Dog-Friendly Pubs Near Clitheroe with Food: 6 Great Places to Eat with Your Dog
If you’re searching for dog-friendly pubs near Clitheroe with food, you’re in luck.
Clitheroe and the surrounding Ribble Valley are particularly good places to combine a countryside walk with a proper pub lunch – without having to leave your dog behind.
From cosy village inns with roaring fires to country pubs surrounded by some of Lancashire’s best walking country, there are plenty of places where muddy boots and four-legged visitors are part of the scenery.
We’ve picked out some of the best dog-friendly pubs around Clitheroe that serve food, including options in Waddington, Worston, Sawley, Downham, Hurst Green and Whitewell.
Whether you’re visiting the Ribble Valley for the weekend or simply looking for somewhere for Sunday lunch after a dog walk, these are excellent places to start.
Dog-friendly tip: Pub policies can change and some venues only allow dogs in particular rooms or areas. If you’re making a special journey, particularly for an evening meal or Sunday lunch, it’s worth contacting the pub when booking and mentioning that you’ll be bringing a dog.
1. Waddington Arms, Waddington
Just a few minutes’ drive from Clitheroe, Waddington Arms | Hotel & Restaurant is an excellent choice if you want the atmosphere of a traditional Ribble Valley village pub alongside good food.
Situated in the centre of Waddington, the inn describes itself as “super dog friendly”, and dogs aren’t limited to visitors stopping for a quick pint – dog-friendly accommodation is available too. Visit Ribble Valley also lists the pub’s eating facilities as dog friendly.
Food has a strong Lancashire influence, with English country-pub classics and changing seasonal dishes. Regular favourites include Bowland Brewery beer-battered fish and chips and Lancashire hotpot, while the specials venture further afield. Local connections continue behind the bar with Bowland Brewery beers and wines selected by Clitheroe’s D. Byrne & Co.
Why visit with your dog?
Waddington itself is one of the Ribble Valley’s prettiest villages, making this an easy place to combine lunch with a walk. The village and surrounding countryside provide plenty of opportunities to stretch four legs before settling into the pub.
Best for: A relaxed village pub lunch, local food and combining a meal with a Waddington walk.
Where: Waddington, near Clitheroe, BB7 3HP.
2. Calf’s Head, Worston
At the foot of Pendle Hill, Calf’s Head has one of the best locations on this list for walkers with dogs.
The pub sits in the small conservation village of Worston, surrounded by countryside and with impressive views towards Pendle Hill. Most importantly for dog owners, it is specifically described by Visit Ribble Valley as a dog-friendly pub and a walkers’ destination.
There are maintained gardens and outdoor seating for finer days, while the traditional interior and open fires are particularly appealing when Lancashire’s weather is doing what Lancashire weather sometimes does.
The Calf’s Head serves an extensive selection of food and real ales, so this is somewhere you can plan as the main lunch stop rather than simply somewhere for a post-walk drink.
Walk first, pub afterwards
This is arguably one of the best choices for active dogs. Walking routes leave from around the inn, with options ranging from shorter local strolls to walks towards Clitheroe and much more ambitious adventures involving Pendle Hill.
If you’re planning to tackle Pendle, remember that this is working countryside. Keep dogs under close control around livestock and follow any local signage.
Best for: Pendle Hill walks, countryside views and a substantial meal afterwards.
Where: Worston, Clitheroe, BB7 1QA.
3. The Spread Eagle, Sawley
Sitting beside the River Ribble in the tiny village of Sawley, Spread Eagle Inn, Sawley makes a lovely destination for visitors exploring the countryside north-east of Clitheroe.
The pub actively welcomes dogs and goes considerably further than simply putting a water bowl outside: it even advertises a dog menu, so your companion doesn’t necessarily have to sit underneath the table watching you eat.
For humans, food is served from breakfast through to dinner, making the Spread Eagle useful whether you’re planning a leisurely lunch, an evening meal or simply want somewhere to stop during a day exploring the Ribble Valley.
Make a day of it
Sawley is a particularly attractive part of the Ribble Valley. A visit can easily be combined with a look around the remains of Sawley Abbey and a countryside walk near the River Ribble.
On wet days or following a muddy walk, it’s sensible to have a towel in the car for paws before heading inside.
Best for: Riverside countryside, a day out around Sawley and dogs who deserve their own lunch.
Where: Sawley, near Clitheroe, BB7 4LE.
4. Assheton Arms, Downham
Few Ribble Valley villages make a first impression quite like Downham, and Assheton Arms occupies a prime position in this famously picturesque village.
The historic Grade II listed pub is listed as welcoming dogs throughout, with water bowls available and dog walks nearby. It serves lunch and dinner as well as bar snacks.
That combination makes Downham a particularly useful choice if you’re planning a proper day out rather than just searching for somewhere to eat.
Explore Downham with your dog
The village sits beneath Pendle Hill and is surrounded by classic Ribble Valley countryside. Its stone cottages, stream and views make it a lovely place for a gentle wander before lunch.
For longer walks into the surrounding farmland, remember that you’ll frequently encounter livestock, so carry a lead and use it whenever necessary.
Best for: A picturesque Ribble Valley village, countryside walks and a proper pub meal.
Where: Downham, near Clitheroe, BB7 4BJ.
5. Shireburn Arms, Hurst Green
If your idea of a good day out involves a long countryside walk followed by food beside the fire, Shireburn Arms deserves a place on the shortlist.
Visit Ribble Valley lists the Shireburn Arms as both dog friendly and walking friendly, while its restaurant serves country-pub classics with a strong emphasis on local producers and suppliers. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are also listed.
