Dog-Friendly Pubs, Restaurants & Attractions in the Forest of Dean
The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley are popular places for dog walking. This page focuses on places that are dog friendly. This includes attractions, pubs, cafes and restaurants that we have visited on our travels or recommendations from trusted sources. The area has a great selection of dog-friendly restaurants and pubs.
Dog-Friendly Pubs & Restaurants in The Forest of Dean
Finding a dog-friendly place to eat and drink can sometimes be a challenge, so we have built this section from my research with the puppy in tow. This includes Forest of Dean restaurants, pubs, cafes and other eateries. Some places allow canine guests inside, others are limited to outdoor areas only, and some embrace the concept and have treats and water bowls for dogs.
The Miners’ Arms, Whitecroft
A pub that I have visited a few times is the Miners Arms in Whitecroft, and it is always welcoming, serving excellent food and providing wonderful service. They allow our canine friends inside and in both front and rear gardens. Their burger on the lunch menu was tasty; however, I would love to return and try their mixed grill, which includes a lamb chop, steak, sausage, and gammon with homemade chips, onion rings, tomatoes, and mushrooms.
The Woodman Inn, Parkend
A local pub in Parkend that @aboutglos recently visited after a day out on the trains. This is a nicely decorated establishment with a bar, restaurant and outdoor seating area. Another pub with bowls filled with water and treats on the bar. For humans, they have an excellent selection of drinks and food on the menu. I didn’t eat this visit; however, the wild boar from the main menu caught my eye for a return visit. https://www.thewoodmanparkend.co.uk/
The Doghouse Pub in Coleford
In the centre of Coleford is the Dog House micro-pub. The pub has a selection of alcoholic beverages. They have many options for real ale, local ciders, and an excellent wine selection. The vibe of this place is friendly and cosy. On our visit, we got complimentary fish and chips, which is a regular feature during their quiz nights. They describe themselves as a micropub that sells real ales, local ciders & great wines. The Dog House is an old-fashioned traditional pub, but with a modern twist.
Saracen’s Head Pub & Restaurant in Symonds Yat
A very nice pub on the banks of the River Wye at Symonds Yat East. This was puppy-friendly both inside and out on the latest visit by @aboutglos. During this visit, we enjoyed a few glasses of Mortimer’s Orchard and some bar snacks, including chips. Snacks for the puppy were available on the bar, and they provided water in a nice bowl. They also have a reputation for serving excellent food.
Feathers Hotel Coleford
Another central pub with an outside seating area and a vibe of a traditional 80s pub. They served drinks with a smile, and the lucky boy got petted by the bar staff.
The Angel Hotel Coleford
This is the first establishment you will see if arriving in Coleford by bus. It is opposite the clock tower in the centre of the town. A welcoming pub with a few bowls of the finest dog water inside. The Angel serves an array of drinks at reasonable prices. However, from experience, the locals are a friendly bunch. For food, they have a bar menu or a full restaurant menu for diners wanting more than pub grub. Faggots and chips were a welcome treat after a long day of walking, washed down with a few ciders. https://angelhotel.southcoastinns.co.uk/
Punch House Monmouth
@aboutglos visited the Punch House pub at the end of a very long walk down the Wye from Symonds Yat. The pub was just what we needed and served us up a succulent burger and a local pie for dinner. Dogs were welcome inside without issue.
The Boat in Redbrook
The Boat pub is located just over the River Wye from Redbrook in Penallt. To access it, we crossed the Penallt Viaduct (Redbrook Railway Bridge) by foot. Dogs were very welcome inside and out. The pub served a wonderful selection of local ciders and meals for diners; unfortunately, they were not serving food when I visited. I would most likely have tried their Cheddar ploughman’s or a jacket potato.
Farmer’s Boy Inn, Longhope
The Farmer’s Boy Inn in Longhope is another pub that allows dogs inside that we’ve visited. We found them to be completely pet-friendly. The Farmer’s Boy has an indoor seating area and a lovely beer garden. They have good options for drinks, including draught beers.
