Winchester is home to 15 great dog-friendly bars.

Winchester, situated at the foot of the South Downs, was once the nation’s capital and today offers visitors a taste of England’s rich cultural heritage.

Starting here, you may go on wonderful hikes in the AONB, along the pristine waters of the River Itchen, or take a stroll around town to see the city’s ancient walls and church.

Winchester is also home to a number of great watering holes, including the 15 establishments listed here.

The Golden Lion

The Golden Lion is one of the most attractive bars in Winchester, combining contemporary design with Victorian elements. They welcome dogs and even have a designated area for them to run about and socialise with other canine guests.

Because of its location on the outskirts of town near the South Downs, it serves as an excellent starting or ending point for walks in the countryside.

Winchester Postal Code: SO23 0JZ, 99 Alresford Road

Hours of Operation: Monday through Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 23:00 p.m., and Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 18:00

The Wykeham Arms

The Wykeham Arms is a popular tavern in Winchester where dogs are welcome and also a long-standing, pet-friendly hotel that dates back to the 18th century.

The location, between the cathedral and the ancient college, makes it seem like you’ve stumbled across a scene from a period play. The Arms has one of the greatest bar selections in town, and it’s filled to the brim with antique charm.

Postal code and address: 75 Kingsgate Street, Winchester SO23 9PE

Sunday hours are 12:00-22:00 and weekday hours are 12:00-23:00.

The Bell Inn

To break up the trek to St. Cross Hospital, Bell Inn is a good place to stay. Dogs “no matter how dirty” are joyfully welcomed here, and complimentary snacks are always on hand for canine customers.

You may easily spend as much time inside relaxing by the fire as you did out exploring the fields and streams. Summertime brings a bouncy castle, which the youngsters will enjoy every week.

Postal Code: SO23 9RE 83 St Cross Road Winchester

Monday through Friday, 11:30 p.m. to 23:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 23:30 p.m.

The Black Boy

The bartenders and wait staff at the Black Boy welcome and pet any dogs who come through the doors, and they even make periodic trips throughout the establishment to give them gravy bones. It’s a lively dive bar on a side street, and it has the quirkiest decor you’ve ever seen. Taxidermied animals and prosthetic limbs from World War I fill every available space, and there’s always something new to marvel at.

Always keep a “eye” out for the ladies’ room. (It’s obvious why!) After a stroll down the river walk with your dog, this is a wonderful place to rest.

One Wharf Hill, Winchester, SO23 9NP.

Open 12-14:30 and 17:00-23:30 Monday through Friday, 11:00-23:30 Saturday, and 12:00-22:30 Sunday.

The Old Vine

When in Winchester, be sure to check out The Old Vine, a historic tavern that welcomes both humans and their four-legged friends to its flower-filled patio and bar. However, canines aren’t welcome in the hotel’s eating establishments or guest rooms.

You won’t be missing out on anything, though, as you can still place an order and enjoy the tiny, smoke-free patio that gets plenty of light in the summer and is cosy and toasty in the winter.

You and Fido won’t have to worry about quenching your thirst; the bar serves a wide variety of authentic ales and there are water bowls for Fido.

A good place to start is at 8 Great Minster Street, Winchester, SO23 9HA.

Time of operation: 11:00-23:30 daily

The King Alfred

In case you hadn’t noticed previously, most Winchester watering holes have a classic, old-world atmosphere. A little distance from the hustle and bustle of the city centre sits the King Alfred, a delightful and characterful tavern and hotel.

Similar high-quality local cuisine and welcoming service can be found at the other Winchester staples, The St. James and The Mucky Duck, as well as the New Forest’s The Foresters Arms, all of which are managed by the same team.

11 Saxon Road, Winchester, Hampshire SO23 7DJ

Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, noon to midnight, Saturday and Sunday, noon to midnight.

The Running Horse

The Running Horse is located on the outside of the charming town of Littleton, about three miles from downtown. This historic inn is the perfect place to stop for supper and drinks after a stroll around the fields with your four-legged friend.

Visitors, both human and canine, are welcome at this little pub, which has been renovated with care and now serves excellent ales and simple, delicious fare.

