Dog-Friendly Guildford: Things to do in Guildford With a Dog

House sitting in Guildford, or maybe you’re a local looking for the best ways to treat your furry friend? Either way, this guide to dog-friendly Guildford is packed with the best pubs, cafes, walks, and activities to explore with your canine companion.

And if you’re on the hunt for a Guildford pet sitter while you’re out of town, skip straight to the bottom to find out more!

Dog-friendly pubs, Guildford

Tails wagging for a pint in dog-friendly Guildford? There’s no need to leave your four-legged friend at home – you can grab a beer while your pup enjoys a water bowl in any of these pooch-approved pubs.

The March Hare

Book ahead to grab a seat at the bar with your four-pawed pal, where you can feast on carefully crafted French dishes and your pup can choose something from the dog menu.

Location: 2-4 South Hill, Guildford GU1 3SY

Bird In Hand

This independently-owned pub welcomes furry friends in its bar and sunny garden area. Expect big portions and friendly service.

Location: Egley Rd, Mayford, Woking GU22 0NL

The Cyder House Inn

This country pub not only serves up delicious home-cooked food but also has a menu of natural dog chews to keep pups happy.

Location: Peper Harow Ln, Godalming GU8 6AN

Three Pigeons

Four-legged friends will be well cared for in this dog-friendly pub, which has a warm atmosphere and tasty food.

Location: 169 High St, Guildford GU1 3AJ

The White House

This country-style pub welcomes doggos in the bar area, garden, or outdoor terrace, and provides fresh water and treats for canine customers.

Location: 8 High St, Guildford GU2 4AJ

Red Lion

Delicious traditional pub grub is served here, and four-legged friends will get plenty of attention from the friendly staff – complete with their own menu of snacks, treats, and bowls.

Location: The Green, Shamley Green, Guildford GU5 0UB

The Row Barge

This dog-friendly riverside pub has plenty of seating indoors and outdoors. They offer a good selection of wines, beers, and ciders, and also have a Sunday menu with main meals around £15.

Location: 7 Riverside, Guildford GU1 1LW

Ye Olde Ship Inn

This pub welcomes pooch pals and even has water bowls and treats available. They serve fresh pizzas from Tuesday to Sunday.

Location: Portsmouth Rd, Guildford GU2 4EB

Dog-friendly restaurants, Guildford

These dog-friendly restaurants serve up delicious dishes for humans and a warm welcome for furry family members.

Megan’s by the Castle Restaurant

This independently-owned restaurant is popular with pet parents and their pooch pals – furry friends can lounge on a dog bed and dig into treats while humans enjoy Mediterranean-inspired dishes.

Location: 136-140 High St, Guildford GU1 3HJ

Horse & Groom Merrow

Here, fluffy guests are looked after just as well as their human companions, who can enjoy a fixed-price lunch menu, all-day seasonal dishes, and delicious Sunday roasts.

Location: Epsom Rd, Merrow, Guildford GU1 2RG

The Guildford Townhouse

Designed for all-day dining, co-working, drinking, and socializing, this spot is dog-friendly in all outside areas, lounges, bars, and igloos. Enjoy afternoon tea by day and DJs by night, all with your pooch pal in tow.

Location: 58-62 High St, Guildford GU1 3ES

Dog-friendly cafes, Guildford

Craving a caffeinated drink with your canine companion? Here are a few places you can enjoy a hot drink and a tasty bite to eat with your four-legged friend by your side.

Frida’s Coffee House

Tucked away in an ever-changing creative space, there are plenty of drink choices and a good selection of pastries and cakes to choose from in this calm, dog-friendly cafe.

Location: Fays Passage, Guildford GU1 4SQ

Esquires Coffee Guildford

Need a caffeine fix and a cuddle with your canine companion? Esquires Coffee serves fairtrade brews and yummy cakes, so both you and your pooch can relax and recharge.

Location: Ground Floor, 278 High St, Guildford GU1 3JL

Harris + Hoole

Harris + Hoole will welcome both you and your four-legged friend – head here for specialty coffee and breakfast or lunch, and watch the world go by with a happy pup at your feet.

Location: 48 North St, Guildford GU1 4TE

Solar Sisters

Sip on coffee and nibble a vegan cake with your furry friend before perusing the zero-waste store, which features refill stations of everything from snacks to household items.

Location: 86 North St, Guildford GU1 4AU

Countryside outside Guildford, Surrey

Dog-friendly accommodation, Guildford

If you’re staying in Guildford a little longer, these pet-friendly hotels are ready to pamper both you and your pup.

