Live in the south west’s art and culture capital, and want to discover the city with your pooch by your side? Explore this ultimate guide to dog-friendly Bristol, where you’ll find a list of the dog-friendly restaurants Bristol has to offer, plus pubs, cafes, activities and walks.
Welcoming a Bristol pet sitter and putting together a local dog-friendly guide or house sitting in Bristol? Stick with us to note the city’s top pet-friendly spots.
Dog-friendly restaurants in Bristol
Kicking off our dog-friendly Bristol guide is a list of restaurants that welcome pet parents and their pups with open arms. It’s safe to say that you aren’t short of places to eat and drunk with your furry friend in Bristol!
Racks Bar & Kitchen
Like many of the dog-friendly restaurants Bristol has to offer, Racks Bar and Kitchen is truly unique and steeped in history. This spot is located in the wine cellars of historic wine merchants, and is totally dog-friendly. Staff might even bring your pooch a treat!
Location: St Paul's Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1LX
Mud Dock Café
Your dog-friendly Bristol day out needs to include at least one view of the River Avon, and Mud Dock Café doesn’t disappoint. Enjoy the warehouse vibe, tuck into tapas and get some quality time with your four-legged friends inside or out on the terrace.
Location: 40 The Grove, Bristol BS1 4RB
Harbour House
Set in a rather epic 19th century transit shed, Harbour House is certainly a unique place to eat with your dog.
Location: The Grove, Bristol BS1 4RB
Coppa Club
Located in Bristol’s famous Clifton village, enjoy walkies around the breathtaking Georgian townhouses, marvel at Clifton Suspension Bridge and tuck into pasta, pizza and grills at Coppa Club. Furry friends are welcome in all outside areas, lounges and bars.
Location: 2-10 Regent St, Clifton, Bristol BS8 4HG
Hole in the Wall
If you need somewhere reliable to eat in the city centre, this dog-friendly Bristol gastropub certainly won’t disappoint. Simply book ahead and make sure you select the bar area, and your pooch will be welcomed with treats.
Location: 2 The Grove, Queen Square, Bristol BS1 4QZ
No.1 Harbourside
Another of the dog-friendly restaurants Bristol has to offer overlooking the river, choose from delicious toasted sandwiches in the week, brunches at the weekend and indulgent burgers.
Location: 1 Canon's Rd, Bristol BS1 5UH
Broken Dock
Relax with your furry friend at this waterfront spot and dog-friendly restaurant serving up English classics and Sunday roasts.
Location: Brunel Quay, Millennium Promenade, Bristol BS1 5SY
Riverstation
Ever thought you’d be dining in a converted police station? Head to Riverstation, one of the most unique dog-friendly restaurants Bristol boasts, and enjoy a warm welcome with dog treats and water bowls.
Location: The Grove, Bristol BS1 4RB
The Malago
For upmarket fare and a spot that actively encourages dog owners to bring their canine companions along, book a table at The Malago and note their generous Wine Wednesdays deal.
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…
Dog-friendly pubs in Bristol
If you want to get a taste of Bristolian history or you’re simply after somewhere lowkey to stop for a drink and a bite to eat with your pooch, look no further than your local pub. Like many UK cities, many of Bristol’s pubs are pet-friendly, but always check before strolling in.
And if you’d like to plan ahead, explore our list of the dog-friendly pubs Bristol has to offer below. Find pubs that offer cosy vibes, cask ales, home brews, traditional pub grub and table service.
- The Cottage Inn. Baltic Wharf, Cumberland Rd, Bristol BS1 6XG
- The Lazy Dog. 112 Ashley Down Rd, Bishopston, Bristol BS7 9JR
- Volunteer Tavern. 9 New St, Bristol BS2 9DX
- Inn on the Green. 2 Filton Rd, Bristol BS7 0PA
- The Dark Horse. 172-174 Church Rd, Redfield, Bristol BS5 9HX
- The Alma Tavern & Theatre. 18-20 Alma Vale Rd, Clifton, Clifton, Avon, Bristol BS8 2HY
- The Kensington Arms. 35-37 Stanley Rd, Redland, Bristol BS6 6NP
- The Orchard Ales. The Orchard Inn, 12 Hanover Pl, Bristol BS1 6XT
- Hort’s Townhouse. 49 Broad St, Bristol BS1 2EP
- The Ostrich. Lower Guinea St, Redcliffe, Bristol BS1 6TJ
- The Farm. Hopetoun Rd, Bristol BS2 9YL
- The Spotted Cow. 139 North St, Bedminster, Bristol BS3 1EZ
Dog-friendly cafes in Bristol
After a morning walk with your canine companion, nothing quite beats settling in a cosy cafe. For the best coffee in town, pastries and delicious breakfasts, explore our list of the dog-friendly cafes Bristol has to offer below.
