A dog-friendly guide to Taunton, Somerset

Whether you’re considering house sitting in Taunton or you’re a local wanting to share the best of the town with your Taunton pet sitter, this is your insider’s guide to dog-friendly Taunton. We’re talking everything from pubs to parks and cafes to canal-side walks – read on to discover the best of Taunton for two- and four-legged visitors.

Dog-friendly pubs, Taunton

Since you’re in Somerset, why not grab a pint of cider and snuggle up by the fire or in the sunny garden of one of these dog-friendly pubs?

The Plough Inn

Not far from Taunton train station, this friendly local serves an excellent choice of ales and ciders from local breweries, as well as classic pub grub.

Location: 75 Station Rd, Taunton TA1 1PB

Shepherd’s Rest

Stop by for a game of pool and a pint with your pup, or enjoy traditional pub grub like pies, curries, and burgers.

Location: 64 Galmington Rd, Taunton TA1 5NZ

The Bathpool Inn

This homely pub on the outskirts of Taunton is known for its spacious garden and family- and pet-friendly environment.

Location: Somerset, 102 Bridgwater Rd, Bathpool, Taunton TA2 8BE

Hideout

Located near Taunton Castle, your furry friend can join you at this Green King pub, which serves burgers, sandwiches, and Sunday Roasts.

Location: Castle Grn, Taunton TA1 4AE

Cross Keys    

Pop into this cozy village pub after a walk in the nearby Netherclay Community Woodlands with your four-legged friend.

Location: Taunton Rd, Norton Fitzwarren, Taunton TA2 6NR

The Hankridge Arms

This 16th-century farmhouse has been converted into a pub, and serves a wide variety of dishes in its dog-friendly bar area.

Location: Hankridge Way, Taunton TA1 2LR

The Ale House

As the name suggests, the focus here is on real ales. They may have a few resident cats, but they also welcome pooch pals, so long as everyone gets along!

Location: 78 Station Rd, Taunton TA1 1PD

Dog-friendly restaurants, Taunton

If pubs aren’t your thing, why not check out some of the dog-friendly restaurants Tauton has to offer? 

Hub Box

Take a seat in the dog-friendly outdoor area, and your furry friend will be brought a bowl of water while you peruse the menu of fry-ups and pancakes at breakfast time or award-winning burgers and sides for lunch/dinner.

Location: 27-28 North St, Taunton TA1 1LW

The World’s End

Known for being extremely welcoming to dogs, chairs surround a fire pit on the sunny terrace of World’s End. With plenty of parking and hearty pub classics, it’s the perfect spot to eat and drink after a walk in Bradford on Tone. 

Location: Taunton TA4 1ET

The Merry Monk

This is the place to come for a carvery any day of the week, and it’s dog-friendly in the bar area. With veggie and vegan options, an la carte menu, and children’s dishes, there’s something here for everyone.

Location: Monkton Heathfield, Taunton TA2 8NE

Deckhouse

Here, furry friends will be treated to some fussing while their humans dig into plates of tapas, brunch, or healthy bowls.

Location: 3-6 Cheapside, Taunton TA1 3LG

Dog-friendly cafes, Taunton

For coffee and cake with your canine companion, look no further than these dog-friendly cafes.

The Coffee Station 

Located in an old railway station in Vivary Park, here, you can enjoy specialty coffee alongside a drool-worthy selection of vegan cakes and pastries.

Location: The Coffee Station, Vivary Park, Taunton TA1 3QE

The Weir

With outdoor seating overlooking Longrun Meadow and the river, this is an idyllic spot to rest your legs after walking the pooch in the area.

Location: Taunton TA1 1AW

The Shed

Pull up a chair in the dog-friendly outdoor area for your morning caffeine fix or enjoy some delicious homemade food while Fido nibbles on an obligatory treat or two.

Location: Goodland Gardens, The Bridge, Taunton TA1 1UQ

Coffee#1 Taunton

This popular coffee joint allows pups in their main seating area (but not upstairs) and has a great selection of nibbles, including gluten-free and vegan options. 

Location: 32 North St, Taunton TA1 1LW

Boston Tea Party

This has everything you’d expect from a cafe – satisfying breakfast and brunch plates, great coffee, and a cozy, dog-friendly atmosphere. 

Location: 25 Fore St, Taunton TA1 1JW

Cafe Expresso

Dog-friendly outside and on the ground floor, this cafe serves brunch classics, tasty cakes, and hot drinks at reasonable prices.