Mandolay Hotel

This 4-star hotel has a number of dog-friendly options for pooch pals and their pawrents, plus it’s right next to Stoke Park, which is a great place for dog walks.

Location: Mandolay Hotel, 36-40 London Rd, Guildford GU1 2AE

Worplesdon Place Hotel

Pooch pals are greeted with a bowl of treats in dog-friendly rooms, making the hotel the ideal starting point for exploring the Surrey countryside.

Location: Worplesdon Place Hotel, Perry Hill, Worplesdon, Guildford GU3 3RY

The model boat lake at Stoke Park, Guildford

Dog-friendly places, Guildford

Here are some of the best pet-friendly places in Guildford, where both of you can sniff out an adventure.

Stoke Park

There’s plenty of space to stretch both two legs and four in Guildford’s largest park – stick to the walking trails or play a game of frisbee with the furry friends you meet along the way.

Location: Nightingale Rd, Guildford GU1 1ER

Newlands Corner

Escape the hustle and bustle in this beautiful nature preserve, located just outside Guildford. Pack a picnic and make a day of it, or just swing by the cafe for a bite to eat before heading out on one of many peaceful trails.

Location: Drove Rd, Newland's Corner, Albury, Guildford GU4 8SE

Leith Hill

A little further afield, this beautiful hillside area features woodland, meadows, and greenery as far as the eye can see. Climb the 74 steps up the 18th-century tower to enjoy views from the highest point in South East England.

Location: Dorking RH5 6LX

Chantry Wood

200 acres of woodland and meadow just waiting to be explored by you and your four-pawed pal! It’s quiet, peaceful, and filled with gorgeous views of the surrounding countryside.

Location: Guildford GU4 8PZ

Whitmoor Common

Follow trails winding through heathland and woodland and have a chat with some of the fellow dog walkers using the paths.

Location: Worplesdon, Guildford GU4 7PZ

Guildford Castle and grounds

Other dog-friendly things to do, Guildford

Beyond pubs and cafes, Guildford’s got a whole host of ways to keep you and your pooch pal entertained!

Explore Guildford Castle grounds

Not far from the town center, the gardens of Guildford Castle are free to visit. Here, you can stroll past vibrant floral displays or take a seat and soak in the views.

Cost: Free to visit the castle grounds

Date & time: Open from March to October

Location: Castle St, Guildford GU1 3SX

Visit Guildford Cathedral

While only guide dogs are able to enter the Cathedral, furry friends can still marvel at the impressive 20th-century exterior.

Cost: Free

Date & time: Anytime

Location: Stag Hill, Guildford GU2 7UP

Walk around Hatchlands Park

You and your pup are free to explore the landscaped grounds of this Georgian Manor and visit The Coach House Cafe. Note that Fido sadly won’t be able to enter the formal gardens and house.

Cost: £14.30 for non-members

Date & time: 10 am – 5 pm daily

Location: East Clandon, Guildford GU4 7RT

Guildford Cathedral

Tips for pet parents

Leash up when necessary

Although there are plenty of dog-friendly places in Guildford, keep your furry friend on the leash when signs say so. Be extra cautious in areas with lots of wildlife.

Get out into the countryside

Guildford’s a beautiful town, but the surrounding countryside is where the real adventures begin – especially with a pooch pal in tow!

Think about transport

Guildford’s town center can get very busy, especially during peak hours. If you’re transporting your pooch pal, plan your routes carefully, and be aware of parking restrictions. Also, note that the surrounding villages can be tricky to get to without a car.

Plan ahead for time away

Not all destinations are as pet-friendly as Guildford, and that’s why it’s essential to plan ahead. If you’re off on a trip without your furry family member, find a verified, in-home pet sitter to take care of them while you’re away. Find out more about how it works below.

How it works

Tips for pet sitters

Prepare for muddy walks

Many of the most popular spots for walking can get quite mucky after periods of heavy rain, so pack your wellies! It’s also worth asking pet parents for a towel to dry muddy paws.

…And hills!

Guildford isn’t flat, so be prepared for some steep inclines – especially if you’re exploring the Surrey Hills. Note that some older pups might struggle with the steeper slopes.

Take note of indoor etiquette

Many of the pubs, restaurants, and cafes in Guildford are dog-friendly but always ask before bringing a furry friend inside. Always keep pups on their best behavior when out and about!

Explore Guildford as a pet sitter

Why not exchange pet care for a place to stay on your travels? Get to know this beautiful town through the eyes of a local, and enjoy the companionship of a furry friend while you’re at it!