5 dog friendly walking destinations in Somerset
Known for its apple cider, Brunel’s SS Great Britain, Cheddar cheese and Glastonbury, Somerset sells itself as a visit-worthy destination… and that’s before you’ve even mentioned Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Quantock Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Dunkery & Horner Wood National Nature Reserve and plenty more green areas which are absolutely prime for dog walking.
Glastonbury Tor
If you haven’t heard of Glastonbury, you probably haven’t heard a lot about the UK. So let’s start with two very simple facts: there’s this insanely huge music festival hosted in Glastonbury that has seen all manner of superstars, from Dolly Parton to Beyonce, and this town also happens to be an insanely beautiful medieval site (get a town that can do both, right?) Glastonbury Tor is for the nature-enthusiasts and culture-vultures alike – church ruins, on a hilltop, surrounded by lush greenery as far as the eye can see. Throw in a dog (which you’ve clearly got covered), and you have yourself a day out in Somerset for the record books.
Visiting with dogs:
Dogs welcome under close control at Glastonbury Tor.
Website: Glastonbury Tor
Address: Glastonbury, Somerset, BA6 8JZ
Hestercombe house & gardens
The Hestercombe Gardens near Taunton are the epitome of manicured nature – in the best possible way. Hestercombe is an example of outdoor curatorship, but it trumps most museums because you can actually bring your dog along for the fun. Despite being quite small compared to its nearby neighbour, Quantock Hills, you’re unlikely to run out of exploring space when the gardens offer fifty acres of lakes, temples, cascades, woodland and terraces. Arguably, The Great Cascade, whose inspirational origins date back to 1762, are not just a Hestercombe highlight but a Somerset one, too.
Visiting with dogs:
Hestercombe Gardens is dog-friendly including the gardens, cafe and shop – and we welcome dogs of all shapes and sizes (and their owners, of course!)
Website: Hestercombe House & Gardens
Address: Hestercombe, Taunton, TA2 8LG
Muchelney Abbey
If a doggy-census were possible, we’re guessing all paws would be in. Muchelney Abbey is an English heritage site that stands as a proud reminder of the area’s rich history – and it’s not half-bad to look at, either. It’s located within what’s known as the Somerset Levels, a coastal plain and wetland area which spans from the Mendips to the Blackdown Hills, and every word in this sentence ought to have convinced you that this is the perfect place to bring eager-to-roam dogs.
Visiting with dogs:
Dogs on leads are welcome at Muchelney Abbey.
Website: Muchelney Abbey
Address: Law Ln, Muchelney, Langport, TA10 0DQ
Stockhill Wood
Some historical landmarks have seasons, but Stockhill Wood, nestled in Mendip Hills, is an all-year kind of destination – perfect for families with dogs, because we all know better than to think that walkies go away when the sun does. The landscape is beautiful and expansive, and a walk through the woodlands is the breath of fresh air anyone who leads a busy or stressful life needs – as well as those who live the relatively laid back life of a dog, too.
Visiting with dogs:
Responsible dog walkers are welcome in Stockhill Wood
Website: Stockhill Wood
Address: Wells, BA5 3AS
Dunster Gallox Bridge
Head to Minehead, within Dunkery & Horner Wood National Nature Reserve. Pack a leash and some comfortable walking shoes. Voila – you’ve got yourself a dog-friendly walk in Somerset sorted. The bridge itself is utterly picturesque, arching over the River Avill. It’s an English Heritage property which is managed by the National Trust, and this means that the basics when it comes to dog-walking are all covered, from adequate parking to water facilities. Your dogs are required to stay on their leads on the bridge.
Visiting with dogs:
Dogs on leads are welcome at Dunster Gallox Bridge.
Website: Dunster Gallox Bridge
Address: Park St, Dunster, Minehead, TA24 6SR
Cottages in Somerset
Shephard’s Retreat Shephard’s Retreat is a dog-friendly first-floor apartment in an architect-designed… View all our dog friendly cottages in Somerset