Dog-friendly Bath

Bath is reasonably good for dogs, with caveats. The canal towpath is the standout — 3.5 miles flat from the city to Bathampton, mostly off-lead, with a proper pub at the far end. The Skyline Walk above the city is six miles of views and open National Trust land. The Roman Baths and Thermae Bath Spa don't take dogs. Here is everything else.

Dog walks in and around Bath

Kennet and Avon Canal towpath

Easy

3.5 miles (Bath to Bathampton) · flat · off-lead sections

The towpath east from Bath city centre to Bathampton and beyond is the city's best dog walk. Flat, well-surfaced, off-lead for most of the route, and returns via the same path or through Bathampton village. The canal is navigable — dogs who swim should be watched near narrow-boat mooring points. Start from the Avoncliff Aqueduct end (car park) or from the city centre near Sydney Gardens.

Tip: Bathampton: The George Inn at Bathampton is dog-friendly and has a large garden with canal views. A natural halfway-point stop.

Bath Skyline Walk

Moderate

6-mile circular · some ascent · mix of on and off-lead

The National Trust's Bath Skyline route runs over the limestone ridge above the city and back through Bathwick and Bathampton. Mostly off-lead through fields and woodland. Some stile crossings. The ridge viewpoint (near Sham Castle) is the best elevated view of Bath — worth the 25-minute climb from the city centre. Start from the National Trust car park at Bathampton Down.

Tip: Dogs must be on leads near livestock. The route uses several farmland sections (sheep April–October) — check the National Trust's site before visiting.

Combe Down to Monkton Combe (Horsecombe Vale)

Moderate

2.5 miles one way · moderate descent · mostly off-lead

A quiet woodland walk south from Combe Down village through the Horsecombe Vale to Monkton Combe village. Mostly traffic-free once off the road and into the valley. The brook runs through the valley bottom — dogs swim freely here. Return the same way or arrange collection from Monkton Combe. Not a circuit — plan transport back.

Tip: Quiet midweek. Weekends can be busy with other dog walkers from Combe Down. The brook depth is predictable — shallow except after heavy rain.

Prior Park Landscape Garden

Easy–Moderate

Variable · National Trust estate · on-lead in formal sections

Prior Park is one of the National Trust's most dog-friendly gardens — dogs welcome on leads throughout. The Palladian bridge, the woodland walks, and the viewpoints over Bath from the upper terrace all work well with dogs. On-lead only. The walk down from the Combe Down entrance and back is pleasantly undulating.

Tip: National Trust members free. Non-members £12. No on-site parking — walk from Bath city centre (35 min) or take the No. 2 bus. A Bridgerton Season 4 filming location.

Victoria Park

Easy

0.5 miles of formal park · additional woodland paths

Victoria Park adjoins the Royal Crescent and is the city's main open green space. Dogs on leads on the formal pathways; the large open grass areas allow more freedom. The park connects to Alexandra Park to the west and the Botanical Gardens (no dogs). A convenient flat walk from the centre and near the Royal Crescent.

Tip: Busy at weekends. Weekday mornings are noticeably quieter. The park has a café (terrace is dog-friendly in fair weather).

Bathampton Down (Solsbury Hill approach)

Moderate

1.5 miles to the top · circular options

Little Solsbury Hill on the edge of Bathampton is a steep but short ascent to a National Trust open hilltop with sweeping views north of Bath. Dogs off-lead at the top in open grassland. The Peter Gabriel song. Some stile crossings on the approach from Bathampton village.

Tip: The hill is grazed — dogs on leads near livestock. The top itself (National Trust land) is open grazing without livestock in most seasons.

Dog-friendly pubs in Bath

The Star Inn

Dogs welcome

Vineyards, Lansdown

Listed with CAMRA, un-refurbished Victorian interior, basic bar food. One of England's most characterful pubs. Dogs welcome at the bar — the clientele includes regulars who bring their dogs routinely. Real ales served direct from the jug. No pretension.

The Raven

Ground floor bar

Queen Street, city centre

Proper free house, strong real ale selection, excellent pies. The ground floor bar allows dogs; the upstairs dining room is dog-free. Knowledgeable staff. No music, no fruit machines, no nonsense.

The Salamander

Bar area

John Street, city centre

Bath Ales pub in a central Georgian building. Well-kept Bath Ales on tap. Dogs allowed in the bar area with good behaviour. Busy early evenings on weekdays, very busy at weekends — easier midweek.

