With two national parks, three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Isle of Wight, there’s plenty to bark about when visiting dog-friendly Hampshire. Whether you're scaling the heights of the South Downs or exploring the New Forest, we've sniffed out the best things to do in Hampshire with a dog.
Whether you’re looking for beaches in Hampshire that allow dogs or dog-friendly days out in Hampshire with a difference, read on and you’ll find enough attractions and destinations to set tails wagging.
Once those with four legs and two are all tuckered out, it’ll be time to head back to your dog-friendly, self-catering Hampshire cottage. We’ve got lots of properties with wood burners, enclosed gardens and other comforts that your dog will love.
Click to fetch Hampshire’s…
🏖 Top beaches
🐕 Top walkies
🐾 Top days out
🥑 Top places to eat
🛏 Top places to stay
The best dog-friendly beaches in Hampshire
Bembridge Beach, Isle of Wight
Best for rock pooling: One of the good things about this beach on the Isle of Wight is that there’s a cafe at either end so you can replenish your caffeine needs before and after your walk. Bembridge Beach itself is a mixture of sand, pebbles and rocks with enough room for your pooches to run free. Whilst the dogs are exploring the island smells, you can collect sea glass and perhaps a fossil or two. At the lifeboat station end, you can continue along the beach or opt for the coastal path.
Why your dog will love it: As the tide recedes, you and your pups can explore Bembridge Ledge, a chalky outcrop that exposes plenty of rock pools. Be on the lookout for shrimp, starfish, sea anemones and crab – just make sure no noses get nipped!
Taddiford Gap Beac, Lymington
Best for avoiding crowds: A little off the beaten track, this sand and shingle beach in Lymington is usually quiet and offers a safe expanse of water if doggy paddling is on the cards. Your dogs might even enjoy scrambling up the low sandstone cliffs. Careful as you go, but if you make it to the top, you’ll have even better views of the Isle of Wight. There aren’t any amenities here, so be sure to pack some doggie treats.
Why your dog will love it: If your pup is the type who prefers his own company, then Taddiford Gap might be the answer. It’s not unheard of to go the length of the beach without meeting another furry friend. Keep an eye on the tide though as you can easily get cut off at high tide.
Calshot Beach, Calshot
Best for clear waters: Another dog-friendly beach in Hampshire with impressive views of the Isle of Wight, as well as of the Solent and Southampton, this long sand and shingle beach will give your four-legged pals ample space to chase their tails. There are some beautiful salt marshes that extend beyond the beach, where migratory and overwintering birds reside, and Henry VIII’s Calshot Castle looms nearby. You’re likely to find water sports enthusiasts occupying parts of the water.
Why your dog will love it: The beach has won some awards for its cleanliness and the water is sparklingly clear. It’s perfect for a dip to cool down after chasing a stick – just watch out for those kite surfers and kayakers.
The best dog-friendly walkies in Hampshire
The New Forest
Best for variety: There are simply too many great walks in the New Forest to fit in this one paragraph. With such an incredible range of options available when it comes to dog walks in Hampshire, you may find yourself tuckered out before you’ve even scratched the surface. Be sure to avoid getting too close to livestock such as cattle and ponies, and, when possible, keep to the main tracks to prevent spooking any sensitive wildlife including deer and birds. If you fancy getting out on your bikes and having Rover run alongside you, contact New Forest Activities, who can help you with this and other dog-friendly activities in Hampshire.
Why your dog will love it: There are so many possibilities when walking in the New Forest. Will you take a stroll in the woods, by the sea, over the beautiful heathland the area is renowned for, or take a dip in a river or stream? The potential is seemingly endless.
Noar Hill, Selborne
Best for wild open spaces: Get away from it all for a while with one of the most uplifting Hampshire walks with dogs. As you stroll through an area that is a favourite amongst local dog lovers, you’ll have access to the South Downs as well as almost 50 acres of nature reserve and SSSI to explore. The chalky landscape is dotted with ridges and banks which make ideal habitats for all kinds of plants and critters. There’s woodland too, but make the most of the long grasses and rough paths and stretch those legs, seeing if you can spot the junipers and pyramidal orchids along the way.