The Crafty Egg
If you’re looking for the dog-friendly cafes Bristol has to offer that serve up creative yet comforting breakfast plates, head to The Craft Egg on Stokes Croft and enjoy some quality time with your furry best friend.
Location: 113 Stokes Croft, Bristol BS1 3RW
STARLINGS
If you’re in the Clifton area, head to this dog-friendly Bristol brunch restaurant that serves upmarket plates of benedicts, toasts and buns.
Location: 99 Queens Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1LW
Society Café
If you’re wandering Bristol city centre, stop at Society Café - a well-reviewed, popular dog-friendly cafe in the heart of the city.
Location: Farr's Ln, Narrow Quay, Bristol BS1 4BB
The Downs Café
Been for a walk in the Downs? Stop at the Downs Café before heading back home, and enjoy the peaceful views with your furry friend.
Location: Stoke Rd, Durdham Downs, Bristol BS9 1FG
Little Victories
After a dog-friendly coffee shop in central Bristol? Get your morning kick or relax after midday walkies at Little Victories.
Location: 7 Gaol Ferry Steps, Bristol BS1 6WE
Flour House
Want to discover a local spot, slightly off the beaten path? Head to Flour House for breakfast where you’ll find great coffee and solid vegan options.
Location: 10 Park Row, Bristol BS1 5LJ
Barrista’s Coffee Collective
If you take your coffee seriously and you’re looking for the dog-friendly cafes Bristol has to offer, head to Barrista’s Coffee Collective for home blends, deep-filled sandwiches and cakes.
Location: 29 Victoria St, Redcliffe, Bristol BS1 6AA
25A Old Market
If you’re after a dog-friendly Bristol cafe that encourages pet parents to bring their furry friends along, head to 25A Old Market for a warm welcome.
Location: 25A Old Market St, Bristol BS2 0HB
Places to walk dogs in Bristol
Your dog-friendly Bristol day out wouldn’t be complete without walkies. Explore our list of dog-friendly walks Bristol has to offer to let your four-legged pal run off some energy.
Ashton Court Estate
Just a 15-minute drive from the centre of Bristol, Ashton Court Estate is the perfect place to get into nature with your canine companion. Both cafes are dog-friendly, and with 850 acres of woodland and green space to explore, you’ll need a sit down!
Location: Long Ashton, Bristol BS41 9JN
Badock’s Wood
A 17-minute drive north of Bristol city centre, Badock’s Wood is the ideal spot to take a break from the city’s hustle and bustle with your furry friend. Amongst the spot’s ancient trees, look out for the unique tree carvings by sculptor Andy O’Neill.
Location: Badock's Wood, Entrance, Lakewood Rd, Bristol BS10 5HW
Blaise Castle Estate
If history is your thing and you need a place to walk your dog in Bristol, head to Blaise Castle Estate to roam the grounds and step back into 18th century England.
Location: Kings Weston Rd, Bristol BS10 7QS
Manor Woods Valley
Explore this nature reserve south west of central Bristol for some off-lead fun with your four-legged companion.
Location: 19 Crantock Ave, Bristol BS13 7QW
Leigh Woods
Want a woodland adventure with your canine pal? Get out of the busy city and into the National Trust’s Leigh Woods for gorges and epic city views.
Location: Abbots Leigh, Bristol BS8 3QB
Oldbury Court Estate
A firm favorite amongst locals, Oldbury Court Estate is perfect if you live in the north of Bristol, and need somewhere scenic to walk your furry friend.
Location: Oldbury Ct Rd, Fishponds, Bristol BS16 2JH
The Downs
The Downs make up some of the most popular places to walk your dog in Bristol. They’re made up of Clifton Downs and Durdham Downs, and are ideal if you’re after open space and impressive views.
Locations:
Snuff Mills
Walk along the River Frome, woodlands and the community garden with your canine pal - perfect if you live north-east of Bristol.
Location: Snuff Mills, Bristol BS16 1UH
Ashton Court Estate gatehouse
Fun dog-friendly activities in Bristol
Looking for dog-friendly places Bristol has to offer? Not to worry - explore a few activity ideas below that’ll have you immersed in the city’s local culture and history.
Take a boat trip
Fancy seeing the city from the water? Well you might be surprised to learn that one of the dog-friendly places Bristol has to offer is its ferry terminal. Yup, Bristol Ferry Boats welcome dogs of all shapes and sizes. And if you’re house sitting in Bristol, be sure to check with pet parents before booking your slot.
Location: Check the ferry stops of Bristol Ferry to decide on your starting location.
