Dog-friendly Bath

Walks

1. Bath Skyline Walk

   BA2 6EJ

   Six miles, circular, off-lead across most of the route. The National Trust Skyline Walk runs along the ridge above Bath from Bathwick Hill — open farmland, woodland sections, and panoramic views. Dogs must be on leads near livestock and in designated conservation areas marked on the trail. Start from the Bathwick Hill car park. No charge for walking.

2. Kennet & Avon Canal Towpath

   BA2 4AR

   The towpath east from Bath toward Bradford-on-Avon is 6.5 miles each way and almost entirely flat. Dogs can run freely on the towpath in most sections — the main hazard is the occasional narrowboat. The Avoncliff Aqueduct (5 miles out) makes a natural turning point. Water access at several points along the route.

Pubs

1. The Star Inn

   BA1 2PH

   23 The Vineyards. A proper Bath pub — no music, no food, Bass ale from the jug. Dogs welcome in all areas, water bowl provided on request. The four small rooms are unchanged since the 19th century. Not a gastropub. £3.50 for a pint of Bass.

2. The Locksbrook Inn

   BA1 3EN

   Canal-side pub with a terrace over the water. Dogs welcome throughout including on the terrace. Good for post-walk recovery after the canal towpath. Kitchen serves standard pub food at fair prices. Water bowl always available at the bar.

Cafés

1. Same Day Coffee

   BA1 5BG

   Walcot Street. Small, dog-friendly specialty coffee shop — the owner has a dog, the regulars have dogs. No space for large dogs if it's busy, but worth trying. Good single-origin coffee at around £3.50 for a flat white.

Parks

1. Prior Park Landscape Garden

   BA2 5AH

   National Trust. Dogs welcome on leads throughout the 28-acre garden. The Palladian bridge and the valley views are the draw. £10 adult entry; dogs free. No off-lead areas, but the grounds are large enough for a good walk on the lead. On-site café in the stable block.

Dog-friendly Bath — questions answered

Is Bath dog-friendly?

Generally yes. The canal towpath, Bath Skyline Walk, and most parks are dog-friendly. A number of central pubs and cafés accept dogs. The main restriction is that most indoor tourist attractions — the Roman Baths, Holburne Museum — do not accept dogs. Prior Park (National Trust, dogs on leads) and Sydney Gardens are good central alternatives.

Are dogs allowed on the canal towpath in Bath?

Yes. The Kennet and Avon Canal towpath is one of the best dog walks in Bath — flat, mostly traffic-free, and long enough for a serious walk. Dogs can be off-lead on most sections of the towpath away from the locks (where towpath users need care). The Canal & River Trust asks that dogs be kept under control near moored boats.

Are there dog-friendly hotels in Bath?

Yes. The Francis Hotel on Queen Square accepts dogs (charge applies). The Queensberry Hotel on Russel Street accepts dogs. Several B&Bs on the outer residential streets accept dogs — check at booking. Booking.com filters for pet-friendly accommodation. The Royal Crescent Hotel accepts well-behaved dogs in certain room categories.

What are the best dog-friendly walks near Bath?

The Bath Skyline Walk (6 miles, National Trust) is the best within the city boundary. The canal towpath to Bradford-on-Avon (13 miles return, flat) is the best linear walk. For shorter options: Sydney Gardens (free, central, enclosed sections), Royal Victoria Park (large, mostly off-lead), and Prior Park (National Trust, dogs on leads, £10 adult entry). Farther out: Brown's Folly nature reserve (Bathford, 3 miles from the city centre) is entirely off-lead across open woodland.