Why this Dorset town is paradise for dogs
Stroll through Sherborne’s timber-framed streets, and inside antique shops and boutique cafes you’re as likely to encounter four-legged friends as you are people. Sherborne, a historic market town surrounded by the rolling green hills of Dorset, could well be the most dog-friendly town in the UK!
Home to an 8th century abbey and not one, but two castles, it’s the dog friendly cafes, bars, shops and hotels that take centre stage in Sherborne.
Keen to understand just how accommodating Sherborne is for dogs, I decided to take my parents’ Jack Russell (Zak) on a weekend getaway to the Dorset town.
Dog-friendly accommodation in Sherborne
Sherborne scores incredibly well for pet-friendly venues. If you’re here for a long weekend, check into The Eastbury Hotel & Spa, a renovated Georgian-era townhouse offering bespoke ‘Doggy Getaway’ packages.
The staff had laid out a doggy basket in the room, complete with a doggy toy and treats. Dogs are allowed in the breakfast room, too, and Zak was treated to a doggy-style full English by the chefs (they even have a doggy breakfast menu). Needless to say, Zak the Jack Russell loved every second of his stay, as did his human minders, who made excellent use of the Eastbury Spa in the walled garden.
Check out the Eastbury Hotel and Spa here.
Dog friendly hotels are normally outliers in market towns. But not in Sherborne. The Hillbrook, another luxury hotel and spa, allows well-behaved dogs in its suites, while the Plume of Feathers, a gastro-pub opposite Sherborne Abbey, accommodates up to two dogs in each of its boutique rooms.
A ten minute drive to the nearby village of Corton Denham brings you to The Queen’s Arms, a country pub, which hosts dogs across three rooms in the converted coach house.
Dog-friendly places to eat in Sherborne
I was amazed by the extent of dog-friendly eateries in Sherborne. Take a stroll along Cheap Street (the town’s historic central thoroughfare) and you’ll find almost everywhere welcomes dogs.
The Plume of Feathers serves Italian inspired small plates in a Grade-II listed pub dating back to the 16th century (dogs welcome). The dog-friendly Cross Keys cooks up classic pub dishes with a gourmet twist. The Mermaid, Half Moon, Oliver’s, The White Hart, Pear Tree and Tamburino Gold all have dog-friendly spaces available.
Even bougie cafes and cocktail bars, including Cafe D’Urberville on the high street, welcome dogs all through the day and late into the evening. Zak’s favourite spot, however, was The Walled Garden in Sherborne Castle’s extensive grounds. Not only is the cafe dog friendly, but there’s a dedicated ‘doggy treat shop’ out the back.
Ample places to walk your dog
Sherborne’s location makes it an ideal base for a doggy getaway. The town is hemmed in by rolling hills and wide meadows, with walking options ranging from quick pre-breakfast strolls to full-day hikes.
One of the most popular dog-friendly routes is Purlieu Meadow, a grassy stretch alongside the River Yeo where dogs can be let off the lead. This links to a network of footpaths leading back into town, or onwards to Sherbourne Castle and Gardens.
Sherborne Castle was built in 1594 by the infamous Sir Walter Raleigh, before it passed into the ownership of the Wingfield Digby family who still reside there today. The castle’s Grade-I listed gardens were landscaped by Capability Brown, and they’re very much open to both dogs and people.
Sherborne Castle was constructed opposite what’s now known as Sherborne Old Castle. Now largely in ruins, Sherborne Old Castle dates back to the 12th century. Managed by English Heritage, the crumbling fortress is open to dog walkers.
Is Sherborne the UK’s most dog-friendly town?
Of course, not everywhere in Sherborne is dog-friendly. While guide dogs and assistance dogs are of course welcome in all venues, historic sights like Sherborne Abbey (a must-visit during your stay) and Sherborne Museum don’t allow pets, even if they’re well-behaved.
The Sherborne, a cultural venue and art gallery located within a newly restored townhouse, doesn’t allow dogs inside, but does allow dogs on the terrace and in the grounds.
However, stroll into any of Sherborne’s shops, cafes, pubs and bars, and it’s rare to find an establishment that doesn’t allow dogs. Given Sherborne’s dog-friendly locals, proximity to a train station (which is walking distance to the town centre) and easy-access to multiple long-distance hiking trails in Dorset (including the Monarch’s Way and the South West Coast Path), Sherborne is surely one of the most dog-friendly places in the country.
How to visit Sherborne, Dorset
Sherborne is easy to reach, whether travelling with or without a car.
By Train
The town sits on the London Waterloo–Exeter St Davids line. Direct services from Waterloo take just over two hours, passing through Hampshire and Wiltshire countryside before arriving at Sherborne station. From the station, the town centre is a 10-minute walk, and many hotels, cafés and walking routes are within reach without further transport.
By Car
Sherborne is close to the A303 and M3 for those driving from London and the South East. From the West Country, it’s accessible via the A30 from Exeter or the A37 from Yeovil and Dorchester. Parking in the town centre is a mix of on-street bays and public car parks, most within walking distance of the main sights.
With Dogs on Public Transport
Dogs can travel on most UK trains free of charge, provided they are on a lead or in a carrier. Sherborne’s station has step-free access, but there is no staffed ticket office, so tickets are best purchased online in advance. Buses serve nearby towns and villages, though their dog policies vary by operator.
Best Time to Visit
While Sherborne works year-round, spring and early autumn are particularly good for walking—cool enough for dogs to be comfortable, but warm enough for outdoor seating at cafés and pubs. The autumn colour in the castle gardens and the town’s surrounding hills is an added bonus.
What to Pack for Dogs
Alongside the usual leads, bowls and treats, a lightweight towel is handy for wet-weather walks, and a portable water bottle helps on longer routes.
