Dog-Friendly Swindon

Swindon has plenty of places where dogs are welcome – from pubs with beer gardens and dog menus to parks and countryside walks. This guide covers dog-friendly pubs and cafes in town, plus the best parks and walks for stretching your legs with your four-legged friend. Always call ahead to confirm dog policy, especially at peak times.

Dog walking in a park
Dog-friendly places in and around Swindon. Credit: Unsplash

Dog-friendly pubs in Swindon

Several pubs in and around Swindon welcome dogs in the bar and sometimes the restaurant. Where possible, call ahead to confirm and check if there are any restrictions (e.g. leads only, bar area only).

  • The Weighbridge Brewhouse (Faringdon Road, Swindon) – Micro-brewery and pub in the town centre. Dog-friendly in the bar and restaurant. Popular with locals.
  • The Freke Arms, Swanborough – Village pub near Stanton Park with a doggy menu. Ideal for combining a walk at Stanton Park with a pub stop.
  • The Red Lion, Castle Eaton – Well-behaved dogs welcome in the bar, conservatory, and fireside areas. Riverside garden for warmer days.
  • The Plough on the Hill, Badbury – Dog-friendly in the bar area with food service. Real fire in winter.
  • The Village Inn, Liddington – Dogs welcome throughout (bar and restaurant). Offers accommodation and pub food.
  • The Old Boathouse, South Cerney – At Cotswold Water Park; dogs allowed on the terrace with lakeside views.

For a fuller, searchable list including filters for dog-friendly, live music, and Sunday lunch, see swindonpubs.com.

Dog-friendly parks and walks

Many of Swindon's parks and green spaces are popular with dog walkers. Keep dogs under control and follow any local bylaws (e.g. leads in certain areas, poop-scooping).

  • Coate Water Country Park – Lake, woodland, and paths. Popular with dog walkers. Parking charges apply. See our parks and green spaces guide.
  • Stanton Park – Woodland, grassland, and a lake near Stanton Fitzwarren. Quieter than Coate Water; good for dogs who prefer less hustle. The Freke Arms is nearby for a post-walk drink.
  • Lydiard Park – 260 acres of parkland. Dogs welcome in the grounds; check restrictions around the house and walled garden. See our Lydiard Park & House guide.
  • Barbury Castle Country Park – Iron Age hillfort near Wroughton with walking trails and views. Popular with walkers and dogs.
  • A420 woodland walk – Traffic-free path near Swindon. Firm paths, off-lead potential in places, free parking. Some routes have a nearby dog-friendly pub with a doggie menu.

Dog-friendly cafes

Some cafes in Swindon allow dogs, especially in outdoor seating areas. Always check before visiting – policies can change and may depend on space and weather.

If you're after a coffee or light bite with your dog, try calling ahead to cafes in Old Town and the town centre. Outdoor terraces and pavement seating are often more accommodating. For pub food with dogs, the pubs listed above are reliable options.

More resources

For up-to-date listings and reviews, try The Good Dog Guide and Driving with Dogs for walks and dog-friendly pubs near Swindon.

See also our guides to best pubs, parks and green spaces, and best restaurants.

Information correct as of February 2026. Dog policies can change. Always call ahead to confirm before visiting, especially at busy times.