Our holiday park guests often ask us to recommend dog friendly restaurants in Swanage, so we’ve compiled this handy guide to help you choose where to eat during your stay.
Whether you fancy seafood, traditional pub grub or something a bit special to celebrate an occasion, you’re bound to find somewhere that takes your fancy on our list! We’ve hand-picked some of our favourite of dog friendly cafes, pubs and restaurants, with menu items to suit everyone’s needs.
Gee Whites
Gee Whites is a causal seafood restaurant, specialising in locally caught fish and shellfish. It is situated in an idyllic location on the Old Stone Quay and boasts unrivalled panoramic views across Swanage Bay and out to sea.
The restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere and is solely alfresco dining, allowing you to soak up the sunshine as you eat. There is a canopy towards the rear of the restaurant, so your four-legged friend can lay back in the shade and escape the heat.
Please note Gee Whites do not accept reservations and operate on a first come, first served basis.
Love Cake
The friendly team at Love Cake deli and cake emporium serve a delicious selection of sweet treats from their pretty café in the heart of Swanage town. Pick from a range of cakes and pastries, all made by hand in the on-site bakery.
If you’d prefer something savoury, there’s no need to worry, you’ll find a wide range of hearty breakfast and lunches on the menu. The sourdough toasties and salads look incredible, and there’s even ‘boozy brunches’ if you fancy treating yourself!
The shabby chic café is warm, inviting and the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle during your Swanage holiday. Dogs are welcome inside, making this the ideal setting to enjoy a well-earned rest before exploring more of our seaside town.
Seventh Wave
Take some time to visit Seventh Wave Café Bar & Restaurant during a dog walk at Durlston Country Park. The café is located within the castle and boasts wonderful views over Durlston Bay, with Old Harry Rocks and The Isle of Wight visible in the distance.
Seventh Wave is open year-round for visitors and locals. There are a range of breakfast, light bites, lunches and sweet treats to choose from, with special offers on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. The chefs change the menu on a regular basis to make use of seasonal produce.
Given the café’s prime location, it’s a favourite with walkers. The team are more than happy to welcome muddy boots and dogs in the dining room or outside patio.
The Black Swan
The Black Swan is a traditional country pub with lots of character. Its only small but, the charming grade II listed building has a welcoming atmosphere and a cosy feel. In the winter there are two real log fires to keep you warm as you enjoy a pint of local ale. In the summer, the secluded beer garden with patio is a relaxing place to unwind and enjoy the company of friends.
The chef has created a fantastic menu of wholesome dishes and the ingredients are sourced from local suppliers. Many of the meals have a strong French influence, but you will still find pub classics on the menu, including an excellent Sunday lunch!
Dogs are welcome inside and out.
The Salt Pig Too
The Salt Pig Too is a firm favourite with foodies and it’s easy to see why. This lovely independent restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and serves an excellent selection of quality dishes, using only local suppliers.
The team pride themselves on knowing the provenance of the food they serve and use meat from farms located within an 8 miles radius of the restaurant. All the fish is landed daily from local fishing boats, with only the freshest ingredients making the cut.
Over the years the Salt Pig Too has earned a fantastic reputation and firmly cemented itself as one of the best in the Dorset food scene. The restaurant boasts an urban food shop and butchery, if you fancy picking up something tasty to enjoy back in your caravan holiday home.
The restaurant has a ‘we love dogs’ sign on the door, so you can rest assured that your canine companion will be welcomed too!
Tawny’s Wine Bar
Tawny’s Wine Bar is one our favourite dog friendly restaurants in Swanage, boasting an interesting menu of home-cooked meals and daily specials. The interior is relaxed and cosy, making it the perfect setting for a special evening out with family or friends.
The welcoming team have an in-depth knowledge of the extensive selection of wines, spirits and world beers on offer and will help you choose the perfect drink to compliment the flavours in your meal. TripAdvisor reviews compliment the staffs relaxed yet attentive service and restaurants laid back style.
Dogs are welcome inside throughout the day and into the evening.
The Village Inn
We’re pleased to welcome dogs in the bar area of our on-site restaurant, the Village Inn. It is located at the entrance to Ulwell Holiday Park and only a short walk from our range of dog friendly self-catering accommodation – perfect if you fancy a tipple before retreating for the night!
We serve range of pub classics as well as daily specials and themed nights. There is a dedicated children’s menu as well as vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options.
The Village Inn’s interior is bright and airy with a friendly atmosphere. Behind the bar you’ll find a selection of local ales as well as all the favourites!
The Crows Nest
The Crows Nest is within walking distance of Ulwell, making it the perfect choice for guests holidaying at our dog friendly camping and caravan park. The pub is a hit with families thanks to the large beer garden and outside play area, where you can sit back with your four-legged friend and watch the little ones play.
The varied menu has something for everyone, with a range of classic dishes available. Dogs are not permitted in the restaurant, but welcome in the bar and beer garden.
Ulwell Holiday Park is a dog friendly camping and caravan site in Swanage. Our park is set in an enviable location, nestled beneath the Purbeck hills and just a short walk to the sea. Many of our dog friendly caravan holiday homes for hire boast beautiful views of the surrounding countryside and there are plenty of scenic dog walks nearby.
We have a range of facilities on the site including an indoor swimming pool, bar and restaurant, playground and well-stocked shop.
