Dog-Friendly Stratford-Upon Avon Attractions, Walks & Pubs

Lucky enough to have moved to Shakespeare’s birthplace with a canine companion, and want to know which Stratford-upon-Avon attractions you can take them to? Or does the historic market town take your fancy, and house sitting in Stratford-upon-Avon soon?

Either way, follow this ultimate guide to dog friendly Stratford-upon-Avon - perfect for pet sitters and pet parents alike. Below find a list of things to do, dog-friendly pubs, cafes, restaurants, and Stratford-upon-Avon walking routes.

What is there to do in Stratford-upon-Avon with dogs?

This history-steeped, bustling market town is packed with things to do for locals, visitors and their dogs! So whether you live in the Bard’s birthplace or you plan on house sitting here, look below for Stratford-upon-Avon’s tourist attractions that allow dogs.

Shakespeare’s birthplace

Explore where it all began for William Shakespeare at his birthplace - one of the best things to see in Stratford-upon-Avon. And the best part? Dogs are allowed in the grounds - just be sure to keep them on a lead.

Location: Henley St, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6QW

Anne Hathaway’s Cottage

As far as Stratford-upon-Avon’s attractions go, this 15th-century farmhouse is one of the most visited. Dogs are welcome in the grounds and gardens, so check it out to marvel at the wife of Shakespeare’s childhood home and birthplace.

Location: 22 Cottage Ln, Shottery, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 9HH

Shakespeare’s new place

By 1597, Shakespeare was an established playwright in London, and was able to afford this family home in his hometown. He paid roughly £120 for it - no small sum in those days! To get a taste of the Bard’s life, explore the grounds and gardens with your canine companion.

Location: 22 Chapel St, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6EP

Take a boat ride on the River Avon

Fancy viewing the medieval market town from the water? Head to the River Avon for a dog-friendly boat ride to soak up the views of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and Holy Trinity Church. Boat rides start at Bancroft Gardens throughout the year, and from the Boathouse on Swan’s Nest Lane in peak season.

If you’re house sitting in Stratford-upon-Avon and you’d like to cruise along the river, be sure to check with pet parents before taking their dog with you.

Location: Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6BA

Charlecote Park

This 16th-century National Trust building is open to the public, and dogs are welcome in the courtyard, as well as the Wood Yard café and Orangery Restaurant. The stunning building is surrounded by a deer park on the banks of the River Avon, and sits just a 15-minute drive from Stratford-upon-Avon town.

Location: Wellesbourne, Warwick CV35 9ER

The Old Slaughterhouse

This spot is completely dog-friendly, so makes for the perfect, history-filled day out with your furry friend. The Old Slaughterhouse has seen some things - a mill in the 15th century, a pub called ‘The Crown’ in the 16th and 17th century, and an 18th-century ropewalk.

Location: The Yard, Off, Sheep St, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6EE

Take a Stratford ghost walk or walking tour

Looking for unusual things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon? Sign up to a ghost walk around the haunted town. For a truly ghostly dog walk, hear about the spooky tales that were once - supposedly - reality in the medieval streets and buildings of Stratford-upon-Avon.

Location: On Waterside, opposite the junction of, Sheep St, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6BA

Step back in time at Tudor World

If you’re looking for things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon for families, look no further than Tudor World, where dogs go free. Set in a 16th-century Grade 2 listed building in the heart of the town, Tudor World gives visitors the chance to see what life was like for Shakespeare’s contemporaries.
Location: 40 Sheep St, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6EE

Stratford-upon-Avon walks with dogs

Looking for things to do for free in Stratford-upon-Avon, or simply want to get into nature with your canine companion? Find a list of dog walks near the town for tranquil river views and the perfect spots for a game of fetch.

Welcombe Hills

This nature reserve makes for a great dog-friendly afternoon out or morning stroll with your family and furry friends. Explore the woodlands, pathed areas and grassy hills which Fido is sure to love.

Location: Warwick Rd, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 0NR

Stratford-upon-Avon River walk

For views of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and a tranquil stroll with your canine companion, head to the River Avon. The walk itself is 1.25 miles, and is considered a gentle walk, with footpaths all the way along. And if you’re house sitting outside of Stratford, the town has many car parks - the largest is next to The Butterfly Farm.

Location: 69 National Cycle Rte 41, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6YS

Stratford dog walking field

Want somewhere for a game of fetch to tire out your hound? Head to Stratford dog walking field - a fenced area specifically designed for dogs.

Location: Featherbed Ln, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 0ER

Stratford Greenway

This path is popular with cyclists and walkers alike, so be sure to have your dog on a lead as you enjoy a walk in the Warwickshire countryside.

