Bath is small enough to walk most of with a dog (1.5 km wide), but for longer trips the First Bus and South Western Railway both accept dogs. UK rail rules are exceptionally generous: up to 2 dogs per passenger travel free on national rail (provided they don't take up a seat). Buses accept leashed dogs at the driver's discretion, Bath's drivers are reliably welcoming.
Bath Spa is the city's main rail station, served by GWR (direct trains to London Paddington in 1h25, dog ticket free) and South Western Railway. Up to 2 dogs travel free per passenger on UK national rail; larger dogs that need a seat would require a child ticket but in practice this is rarely enforced. Dogs must be on a lead and not on the seats.
First Bus operates Bath's city and inter-urban routes, including the frequent X39/X40 to Bristol (35 min). Well-behaved leashed dogs travel free at the driver's discretion on all First Bus services. The city centre is compact enough that most visitors walk, but buses are useful for reaching Bathampton Down and the Kennet & Avon Canal towpath from outlying stops.
๐ก The number 2 bus connects Bath Spa station to the University of Bath campus near Bathampton Down, useful if walking in from the station with a large dog.
Bath operates four Park & Ride sites (Lansdown, Odd Down, Newbridge, Batheaston) with frequent electric shuttle buses to the city centre. Dogs on leads are accepted free on all Park & Ride shuttles. Parking is free or low-cost. This is the best arrival strategy for a dog-friendly visit: park outside, take the shuttle in, and walk the compact centre on foot.
๐ก Lansdown Park & Ride (north of Bath) is nearest to the Lansdown Hill walking area, park there, shuttle in, walk back across the ridge for a 8 km circular.
Our top-rated pet-friendly hotels, handpicked and verified.
Apex City of Bath Hotel
โ โ โ โ ยท 8.7/10
โฌ135/night
Hilton Bath City
โ โ โ โ ยท 8.4/10
โฌ119/night
Travelodge Bath Central
โ โ โ ยท 8/10
โฌ75/night
Looking for a place to stay elsewhere? These destinations near Bath also welcome your dog.