Location: 38 High St, Taunton TA1 3PN

Dog-friendly parks and walks, Taunton

While Fido might be happy to join you in any of Taunton’s dog-friendly pubs and cafes, local parks and walks are probably more their jam – here’s a selection of some of the best. 

Vivary Park

Keep your furry friend on the leash to explore this historic park and garden, which is complete with plenty of benches and even a coffee shop!

Location: Upper High St, Taunton TA1 3SX

Longrun Meadow

Not far from the center of town, Longrun Meadow is a popular place for runners, cyclists, and of course, dog walkers! Be sure to check out the Willow Cathedral, and note that it can get a little muddy, so come prepared!

Location: Longrun Meadow, Taunton TA1 5AT

Netherclay Community Woodland

Continue your walk through Longrun Meadow to reach this wooded area, which is full of wildlife and easy entry points for furry friends to have a dip in the river. 

Location: Netherclay, Bishop's Hull, Taunton TA1 5AB

Somerset Space Walk

Experience a scaled-down version of the solar system (1:530,000,000) on this 14-mile canal walk. Each marker displays information about the planets, their actual sizes, and the true distance to the next.

Starting point: Taunton TA1 1JL 

Hamilton Gault Park

There’s plenty of flat open space to walk your four-pawed pal here, from tree-lined paths to grassy fields. 

Location: Hamilton Rd, Taunton TA1 2PL

Other dog-friendly things to do, Taunton

So what else does dog-friendly Taunton have to offer? Here are some other dog-friendly places and activities to enjoy with your furry friend.  

Hestercombe Gardens

This estate has a variety of green spaces to explore, from formal gardens to woodland walks. Four-pawed pals are welcome on the leash everywhere except the top floor of the house – doggie ice creams are even served in the cafe!

Cost: £16.90 for adults, £8.45 for children.

Date & time: Open daily 10 am – 5 pm

Location: Hestercombe, Taunton TA2 8LG

Willows and Wetlands Centre

This working farm on the Somerset Levels is a favorite among dog walkers. It has a cafe and shops selling beautiful baskets and furniture handcrafted from willow, and tours of the willow growing estate are also available.

Cost: Free to walk around the estate.

Date & time: Monday to Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm.

Location: Stoke St Gregory, Taunton TA3 6HY

West Somerset Railway

You and your pooch pal can hop on this old steam train and ride through Somerset, taking in beautiful views of the countryside all the way to Minehead.

Cost: Advance all-day rover tickets cost £33 for adults and £16.50 for children.

Date & time: Open daily except Fridays and Mondays. 

Location: West Somerset Railway, Bishops Lydeard Station, Station Rd, Bishops Lydeard, Taunton TA4 3RU

Dog-friendly accommodation, Taunton

Looking for dog-friendly hotels in Taunton, Somerset? Here are a couple of places to rest your head after a long day exploring. 

The Corner House Hotel

Four-legged guests will be treated to a special welcome pack in the pet-friendly rooms of this 3-star hotel, which have direct access to the outdoors – perfect for late-night potty trips!

Location: Park St, Taunton TA1 4DQ

Holiday Inn, Taunton

Like many pet-friendly hotels in Taunton, dog-friendly rooms are located on the ground floor with easy access to the outdoor walking area.

Location: Blackbrook Business Park, Blackbrook Park Ave, Taunton TA1 2PX

Tips for pet parents

Prepare for boggy areas

While there are plenty of places to explore around the River Tone, note that many of them are in flood zones. Remember to pack your wellies!

Be aware of livestock

Livestock is common in the countryside here, so keep your dog under close control, especially during lambing season.

Check for ticks 

Check your dog thoroughly after walks, especially in grassy or wooded areas. Pay close attention to the areas behind the ears, under the collar, and between the toes. 

Plan ahead for vacations

If your four-legged family member won’t be joining you on your next trip away, why not treat them to a little in-home staycation? Our verified sitters care for fur babies in the home they know and love, causing far less stress for everyone involved.

Tips for pet sitters

Check leash rules

Pooch pals are required to be on a leash in many public areas, including some parks. Check signs for the most accurate info.

Always carry the essentials

Bring poop bags and water for your four-legged friend whenever you’re out and about.

Get to know the walking routes 

From neighborhood dog walks to exploring further out of town, the best way to get to know a place is always on foot (bonus points for doing it with a dog in tow!). 

Try house and pet sitting in Taunton

If you’re a pet person who loves exploring new places, why not try house and pet sitting? Exchange in-home pet care for a place to stay on your travels, and get to know Taunton through the eyes of a local.

Useful resources

• Dog-friendly things to do in Mablethorpe
• How to live rent free via house sitting
• 15 dog friendly cafes in Edinburgh