Bath is a genuinely dog-friendly city: several central pubs welcome dogs with no fuss, the main parks and gardens allow dogs on leads, and a handful of attractions, including the ground floor of the Holburne Museum, let dogs in too. The main thing to plan around is that the Roman Baths and Thermae Bath Spa don't allow dogs at all, so build your dog-friendly stops around those rather than through them.
Dog-friendly pubs in the centre
Several well-known Bath pubs are known for welcoming dogs alongside their food and drink menus. The Marlborough Tavern, near the Royal Crescent, and The Bath Brew House, in the city centre with its own microbrewery and beer garden, are both regularly recommended as dog-friendly options. The Boater, by the river on Argyle Street, suits a stop after a canal or riverside walk, and The Hare & Hounds, up on Lansdown with views over the city, is a good option if you're combining a dog walk with a drink. The Pig and Fiddle on Saracen Street, run by Butcombe, is another central, confirmed dog-friendly pub. Policies and areas where dogs are allowed (bar only versus full pub) can vary and change, so it's worth a quick check or call if you're planning to stay a while, especially at busier times.
Parks and green spaces
Bath's parks are generally relaxed about dogs on leads. Royal Victoria Park, the city's main green space next to the Royal Crescent, has plenty of room to walk a dog without needing to leave the centre. Prior Park Landscape Garden allows dogs on short leads too, though cattle graze parts of the site in spring and autumn, so keep dogs close during those months; see our guide to visiting Prior Park for ticket prices and how to get there without a car. For a longer walk, the Bath Skyline, a National Trust circular route above the city, and Sydney Gardens, Bath's free Georgian park, both allow leashed dogs and offer a change of pace from the city streets.
Attractions that allow dogs
Most of Bath's big-ticket sights don't allow dogs: the Roman Baths and Thermae Bath Spa are off-limits, so plan those as a stop without your dog rather than trying to work around it. The Holburne Museum is an exception, allowing dogs on the ground floor, which makes it one of the few indoor options if the weather turns. The Little Theatre Cinema also runs occasional dog-friendly screenings roughly every two to three months, with blankets, water and treats provided and the sound kept lower than a normal showing, worth checking for if your visit happens to line up with one.
Dog-friendly accommodation
If you're staying over, several hotels in and around Bath accept dogs, generally for an extra charge or in specific room types. See our guide to dog-friendly hotels in Bath for the full list and what each one charges.
A simple day plan with a dog
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | Walk in Royal Victoria Park or along the Bath Skyline |
| Midday | Lunch at a dog-friendly pub such as The Bath Brew House or The Marlborough Tavern |
| Afternoon | Prior Park Landscape Garden, or the Holburne Museum's ground floor if it's raining |
| Evening | A canal-side walk, then dinner back at a dog-friendly pub |
What to plan around
Dogs can't go into the Roman Baths, Thermae Bath Spa, or most of Bath's smaller museums, so build a day that treats those as dog-free stops rather than trying to bring a dog everywhere. Pavements in the centre get busy with tourists, so a dog that's not used to crowds may find the main shopping streets more stressful than the parks. Carry water for warmer months, since Bath's hills mean more walking than a flat city of the same size.
Frequently asked questions
Are dogs allowed in the Roman Baths or Thermae Bath Spa?
No. Neither allows dogs, including assistance dogs beyond what's legally required, so plan those visits without your dog.
Which Bath pubs are dog-friendly?
The Marlborough Tavern, The Bath Brew House, The Boater, The Hare & Hounds and The Pig and Fiddle are all regularly recommended as dog-friendly. Policies can vary by area of the pub and change over time, so it's worth checking on arrival.
Can I bring a dog to Prior Park Landscape Garden?
Yes, on a short lead. Cattle graze parts of the garden in spring and autumn, so keep dogs close during those seasons.
Is there an indoor, dog-friendly attraction in Bath for a rainy day?
The Holburne Museum allows dogs on its ground floor, making it one of the few indoor options. The Little Theatre Cinema also runs occasional dog-friendly screenings, roughly every two to three months.
Can I stay in a hotel in Bath with my dog?
Yes, a number of hotels in and around the city accept dogs, usually for an extra charge or in designated rooms. See our dog-friendly hotels guide for specific options and prices.
Are Bath's parks dog-friendly?
Yes. Royal Victoria Park, Sydney Gardens and the Bath Skyline all allow dogs on leads, and none of them charge for entry.