Dog Friendly Sherborne

Looking to book the pawfect dog-friendly holiday to Dorset? 

We’ve got some fantastic options for places to visit and stay overnight in and around the pretty market town of Sherborne. 

If the weather is good, why not pick up a picnic from one of the local cafés or delis to enjoy on your doggy day out.  

Places to stay 

For a spot of luxury, The Eastbury Hotel and Spa offers 2 night ‘Doggy Getaways’ complete with a dog welcome pack and dog-friendly dinners for your pooch each night. Both the hotel and restaurant both welcome dogs, so all members of the family are well catered for. 

There are also self-catering and B&B options for dog friendly holidays to Sherborne. Some are located in or near the town centre and others a few miles away in the beautiful Dorset countryside. 

Walkies! 

Purlieu Meadow is a small riverside grassland, which allows dogs off leads. Adjacent to the River Yeo there is a public footpath across the meadows and if you cross New Road, the footpaths continue up Gainsborough Hill or to the south of Sherborne Park with views of the Castle and lake. 

You can access the meadows from Gas Hill Lane near the train station or from New Road. 

A Tail of Two Castles 

If you’re looking to soak up some culture while taking your faithful friend for a walk, you can visit not one, but two castles in Sherborne. 

Originally built in the 12th Century by the Bishop of Salisbury, the romantic ruins of the Old Castle are now managed by English Heritage. It is open from April to November and welcomes dogs on leads.  

Sherborne Castle and Gardens (the new castle) is a 1 mile walk from the Old Castle, which will take about 20 minutes. The gardens feature a beautiful 50-acre lake as well as trails, a boathouse and Sir Walter Raleigh’s Seat. Dogs on lead are welcome in the gardens and they have a café where you can get a takeaway lunch to enjoy in the grounds of the Castle. 

There are car parks at both castles, but it is only a 15 minute walk from the town centre. 

Shopping 

Many of Sherborne’s shops allow dogs inside. Be sure to look out for the ‘Woof-Woof’s you’re welcome here’ signs in the shop windows. 

Discover More...

History & Heritage

A magnificent Abbey, picturesque Almshouses and two castles, Sherborne is steeped in history.

What's On

Sherborne Castle and Gardens hosts a variety of events throughout the year.