Top 5 dog-friendly things to do in Bristol

28 February 2024 - 3 min read
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Going to Bristol with your dog? From the hilly Downs to the breeze of Harbourside, the city has plenty of dog-friendly things to do. 

But where do you start? Relax - we’re here to help. We’ve handpicked our five favourite dog-friendly activities in Bristol, with plenty to keep you and your four-legged friend entertained. 

Our favourite dog-friendly Bristol activities

1. Clifton Suspension Bridge, Clifton

image of the clifton suspension bridge at sunset

You and your dog can't have a trip to Bristol without seeing its biggest landmark. 

Epic in size, stature and historical significance, the hills around the Clifton Suspension Bridge are littered with walks and observation spots (with Clifton Observatory being the highlight), making it an ideal place to take your four-legged friend. 

You can even book a guided tour of the bridge through the Weekend Bridge Tour. 

The only place that isn't dog-friendly is Giant's Cave, but that's alright - we're sure there'll be plenty to keep their tails wagging through the green paths around Bristol's best views.

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2. Ashton Court Estate, Long Ashton 

Dogs love parks, and this historic one situated just 10 minutes from the centre of Bristol is our pick: hundreds of acres of woods, grassland and deer. It’s a must-see if you’re a nature lover. 

There’s lots to see, including fresh rose gardens, miniature railways and the eye-catching yellow estate itself. It’s a cheap day out - you only need to pay for parking, and the park has plenty of facilities and cafes.

They also host the Balloon Festival every August, which adds a splash of colour to the city’s already vibrant skyline.

The only rule is to keep your dog on a short lead, and you can only stick to the mown and marked paths. 

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3. Cheddar Gorge and Caves, Cheddar 

Cheddar’s gorgeous gorge is one of Somerset’s natural highlights, sporting miles of greenery and striking limestone cliffs. It’s a 45-minute drive from Bristol, but it’s worth making it out there, as it’s the ideal place for a long walk with your dog. 

The circular walk lasts around four miles, and there are plenty of spots to rest and take in the views. It’s the right mix of nature, wildlife, history and adventure. 

It’s not just a walk either - the location has a number of caves and a unique lookout tower if you have excess energy to burn off climbing its steps. 

Dogs are welcome year-round, but you’ll have to keep them on the lead. 

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4. Temple Church, Redcliffe

Bristol’s littered with historic landmarks, but our pick of the bunch is the quiet Temple Church, sitting right in the city’s centre. 

You can explore the church’s gardens and historic interior, but really, this is just a nice place to unwind, and we recommend having a picnic or a coffee here. 

If you or your four-legged friends need a moment’s respite amongst the city’s hustle and bustle, then Temple Church is the place.

Dogs are welcome inside and out but they must be on a lead. It’s worth checking the website for closures beforehand, as it can sometimes be shut down for conservation works. 

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5. Bristol Street Art Walking Tour, College Green

Image of someone walking past the Welcome to Bristol billboard

Bristol’s known for its street art and culture, and you should try to see as much as possible in the city. 

This is when Where The Wall’s Bristol Street Art Tour comes in, providing insights behind the city’s street art while guiding you through its cultural hotspots. 

The art seems to change every week, so you'll always see something fresh and unique on each tour. 

This dog-friendly, two-hour tour runs every Saturday. They even provide listening devices so you can hear commentary while enjoying the sights at your (and your dog’s) pace. 

The highlight is the amount of Banksy you'll see, but numerous artists contribute to the city’s diverse kaleidoscope of street art and graffiti - in our opinion, it's the best art show in Bristol.

Plus, your dog gets a nice walk out of it, too. 

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