Why your dog will love it: The vast array of chalk downland flowers throughout the warmer seasons will provide the dogs with plenty to sniff and the fluttering butterflies will keep them entertained.
Selborne Common, Alton
Best for woodland: Maintained by the National Trust, Selborne Common is an inspiring area of beech, oak, ash and hawthorn woodland, and flower-filled meadows that span 250 acres. In a region saturated with wildlife, you’re likely to spot many a variety of butterfly as well as woodland shrews, and buzzards and turtle doves overhead. Visit the pretty Wood Pond too where you can spot dragonflies and let Fido cool his paws off.
Why your dog will love it: Walk through the sunny glades and reach the wooded area known as the Hanger. Let the dog lead the way and choose either the Zig Zag or the Bostal paths, both of which are likely to be filled with silver-washed fritillaries, white admirals, purple emperors and brown argus butterflies. Once you reach the top, you’ll be treated to satisfying vistas of the village of Lythes, the Weald, and the Downs of Hampshire.
The best dog-friendly days out in Hampshire
English Heritage
Best for a dog-friendly picnic: Just because you’re into your history, it doesn’t mean that your culture-loving canine has to miss out. Of all the dog-friendly places to visit in Hampshire, the sites managed by English Heritage are among the most popular with dog lovers. There are castles, abbeys and beautiful gardens to explore – all that’s asked is that you keep your furry pal on a lead and that you clean up after him. Why not try Hurst Castle in the New Forest with its commanding sea views, or Carisbrooke Castle on the Isle of Wight with its Norman keep and Princess Beatrice Garden? For help getting to the Isle of Wight, read our blog on dog-friendly ferries to the island.
Why your dog will love it: The fresh air and being by your side for the whole day will do your dog the world of good. We doubt that his tail will stop wagging as you scale castle steps or explore house gardens. Plus, he doesn’t even know about the picnic treats you brought along for him yet!
Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway, Exbury
Best for less mobile dogs: With 22 miles of largely flat pathways that delve into landscaped woodland and wildflower gardens, you and your dog can take it at your own pace at this beautiful riverside spot. There are devoted doggy days throughout the year at this pet-friendly garden, where you can benefit from reduced canine ticket prices, and you’ll find water bowls and dog bins located throughout the gardens. If you or your pal are feeling a little leggy, hop on the steam train with Fido on a lead and take in your surroundings from the comfort of a covered carriage.
Why your dog will love it: Dogs are welcomed into Mr Eddy’s restaurant, where they can even get treated to some scrumptious canine ice cream!
Blackgang Chine, Isle of Wight
Best for whole family excitement: If you want to spoil the entire pack and don’t want to leave the four-legged family member behind, then Blackgang Chine, aka the Land of Imagination, is the dog-friendly attraction in Hampshire to visit. With the Underwater Kingdom, Pirate Cove, Cowboy Town and Restricted Area 5 comprising just a fraction of what there is to see and do here, kids and dogs alike will have smiles on their faces the entire day. When the need for an adrenaline rush overwhelms you, head over to the Cliffhanger and the Waterforce, before heading to the Pirate Barrels and Snakes and Ladders for the little tots in the group. Just make sure you take turns staying with the dog!
Why your dog will love it: Feeding off your positive energy, your furry pal will revel in your excitement and enjoy all the sights and sounds at this clifftop attraction with spectacular sea views.
The best dog-friendly places to eat out in Hampshire
The Hampshire Bowman, Bishop's Waltham
Best for spending the whole day: Known as a dog’s pub that also lets in people, The Hampshire Bowman will welcome you with open paws. The two resident dogs can show your pooches the ropes, pointing out the huge garden which backs onto fields and woods – perfect for a post-lunch saunter. When it’s time to head inside, there are hoses to wash off muddy paws, water bowls for refreshment, and two open fires to warm chilly fur. There are treats on the bar for well-behaved pups, and for dutiful humans, there’s a list of six real ales, ten traditional ciders and a great pub menu.
