Known for its fantastic natural landscape which is ideal for long walks, the New Forest is bursting with beautiful places to stay and things to do for pet parents with their beloved dogs in tow. This region is full of cosy pubs, fun attractions and wonderful pet-friendly accommodation, so you can enjoy a relaxed holiday escape with your four-legged friend by your side.
We’ve picked out a few unique escapes for you to take a look at for an extra-special getaway. Go exploring beautiful gardens, take a ride on a steam train and spend days down on the beach when you stay at one of these unique dog-friendly cottages. We have a self-catering waterside lodge, large pet-friendly accommodation big enough for the whole pack and luxury dog-friendly cottages with hot tubs for the human guests to discover.
Where will you stay during your escape to this beautiful canine-friendly county? Browse through these five unique dog-friendly cottages in the New Forest to find your perfect holiday getaway, or tap the button below to view our whole collection.
Crow's Nest Cabin, Beaulieu
Sleeps:
1 dog + 2 humans
Why we love it:
What's not to love about a house on stilts? This romantic retreat is away from the hustle and bustle but still has the mod cons you desire for a relaxing holiday. Crow's Nest Cabin is set in an enviable and elevated position by the Beaulieu River; you'll find that you're perfectly positioned for forest walks. The interior design is cosy and incorporates a clever woodland theme. Snuggle up with your partner and your pup by the wood burner before enjoying dinner on the balcony and spotting the wildlife on offer.
Why guests love it:
“We have stayed in a wide range of holiday cottages and this cabin was one of the best. It is well equipped with plenty of thought and attention to detail. We stayed in winter and it was warm and cosy even without using the wood burner. The track behind the cottage goes to Beaulieu in one direction and Buckler's Hard in the other, and was perfect for morning dog walks. Being in the treetops was great and gave privacy from the other cabins nearby. Highly recommended.” – Melanie
What’s nearby?
Of course, there's the river to wander by and enjoy. Take a 4.5-mile amble along the banks from Beaulieu towards the 18th-century shipbuilding village of Buckler's Hard, where warships for Nelson's Navy were once built. There's a dog-friendly pub here if you get peckish or if the weather is too nice not to stay outside, there are plenty of picnic spots along the way. If you fancy a nice day trip, you could travel to the Isle of Wight. The ferry at Lymington is only 7.5 miles away and once there, you'll be spoiled for choice with a selection of activities, including beaches, walks, sightseeing (for example The Needles), and visits to dog-friendly attractions Blackgang Chine and the Isle of Wight Steam Railway.
Avon Riverside Lodge, Christchurch
Sleeps:
1 dog + 6 humans
Why we love it:
This incredible riverside home offers a feast for the eyes, both inside and out. The impeccable interior of Avon Riverside Lodge is peppered with thoughtful design touches, beautiful fabrics and ornaments, and gorgeous pieces of furniture. The leafy terraced garden is a haven for both human and dog – step down to the pretty riverside decking, where you can feast alfresco as the breeze whispers through the grapevines.
Why guests love it:
“A very welcoming home from home for humans and dogs. Really comfortable. Lovely location with great views and yet only minutes’ walk from a bustling town centre. Walking distance of beautiful beaches. Really recommend it.” – Rachel
What’s nearby?
The shops and pubs of Christchurch are within a short, 0.5-mile hop and skip, the town’s lovely riverside setting making it a scenic place to stay and explore. Try your hand at paddleboarding or kayaking in Christchurch Harbour, or stick to dry land and discover the Priory Church and castle ruins, or a round of golf at Christchurch Golf Club. When it comes to dog walks, both the coast and the countryside are easily accessible. Dogs are welcome in the scenic grounds of Highcliffe Castle, and Stanpit Marsh and Hengistbury Head offer yet more walking routes. Visit Bournemouth, Southbourne, Avon Beach and Mudeford on the coast, or head inland to discover the beauty of the New Forest National Park. On a holiday in Christchurch, your itinerary is sure to be packed full of dog-friendly days out!
