Somerset dog friendly holiday guide

Somerset

What truly sets Somerset apart is its pace of life. The county remains proudly rural in many areas, with working farms, open commons, ancient woodlands and miles of public footpaths. This slower rhythm makes it easier to enjoy meaningful time outdoors with your dog, whether you are walking across Exmoor’s open moorland, exploring a coastal path or relaxing in a village pub garden after a long walk.

Somerset has also embraced dog friendly tourism. Many beaches welcome dogs year-round or outside peak summer months, National Trust and English Heritage sites actively accommodate dogs in their outdoor spaces, and local businesses are accustomed to visitors travelling with pets. Combined with a strong supply of high-quality dog friendly cottages, this makes Somerset an excellent choice for both short breaks and longer stays.

This Somerset dog friendly holiday guide will help you plan every aspect of your trip. From beaches and walks to attractions, towns, itineraries and accommodation tips, it is designed to help you enjoy the county to its fullest with your dog by your side.

Tip: Somerset is ideal for multi-centre stays, allowing you to experience coast, countryside and heritage in one trip.

What Makes Somerset a Fantastic Destination for a Dog Friendly Holiday

Somerset’s appeal as a dog friendly holiday destination lies in its diversity. Few counties offer such a broad mix of landscapes within relatively short distances. This variety allows dog owners to tailor their stay to suit their pet’s personality, energy levels and interests.

Wide Open Spaces and Walking Freedom

Large parts of Somerset are rural and sparsely populated, meaning dogs have access to miles of open countryside. Areas such as Exmoor National Park and the Quantock Hills provide expansive walking terrain where dogs are welcome on leads, and often off-lead where livestock restrictions allow.

Dog Friendly Coastal Access

Somerset’s coastline may be less famous than some neighbouring counties, but it offers long, flat beaches and quieter coastal paths that are ideal for dogs. Many beaches remain dog friendly for most of the year, particularly outside the main summer season.

Heritage That Welcomes Dogs

Somerset is rich in history, from medieval abbeys to Iron Age hillforts. Many of these sites are managed by organisations such as the National Trust and English Heritage, which allow dogs in outdoor areas to ensure inclusive access while protecting historic structures.

Accommodation Designed for Dogs

Somerset has a fantastic choice pf holiday accommodation, many of which are located on farms or rural estates. This has led to a natural focus on dog friendly features such as enclosed gardens, tiled floors and easy access to walking routes.

Tip: Choose accommodation near open countryside to maximise spontaneous dog walks straight from your door.

Dog Friendly Beaches in Somerset

Somerset’s coastline stretches for over 70 miles and includes long sandy beaches, pebble shores and dramatic tidal landscapes. While some beaches introduce seasonal restrictions, Somerset remains a welcoming destination for dog owners who enjoy coastal walks.

West Somerset Coast

Minehead Beach allows dogs year-round on designated sections. Its long promenade and access to the South West Coast Path make it ideal for extended walks.

Dunster Beach is dog friendly throughout the year. Its quieter setting and mix of sand and shingle appeal to dogs that enjoy space and freedom.

North Somerset Beaches

Burnham-on-Sea has dog friendly zones outside the main summer season, while nearby quieter stretches offer year-round access.

Why Somerset Beaches Are Dog Friendly

Many Somerset beaches are working or tidal landscapes rather than resort-focused destinations. This allows councils to balance visitor access with safety and wildlife protection without imposing blanket dog bans.

Tip: Always check tide times, as Somerset has one of the highest tidal ranges in the world.

Dog Friendly Towns and Villages in Somerset

Somerset’s towns and villages are known for their warmth and community spirit, qualities that naturally extend to visiting dogs.

Dunster

Dunster is a picturesque village on the edge of Exmoor in Somerset, known for its rich history and well-preserved medieval character. Dominated by the impressive Dunster Castle, which sits on a wooded hill overlooking the village, the area has been an important settlement since Saxon times. Narrow cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, and the ancient Yarn Market give Dunster a timeless atmosphere, while the nearby coastline and moorland provide beautiful natural scenery. Today, Dunster is both a popular tourist destination and a living community, blending historic charm with local shops, cafés, and traditional events.

