Dog-friendly Bristol: Restaurants, pubs, walks & activities

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! And naturally, book ahead to check pubs are still welcome.

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 day out in Bristol 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

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 pet parents to bring their canine companions along, book a table at The Malago and note their generous Wine Wednesdays deal.

Location: 220 North St, Southville, Bristol BS3 1JD

Local restaurant spotlight

• Caper and Cure, Stokes Croft. This chic European spot comes in recommended by one of our members who’s come to love living like a local in Bristol while house sitting. Try beautifully plated dishes that celebrate fresh ingredients.
• Root. Dogs are welcome on the terrace area of this restaurant in central Bristol, which was recommended by one of our members who discovered it while pet sitting. Enjoy a vegetable-focussed menu that celebrates local ingredients.

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 down 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, and be sure to explore spots local to you, checking with staff before finding a seat with your pup.

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 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 a midday walk at Little Victories.

Location: ​​7 Gaol Ferry Steps, Bristol BS1 6WE

Local cafe spotlight

Can’t Dance Coffee, Clifton. From humble beginnings as a mobile coffee trike, Can’t Dance Coffee now serves Clifton locals, and provides the perfect place to sit and watch the world go by. This spot comes in highly recommended by our member who’s come to know and love the city through house sitting. And if you need somewhere to eat nearby, get a sandwich to go from East Village Vegan Cafe and sit in the sunny square nearby.

Places to walk dogs in Bristol

Your dog-friendly Bristol day out wouldn’t be complete without a dog walk. Explore our list of dog-friendly walks Bristol has to offer to let your four-legged pal run off some energy, and get to know local rules before letting your pup off the lead.

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. And if you're visiting in the summer, be tick-aware in the long grass.

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 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. Our member who’s come to love the city through pet sitting let us know that if you follow the river, you’ll come to the Snuff Mills — and it’ll feel like you’re “totally away from the city”.

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: 

• Clifton Downs, Stoke Rd, Bristol BS9 1FG
• Durdham Downs, Bristol BS9 1FG

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

Montpelier

Montpelier — a residential neighbourhood just north of the city centre — comes in recommended by our member who’s come to know Bristol through pet sitting. Explore the colourful streets, find a dog-friendly cafe, and wander with “no particular destination in mind”. To extend your walk, wander to Stokes Croft, which is full of street art and has the same independent spirit of Montpelier.

Fun dog-friendly activities in Bristol

Looking for the 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 walk 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
• Tobacco Factory Market. The Tobacco Factory, Raleigh Rd, Southville, Bristol BS3 1TF

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

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,Oakley 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 many 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.

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.

More dog-friendly travel guides near Bristol

Thinking about house sitting near Bristol, visiting a nearby town with your canine companion, or welcoming a pet sitter soon? Explore our travel guides below for dog-friendly places to visit, along with local tips and advice.

• Dog-friendly England: attractions, walks, festivals and more
• Dog-friendly Bath: Things to do in Bath with a dog
• Dog-friendly Frome, Somerset: Things to do with a dog
• Dog-friendly Cardiff: Things to do in Cardiff with a dog
• Dog-friendly Stroud: Things to do in and near the town
• Pet-friendly Llanelli, Wales: Beaches, cafes, walks & more
• Dog-friendly Somerset: beaches, dog walks and attractions
• A guide to dog-friendly Weston-super-Mare