There’s something lovely about discovering a countryside inn that feels like home the minute you walk in – especially when your dog trotting beside you. In the peaceful South Somerset village of Broadway (near Ilminster), The Bell at Broadway is a charming British pub, restaurant, and B&B that properly welcomes dogs with open arms… and maybe even a biscuit or two.
The Bell at Broadway Ilminster
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Dog Friendly Hotels Somerset
The Bell at Broadway offers a handful of boutique-style bedrooms – all thoughtfully decorated and full of character. Dogs are allowed in all the rooms, which means no being shoved into the ‘dog room’ out back.
The Bell Inn Broadway is the oldest pub in the area, dating back to 1640. Renovated just before lockdown, it has been restored, capturing the character of the 17th Century Inn.
There’s a real community feel here. Locals mix in with weekenders, and the staff chat to everyone like they’ve known you for years. We got some great tips about where to visit, local walks, farmers markets and top places to eat. It’s relaxed, friendly, and refreshingly unpretentious. Ivan got many scratches behind the ears, lots of treats, and was called by name by the end of the night.
Best Dog Friendly B&B Ilminster
We stayed on a Friday and Saturday night at the beginning of April – the perfect time of year for cherry blossoms, warm evenings, and countryside strolls. Whether you’re searching for a dog-friendly break in Ilminster, a weekend getaway, or just a cracking Sunday roast, this place ticks many boxes. There’s also free parking and free WiFi.
Our double room was immaculately clean and spacious, offering everything we needed for a comfortable stay: a plush king-size bed with Egyptian cotton bedding, a refreshing rainforest shower, fluffy towels, a convenient coffee station, a smart TV, and ample floor space for a dog bed. The provision of bottled water, replenished daily, was a thoughtful touch, especially in the unseasonably warm weather.
Bizarrely, the shower is inside the bedroom, and you can see everything, so it is best to share the room with someone you’re close to. However, it is a good use of space.
Notably, a towel was thoughtfully provided for muddy paws, a clear indication of their exceptional service. It’s often the little things that make a big difference, isn’t it?
We both enjoyed a restful night’s sleep, not only due to the comfortable bed but also because of the serene village ambience. No traffic, no sirens, no shouting… just the tranquil silence of the countryside. Even Ivan seemed to be in a more relaxed state in the morning!
Complimentary Breakfast at The Bell Broadway
Each morning, we sat down to a proper full English (veggie and vegan options available, too). We were asked to pre-order our selection. You can also pick breakfast rolls or ‘on toast’ options like eggs, beans and bacon. Alongside this, there’s cereal, yoghurt and fresh fruit. Dogs can join you for breakfast in the bar and restaurant area.
Country Pubs near Ilminster
We actually ended up eating in the pub both nights – The Bell at Broadway Menu was that good. And I wanted to have a few drinks rather than drive into Ilminster. However, the Five Dials Inn is only a 15-minute walk away.
The menu’s full of tempting choices, and everything is beautifully presented without being too fancy or faffy. You can tell they care about the food here. On our first night, I went for the Somerset Duck Breast, which came with salt-roasted beetroot, sweet potato fondant and red cabbage – rich, colourful and ridiculously tasty. My partner had the Lamb Rump, served with a pressed potato terrine and creamy savoy cabbage. Honestly, we were both scraping our plates clean.
The next evening, we went full-on pizza mode. I had the Porco pizza, topped with tomato, mozzarella, salami, nduja, pepperoni, Cotto ham and Italian sausage. It’s a meat-lovers dream – definitely not something to be shy about! Meanwhile, my other half tried the Pollo Calzone, which had a Thai chicken yellow curry twist, with potato, mozzarella, onion and carrot all folded into a giant, golden crust. It sounded bonkers, but it totally worked.
With food this good, it’s no wonder The Bell is so popular. It’s also one of the top dog friendly pubs in Somerset, so don’t be surprised if you spot a few wagging tails under the tables while you tuck into your dinner.
The Bell at Broadway menu prices are a little pricier than usual, but you do get quality, fresh and local ingredients. Pizzas are between £14.50 and £19.50, whilst main menu items are between £17.50 and £26.
Things to do near Ilminster
The B&B is conveniently located near several local attractions, such as the historic town of Ilminster, four National Trust sites, and the picturesque countryside, perfect for long walks with your furry friend. Dive into some of the best things to do in Ilminster.
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Book The Bell at Broadway
If you’ve enjoyed places like The 18 Bucklands in Bideford or the Cliffden Hotel in Devon, you’ll love The Bell Inn Broadway. It has that same relaxed charm and an easy-going vibe, making travelling with your dog stress-free.
Would we go again? Absolutely. I’ve already recommended booking The Bell on Broadway to my parents. Prices vary per night, but for your information, we paid £171 for a bed and breakfast for a two-night break in April 2025.
Travelling with your Dog
FunnyFuzzy is a brand that offers stylish and practical accessories for travelling with pets, focusing on comfort, safety, and convenience. Their product range includes cosy pet carriers and cushioned car seat covers designed to make journeys more enjoyable for pets and their owners. These accessories often feature durable materials, easy-to-clean fabrics, and thoughtful design elements like secure fastenings and ventilation to ensure pets are comfortable and safe on the go.
The Bell at Broadway Reviews
Looking at The Bell at Broadway Reviews TripAdvisor, it’s clear we’re not the only ones who love it. Guests rave about the friendly team, cosy rooms, and how dog friendly it all is.
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The Bell in Broadway Address
📍 Broadway Rd, Broadway, Ilminster, Somerset, United Kingdom TA19 9RG
///lyrics.shadow.rags
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