Dog-Friendly Things To Do in Bristol

Bristol dog friendly attractions
Image taken by Martyna Bober

Bristol Dog Friendly Things To Do

Bristol, a vibrant and bustling city in the Southwest of England, is a fantastic destination for dog owners. With its abundance of parks, green spaces, and dog-friendly venues, Bristol offers plenty of opportunities for you and your furry friend to explore and have fun together. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, there are countless dog-friendly things to do in Bristol. From long walks along the River Avon to enjoying a pint in a dog-friendly pub, this city has something for everyone. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best dog-friendly activities and places to visit in Bristol. So, grab your leash and let’s get started on discovering the best that this wonderful city has to offer for dogs and their owners alike.

 

Parks and outdoor spaces for dogs in Bristol

Bristol has an abundance of parks and open spaces perfect for dogs and their owners to get some exercise and enjoy the fresh air. One of the most popular parks in Bristol is Ashton Court Estate, a sprawling 850-acre estate with plenty of trails and open spaces for dogs to run around in. The park is also home to the annual Bristol Balloon Fiesta, which is a spectacular sight to behold.

Another great park for dogs is Brandon Hill, located in the heart of Bristol. The park offers stunning views of the city and has plenty of open spaces for dogs to play in. There is also a small nature reserve within the park, which is a great place to explore with your furry friend.

If you’re looking for a more urban park experience, head to Castle Park in the city centre. The park is home to the ruins of Bristol Castle and has plenty of grassy areas for dogs to run around in. There are also several cafes and restaurants nearby that welcome dogs, making it the perfect spot for a dog-friendly picnic.

 

Dog-friendly cafes and restaurants in Bristol

Bristol has a fantastic food and drink scene, and the good news is that many of the city’s cafes and restaurants are dog friendly. One of the most popular dog-friendly cafes in Bristol is Cafe Kino, located in the bohemian Stokes Croft neighbourhood. The cafe serves up delicious vegan food and has plenty of outdoor seating for dogs and their owners to enjoy.

Another great option is The Bristolian Cafe, located in the trendy neighbourhood of Montpelier. The cafe serves up delicious breakfast and lunch options and has plenty of outdoor seating for dogs. They even have a resident dog, Mavis, who is always happy to greet new four-legged friends.

If you’re looking for something a bit more upscale, head to The Ox, a steakhouse in the city centre. The restaurant has a fantastic dog-friendly outdoor terrace, and the staff are always happy to provide water and treats for your furry friend.

 

Here are some of the best pet-friendly cafes and restaurants in Bristol:

Boston Tea Party – This popular cafe chain has several locations in Bristol and welcomes dogs in their outdoor seating areas. They serve delicious breakfast, brunch, and lunch options, as well as a variety of hot and cold drinks.

The Spotted Cow – This cosy pub in Bedminster is known for its pet-friendly policy and warm atmosphere. They serve traditional pub food and a range of drinks, including local beers and ciders.

The Canteen – This community-focused cafe and music venue in Stokes Croft is a popular spot for pet owners. They have a spacious outdoor seating area and serve a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes, as well as local drinks.

 

Dog-friendly pubs and bars in Bristol

Bristol is known for its fantastic pub scene, and the good news is that many of the city’s pubs are dog friendly. The Green Man pub, located in Kingsdown, is a popular spot for dog owners. The pub has a cosy atmosphere and plenty of outdoor seating for dogs. They even have a resident pub dog, a friendly Jack Russell named Jack.

Another great option is The Victoria, located in Clifton. The pub has a large outdoor terrace that is perfect for dogs and their owners to enjoy. The pub also serves up delicious food and has a great selection of local beers and ciders.

If you’re looking for something a bit quirkier, head to The Old Bookshop in Bedminster. The pub is housed in a former bookshop and has a fantastic dog-friendly outdoor courtyard. They also frequently host live music and events, making it the perfect spot for a fun night out with your furry friend.

 

Dog-friendly shops and markets in Bristol

Bristol has plenty of dog-friendly shops and markets for you and your furry friend to explore. St. Nicholas Market, located in the city centre, is a popular spot for foodies and has plenty of stalls selling delicious treats for both humans and dogs. There are also several pet stores in the market that sell everything from dog food to toys and accessories.

Another great spot for dog-friendly shopping is Clifton Village, a picturesque neighbourhood filled with independent shops and boutiques. Many of the shops in Clifton welcome dogs, so you can browse to your heart’s content without having to leave your furry friend at home.

If you’re looking for something a bit more unique, head to the Bristol Vintage Market. The market is held every first Sunday of the month and features a mix of vintage clothing, furniture, and homeware. Dogs are welcome, so you can bring your furry friend along for some retro shopping fun.

 

Dog-friendly events and activities in Bristol

Bristol is home to several dog-friendly events and activities throughout the year. One of the most popular events is the Bristol Harbour Festival, which takes place every July. The festival features live music, street performers, and plenty of food and drink stalls, making it the perfect spot for a day out with your furry friend.

Another great event for dog owners is the Dog Fest Southwest, which takes place at Ashton Court Estate every September. The festival features dog shows, agility courses, and plenty of dog-related vendors, making it the ultimate day out for dog lovers.

If you’re looking for something a bit more low-key, why not head to one of Bristol’s many dog-friendly cinemas? The Everyman Cinema in Whiteladies Road welcomes dogs and even has a special dog-friendly screening every month.

 

Dog-friendly accommodation options in Bristol

If you’re planning on staying in Bristol with your furry friend, there are plenty of dog-friendly accommodation options to choose from. The Bristol Harbour Hotel, located in the city centre, welcomes dogs and even provides a special dog bed and bowl in your room.

Another great option is The Bristol Hotel, located on the waterfront. The hotel welcomes dogs and has plenty of nearby walking routes for you and your furry friend to explore.

If you’re looking for something a bit more budget-friendly, why not try one of Bristol’s many dog-friendly Airbnbs? There are plenty of options available, from cosy apartments to spacious houses with gardens for your furry friend to play in.

 

Dog-friendly transport options in Bristol

Getting around Bristol with your furry friend is easy thanks to the city’s many dog-friendly transport options. The Bristol Ferry Boats welcome dogs on board, so you can explore the city’s waterways with your furry friend by your side.

If you’re looking to travel by bus, the First Bus company allows dogs to travel with you for free. Just make sure your furry friend is well-behaved and on a leash.

If you’re planning on taking a taxi, make sure to book with a dog-friendly company such as Uber or Bristol Blue Taxi. These companies allow dogs in their cars, but make sure to let the driver know in advance.

 

Tips for visiting Bristol with your dog

Before you head out to explore Bristol with your furry friend, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, always make sure your dog is well-behaved and, on a leash, when in public places. This will ensure the safety of your furry friend as well as others around you.

Second, make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks for your furry friend. Exploring a new city can be tiring, and your dog will need plenty of breaks and refreshments along the way.

Finally, make sure to check ahead of time to see if the places you plan on visiting are dog friendly. While many places in Bristol welcome dogs, there are some that do not, so it’s always best to check in advance.

 

Conclusion

Bristol is a fantastic destination for dog owners, with its abundance of parks, dog-friendly cafes and restaurants, and plenty of events and activities to enjoy with your furry friend. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, there are plenty of dog-friendly things to do in Bristol, making it the perfect spot for a dog-friendly day out or a longer stay with your furry friend.