THERE are plenty of places to take your four-legged friends for a day out in Somerset, ranging from stunning cathedrals to a heritage railway.
Wells Cathedral
Wells Cathedral is famed for its unique architecture, including the iconic West Front – now with the Antony Gormley sculpture – and the majestic scissor arches. Not forgetting the 14 century astronomical cloak, thought to be the second oldest mechanical clock in Europe.
So it is a nice surprise to learn that dogs are very welcome. So much so, the cathedral won the Silver Award in the Dog Friendly Business of the Year category at the 2022/23 Bristol, Bath and Somerset Tourism Awards.
In addition to sight-seeing with their owners, well-behaved dogs can also attend services and concerts, as long as they are not bothered by loud noise. The only restriction is that they are not permitted on any tour that goes above ground-level.
To complete the day out, the cathedral café, The Loft, is also a dog-friendly space, with a jar of dog biscuits on the counter and water bowl near the door.
Fyne Court
The National Trust has launched the Dogs Welcome Project which aims to help dog owners plan and get the most out of their visits. It includes a new pawprint rating system, from one to three paws, indicating the dog-friendliness of each property, and the facilities available for four-legged friends. Castles and houses, for instance, are unlikely to accept canine visitors, but there are still plenty of gardens and estates to explore where dogs are welcomed with open arms.
Fyne Court, near Bridgwater, is a two pawprint rated place. This means that there are water bowls, dog bins and dog friendly walks (on leads). In this case, there are three different trails taking you through the woodland and meadows that make up the Fyne Court estate.
After exploring the grounds, refreshment is provided at the Fyne Court tearoom. Dogs are not allowed inside, but there are plenty of available tables and chairs in the courtyard.
The Plough Inn
Plenty of pubs claim to be dog friendly, but there is one that goes a paw further to welcome four-legged visitors.
The Plough Inn, in Holford, sits at the base of the Quantock Hills. Perfectly situated after a long bracing walk, the pub recently won the Gold Award in the Dog Friendly Business of the Year category at the 2022/23 Bristol, Bath and Somerset Tourism Awards and, at the time of printing, has been shortlisted for the South West of England awards.
The team bend-over backwards to ensure dogs and their families are looked after. Water bowls are provided for each table and blankets are available to make the slate floor more comfortable. There is even a ‘Plough Dogs Menu’ which begins with fresh meat options including a Sausage Treat Pot and homemade liver cake, and ends with a doggy ice cream. All washed down with a ‘puppuccino’. What’s not to like?
Glastonbury Tor
Glastonbury Tor is considered one of the most spiritual places in the country. A steep hill with St. Michael’s Tower at its summit, it’s a challenging hike, but the views looking across the Somerset Levels and beyond once you’re at the top make the climb worthwhile. And if you can be there for sunrise or sunset, it’s quite breath-taking. Whilst dogs are welcome, just be aware that there are often sheep grazing so keeping your canine pal firmly under control when you reach the Tor is advisable.
After the climb, you’ll probably need sustenance. Thankfully Glastonbury town centre is an easy walk from the Tor and awash with dog friendly cafes. Whilst you are there, pay a visit to Glastonbury Abbey, the ruins of the 7th century monastery. Dogs are invited to explore the 36 acres of parkland, but on a short lead for the sake of the array of wildlife in the grounds.
West Somerset Railway
What better way to explore this area of Somerset, both countryside and coast, than by steam train; and what could be nicer than to share the experience with your four-legged friend.
The West Somerset Railway meanders along a scenic 20-mile route from Bishop’s Lydeard to Minehead, stopping at eight other stations: Crowcombe Heathfield, Stogumber, Williton, Doniford Halt, Watchet, Washford, Blue Anchor and Dunster.
Dogs are welcome to travel on the train, with tickets costing £3. The only stipulation is that they sit on the carriage floor, and they are not allowed in the buffet car. To take full advantage of all that the journey has to offer, the Rover Ticket allows you and your pooch to get on and off the train throughout the day. A walk by the sea at Watchet awaits, or peruse the historic grounds of Dunster Castle with a welcome cuppa at the Castle Coffee House in the village.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here