For food, they have some wonderful options, including an award-winning pie menu. They have some interesting options, including game pies. The Farmer’s Boy also has an à la carte menu, too. They also have rooms for guests, thus ideal pet-friendly accommodation. You can find out about their guest house on the Booking.com website.
The Ostrich Inn in Newland
A discovery on a walk from Coleford to Redbrook recently when I noticed this quaint pub near to Newland Church. This is a pleasant venue that serves great food and has a very nice rear garden. They had bowls of water ready for doggy guests. The Ostrich Inn describes itself as a free house, renowned for excellent food. The menu looked impressive, with delights like beef wellington, Brie de Meaux, wild mushroom and truffle tart with smoked salt and truffle crème fraîche and a choice of others to suit most tastes. http://theostrichinn.com
The Anchor Inn, Tintern
In the beautiful village of Tintern on the River Wye is The Anchor Inn, a nice pub to visit. The Anchor Inn in Tintern allows dogs inside the bar area and in their garden. There is only one rule: pets must be kept on a lead. The pub is near the famous Tintern Abbey, and you can see the ruins from their beer garden.
The Anchor Inn is a great place for drinks or a meal out for lunch or dinner. They have a fantastic menu which is brimming with delightful dishes. Their steak and ale pie option is delicious. They also do a carvery Sunday roast each week and also have a daily specials board.
The Royal Spring Inn
The Royal Spring Inn is near to Lydbrook and a nice pub to visit. They have a cosy bar area and outside seating and serve excellent beer. They also serve food and allow pets inside.
Dog-Friendly Tourist Attractions in The Forest of Dean
Attractions that @aboutglos has visited or those that clearly advertise that your dog is welcome to visit.
Dean Forest Railway
Dean Forest Railway is a museum and heritage railway in the heart of the Forest of Dean, which allows dogs on board the trains. It is an ideal day out for steam train enthusiasts and those wishing to explore a few forest villages.
We really enjoyed visiting with Henry and saw other visitors with their dogs. As a bonus, all the pubs we tried on the route were welcoming of pets.
Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail
This is an outside trail so naturally compatible with “Fido”; the Sculpture Trail is a great structured walk through the woods via an array of sculptures on the way.
Kingfisher Cruises in The Wye Valley
A cruise boat that tours the Wye Valley from Symonds Yat East, which allows dogs on board at no extra cost. The tour travels upstream, and the guide informs tourists about the history of the Wye Valley, salmon fishing, historical flooding, Saint Dubricius Church and much more. Some of the canoe and kayak hire companies also allow dogs to join in the fun. The hand ferry that crosses the river also allows pets. There were 4 dogs when we crossed.
Dog Walks
The Forest of Dean has many options for dog walks between the towns and villages. You can enjoy various hiking trails through beautiful scenery. As a bonus during the hot weather, the shade from the trees is good to keep the dog cool while out walking.
Buses With Dogs
Travelling in the Forest of Dean is pretty easy with a dog in tow without a car. The local Stagecoach buses also allow dogs with the caveat that there is only one per bus; they charge £1 for each journey. Buses are infrequent; thus, they require some planning when in the area. Also, some private hire taxis will; it’s best to enquire about booking for this.
Accommodation In The Forest of Dean
There are lots of options for pet-friendly places to stay in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. This includes campsites, holiday homes and hotels. One of the best places to find suitable accommodation in the area is on the Booking.com website. They have a handy filter for currently available places that allow pets.
I have stayed multiple times at Greenacres campsite just outside of Coleford. The site has a few rules on dogs, but it’s a lovely option. Coleford being handy means it’s easy to reach other parts of the area by bus.
Is the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley Dog Friendly?
From my experience, it is a pretty pet-friendly place to visit, especially with dogs. Most places to dine out or go for a drink are suitable to visit with a dog. The outdoor nature of the area means most things are outside and welcome canine guests. Opportunities for scenic walkies are wonderful too.