We know it’s not winter quite yet, but with the drop in temperature we felt inspired to write about the best dog friendly things to do in Somerset during the winter time. We are actually really spoilt for choice here and we thought we would share some of our favorites for those of you who are planning a Somerset holiday or even if you are just visiting for the day with your fur kids this winter. Our dog friendly guide will include as many indoor activities as possible, but if you are looking to brave the winter weather then you may find this blog of ours helpful - it’s our top dog friendly things to do in Somerset all year round.
1. Visit Wells Cathedral.
If you’re visiting Somerset, the breath-taking Wells Cathedral is a must see for anyone. The architecture and stain glass throughout is stunning and you may even be lucky enough to visit while a choir practice is taking place. If you are planning a Somerset break with your dogs then you’re in luck, as Wells Cathedral is dog friendly. Well behaved doggos are welcome inside on leads, fresh bowls of water are provided for dogs and you can even purchase dog biscuits from the gift shop. Wells is a really lovely place to explore and you can check out the city’s top attractions here.
2. Visit Coates English Willow.
The Willows and Wetlands Visitor Centre was founded in 1819 and is still run by the same family. We highly recommend adding this to your list of places to visit in Somerset this winter as something a little bit different. It’s located in the Somerset Levels, which is the most important wetland area in the UK and this is where the willow is grown for making baskets. There’s lots to see and do here from the museum to browsing the shop’s unique hand-made baskets. The visitor centre itself is dog friendly inside and if you are lucky enough to visit on a dry winter’s day then why not take stroll on a willow walk (grab a free walking leaflet from the shop) and enjoy the beautiful countryside.
3. Visit Glenda Spooner Farm.
If your fur kids enjoying being around other animals then you will all enjoy a trip to Glenda Spooner Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre. In the visitor centre you can learn about their work on rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming their horses and there’s a lovely coffee shop serving cream teas and yummy lunches, which overlooks their arena where they rehabilitate the horses. If the weather is good we do recommend getting outside and actually meeting the gorgeous rescue horses and ponies. If you and the doggies really need to stretch those legs there’s a lovely farm walk to be had with countryside views and you can even do some local wildlife spotting around the farm’s lake.
4. Winter Lights on West Somerset Railway.
From Friday 19th November to Thursday 23rd December you can take the family (including your fur babies) on West Somerset Railway’s vintage steam train for their Winter Lights event. Board the illuminated train at Bishops Lydeard station and enjoy ‘an unforgettable winter journey’. You will experience a wintery light display through countryside and woodland, all in the comfort of your cosy train carriage. For a very Christmassy experience, only available throughout December take a look at their Santa Express train here.
5. Visit a cosy pub
As this guide is all about what to do in winter with the dogs in Somerset we of course had to mention some lovely dog friendly pubs. Our absolute favourites are:
The Hood Arms, a historic 17th Century coaching inn in Kilve with real ales and great food
Quantock Brewery in Bishops Lydeard, a microbrewery with a fantastic selection of ales, craft keg beers and cider
The Babbling Brook Inn in Shurton, near Bridgewater which serves a delicious Sunday lunch
The Carew Arms in Crowcombe which offers a lovely Sunday roast
The Plough Inn in Holford for a good old pie and a pint.
If you’re looking for dog friendly accommodation in Somerset, our three luxury and very dog friendly cottages are on the edge of the incredible Quantock Hills (AONB) in rural Somerset. Our isolated, luxurious private cottages sleep up to four guests per cottage in two bedrooms and up to three canine guests (more dogs possible, please just ask). Each sumptuous cottage has an enclosed, private garden with a Bali inspired covered hot tub, fire pit and outside bar. There’s also a doggie spa outside of each cottage complete with bath tub, hot and cold shower and drying bench. Inside each country home style cottage there’s gorgeous rich fabrics and a wood burner for those cosy winter nights – perfect.
