The Boathouse

The Boathouse is one of the easiest recommendations in Bath for a stay with a dog: a riverside pub with nine rooms on the Avon at Newbridge, run by people who treat dogs as part of the family rather than a tolerated extra. The pub says exactly that on its own site - dogs are welcome, water bowls and treats are there for the asking, and they suggest mentioning the dog when you book so they can seat you in the best spot. That welcome earns a 5.0 paw rating, and the dog-stay feedback behind it is unanimous.

Guests who brought their dogs describe the experience in strikingly similar terms across different booking platforms: dedicated dog-friendly rooms that are spacious, clean and cosy, some with balconies looking straight over the river; staff whose warmth extends to the dog; and the rare pleasure of a proper pub meal downstairs with the dog settled at your feet. Several called out the dog-friendliness as the thing that made the stay special. The wider record is strong too, with more than a thousand reviews on the booking listing averaging around 8 out of 10 and recent guests praising the comfortable rooms and river views.

The setting does a lot of work for a dog owner. The Avon towpath runs from the door for riverside walks in both directions, the landscaped garden slopes to the water, and the Park and Ride next door means you can spend a day in Bath's centre without moving the car. Expect canine company: this is a walkers' and dog-owners' pub, especially at weekend lunchtimes, which suits a sociable dog and may not suit a reactive one.

Practical notes: dogs are welcome on request with prior acknowledgement, so flag yours in the booking notes, and no fee is published anywhere we could find - confirm any charge directly. Food quality gets occasional grumbles relative to price, so manage expectations for dinner and enjoy the well-reviewed breakfast.

Best suited to couples or solo travellers with a sociable dog who want river walks, a real pub downstairs and easy car-free access to Bath.