This is home to one of the UK’s largest capitals as well as having its fair share of rolling countryside, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and historic sites that date back thousands of years. Here we have handpicked the best dog-friendly pubs in Lancashire from community projects to inner city spots where pooches and pool go paw-in-cue.
The Best Pubs in Lancashire That Allow Dogs
It will please dog-lovers to note that our pups aren’t relegated to the most basic, backwater bars in this county. Fortunately, a Lancashire dog-friendly pub with provenance led posh pub grub is not uncommon. The innovative kitchens provide modern twists to traditional favourites such as Morecambe Bay potted shrimp to Lancashire Hot Pot.
There are tranquil lakes and rugged peaks in the north, moorland to the east and a coastline that offers fresh seafood and shellfish, historic villages and a bustling cosmopolitan city centre that have pit-stops where dogs are welcome. With Fido at your side you can watch the sunset over the Holcombe Moor or have a sundowner New York-style in Manchester’s Northern Quarter and even go on a pub-organised ramble in the country.
Here are our favourite pubs that allow dogs in Lancashire and have pub grub that comprises locally sourced ingredients. You can also check out our compiled list of pet friendly beaches in Lancashire for ideas.
Our Top 7 Choices
Find below 7 of the best pet friendly pubs in Lancashire
1. The Inn at Whitewell, Clitheroe
This old deer keeper’s lodge, above the Hodder river might be one of the many Lancashire pubs that allow dogs but this is a particularly dog-friendly destination thanks to its spectacular views from the terrace. Enjoy a cassoulet of Bowland lamb and broad beans in the bar in front of a roaring fire or on the terrace with your pooch by your side. The kitchen team makes its own breads, jams, chutneys, marmalade and these are also available at reception to take home. Take one of the five stages of Walk the Hodder Trail and make The Inn at Whitewell your pit stop.
2. The Spread Eagle Inn, Forest of Bowland
Situated within the forest of Bowland and close to the River Ribble, this dog-friendly inn is a great place to relax after a long day exploring the countryside. Serving as a hotel as well, this old coach inn has a stylish interior with a range of food and drink available. After winning the Good Pub Guide award in 2018, this pub has gone from strength to strength and you would struggle to find a cosier retreat than this after a walk in the forest.
3. The Golden Ball of Longton
Furry four-legged friend lovers are always on the lookout for dog pubs but the Golden Ball is in a league of its own. Before you step over the threshold there is a wash area for muddy mutts. Complimentary poo bags will come in handy on the Ball’s every second Sunday seven-mile dog walk. Back at base dogs are allowed in all areas and there’s treats, fresh water bowls and even doggie beds. The piece de resistance is a dog menu with a choice of chicken, sausages or fish of the day served with fresh veg and gravy. It’s no wonder it is the reigning champion of Lancashire Tourism Awards’ most dog friendly business
4. The Eagle and Child, Ramsbottom
Alongside community group Incredible Edible Ramsbottom this pub was established to tackle youth unemployment and has a dog-friendly beer garden that was once a wasteland. Now the kitchen and front-of-house teams, trained youngsters from the area, service a multi-aspect orangery and terrace with sweeping across Holcombe Moor to the iconic Peel Tower. Learn about the positive impact this project has had on the community while sampling the Eagle’s Double Bomber, winner of the Ramsbottom Pie Fest. As far as pubs that take dogs go, this is one that has earned its caring stripes and where Fido will certainly be fussed over. With pubs in the countryside and coast, it’s worth checking our guide to the top-rated beaches in Lancashire for dogs.
5. The New Inn, Yealand
On the fringe of Arnside and Silverdale’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, only five minutes from the M6 the New Inn is an ideal base for exploring the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and the Forest of Bowland. Set in the historic village of Yealand Conyers it is a popular spot for bird enthusiasts after a day twitching at nearby RSPB Leighton Moss. Recently refurbished this 16th century coaching still stays true to its roots with its “muddy boots and dogs welcome” policy. There is posh pub grub as well as lighter bites such as charred sourdough sticky beef or beer-battered fish goujons sandwiches
6. The White Bull, Ribchester
A central pet friendly village pub built in 1707 has been given a sparkle with its recent refurbishment that still manages to retain its historic features. There is space aplenty for you and your dog in either the bar and informal dining areas that include a secure garden overlooking a Roman bath house. The village, a former Roman settlement on the original Watling Street, is a firm favourite with British history fans. The White Bull is also a winner with walkers as the Ribble river runs at the end of the street.
7. Black Dog Ballroom, Manchester
You will go a long way to find a major city centre bar or pub where dogs are welcome but here in New Wakefield Street here is a hip spot that is only too happy to play host to you and your fur baby. Fresh water in shiny copper bowls and doggie treats are there and waiting and you can choose from a New York-style cocktail menu. In the Northern Quarter, under the iconic Affleck’s Palace, it is where dog lovers can meet up to tuck into its famous bottomless brunch and shoot a bit of pool. It’s sister, the Dog Bowl, in Whitworth Street West replaces the pool tables with full-length ten pin bowling lanes.
Last Word
Lancashire is a forward-thinking county that has not lost sight of its roots which is why pubs, inns and bars where dogs are welcome have honed their hospitality to include our four-legged family members to feel as special as we do. Many of the Lancashire walks for dogs are close to these pubs, and see the range of pet friendly cottages in Lancashire and the great selection of Lancashire dog friendly hot tub cottage breaks.
Be it surrounded by rolling fields where, after a good walk, you and your dog can choose from the menu or where it is all very rock and roll and its doggie treats as well as tasty eats its evident Lancashire dog friendly pubs have come up trumps. There is also a great selection of pet friendly log cabins in Lancashire if you want something a little bit more unique.