Live in the county home to cider and cheese with a canine companion, or thinking about house sitting as a pet sitter in Somerset? No worries - below find your guide to dog-friendly Somerset and explore the beaches that allow dogs, perfect places for dog walks, and pet-friendly attractions.
Dog-friendly beaches in Somerset
Somerset is surrounded by a stunning coastline with sweeping views of the ocean and expanses of golden sand. Below, we’ll explore Somerset’s dog-friendly beaches and their restrictions, so that you can explore with your canine companion. Just remember to double check local rules before visiting any beach, and follow any restrictions in place.
Sand Bay Beach
Just north of Weston-super-Mare is the quieter beach of Sand Bay - where dogs are welcome to explore all year round, apart from on the sand dunes where they’re prohibited. And while this is a great place to relax with your furry friend, be aware of the darker patches which are areas of sinking mud - a common hazard on England’s coastline.
Location: Sand Bay Beach, Somerset, BS22 9UD
Uphill Beach
Another dog-friendly beach near Weston-super-Mare is Uphill Beach, where humans and their four-legged friends are welcome all year round. Be cautious of the sinking mud in this area, and keep your eyes peeled for The Boathouse - a dog-friendly cafe on the seafront.
Location: Uphill Beach, Somerset, BS23 4XY
Brean Beach
A popular tourist attraction in its own right and a place popular with locals, Brean Beach welcomes visitors and their dogs all year round on its 7 miles of golden sands. Head to Brean Down Cafe - a dog-friendly spot to grab a warm drink and a bite to eat after your walk.
Location: Brean Down Rd, Brean, Burnham-on-Sea TA8 2RS
Berrow Beach
Just north of Burnham on Sea is Berrow Beach - a dog-friendly stretch of sand where pups are welcome all year round. Keep your eyes peeled for the SS Nornen Wreck - a Norwegian barque from 1897 which can be seen at low tide. And of course, be cautious on the mudflats as sinking mud is a hazard.
Location: Berrow Beach, Somerset, TA8 2QZ
Minehead Beach
Just north-east of Exmoor National Park is Minehead Beach - a great walking spot of sand, shingle and rock pools. There are year-round dog-friendly spots from The Jubilee Cafe towards Minehead Harbour, and from Minehead Golf Club Groyne towards Dunster Beach. Between May and September, dogs are not allowed on the main area of the beach, which is between The Jubilee Cafe and Minehead Golf Club.
Location: Minehead TA24 5FF
Doniford Beach
As you’ll have noticed by now, Somerset is filled with dog-friendly beaches, and Doniford Beach is no exception. Head to this spot in Watchet if you’re into fossil hunting, and visit any time with your furry companion.
Location: Doniford Rd, Watchet TA23 0TL
St. Audrie’s Bay
St. Audrie’s Bay has to be one of the most interesting beaches in Somerset - just be aware that dogs should be kept under close control, and follow any signage and restrictions. The beach is home to two waterfalls that cascade onto the beach itself, which is home to sand, shingle, rock pools and a variety of wildlife.
Location: St. Audrie’s Bay, Somerset, TA4 4DP
Kilve Beach
Dogs are welcome on the fascinating Kilve Beach all year round - stop by if you live locally or you’re house sitting in Somerset and hunt for 200-million-year-old fossils from the Blue Lias cliffs.
Location: Bridgwater TA5 1EG
Porlock Weir Beach
Just north of Hawkcombe Woods National Nature Reserve is Porlock Weir Beach - dogs are welcome to explore this shingle beach all year round, so stop for a walk or even hop on a paddleboard.
Location: Porlock Weir, Minehead TA24 8PB
Trending posts
Purr-use some of the top blogs our members have been loving this month- Top male dog names for your new furry friendGot a new furry family member in your pack? Check…
- Top female dog names for your new fluffy palWelcoming a new pooch into your family? Explore…
- 250+ gray cat names your silver feline will loveRecently welcomed a fluffy gray bundle of joy into…
- What are normal pet sitting rates?Discover the average pet sitting rates for animals…
- Unique dog names to stand out from the packDare to be different with our list of the best…
Minehead Beach, Somerset
Places to walk your dog in Somerset
If you’re looking for places to go in Somerset with your pooch, the good news is that the county is brimming with national parks, reserves and coastal paths perfect for walkies. Below, explore a few Somerset walks perfect for dog walkers, and remember to always stay up-to-date on rules and restrictions to help protect the local wildlife.