Wander outdoor local markets
If you’re looking for dog-friendly places in Bristol that are outdoors, provide a little walkies for your furry friend and are in the city, look no further than Bristol’s markets. There are multiple Saturday markets to choose from, where you can try local produce and appreciate various crafts. We’ll list a few below so that you can choose one local to where you’re staying.
Locations:
- Whiteladies Road Farmers' Market. 108 Whiteladies Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 2RP
- The Harbourside Street Food Market. 1 Canon's Rd, Bristol BS1 5TX
- Finzels Reach Street Food Market. Old Temple St, Redcliffe, Bristol BS1 6LQ
Explore Clifton Village
Want a taste of Bristolian history, and a shopping trip all rolled into one? Head to the stunning Clifton Village and marvel at the area’s Georgian architecture. Bring your furry friend along and explore independent shops and boutiques selling arts, gifts, clothes, jewellery and food.
Location: Clifton, Bristol BS8 4AD
Explore Gloucester Road Shopping
If you love independent shopping and cafes as much as you love street art, look no further than Bristol’s Gloucester Road. It runs through St Andrews, Bishopston and Horfield, and boasts a selection of outdoor gallery walls and of course, some of Banksy’s most well-known works.
Location: Gloucester Road, Bristol BS7 8AA
Tobacco Factory Market
From Tuesday to Sunday, Tobacco Factory Market in Bristol’s Southville area is open to the public and their furry friends. Explore for delicious street food, charming handmade crafts and local produce.
Location: The Tobacco Factory, Raleigh Rd, Southville, Bristol BS3 1TF
Clifton Village
Dog parks in Bristol
If your canine companion needs to be socialised with other dogs or you’re simply looking for a fenced area for them to run free, it’s worth exploring the dog parks Bristol has to offer. So, when planning your dog-friendly Bristol day out, make a note of the dog parks in and around the city below.
- Bark Park for dogs. 42 Sion Rd, Bedminster, Bristol BS3 3BE
- Hill House Park. Downend, Bristol BS16 5FJ
- Dog Field UK. In the grounds of Windmill Fisheries,vOakley Green Farm Lane, Bristol BS37 8QZ
- Larches Paw Paddock. Larches Farm, Thornbury, Bristol BS35 3TT
- Dundry dog field. Upton Ln, Chew Magna, Bristol BS41 8NR
- WoofPark. Glenavon Farm, Saltford, Bristol BS31 3TJ
Tips for pet parents
With an almost endless number of dog-friendly places to eat, plus markets and spots to walk your dog, planning a day out with your furry friends is a walk in the park. To keep your pooch happy all year round, follow our tips below.
- Plan your day ahead. While you’re likely surrounded by dog-friendly places in Bristol, it’s always a good idea to call up before arriving, just in case rules have changed around dog-friendliness.
- Explore surrounding green spaces. There might be countless dog-friendly pubs in Bristol, but be sure to make the most of the short drive into the surrounding countryside.
- Explore local markets. Walkies at a local market brings the best of both worlds: your furry friend gets some exercise, and you get to enjoy the fruits of local producers, so be sure to find one near you when planning your dog-friendly day out.
- Plan ahead for your holiday. It’s one thing to plan a day out in your home city, but what do you usually do with your pooch when you go away? Well as vets agree pets are happier at home, consider connecting with a trusted Bristol pet sitter ahead of your next trip. Click below to find out how.
How to connect with Bristol pet sitters
Tips for pet sitters
Want to explore an eclectic UK city known for the arts? Sounds like house sitting in Bristol will be right up your street. To get your adventure started, follow our tips below.
- Explore the city on foot. Roam the art-filled streets with your new canine companion and grab a coffee from a dog-friendly market along the way.
- Follow the dog’s routine. Keep your new pal in the schedule they’re used to, and follow pet parent instructions on where you’re allowed to take them.
- Get into nature. Just a short journey out of town is The Downs, along with many other dog-friendly green spaces with iconic views of the city. Be sure to make the most of it while you’re in Bristol!
- Experience Bristol through house sitting. So, want to take care of a new furry friend in exchange for a place to stay? Click below to find out how to secure a Bristol house sit.
How to find house sits in Bristol
Dog-friendly Bristol: FAQs
No, dogs are not permitted in Bristol Zoo. Instead, why not head to an outdoor market, dog-friendly restaurant or browse Clifton Village for a dog-friendly day out?
Yes, the Old Market Assembly Rooms in Bristol is dog-friendly - enjoy seasonal food in an iconic Victorian building.
Yes, dogs are allowed to attend Bristol Christmas market, and they are allowed in pre-booked igloos. Only bring your dog along if they’re comfortable with noise and crowds.
