The lovely honey-colored buildings of Oxford University are world-famous, and the campus as a whole is the city’s main tourist attraction. There has a thriving cultural heritage in addition to the academic community; there are several museums, connections to well-known authors like Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, and the region has served as the setting for popular television series like Inspector Morse and His Dark Materials.
Although it wasn’t always so, many of the activities and restaurants at this popular day-trip destination now welcome four-legged visitors. Following a day of dog-friendly punting on the Thames and strolling Oxford’s picturesque side streets, you and Fido will be ready to relax at one of these dog-welcoming watering holes.
The Trout’s garden overlooks the Thames, and the bar itself is located close to the old nunnery ruins and the great walking territory of Port Meadow, making it one of the most picturesque watering holes in the area.
The bar is as beautiful as its setting, and it’s one of the quietest watering holes in town. All feathered and furry pals are welcome, although there is a peacock on the premises.
The location is 195 Godstow Road, Oxford, Oxon, OX2 8PN.
Hours of Operation: 11:00 a.m. to 23:00 p.m., Daily
Outside the old city walls of Oxford, in the year 1381, a tavern called the Turf Tavern began serving alcoholic beverages and hosting gambling games. It has recently seen a dramatic transformation, becoming a trendy hotspot where local college students go to enjoy its trendy new look and historic landmarks.
As it is a Greene King establishment, it boasts one of the city’s most comprehensive pub menus, providing options for diners of all dietary persuasions. In addition, dogs are always welcome inside this traditional Oxford watering hole.
4 Holywell St., OX1 3SU
Hours of Operation: 11:00 a.m. to 23:00 p.m., Daily
With the catchy tagline “eat, drink, and be sociable,” Dodo Pubs Co., which got its start at The Rusty Bicycle, currently runs five successful bars in the area. Every Rusty Bicycle location, including this one, is a welcoming haven where residents and visitors alike can stop for a conversation, a nice pint, and a chance to stuff themselves with the restaurant’s renowned burgers and pizzas.
Guests’ four-legged friends are welcome to come along for the ride, both indoors and out, and will be lavished with attention and treats from the friendly crew.
Postal Code: OX4 1RB 28 Magdalen Road
Daily hours of operation are from 12:00 am until 23:00 pm.
The Fishes, a spacious and attractive gastropub, serves up gourmet fare that goes above and beyond standard bar fare.
Oxford’s unexpectedly family- and dog-friendly pub, where you can have a pint after a stroll through the Dip of Happiness or along the streams with your four-legged companion in tow. Your four-legged friends are welcome to join you in sampling the specialties, as there are water basins and complimentary snacks available for them.
Near Hinksey Village, Postal Code: OX2 0NA
Hours of operation are as follows: Monday through Thursday, 12:00-23:00; Friday and Saturday, 12:00-00:00; and Sunday, 12:00-22:00.
In keeping with the aquatic theme, our next recommended dog-friendly Oxford watering hole is The Perch. Located on the banks of the Thames, this quaint drinking hole is made of stone and thatch and seems like it was taken straight out of a storybook.
After some exercise in Port Meadow, you and your dog are more than welcome to join in for a well-deserved drink, no reservations required. Also available is one of the heartiest ploughman’s lunches I’ve ever had, as well as several other delicious dishes inspired by traditional country cooking.
Location: Binsey Lane, OX2 0NG
Daily from 12pm till 2am
The Angel and Greyhound, named after the neighbouring flood meadow, claims to be Oxford’s most dog-friendly watering hole. Staff members are kind and welcoming to all customers, whether they have two or four legs. Dogs and cats really like the free goodies and attention they get.
And you can’t help but strike up a friendship with Leo, the pub dog (who happens to be really adorable). Humans may choose from a wide variety of delectable fare, including traditional British fare and more unusual options like the delicious katsu burger.
Postal Code: OX4 1AB 30 St. Clement’s Street
Hours of Operation: Monday through Saturday, 12:00-23:00; Sunday, 12:00-22:00
The Kings Arms is one of numerous Oxford pubs that claim to be the city’s oldest; it’s located directly across from the Bodleian Library, making it an ideal “pup-ping” spot after a day of family touring.
Although though it’s located in the middle of the city, the inside is calm and cosy, giving off the vibe of a sophisticated rural house. The Kings Arms is a dog-friendly bar in the heart of Oxford, where famished pooches may snooze cosily beneath the table and feast on complimentary goodies while their human companions have a drink.