Sand Point and Middlehope
This National Trust-managed site is home to a scenic coastal walk that’s ideal for dog walkers keen to spot wild birds. It’s also home to Woodspring Priory - a former Augustinian Priory built in 1230 and later finished by the 15th century.
Location: Kewstoke, Weston-super-Mare BS22 9UD
Brean Down
For views over the Bristol Channel, head to Brean Down - a National Trust-managed headland which is known for its views across the water and Somerset Levels. As with many of Somerset’s dog walks, Brean Down has a rich history. Explore to find the Roman temple, Palmerston Fort and a World War II secret weapons testing site.
Location: Brean Down, Burnham-on-Sea, TA8 2RS
Mendip Hills National Landscape
This limestone ridge known for its dramatic views is just south of Bristol and Bath, and is popular with dog walkers for its ancient sites and unique wildlife of shoe bats and skylarks. Be sure to follow local rules, as dogs may need to be kept on a lead during ground nesting season.
Location: Blagdon, Bristol BS40 7XR
Glastonbury Tor
If you live anywhere near Glastonbury Tor, the hill is a must-visit site. It’s steeped in Arthurian legend, and is a prominent site for both Christians and pagans, and is topped with St. Michael’s Tower - the remains of a 15th-century church. Along with its historical significance, walking the Tor provides epic views of the surrounding counties that can’t be missed if you’re nearby.
Location: Glastonbury Tor, BA6 8DB
Quantock Hills
A popular hiking spot with locals (and famous writers such as Samuel Taylor Coleridge), Quantock Hills is home to oak woodlands, sheltered combes and ridges with views across nine counties. This Area of Natural Beauty has a few restrictions in place to protect the wildlife and livestock, so plan your route ahead of time and keep your dog on a lead where needed.
Location: Quantock Hills, Taunton TA5 1HJ
Exmoor National Park
This famous national park sits within Somerset and Devon, and is a must-visit if you’re house sitting in Somerset. Explore its wooded valleys, heather moors and stunning coastline that offers sweeping views of Bristol Channel. Just be aware that dogs may be asked to be kept on a lead during breeding season, so plan your route ahead of time and always follow local signage.
Tarr Steps
Within Exmoor National Park is Tarr Steps - a must-visit if your dog loves water. It’s Britain’s longest clapper bridge, which crosses the River Barle and is thought to date back to 1000 BC.
Location: Tarr Steps, Somerset, TA22 9PY
Ham Hill Country Park
This country park is a must-visit if you’re nearby - it’s an Iron Age hillfort which features a stone circle, ancient stonehouses, and sweeping views of the Somerset countryside. There are many areas of the park where dogs are welcome off-lead - just check the signage before you let your dog run free.
Location: Ham Hill Country Park, Stoke-sub-Hamdon TA14 6RW
Tarr Steps, Exmoor National Park
Dog-friendly attractions in Somerset
Somerset is home to a rich history that’s difficult to rival! From Iron Age settlements to Roman places of worship and Medieval priories, there really is always something to explore in Somerset. Below, we’ll list a few of the county’s dog-friendly attractions - just be sure to check out local sites to avoid travelling far with your dog.
Dunster Castle & Watermill
Explore the woodlands, parklands and river gardens of this site with the backdrop of Dunster Castle - a truly historic site that dates back to the Anglo-Saxon period, where the spot was home to fortifications and a gatehouse. The mill itself even features in the Doomsday book from the 11th century.
Location: Dunster, Minehead TA24 6NY
Cheddar Gorge & Caves
The Caves, Jacob’s Ladder and the Museum of Prehistory are all dog-friendly at Cheddar Gorge - just be sure to keep your dog on a lead to keep them safe on uneven ground and steep drops.
Location: The Cliffs, Cheddar BS27 3QF
Glastonbury Abbey
Like many of Somerset’s attractions, Glastonbury Abbey has centuries of history to its name - the first verified evidence of a monastery at the site dates all the way back to the 7th century. Explore the site with your dog on a lead, and just be aware that dogs aren’t allowed in the cafe.
Location: Magdalene St, Glastonbury BA6 9EL
Lytes Cary Manor
If you’re in need of somewhere a little different to walk your dog, head to the estate grounds of Lytes Cary Manor in Somerton - a medieval manor house with a 350-acre estate.
Location: Somerton, TA11 7HU
Montacute House
Marvel at Montacute House - an Elizabethan mansion that was built in 1601 with your furry friend - where dogs are welcome in the gardens, parkland and courtyard area of the cafe.
