Total Guide to Dog Friendly Pubs

National Love Your Pet Day is an annual, unofficial holiday celebrated on the 20th February. The day’s purpose is to encourage pet owners to show their pets the love and affection they deserve - as if we needed an excuse!

However, aside from lavishing your furry family with treats, hugs and love we think it is important to make this day one of an occasion for all the family - it is an unofficial holiday after all!

So, what better way to celebrate our furry friends and the love we have for them than a long walk, refreshing drink and delicious meal at the pub.

To help you decide where to go, we have put together a list of our top favourite local dog - friendly pubs to ensure that your National Love your Pet Day gets off to a woof -derful start or at least give you paws for thought.

1/ Hall and Woodhouse

They may be new to Swindon, but they are swiftly becoming our favourite. Hall and Woodhouse is an excellent spot for both dogs and owners with its quality coffee and beer offering, all-day food menu, and location on the canalside at Wichelstowe.

We particularly love the cosy snug of the Common Room which offers the ideal spot for relaxation after a long walk along the canal path.

Enjoy a refreshing drink and a treat for your best friend (provided by the bar) in this light, spacious and traditionally themed pub/restaurant whose interior design draws upon its local heritage.

2/ The Sun Inn

Conveniently located next to the Coate Water Country Park, The Sun Inn is the perfect watering hole for both owners and dogs; with its large garden, children’s play area, quality food and drink menu offering.

Why not, walk the perimeter of Coate Water’s lake or explore the surrounding woodland paths before settling down for a pint and pub lunch because there is no better lunch than one that is earnt!

3/ The Calley Arms

Rurally located in the village of Hodson. The Calley Arms is a great traditional pub offering fantastic home cooked food, local walks and a picturesque location.

A warm welcome is on offer to both dogs, ramblers, drinkers and diners.

4/ The Harrow, Wanborough

A quintessentially English pub, The Harrow Inn is centrally located on the High Street of Swindon’s neighbouring village of Wanborough.

This thatched roofed pub has stood since the 1800’s and still displays many of its historical features. The pub’s resident chef serves homemade food and delicious daily fresh bread.

Wanborough is a wonderful area for a varied countryside dog walk.

5/ The Royal Oak, Bishopstone

For those looking for more from their dog walk. We highly recommend The Royal Oak, Bishopstone. As well as owning the organic farm, Helen Browning is renowned for her pub, The Royal Oak its accommodation and her Old Town restaurant, Helen Browning’s Chop House.

The Royal Oak resides in the middle of its organic farm, and the village of Bishopstone. With circular walks running to The Ridgeway National Trail from the pub’s front door, it offers a home from home atmosphere, an extensive fresh seasonal menu, reading material from newspapers to books, and on cold days a fire to warm yourself.

Well worth a visit and the loss of a few hours with good food and company.

6/ Fox and Hounds, Haydon Wick

A rural pub in a since developed area, the Fox and Hounds, is supported by its local community and its customers.

The essence of this pub’s historical origins remains from its opening as a beerhouse on the arrival of the railway, and its desire to be a village pub irrespective of the growth of its surrounding area.

We on the other hand, admire its ethos and open - door policy towards our pawed friends.

7/ The Plough Inn, Old Town

Located close to Old Town’s Railway Path, The Plough Inn is so-called Old Town’s cosiest pub. Explore the path, admire the views, and return for a refreshment.

We promise both you, and your dog, will not be disappointed by this quiet, unassuming establishment.

We hope you and your dog enjoy our recommendations because we believe your furry best friend deserves as first-class as experience as its human equals.

Happy Love Your Pet Day!