Link: Dog friendly holiday cottages in Dunster

Glastonbury

Famous for its spiritual heritage, Glastonbury provides access to open countryside walks and dog friendly independent shops.

Frome

Frome combines historic architecture with a creative atmosphere and excellent walking routes along the River Frome.

Tip: Market towns often provide the best mix of facilities and walking access for dog owners.

Dog Friendly Walks in Somerset

Somerset is a paradise for walkers, with routes ranging from gentle riverside strolls to challenging moorland hikes.

Exmoor National Park

Exmoor offers wide open moorland, wooded valleys and coastal paths. Dogs are welcome on leads, with many areas allowing off-lead walking where livestock is absent.

Quantock Hills

England’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Quantocks provide rolling hills, ancient woodlands and panoramic views.

Somerset Levels

Flat, scenic routes make the Levels ideal for older dogs or relaxed walks.

Tip: Carry water and check livestock signage when exploring rural paths.

Dog Friendly Attractions in Somerset

Somerset’s attractions often lend themselves well to dog friendly visits due to their outdoor focus.

Dunster Castle (National Trust)

Dunster Castle and Watermill is a well-known historic landmark in the village of Dunster, Somerset, cared for by the National Trust and open to visitors. The estate features a medieval castle set high above the village, with elegantly furnished rooms and landscaped terraced gardens offering wide views across the surrounding countryside. Visitors can also explore a fully operational watermill, along with woodland paths and open parkland. With a history spanning more than a thousand years, the castle was closely linked to the Luttrell family for centuries before passing into National Trust ownership in the 20th century.

The estate is largely dog-friendly, with dogs welcome on short leads across much of the grounds, including the parkland, gardens, River Garden and the watermill area. However, dogs are not allowed inside the castle itself, apart from registered assistance dogs. Dunster Castle holds a two 'pawprint' rating from the National Trust, indicating the availability of helpful facilities such as water bowls, dog waste bins and designated walking routes.

Visitors bringing dogs can enjoy the extensive outdoor areas and scenic estate walks, but should plan their visit knowing that access to the castle interiors and some enclosed spaces is restricted to people only.

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunster-castle

Glastonbury Tor (National Trust)

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/glastonbury-tor

Dogs are welcome on leads, making this iconic landmark accessible to all.

Farleigh Hungerford Castle (English Heritage)

Website: www.english-heritage.org.uk/farleigh-hungerford

Dogs are welcome on leads in the grounds.

Tip: Always carry short leads when visiting heritage sites.

Dog Friendly Days Out in Somerset

Somerset excels at relaxed days out that allow dogs to be part of the experience.

• Country pub lunches with walking routes
• Exploring farm shops and local produce
• Picnics in National Trust parkland
• Village hopping through rural Somerset

Tip: Midweek outings are often quieter and more dog friendly.

Somerset Dog Friendly Holiday Itineraries

Weekend Break

A weekend is ideal for one base. Explore a local village, enjoy coastal or countryside walks and relax.

Encouragement: Perfect for recharging without rushing.

3-Day Stay

Combine coast, countryside and one heritage attraction.

Encouragement: Three days offers variety with balance.

5-Day Stay

Explore Exmoor, market towns and historic sites.

Encouragement: Five days allows deeper discovery.

Week-Long Stay

Enjoy Somerset at a relaxed pace with rest days.

Encouragement: A week makes Somerset feel like home.

Tip: Alternate busy days with quiet walks.

Choosing a Dog Friendly Cottage in Somerset

The right cottage will shape your Somerset holiday experience.

• Enclosed gardens
• Nearby walking access
• Dog friendly flooring
• Clear pet policies

Discover our collection of dog friendly cottages in Somerset at Dog Friendly Cottages and start planning your perfect escape today.

Tip: Book early for peak seasons, especially near Exmoor and the coast.