Our Favourite Cosy Inns At The Tail End Of Scenic Autumn Dog Walks

Wrapping up and stepping out for walkies under unruly skies is one of the best things about owning a dog in autumn. That wagging tail and boundless enthusiasm for being outdoors is more than enough to have us put on our walking boots and all-weather gear to stomp across rolling countryside, up rugged peaks, along wild beaches or into rustling woodland. And nothing beats ending your dog walk at a cosy inn, where you can warm up beside a roaring fire with your muddy-pawed companion. 

So, as the nights draw in and the temperatures drop, here are some dog-friendly pub walks to enjoy this autumn

Woodland Walk to The Woodmans Arms, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Northumberland

There are many National Trust properties throughout the UK that welcome you and your dog for walkies, and it’s easy to pick out the most pooch-friendly from the pack using their paw-rating system. There are 15 miles of dog-friendly paths on the 18th-century landscape of Gibside in Northumberland, which is particularly stunning in autumn when the woodland’s ablaze with seasonal colours. By all means, pack a picnic and soak up the Derwent Valley views, but we prefer to end the day nearby at The Woodmans Arms. This award-winning, dog-friendly country inn serves hearty pies, legendary Sunday lunches and local delights in a cosy ambience warmed by a glowing log fire.  

Moorland Ramble to The Rock Inn, Dartmoor, Devon

Dartmoor’s enchanting woodland and weathered moorland is a paradise for pup owners – especially in all its glory under the golden autumn hues. Climb to the top of Haytor Rock with your canine companion to take in glorious views across the National Park, then retreat to The Rock Inn, where walkers and locals have gathered for food and drink beside the crackling log fire since the 18th century. Dogs are warmly welcomed, and you can quench your thirst with ales from the nearby Dartmoor Brewery.

Coastal Trail to The Gurnard’s Head, Cornwall

With its miles of sandy beaches and rugged coastal walks, Cornwall is one of our top spots for an autumn break with the dog. And the iconic Gurnard’s Head, enveloped in the dramatic scenery of West Penwith, is an unbeatable location to indulge in some of the best food and walks in the county. Strike out from this bright-yellow inn to experience wild, wave-hewn promontories and stupendous views all the way to Zennor, where you can pause for a pint in the pooch-friendly Tinners Arms (much loved by DH Lawrence), before looping back to The Gurnard’s Head for fine dining beside the fire with Fido at your feet. 

Island Hop to The Crown & Anchor, Lindisfarne, Northumberland

There aren’t many more atmospheric places to explore with your dog in autumn than a wild island off the coast of Northumberland. And when you cross the causeway to Lindisfarne, you and your pooch can wander waymarked walking routes, spot seals and seabirds on the nature trail, and climb to the striking castle perched on the crown of this ‘Holy Island’. Shorter days and less clement weather attract less crowds than the summer season, so you can really embrace the elements and rugged landscape of your island escape. Before the incoming tide sends you back across the causeway, head to the island’s dog-friendly inn for lashings of local produce, including Holy Island Lobster, and perhaps a ‘whisky of the week’ to warm your cockles. 

Yomp to The Lister Arms, Malham, Yorkshire Dales

An autumn yomp in the Yorkshire Dales takes you through blazing countryside and across rolling hills with Rover at your side. And from the dog-friendly Lister Arms it’s up to you whether you capture this colourful season on a stroll to the natural amphitheatre at Malham Cove, to the dramatic gorge of Gordale Scar with its towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls, or in the woodland and moorland hemming Malham Tarn. Whichever you choose, finish your glorious gambols by the fire in this cosy 18th-century pub serving award-winning ales and home-cooked dishes championing Yorkshire’s local producers. 

Roam the Malverns to The Talbot, Knightwick, Worcestershire

Home to peaks, parkland and woodland, the Malvern Hills is ablaze with colour in autumn. Breathe in the fresh air from the top of Black Hill (1,011 feet), drop into the pretty woodland of Paradise Valley, or take the National Trust Croome Walk across Capability Brown-designed parkland. Whichever way you wander, where better to end your walkies than in a 15th-century pub by the River Teme? Welcoming pups and punters with open arms, The Talbot has its own brewery and farm, ensuring the freshest autumn harvest is served alongside small batch ales in a warm and cosy ambience. 

Jurassic Coast to the Lulworth Cove Inn, Dorset 

Autumn’s the paw-fect time to explore Dorset’s mighty Jurassic Coast with your furry friend: Sniff out fossils on rugged shores, splash in quiet coves, and snap a selfie of you and your dog at the iconic Durdle Door. Then, as the light dims and tums rumble, step off the South West Coast Path into the cosy Lulworth Cove Inn, where you’ll find cask ales, Sunday roasts and platters piled high with seasonal ingredients, as well as a warm welcome and treats for your four-legged friend. Sitting by the fire on the edge of a stunning cove, it’s the perfect place to refuel and relax before your next dog-friendly adventure. 

Coastal Hike to The Bush Inn, Morwenstow, Cornwall

The 7.5 miles from Bude to Morwenstow is a strenuous undertaking on foot, tackling some gnarly sections of the South West Coast Path. Set out early for an autumn excursion to see its tumbling waterfalls, the Hawker’s Hut and a dramatic coastline littered with shipwrecks. While the walking is tough, you’ll get much of the trail to yourself and your four-legged friend in autumn, and every step is worth the effort when you veer inland at Morwenstow and stumble upon The Bush Inn – a dog-friendly 13th-century pub serving CAMRA ales and hearty, homemade food.  

Loop Around to The Oystercatcher, Rhosneigr, Wales

Pack your walking boots for an autumn adventure in Anglesey with your waggy-tailed companion. There are plenty of dog-friendly paths and pubs to choose from, but if you’re looking for an easygoing route to start with, try the one-hour loop from The Oystercatcher in Rhosneigr. Sandwiched between the sea and a lake, here you and your hound can witness autumn colours reflected in Llŷn Maelog, before bounding along the blustery shoreline. Then, take a seat with a view for a feast of local ingredients (including Welsh tapas and line-caught fish), while your four-legged friend can choose from a dog-friendly menu featuring treats like chicken and mash, fish and chips, and even Sunday roasts. 

Book your dog-friendly cottage for an autumn break

Whether you’re looking for a cosy cottage for two and a dog, or a self-catering retreat for the whole family and Fido, find the perfect pooch-friendly pad to enjoy autumnal pub walks.