sun, sea, sand, surfing, sailing, significant historical sites and sweeping views in most places giving you and your cuddly companion more than a few choices with dog pubs aplenty. With plenty of choices for pet friendly cottages on the Isle of Wight, it’s become an extremely popular holiday destination.
The golden beaches of the island are up there with the best and with the Isle of Wight having 500 more hours of sunshine than London and generally 4 degrees C warmer than up north, it is clear why visitors flock here every year.
Cowes Week which is the home of UK sailing, much like Wimbledon is to tennis, is every August when 8,000 sailors matched by the same amount of visitors descend on the island for a week where everyone eats, sleeps and dreams yachts. If Rover is a bit reserved and crowd-shy then there is the less pacey Round the Island Race at the end of June where 1,500 yachts compete.
If you want a good balance, then the wildlife walks won’t disappoint; the sites with royal connections are a history fix and the pubs that take dogs each have their own story to tell. You won’t be disappointed with the vast range of pet friendly beaches on the Isle of Wight.
Our Top 7 Choices
Find below 7 of the best pet friendly pubs in Isle of Wight
1. Off the Rails, Yarmouth
For Pimm’s on the platform and views to die for, this has to be a stop for you, especially if you have just done one of the walks in the area. It is not exactly in the pet-friendly pubs category, it is simply a pooch’s paradise. Housed on Yarmouth’s old train station it has unsurpassed views of the marshes and Mill Copse. The talented chefs haven’t forgotten Fido because he has his own treats’ menu that includes nibbles, starters, mains and even a Billy and Margot ice cream for dogs. It is only a convenient five-minute amble to the ferry link too.
2. Red Lion, Fresh Water
Its roots date back to the 11th century and although the current building is somewhat newer, it is one of those ‘dogs are welcome’ pubs that is still cram packed with character. Sink into an armchair after a long day out while Fido has some well-deserved shut eye in front of the roaring log fire. Winner of the Isle of Wight Dining Pub of the Year Awards three times you can expect gourmet pub grub that the team are happy to serve in the garden for you to dine alfresco. You might see the pub’s impressive herb garden which contains the very ingredients that make up your plate.
3. Biddle Inn, Niton
Right up in the cliffs this is a child and dog-friendly pub with the young ones getting a goodie bag and your furry family members a treat or two if they are good. The exterior is festooned with hanging baskets in summer and in winter you can enjoy a pint of Doombar, London Pride or the island’s own Wight Gold in its cosy bar. The warm welcome is one thing that certainly draws visitors here as well as the breathtaking views across the English Channel. You can walk off your pub grub with a hike down the scenic path leading to St Catherine’s Lighthouse.
4. Bargeman’s Rest, Newport
As the name implies it is set on the river banks where barges and boats moor. Famous for its all day breakfasts There are the Tug, Barge and Titanic options and even the Canal for vegetarians. This is a perfect place to park your weary paws and feet after a day of sightseeing. It has plenty of seating inside and outdoors and you are right on the river where all the action is. This is one of the few Isle of Wight pubs that allows dogs that is close to Carisbrooke Castle, where Charles I was imprisoned before he was taken to London for beheading in the 1600s.
5. The Taverners, Godshill
If you are spending any time longer than a day on the Isle of Wight this quaint postcard perfect village must be on your itinerary. It is here where your canine companion will be over the moon with all the fuss and tasty treats. Dating back to the 1600s this pub has certainly moved with the times and has an excellent Plant Based Menu that includes a selection of nibbles and sides as well as two starters, three mains and a dessert. The daily pub grub specials’ board is made up of dishes that are freshly caught, foraged or from farms nearby.
6. The Cow, Yarmouth
Fashioned from a former Swiss barn this is certainly a pub with a difference starting with the fact that it is on a working farm. Its mezzanine dining area is in great demand thanks to the sweeping views and spectacular sunsets. While you tuck into pub grub that is farm to fork assured your pooch will be kept occupied with a lot of attention and a few treats. The farm’s “Wight Herd” is a great hit with guests. It is a zany drove of life-size colourful cow models, each depicting a local attraction, business or charity. There is Tiger Feet for the Isle of Wight Zoo, Golden Bulbs representing the UK’s leading producer of all things garlic and Kisspuppy Butterflied for the Sophie Rolf Trust.
7. Highdown Inn, Totland
After a day out on the Tennyson Down you and Fido will need some refuelling and there is no better place than this inn with stunning views of the ocean. Keeping in theme is the pub grub menu that is renowned for its seafood and shellfish dishes. Try the avocado stuffed with prawns and crab, the crayfish Caesar salad or the grilled sea bream with locally grown greens. Sit in the pub garden and enjoy the view of Totland Bay and the Needles Old Battery.
LAST WORD
Officially the UK’s sunniest place, the Isle of Wight has a staggering average of 2,000 hours of sunshine each year, more than in some parts of Spain. You can take in one of the dog welcoming walks on the Isle of Wight in ancient woodland where red squirrels reign supreme, visit Queen Victoria’s Osborne House or simply soak up the rays on one of its many pet friendly log cabins on the Isle of Wight. You can also try Isle of Wight dog friendly hot tub cottage breaks which offer more luxurious features.
As long as he is a true sea dog, put Fido on the ferry and make your way four miles across the channel to this pooch’s playground. These Isle of Wight dog friendly pubs will play an integral role in some R&R you and Rover will never forget.