Address: 40 Holywell Street, OX1 3SP
Hours of Operation: 11:00 a.m. to 23:00 p.m., Daily
St. Aldates Tavern, like its neighbour, the dog-friendly Bear, is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the busy main drag.
This peaceful haven in the middle of the city is one of the few places to catch a game, and there’s plenty of nightlife to draw you in with the locals and students.
Postal Code: OX1 1BU, 108 St. Aldate’s
Hours of operation are as follows: closed Mondays and Tuesdays, open from 12:00 to 21:00 on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, and open from 12:00 to 23:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.
Like the other establishments in the Dodo family, this quaint corner pub offers the same friendly service and relaxed atmosphere. All the Dodo pubs, including the Rickety Press, serve the same cuisine with meaty burgers and wood-fired pizzas.
There’s great food available for breakfast, and any canine guests would appreciate the complimentary snacks.
Postal Code: OX2 6DE, 67 Cranham Street
Daily hours of operation are from 12:00 am until 23:00 pm.
You may find The Old Bookbinders by taking a reverse route from The Rickety Press and heading back towards the canal. Tucked away in Jericho’s alleyways is this warm and welcoming family-run watering hole, a secret treasure frequented by the city’s residents.
You can expect to munch down on French bistro-style food alongside your real ale, and the Bookies’ unique decor lends it a warm, quirky vibe of its own. This Oxford watering hole has its own own pub dog, plus they provide free water and goodies for Fido.
You may find us at 17–18 Victor Street, OX2 6BT.
Closed on Mondays, open from 16:00-23:30 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and from 12:00-18:00 on Sundays.
People and their dogs often stop at The Chester Arms on the way back from one of the numerous neighbouring parks or nature preserves.
Dogs may refuel with free water and biscuits, while their human companions enjoy the legendary steak plate or the roasts that have people waiting in line around the block. Don’t fret; there are also many tempting vegetarian dishes available.
Postal Code: OX4 1SN 19 Chester Road
Hours of Operation: Monday through Saturday, 12:00-23:00; Sunday, 12:00-22:00
In 2016, The Jolly Postboys debuted with the intention of becoming a genuine neighbourhood watering hole for the locals. They’ve done a great job, and this neighbourhood bar in the city’s East Side is now a popular destination for families and pet owners.
All the home-cooked meals are made using fresh, regional ingredients, and there are even some treats for Fido. Also, the bartenders and waitstaff are just as upbeat and welcoming as the postal workers they honour.
Number 22, Florence Park Road, Oxford, Ox4 3PH.
Hours of operation are as follows: closed Mondays; open 16:00-22:00 Tuesdays through Fridays; open 12:00-22:00 Saturdays and Sundays; closed Mondays
While the Bear’s size is on the smaller side, it certainly doesn’t lack in personality or history. It’s one of the city’s most well-known watering holes, and it welcomes four-legged friends. This little watering hole can only fit approximately two dozen people inside, but fortunately there’s plenty of seating in the backyard for at least twice that many.
Even the dog might attempt to snuffle some of the scrumptious sausage and mash served here; it’s that good. If you’re in the bar and you like dogs, you should definitely say hi to Indie.
Postal Code: OX1 4EH 6 Alfred Street
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 12:00-22:30; Friday through Saturday, 12:00-23:00; Sunday, 12:00-22:00
Despite its trendy vegetarian vibe, traditionalists will find enough to like at The Gardeners Arms, Oxford’s sole vegetarian bar.
It’s charmingly offbeat, with no gimmicks or distractions, and it serves up substantial fare and tasty beers. It’s a favourite among locals who want to unwind with a drink because there’s no music playing in the background. Even better, your dog is welcome here too!
Postal code: 39 Plantation Road, Oxford, Oxon, OX2 6JE
Time of Day/Week/Year/etc. of Opening: Varies, See Website for Details
Once known as The Waterman, this bar underwent a name change and makeover in 2016. The Punter is spotless, full of rustic charm, and serves up some very delicious fare. They’re a dog-friendly bar in Oxford despite being a proud gastropub.
All items on the menu are plant-based, and there are so many options that it’s almost overwhelming. The scotch egg will change your life.
You and your four-legged friend are invited to lounge in the garden, which overlooks the river, or stay warm and cosy within.
Oxford Postal Code: OX2 0BE 7 South Street
Hours: Sunday – Thursday, 12:00 – 23:00, and Friday – Saturday, 12:00 – 23:30