Postal Code: SO22 6QS Address: 88 Main Road, Littleton, Winchester

Hours of operation: Monday through Saturday, 8:00 am to 23:00 pm, and Sunday, 8:00 am to 22:00 pm

The Queen Inn

There’s no better place for beer lovers than The Queen Inn. This dog-friendly Winchester bar is frequently included in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide, and it always has at least ten different varieties of real ale on tap.

But the real crown gem of this queen is the microbrewery where you may sample beverages made right there in the building. Also, you and Fido may go for a stroll along the river or Keats’s walk after you’ve had a few.

Postal Code: SO23 9PG 28 Kingsgate Road, Winchester

Monday through Saturday from 11am to 22:30pm, and Sunday from 11am to 20pm.

The Jolly Farmer

The Jolly Farmer is conveniently located between the King Alfred and the railway. Despite its cheerful moniker, this bar has a murky history. Inmates were supposedly kept here before being sent to Gallows Hill, as suggested by the noose by the bar.

They had a hunch that the parking lot outside may be the execution place. Spooky! Thanks be to God, there have been no recent gory tales, simply glowing reports of the ambiance and food.

Location: 185 Andover Road, Winchester, SO22 6AE

Times of operation are 11 a.m. to midnight (local time) daily.

The William Walker

Sign at The William Walker is an authentic, antique diving helmet, honouring the diver who rescued Winchester Cathedral. The finest place to sit and take in the historic architecture of Winchester Cathedral is at this dog- and family-friendly bar.

It has delicious food and beverages, friendly service, and even some board games, making it a fantastic place to relax away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. (In case you wanted an explanation to linger a little longer…)

Number 34, The Square, Winchester, SO23 9EX.

We are open Monday through Thursday from noon until 22:30, Friday from noon until 23:00, and Saturday from noon until 23:30.

The Mucky Duck

The Mucky Duck is another great bar from the Little Pub Group, so you know the atmosphere, cuisine, and drink selection will be top-notch. (Just have a look at the gin selection; it’s unbelievable!)

The Duck, like its sibling taverns, has a stunning, contemporary interior that’s infused with an antique-y warmth. Any time of day or night, you and your dog are welcome to relax in our dog-friendly bar.

In Winchester, at 84 Hyde Street, postcode SO23 7DW.

Hours of Operation Varies

St James Tavern

Located just a little ways down the road from The Mucky Duck and The King Alfred, the St. James is another another classic and pet-friendly watering hole in Winchester.

In contrast to the Duck, the atmosphere at this bar is more traditional. Many local canines “pup” in after their daily walks, making it a popular destination for canine tourists. Also, you never know if the pub’s own labradors, Basil and Maya, will be present for you to pet and play with.

The following address is correct: 3 Romsey Road, Winchester, SO22 5BE

Business Hours: Varies, see website for details; closed on Mondays.

The Bishop on the Bridge

If you’ve been strolling down the river and would like a beer stop (or another), the Bishop on the Bridge is conveniently located right next to the structure itself. The riverside patio is lovely for a sunny day pint and people-watching.

The recent renovations have made it look great, but the extensive beer list and traditional pub food are what bring in the customers. There’s usually a supply of complimentary snacks for four-legged customers, so your dog won’t leave hungry either.

Send mail to: 1 High Street, Winchester, SO23 9JX

Hours: Monday through Saturday, 12:00-23:00; Sunday, 12:00-22:30

The Bridge Inn

You may stop at the Bridge if you’re in Shawford farther down the river or if you need a rest stop after a hike in the South Downs. This large rural tavern is pet-friendly and serves delicious food, so bring the whole gang!

Aside from the complimentary gifts and abundant attention from the employees, you can also buy your dog a tub of doggie ice cream. Those staying in the heart of Winchester may find it inconvenient to get to, but those in the neighbourhood will find it to be the ideal spot to pup.

Winchester, SO21 2BP, Shawford Road, Shawford

Hours: Monday through Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 23:00 p.m., and Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 22:30

The Crown and Anchor

The Crown and Anchor is a dog- and family-friendly tavern on Winchester’s main drag, serving traditional pub fare. The homey cooking is what drew me there, but the view of the Guildhall across the street is lovely.

Although it’s located on a busy thoroughfare, this pub offers a lovely “yarden” at the rear where you and your dog can enjoy the sunshine.

168 High Street, Winchester, UK, SO23 9BA

The shop is open 24 hours a day, from 12:00 to 22:30.

Pubs in Shrewsbury, Bath, and London are also available.