A Weekend of Water & Waves

Named after its most distinctive feature, The Cliff in Poole is everything you could ever want from a picturesque pub by the beach. Sitting pretty near Canford Cliffs, a Blue Flag-approved beach with a gentle slope into lapping waves and only a short, sand-between-your-toes stroll from Bournemouth Pier – not to mention the golden sands of the Sandbanks nearby – this dog-friendly pub gives you a spot to relax before or after a day at the beach. Settle in for al fresco dining in their beer garden, perfect no matter the British weather and marvel at the Jurassic Coastline, millions of years in the making – and all yours for the afternoon.

You’ll be spoiled for choice when you discover The Bathampton Mill in Bath... Will you take a refreshing cocktail out to the waterside terrace by the River Avon, enjoy a spot of al fresco dining on their spacious lawns, or embrace the simple charms of this countryside pub and enjoy their famous water wheel? One thing’s for sure: If you’re in Bath and searching for a sensational dog-friendly waterside pub, there’s a 45-minute walk along the Kennet & Avon Canal with a delightful destination waiting for you, allowing you to meander from city to countryside with every cherished step.

We hope you don’t mind sharing the views with the locals, because this 17^th-century Grade II-listed pub has sweeping views of the River Thames that even the geese and swans are in awe of. Then again, they may have also been drawn in by this dog-friendly pub’s name, as The Trout Inn is quite the catch, no matter who you are. Located in the peaceful village of Lower Wolvercote, this social setting gives all who visit a place to catch their breath with seasonal dishes and drinks just north of Oxford, the city of dreaming spires and academia.

Six miles from the centre of Bournemouth is a dog-friendly pub with riverside views so gorgeous that they even inspired the name: The Riverside. Based on the banks of the River Stour, this is the kind of pub that will tempt you to cancel all other plans so you can indulge in seasonal dishes and drinks by the picture-perfect waters for just a little while longer... But, if you can tear yourself away, it’ll be worth it. You can also hire boats for the day or take a 15-minute drive to Christchurch Quay, the summer-ready splash park and children’s play area – perfect for making a few more family memories.

Just 30 minutes away from the bright lights of London, The Albany in Thames Ditton promises a serene setting to unwind away from it all. On the banks of the River Thames, you’re guaranteed the calming sights of the water without the city crowds. Plus, with Hampton Court Palace only a stone’s throw away and the wildlife haven of Bushy Park across the river – famous for its herds of resident deer – you’ll get to enjoy a few sights that even the capital doesn’t have.

Keep your phone nearby as you step into the splendour of The Harts Boatyard in Surbiton – you’re going to want to take pictures, trust us. Looking like a countryside log cabin on the inside with modern exteriors of gleaming glass windows and two balconies overlooking the River Thames, this dog-friendly pub is perhaps the most luxurious on this list. Once you’ve taken in its stylish interiors and high ceilings, embrace riverside views with a cocktail in hand from the spacious outdoor terrace, or take to the water by renting a boat from the nearby pier.

After the ornate nature of the last riverside pub, you might want to enjoy a more traditional, rustic charm – if that’s the case, allow us to introduce you to the classic, countryside scenes of The Kingfisher in Chertsey. Imagine exposed-brick walls, log fireplaces, cosy corners and, of course, since you’re here for the UK’s best waterside pubs... a spacious terrace with enviable views over the River Thames. Also close to the wildflower meadows and children’s play area of Chertsey Meads, it’s sure to make waves with the whole family, promising picture-perfect moments for the album.

The Ferry is a dog-friendly pub located on the edge of the River Thames, blending country pub charm with contemporary chic interiors to create a sensational backdrop for all your riverside catch-ups. And, if you somehow needed a break from the waterside relaxation – sounds impossible, we know – you could explore the historic sights of nearby Windsor Castle or skip on over to the National Trust site of Cliveden, boasting gorgeous gardens and its own riverside views.

Established in 1816, The King’s Arms in Knowle knows a thing or two about helping guests relax on the banks of the Grand Union Canal. It’s exactly what you need after exploring the National Trust's Packwood House or catching a show at the nearby NEC, allowing you to escape the city for al fresco dining and tipples in their canal-side beer garden. Not ready to leave? Spend the night in their en-suite hotel rooms just upstairs.

Bristol is a vibrant, culture-rich city with all kinds of attractions worth ticking off on your next visit: Clifton Suspension Bridge, Brunel’s SS Great Britain, the Bristol Balloon Fiesta, and even Banksy street art tours where you’ll be able to see a few of the famous artist’s pieces with your own eyes. But there’s also one more must-visit spot: The Hole in the Wall. This dog-friendly pub is only a 10-minute walk from Bristol Temple Meads Railway Station, meaning you’re likely to be close to its stylish bar space, stunning dining room, and sun-kissed outdoor area at some point. Although, with riverside views like these, we wouldn’t recommend leaving it to chance... Go on, book a table and treat yourself in Bristol’s best pub.