The George Inn, Bathampton

Garden and bar — very dog-friendly

Mill Lane, Bathampton

Traditional inn 2 miles from Bath city centre beside the Kennet and Avon Canal. Large garden with canal views — the natural endpoint for the towpath walk from Bath. Cider, ales, pub food. Popular with walkers. Dogs very welcome in the garden and bar.

The Cross Keys

Dogs welcome throughout

Midford Road, Combe Down

Village pub on the edge of Combe Down. Traditional food, proper ales, no-nonsense atmosphere. Dogs welcome throughout the pub. Quieter than city centre pubs, and a natural stop on walks around Combe Down and the Horsecombe Vale.

Dog-friendly hotels in Bath

No. 15 Great Pulteney

Great Pulteney Street, city centre

Boutique hotel on the grandest Georgian street in Bath. Accepts dogs in certain rooms — confirm when booking. Premium central location, stylish rooms, afternoon tea service. Rates from around £200/night.

Pet policy: £25 per night pet fee. Contact hotel to confirm room allocation.

The Queensberry Hotel

Russel Street, near the Circus

Four Georgian townhouses converted to a stylish boutique hotel, steps from the Royal Crescent. The Olive Tree restaurant below is one of Bath's best. Dog-friendly rooms available — book ahead and confirm on enquiry. From £200/night.

Pet policy: Pet-friendly rooms available. Contact hotel for current policy.

Homewood Hotel & Spa

Limpley Stoke Valley, 3 miles from Bath

Country house hotel in the valley below Combe Down with a spa, outdoor pool, and grounds. Dog-friendly — they have dog bowls, dog beds, and dog-friendly walks from the front door into the Limpley Stoke Valley. From £180/night.

Pet policy: Dogs welcome in certain room types. Pet fee applies — confirm on booking.

All dog-friendly hotels in Bath →

Where dogs are not allowed

Thermae Bath Spa: no dogs. (Guide dogs excepted.)

Roman Baths: no dogs. (Guide dogs excepted.)

Inside Bath Abbey: no dogs. (Guide dogs excepted.)

National Trust properties: dogs on leads in all garden and open areas. Some properties have dog-free zones — check the individual property page.

Victoria Park: dogs on leads on formal paths. Off-lead on open grass at owners' discretion.

Kennet and Avon Canal towpath: dogs off-lead generally accepted, but on leads near bridges and mooring points.

Most Bath city centre pubs: call ahead. 'Dog-friendly' varies enormously between pub and pub.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Bath dog-friendly?

Bath is a reasonably dog-friendly city for a tourist destination. The Kennet and Avon Canal towpath (flat, off-lead, 3.5 miles from the city to Bathampton) is excellent. Victoria Park allows dogs. Prior Park Landscape Garden (National Trust) is dog-friendly on leads. Several pubs — including The Star Inn, The Raven, and The George at Bathampton — actively welcome dogs. The main restrictions are the Roman Baths, Thermae Bath Spa, and most indoor museum spaces (guide dogs always excepted).

Can you take dogs to the Thermae Bath Spa?

No. Thermae Bath Spa does not permit dogs inside the spa complex. Guide and assistance dogs are excepted. This applies to the rooftop pool and all indoor facilities. Dogs cannot be left unattended outside the building.

What dog-friendly pubs are there in Bath?

Dog-friendly pubs in Bath: The Star Inn (Vineyards — dogs at the bar), The Raven (Queen Street — dogs in the ground floor bar), The Salamander (John Street — bar area), and The George Inn at Bathampton (canal-side, garden and bar — very dog-friendly). Most city centre pubs check 'good behaviour' as a condition — call ahead if uncertain.

What are the best dog walks near Bath city centre?

Best dog walks near Bath city centre: (1) Kennet and Avon Canal towpath (flat, off-lead most of the route, 3.5 miles to Bathampton); (2) Victoria Park and Crescent Fields (flat, central, on-lead on paths); (3) Bath Skyline Walk (National Trust, 6 miles, some ascent, panoramic views); (4) Combe Down to Monkton Combe via Horsecombe Vale (2.5 miles, woodland, off-lead). Prior Park is an additional option for an on-lead formal garden walk.

Are there dog-friendly hotels in Bath?

Dog-friendly hotels in Bath: No. 15 Great Pulteney Street (Great Pulteney Street, central, from ~£200/night, pet fee applies), The Queensberry Hotel (near the Royal Crescent, boutique, dog rooms available), and Homewood Hotel in the Limpley Stoke Valley (country house, fully dog-friendly including walks from the front door, from ~£180). Always confirm pet policy and room availability when booking — dog room allocation is limited.