Why your dog will love it: There are plenty of spaces for your pup to explore at this wonderful Hampshire pub. The extensive garden will provide lots of sniffs and the cosy interior is the perfect place to nap.
The George Inn, Finchdean
Best for nearby walks: This 18th-century tavern can be found nestled in the middle of the South Downs, meaning there are a plethora of walks available to you either before or after a welcoming pint of local ale. Jack the German shepherd will welcome you and yours inside where he’s happy to share his water bowl and basket of dog biscuits. Following Jack outside, you find the huge, lawned garden with poo bags next to the bins. There are even dog-friendly events at this Hampshire pub - see below.
Why your dog will love it: Your pup will adore this dog-friendly pub in Hampshire, largely due to the fun summer garden parties it holds. If you time it right, you might even be lucky enough to visit on Pet Photo Shoot Day!
The White Hart, Pennington
Best for treating dogs like royalty: Kia the pub husky welcomes you to The White Hart, an establishment recommended by the Dog-friendly Pub Awards. There are three areas to choose from when settling down: the bar, the lounge and a nice, big restaurant. When the weather’s fine, enjoy the lawned garden with its covered patio area, before heading back inside to find treats, water bowls and even dog toys to play with. Humans can choose from a traditional pub menu that includes mixed grills, burgers, and fish and chips, making it a great place to dine out with your dog.
Why your dog will love it: Head over on a Sunday and order some food and your furry pal will get a free bowl of turkey. Hot-diggity-dog!
The best dog-friendly places to stay in Hampshire
Crow's Nest Cabin, Beaulieu | Sleeps 2 + 1 dog
Best for a tranquil getaway: A private hideaway nestled in the New Forest right by the Beaulieu River, Crow's Nest Cabin is the perfect romantic retreat for you, your partner and your third-wheel pupster. A unique property in the New Forest elevated by supporting stilts, the interiors are decorated in a contemporary and relaxing style, and you’ll even have an enclosed, raised decked area for those balmy evenings.
Why your dog will love it: Pop down his dog bed in front of the wood burner and let him warm himself by the crackling of the flames as he looks out towards the woodland and the wildlife housed there.
Rooksbridge Barn, Burridge | Sleeps 4 + 2 dogs
Best for warm evenings: With the high ceilings and cottage charm of this single-level accommodation, you’ll be forgiven for wanting to cosy up inside. But the true appeal of Rooksbridge Barn is its outdoor areas. A beautiful grassy garden (which can also be reached directly from one of the bedrooms) contains a luxurious wood-fired hot tub and an elegant gazebo with lights and heaters. Perfect for summer nights with your nearest and dearest.
Why your dog will love it: The enclosed, lawned garden is plenty big enough to stretch four legs in and your furry pal will love having his head patted as you spend time in the heated gazebo with friends.
Chine Cottage, Isle of Wight| Sleeps 6 + 2 dogs
Best for luxurious island living: This 5-star property in Totland Bay makes for the perfect dog-friendly holiday in Hampshire. As well as having sea views and being mere minutes from the dog-friendly beach, the suntrap patio at Chine Cottage is perfect for lazy dogs to stretch out and catch some rays. If it becomes a little too hot, there’s even a purpose-built kennel in the garden.
Why your dog will love it: Whether your dog prefers to be indoors or outside, there’ll be plenty of spacious areas to explore. The living room, kitchen and conservatory all have large floor spaces to roam, and the huge, enclosed garden is a haven for inquisitive pups.
Dog-friendly holidays in Hampshire
When you need the most amazing basecamp from which to launch your ultimate dog-friendly holiday in Hampshire, choose one of our self-catering holiday lets. With romantic retreats, coastal getaways and family-friendly country houses perfect for celebrations, you’ll find the pet-friendly accommodation to suit your vacation needs. Get ready to explore this fantastic part of the south coast and start making memories with your four-pawed best friend.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.