Dog Friendly Hampshire

Planning a day out or short break in Hampshire with your dog? From woodland walks and country parks to historic attractions, coast paths and dog-friendly places to visit, there are plenty of ways to explore Hampshire without leaving your four-legged friend behind.

Hampshire is home to two National Parks – the New Forest and South Downs – as well as miles of coastline, countryside and historic towns and cities. You'll also find attractions where dogs are welcome, whether that's exploring a castle, hopping aboard a heritage railway or wandering through beautiful gardens.

Discover some of the best dog-friendly days out in Hampshire below and don't forget to check individual attractions before travelling, as dog policies and seasonal restrictions can change. Businesses listed below are dog-friendly, however please do check individual attraction's facilities ahead of your visit. 

Dog-friendly days out in Winchester

Winchester makes a great base for a dog-friendly day out, combining a compact city centre with plenty of countryside nearby.

Explore the city's streets on foot, spend time in Winchester Cathedral, walk beside the River Itchen or head out into the surrounding Hampshire countryside. You'll also find plenty of dog-friendly pubs and cafes where you can stop for something to eat or drink along the way.

For something a little different, travel east of Winchester to the Watercress Line, where dogs can join you for a journey through the Hampshire countryside aboard a heritage steam train. Check the Watercress Line's latest dog policy and fares before travelling.

You can also explore the ruins of Wolvesey Castle, one of several historic Hampshire sites where dogs are welcome subject to individual restrictions.

Dog-friendly days out in Southampton

You don't have to leave the city behind to find green space for your dog in Southampton.

At 326 acres, Southampton Common offers plenty of space for a walk, with woodland, grassland, ponds and a nature reserve. The city's network of greenways provides further opportunities for longer walks away from busy streets.

For a change of scenery, head towards Hamble-le-Rice. Enjoy a waterside walk around this pretty sailing village, watch the boats on the River Hamble and stop at one of the village's dog-friendly pubs or cafes.

The wider Southampton area also gives you access to the Solent coastline and country parks, making it easy to combine a city break with outdoor adventures.

Dog-friendly days out in Portsmouth and Southsea

Combine a coastal walk with a little history on a dog-friendly day out in Portsmouth.

Southsea Common offers a large open space close to the seafront, while dogs can enjoy sections of Portsmouth's coastline subject to seasonal beach restrictions.

For a historic day out, head to Portchester Castle. Set beside Portsmouth Harbour, the castle combines Roman and medieval history with plenty of outdoor space and impressive views across the water. 

Dog-friendly days out on Hayling Island

With coastal walks and miles of shoreline, Hayling Island is a popular place to explore with your dog.

Dogs are welcome on parts of Hayling Island's coastline throughout the year, while seasonal restrictions apply to some of the main beaches between spring and autumn. Before setting off, check the latest beach signage and Havant Borough Council information to find out where dogs can be exercised during your visit.

Away from the sand, there are plenty of opportunities for walks taking in the island's coastal scenery and views across Langstone and Chichester Harbours. Dogs on leads are also welcome at Hayling Island's Funland amusement park. 

Dog-friendly days out in the New Forest

The New Forest National Park is one of Hampshire's best-known destinations for a walking break with your dog, with woodland, heathland and coastal landscapes to explore.

The New Forest is also a working landscape and internationally important wildlife habitat. Dogs should always be kept under effective control and away from the free-roaming ponies, cattle and other livestock. During ground-nesting bird season, visitors are asked to keep themselves and their dogs to the main tracks and use a lead where necessary. Please follow the New Forest Code on your visit. 

There are dog-friendly attractions to discover too. At Hurst Castle, dogs on leads are welcome inside the castle and can travel on the ferry, or energetic dogs and their owners can make the approximately two-mile walk along Hurst Spit to reach it.

Buckler's Hard is another option for exploring this part of Hampshire, combining the history of the village and its shipbuilding past with walks around the Beaulieu River area. Dogs are also welcome at Beaulieu (just not inside the National Motor Museum). 

Dog-friendly days out in the South Downs

Rolling hills, woodland and long-distance trails make the Hampshire section of the South Downs National Park another excellent choice for a day out with your dog.

At Queen Elizabeth Country Park, near Petersfield, you'll find around 2,000 acres of woodland and downland to explore, with routes for everything from a gentle stroll to a longer countryside walk.

The Shipwrights Way offers another option for adventurous dogs and their owners. The long-distance route links villages and countryside across East Hampshire as it makes its way towards the coast.

Further north, Alice Holt Forest has a network of woodland trails to explore with your dog.

Remember that much of this landscape is home to livestock and wildlife, so follow the Countryside Code and any local signage and use a lead where required.

Dog-friendly days out in the Test Valley

With its pretty villages, chalk streams and rolling countryside, the Test Valley has plenty of options for a quieter dog-friendly day out.

Visit Houghton Lodge Gardens, near Stockbridge, to explore its gardens and beautiful setting beside the River Test. Check its current opening times and dog policy before visiting, as the gardens open seasonally.

The wider Test Valley countryside also offers plenty of opportunities for walks. Explore around Stockbridge and the River Test, discover countryside surrounding Romsey or head north towards Andover and the North Wessex Downs.

After your walk, you'll find a choice of country pubs across the Test Valley where dogs are welcome – perfect for muddy paws and hungry owners.

Dog-friendly castles and historic places in Hampshire

You don't necessarily have to leave your dog behind to discover Hampshire's history.

Hurst Castle, Portchester Castle, the ruins of Wolvesey Castle, Bishop's Waltham Palace and Netley Abbey are among the historic locations worth investigating for a dog-friendly day out.

Hurst Castle is particularly good for dogs, with dogs on leads welcomed at the castle and on the ferry. 

Some National Trust properties in Hampshire also allow dogs in specified outdoor areas. Always check the individual property's current dog policy before travelling, as access can differ between gardens, parkland and indoor spaces and may change seasonally.

Dog walks in Hampshire's country parks

Hampshire's country parks offer some of the easiest ways to enjoy a day outside with your dog.

From woodland trails and downland to lakes, rivers and coastal scenery, you'll find country parks across the county offering walks of different lengths and difficulty.

Explore Queen Elizabeth Country Park in the South Downs, head towards the coast for Lepe Country Park, or discover other Hampshire countryside sites and parks.

Dogs may need to be kept on leads or under close control in particular areas, especially around livestock, wildlife, children's play areas and cafés, so look out for signage during your visit.

Dog-friendly beaches in Hampshire

Fancy some sea air? Hampshire has several coastal locations where you can enjoy a walk with your dog.

Around the New Forest coast, dog-walking options include areas around Barton-on-Sea, Milford on Sea, Keyhaven, Hurst Spit, Lepe and Calshot. Further east, explore the coastline around Lee-on-the-Solent, Stokes Bay, Portsmouth and Hayling Island.

Make a dog-friendly break of it

Why stop at a day out? Hampshire has plenty of dog-friendly accommodation, including hotels, cottages, pubs with rooms, campsites and glamping stays.

You can also discover dog-friendly places to eat in Hampshire, making it easier to plan a full day or short break where your dog can come along too.

Browse our dog-friendly accommodation and start planning your next Hampshire adventure together.