Open fireplaces and cosy corners add to its appeal during autumn and winter, while the surrounding countryside provides plenty of reasons to visit during the warmer months too.
A great choice for walkers
Hurst Green is well known as a base for exploring the countryside around the Ribble Valley. It’s particularly associated with the Tolkien Trail, making the village popular with walkers.
If you’re attempting a longer route with your dog, take water, check ground conditions and be prepared for livestock and muddy sections.
Best for: Walkers, cosy pub lunches and exploring the countryside around Hurst Green.
Where: Hurst Green, near Clitheroe.
6. The Inn at Whitewell, Forest of Bowland
For spectacular countryside, The Inn at Whitewell is difficult to beat.
This historic country inn overlooks the River Hodder in the Forest of Bowland and explicitly welcomes dogs. Water bowls and towels are available, and visitors staying overnight can even request dog beds.
Food is a major part of the attraction. The kitchen places an emphasis on good local ingredients, with produce including Bowland beef and Lonk lamb, alongside seasonal game and an extensive drinks selection.
This makes Whitewell particularly suitable if the humans in your group want something a little more special while still being able to bring the dog.
Perfect for a Ribble Valley countryside day
The Inn at Whitewell’s position in the Forest of Bowland makes it an excellent base for exploring this quieter side of the Ribble Valley.
Expect winding country roads and limited mobile reception in some parts of Bowland, so downloading your route before setting off is a sensible precaution.
Best for: A destination lunch, Forest of Bowland scenery and a special meal with your dog in tow.
Where: Whitewell, Forest of Bowland, near Clitheroe, BB7 3AT.
Which Dog-Friendly Pub Near Clitheroe Should You Choose?
There’s no single winner – it depends on the kind of day you’re planning.
For walking around Pendle Hill, try the Calf’s Head at Worston.
For a pretty village and relaxed lunch, head to the Waddington Arms.
For Sawley Abbey and the River Ribble, choose the Spread Eagle.
For a classic Ribble Valley village experience, consider the Assheton Arms at Downham.
For walking around Hurst Green, the Shireburn Arms makes a natural stopping point.
And for a destination meal surrounded by Forest of Bowland scenery, the Inn at Whitewell is hard to beat.
Tips for Visiting Ribble Valley Pubs with a Dog
The Ribble Valley is fantastic dog-walking country, but a little preparation makes a pub visit much easier.
Book ahead and mention your dog. Even genuinely dog-friendly pubs may have particular dining areas where dogs are permitted. If you’re booking a table, tell the pub you’re bringing one.
Carry a towel. This is Lancashire. A sunny walk can become a muddy one surprisingly quickly, and wiping muddy paws before entering is always appreciated.
Bring a lead. Many walks around Clitheroe pass through farmland containing sheep and cattle. Follow signs and keep your dog under proper control around livestock.
Don’t assume the whole pub is dog friendly. A pub may welcome dogs in its bar, snug or beer garden but not its main restaurant. Check when booking if eating indoors is important to you.
Think about your dog’s temperament. A busy Sunday lunch service might be fine for a seasoned pub dog but overwhelming for a nervous puppy. Quieter weekday lunches can be a better option.
Check opening and food-serving times. Rural Ribble Valley pubs don’t necessarily serve food continuously throughout the day, and opening arrangements can change seasonally. Always check directly with the venue before travelling.
Dog-Friendly Clitheroe: Walk, Eat and Explore
One of the best things about visiting Clitheroe with a dog is that you don’t need to choose between a good walk and good food.
You can spend the morning beneath Pendle Hill before heading into a country pub for lunch, wander beside the River Ribble before settling down for a pint, or make a full day of exploring villages such as Waddington, Downham, Sawley and Hurst Green.
And if you’re staying for a few days, Clitheroe makes an excellent base for exploring the wider Ribble Valley and Forest of Bowland with your dog.
For more inspiration, read our Ultimate Dog-Friendly Day in Clitheroe, which includes ideas for walks, places to stop and dog-friendly things to do around town.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pubs in Clitheroe dog friendly?
Many pubs in Clitheroe and the surrounding Ribble Valley welcome dogs, particularly traditional country pubs popular with walkers. Policies vary between venues, however, and dogs may sometimes be restricted to the bar or designated dining areas.
Where can I eat near Clitheroe with my dog?
Dog-friendly pubs serving food around Clitheroe include the Waddington Arms in Waddington, Calf’s Head at Worston, Spread Eagle at Sawley, Assheton Arms at Downham, Shireburn Arms at Hurst Green and Inn at Whitewell.
Are there dog-friendly pubs near Pendle Hill?
Yes. The Calf’s Head at Worston is particularly convenient for Pendle Hill, with walking routes accessible from the area around the pub. Downham is another attractive option on the Clitheroe side of Pendle.
Which dog-friendly pub near Clitheroe is good after a walk?
For Pendle Hill, try the Calf’s Head. For walks around Waddington, consider the Waddington Arms. The Shireburn Arms works well for exploring Hurst Green, while the Inn at Whitewell is ideally placed for a day in the Forest of Bowland.
Can dogs go inside pubs around Clitheroe?
At many dog-friendly pubs they can, but individual policies differ and some restaurants reserve certain areas for diners without dogs. Contact the pub before travelling if you specifically need an indoor dog-friendly table.
Are there dog-friendly pubs with accommodation near Clitheroe?
Yes. Several country inns around Clitheroe offer dog-friendly accommodation. The Waddington Arms advertises dog-friendly rooms, while the Inn at Whitewell welcomes dogs staying overnight and can provide dog beds.