Solent Retreat, Milford-on-Sea
Sleeps:
1 dog + 6 humans
Why we love it:
Not only does Solent Retreat have an expansive garden with lawn furniture, the spacious property also comes with its very own hot tub for soaking away in on balmy evenings. You are less than 0.25 miles from the beach at Milford-on-Sea with its magnificent vistas and upon your return, you can challenge your friends and family to a game of pool in the garden lodge which boasts its own kitchen, shower, TV and sofa bed.
Why guests love it:
“This was such a fantastic house, beautifully decorated and very homely. And also the best-equipped house we've ever stayed in! The cabin was brilliant, the kids loved going in there to watch tv or play pool. The adults made good use of the hot tub after days out exploring the wonderful New Forest and local beaches. The garden was really pretty and got the sun all day long which was lovely to relax in with a glass of wine or two! Can't fault anything at all and would love to return again.” – Jill
What’s nearby?
As Milford-on-Sea is home to one of the most dog-friendly beaches in the UK, you may not want to travel further than the seafront (which is less than a mile away!). If you do decide to venture outside of this coastal village, take a trip to the dog-friendly Hurst Castle, set at the end of a coastal spit where nothing is off-limits to your canine companion.
Woodgreen Old Chapel, Fordingbridge (3mls NE)
Sleeps:
2 dogs + 4 humans
Why we love it:
This former chapel really is a unique place to stay in the New Forest. Set near Fordingbridge in the beautiful village of Woodgreen with its beautiful countryside, Woodgreen Old Chapel has an open-plan design that lets the light flood in. There's underfloor heating, which will go down well with four-pawed guests, and the bedrooms have an interesting mezzanine style. Come morning, the inviting patio awaits so you can enjoy your first coffee in style. There's also a BBQ for those balmy evenings.
Why guests love it:
“We have had an amazing holiday. We were a party of two adults, two teen girls and a little cockapoo. Woodgreen is a lovely village, and we ate a few times at the local pub which made us very welcome. The shop was handy too for our milk and bread etc. The chapel was stunning and suited all our needs. Jenny the owner was exceptionally welcoming and Mowgli my dog enjoyed running up to see her. Woodgreen is a great location. We would love to return!” – Natasha
What’s nearby?
The New Forest is your playground when it comes to picturesque landscapes and walking trails. Explore ancient woodland and vast heathland and try to spot the wild ponies along the way. For those who like things a little more fast-paced, try the New Forest Water Park where you can try your hand at wakeboarding, paddleboarding and other water sports. Insight Activities is great too if you want to try archery, axe-throwing or bushcraft skills.
Old Telephone Exchange, Beaulieu
Sleeps:
1 dog + 2 humans
Why we love it:
The waterfront location! A dreamy two-person abode that is ideal for a romantic getaway – with your dog in tow, of course. The Old Telephone Exchange is set on the edge of a lake so you can enjoy a waterside view directly from your cottage windows. Luckily, there’s a fence around the perimeter, so Fido won’t wander off whilst you are enjoying your morning coffee with the door flung open.
Why guests love it:
“If you want quiet, a beautiful view and a return to nature, this is the place. The place is clean, well equipped and the welcome crate was perfect. Loved it so much we booked for next year on the 2nd day we were there.” – Chris
What’s nearby?
Canines are welcome to explore the very beautiful and very dog-friendly Exbury Gardens, 4 miles away. Take your dog on board the steam train for a short ride around the grounds, pop into Mr Eddy’s restaurant where dogs can try their own canine ice cream or plan your holiday around their next Devoted Dogs Day, an annual event where visitors with dogs accompanying them get a discount.
Dog-friendly cottages in the New Forest
From private hot tubs and enclosed gardens to waterside getaways and luxury pet-friendly accommodation, we have a wealth of beautiful holiday cottages for you and your dog to call home during your escape.
If you’re feeling inspired by these unique escapes and want to browse more pet-friendly accommodation, take a look through our full collection of dog-friendly cottages in the New Forest.
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.