Location: Montacute, TA15 6XP
Dog-friendly pubs in Somerset
Like England’s other counties, Somerset is home to countless dog-friendly pubs that offer up an atmosphere as cosy as their menus. We’ll list a few below to give you an idea of the dog-friendly restaurants and pubs Somerset has to offer, but be sure to check out your local businesses to avoid travelling far with your dog.
- The Queens. Silver St, Chew Magna, BS40 8RQ
- The Swan Inn. Rowberrow Ln, Rowberrow, Winscombe BS25 1QL
- The Lamb Inn. The Square, Axbridge BS26 2AP
- The Riverside Inn. Cliff St, Cheddar BS27 3PX
- The George Inn, Norton St Philip. High St, Norton St Philip, Bath BA2 7LH
- The Archangel, Frome. 1 King St, Frome BA11 1BH
Dog-friendly locations in Somerset
If you’d like to know a little more about some of Somerset’s dog-friendly towns and cities, take a look below as we explore things to do in Bath, Frome and Taunton.
Dog-friendly Bath, Somerset
Bath is one of the most famous cities in Somerset - well known for its rich Roman history, cobbled streets and cosy places to eat. Stop in The Raven or The Pulteney Arms for a traditional pub experience, and visit the famous Toppings Bookshop to get your literary fix. The city is surrounded by stunning countryside perfect for dog walks, and is home to inner city parks popular with dog walkers, including the Royal Crescent Lawns and Elizabeth Park. If you live in the city with with a dog or you’re thinking and house sitting, head to our travel guide to dog-friendly Bath.
Dog-friendly Taunton, Somerset
Taunton is a charming market town in Somerset, with a history that dates back over 1000 years. Dog-friendly pubs include The Plough Inn and Shepherd’s Rest, and great places to walk a four-legged friend include Vivary Park and Netherclay Community Woodland. Want to know more? Head to our guide to dog-friendly Taunton.
Dog-friendly Frome, Somerset
Frome is a civil parish in Somerset, and is home to cosy places to eat and drink with dogs, including The River House cafe, The Cross Keys, and The Mason’s Arms. Frome is also surrounded by the stunning Somerset countryside, with Vallis Vale and Alfred’s Tower just a stone’s throw away. For more suggestions to help you plan a pet-friendly day out, head to our guide to dog-friendly Frome.
Bath, Somerset
Tips for pet parents
- Get to know your local history. Somerset has thousands of years worth of history to learn about, and much of it is in stunning scenery perfect for dog walks, so get to know what’s on your doorstep!
- Tread the coast with caution. Much of the Somerset coastline is prone to sinking mud, so get to know the areas to avoid to dodge the hazard.
- Plan ahead for your holiday. You’re all set for a day out in your local county, so now get prepared for your next holiday by connecting with an in-home sitter to care for your pets in the place vets agree they’re happiest - home. Click below to find out more.
Connecting with pet sitters in Somerset
Tips for pet sitters
- Check local rules. The rules and restrictions around canine access will vary depending on the time of year, the wildlife present and where you’re walking, so always double check before arriving with your canine companion.
- Follow pet parent recommendations. Pet parents know their furry family best, so take their advice on where their dog is comfortable walking.
- Find a cosy pub. Somerset’s dog-friendly pubs are waiting with cosy fires and hearty meals, so find your local during your stay.
- Experience Somerset through house sitting. So, how does a sweeping coastline, Iron-Age history and cosy traditional pubs sound - all with a canine companion for company? Click below to find out how to get your house sitting adventure started.
House sitting in Somerset
More dog-friendly travel guides
Thinking about house sitting as a pet sitter in Somerset, or want to explore more of your home county with your canine companion? Explore our travel guides below for dog-friendly places to visit, along with local tips and advice.
Dog-friendly Somerset - FAQs
Can I take my dog on the local buses and trains in Somerset?
Yes, dogs are allowed on most buses and trains in Somerset if they’re well behaved and kept on a lead. Just be sure to check your route beforehand to make sure dogs are welcome, and take your dog for a walk beforehand to avoid any accidents on the bus or train.
What are the rules for dogs in Somerset's nature reserves and wildlife trust sites?
Some of Somerset’s nature reserves are dog-friendly - it depends on where you’re visiting and what time of year. For example, you may be asked to keep your dog on a lead during animal breeding season to protect livestock. Simply check the route you’re planning to walk and make sure you understand the rules and restrictions before arriving for a walk with your dog.
Which beaches in Somerset allow dogs all year round?
Many of Somerset’s beaches welcome dogs all year round, including Sand Bay Beach, Uphill Beach, Brean Beach and Doniford Beach. Tread with caution because many of Somerset’s beaches come with a sinking mud warning.