Location: Old Town, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 9AL

River Meadow dog walking fields

With 7 acres of meadows dedicated to our four-legged friends, the River Meadow dog walking fields are the perfect place to tire out your energetic hound.

Location: 12 Clifford Chambers, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 8HR

Bancroft Gardens

Need somewhere to walk your pooch near the town centre? Explore Bancroft Garden with your furry friend - just be sure to keep them on a lead.

Location: Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6BA

Shakespeare's birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon’s dog-friendly pubs

Did you know that some of the most dog-friendly places in Stratford-upon-Avon are its pubs? Yup, like many UK towns and cities, dogs are welcome in a fair few of the town’s pubs and alehouses. Take a look below for a list of pet-friendly pubs to get started.

Dirty Duck

This 18th-century pub boasts waterside views, a global menu and affordable prices.

Location: Waterside, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6BA

The One Elm

For an upmarket breakfast or dinner in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon, check out The One Elm for a delicious Mediterranean menu. And remember to look up - those traditional oak beams aren’t to be missed.

Location: 1 Guild St, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6QZ

Pen & Parchment

An aptly-named pub for Shakespeare’s hometown, the Pen & Parchment is a popular watering hole that serves up pub classics at reasonable prices.

Location: Bridge Foot, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6YY

The Garrick Inn

Popular for its historic architecture, the Garrick is set in one of the oldest pubs in Stratford-upon-Avon and is steeped in 13th-century charm. In fact, this spot is known for its tales dating back to the Plague.

Location: 25 High Street, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6AU

The Old Thatch Tavern

Open fires, exposed oak beams and real ale, anyone? The Old Thatch Tavern is another of the town’s dog-friendly pubs with over 500 years of history.

Location: Greenhill St, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6LE

The Stratford Alehouse

Love a traditional, no-frills British pub? The Stratford Alehouse might be your new favourite spot - just remember to ask for a dog treat!

Location: 12 Greenhill St, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6LF

Dog-friendly cafes in Stratford-upon-Avon

Want to know where you can grab a casual lunch or enjoy a quiet morning coffee with your furry friend? Find a list of dog-friendly coffee shops in Stratford-upon-Avon below.

The Tempest Caffé

Named a ‘gem’ by customers, this aptly-named cafe is perfect if you’re after somewhere that serves up reliable toasted sandwiches, bagels and hot drinks.

Location: Unit 3 Bell Ct, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6EX

Bardia’s

For hearty, homemade sandwiches and well-reviewed coffee, check out Bardia’s on Sheep Street.

Location: 31 Sheep St, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6EE

Bobby’s Cafe

Ever had your morning pastries in a repurposed railway carriage? Make it a first at Stratford’s Bobby’s Cafe.

Location: The Stratford Greenway, Seven Meadows Rd, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 9LE

No 37 Café

If you’re after somewhere that serves up a hearty breakfast with gluten-free options available, head to No 37 Café on Sheep Street.

Location: 37 Sheep St, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6EE

Planitarium Cafe

Opt for a plant-based diet? Check out Planitarium Cafe with your pooch for burgers, toasties and wraps.

Location: The Minories, Henley St, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6NF

Dog-friendly restaurants in Stratford-upon-Avon

Fancy dining out with your four-legged friends? Find a list of Stratford-upon-Avon’s dog friendly restaurants. And while planning your day out, we always suggest phoning up beforehand to double check they still accommodate four-legged guests.

Encore

Got a taste for Mediterranean cuisine? Choose from harrisa-crumbed lamb, seabass, king prawn linguine and more.

Location: 1 Bridge St, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6AB

The Vintner

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to which historic building to dine in - but the Vintner was built in the late 1400s. In fact, the pub is named after John Smith and his wife, who traded as wine merchants (vintners) in around 1600. History aside, the British-come-Mediterranean menu is well-reviewed, and certainly pairs well with a glass of wine.

Location: 4-5 Sheep St, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6EF

The Boathouse

Love nothing more than waterside views and the company of your canine companion? Look no further than The Boathouse, and choose from daily fish selections and Barry the Butcher’s recommended cut.

Location: Swans Nest, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 7LS

The Phoenix

How about a Neapolitan-style pizza in the sun with your canine companion? Choose from classics like zucchetta and bianca, and treat yourself to more modern takes like mac ‘n’ cheese bites or halloumi fries.

Location: 38 Guild St, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6QY

Cox’s Yard

Set in industrial digs, Cox’s Yard serves up the latest craft brews from Brewpoint in Bedford, and a mouthwatering menu of burgers, pizzas and nachos to match.