Dog on Southsea Beach in the Sunset

Dog Friendly Hampshire

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Want to bring your dog with you on a day trip, holiday or on a short break? Looking to come to Hampshire but not sure where your four legged friend will be welcome? Hampshire offers a whole host of dog friendly attractions, accommodation, pubs, restaurants and parks which welcome canine visitors. 

Dog Friendly Winchester

Winchester is a city well catered towards dog owners. With a range of dog-friendly hotels and self-catering facilities, visitors won't be short of places to stay with their canine friends. The city and its surrounding areas have a generous supply of eateries which allow dogs in their bar area, from cosy country pubs to city centre dining. .

Dogs on leads are welcome at many of Winchester's top attractions, particularly those with open spaces or gardens. A unique experience can be had on the Watercress Line Steam Railway where pets are charged £1 a ticket.
 

Dog Friendly Southampton

Southampton has a good selection of dog friendly parks and green spaces, both in the city centre and further afield. There are eight greenway walks which are an ideal dog walking opportunity and there are regular agility courses in the area. Southampton Common stretches an impressive 326 acres and is home to a lake, ponds, play areas and nature reserve.

Dogs are welcome in many of the pubs on the outskirts of the city. The pretty village of Hamble is home to three marinas and many of the pubs and restaurants along the High Street welcome pets. Nearby Old Bursledon has an old-world charm and its cosy pubs are a great place to escape to after a dog walk around the area.
 

Dog Friendly Portsmouth

There is a comprehensive guide to dog-friendly Portsmouth on the Visit Portsmouth website. Discover Southsea in the heart of Portsmouth where your pets can run the beach or the common. 
 

Dog Friendly Hayling Island

Dogs are not allowed on the blue flag beaches from 1st May to 30th September, but are allowed at the following locations: From golf club to Ferry, From funfair to Creek Road at Eastoke, at Eastoke from Bosmere Road to lifeboat station. On the grass: Above the road parallel to Ferry, Between funfair & Eastoke Corner. On the promenade: On leads only.

From 1st October to 30th April dogs are allowed on ALL beaches on Hayling Island.
 

Dog Friendly New Forest

Well-behaved dogs are welcome in the New Forest National Park. With its miles of bridleways and open heathland, the New Forest is the perfect place for your dog to to explore when visiting the county.

Dog-friendly activities range from guided walks and cycling to exploring top attractions such as Exbury Gardens and Buckler's Hard. Many of the area's beaches also welcome pets, as long as they are well behaved. Take a look at the official guide to walking your dog, download a list of dog-friendly pubs and print off the dog information leaflet with everything you need to know about dog-friendly beaches and attractions, plus cycling with your dog and local vets.
A list of dog-friendly attractions is available on the official visitor website for the New Forest.
 

Dog Friendly South Downs National Park

The South Downs National Park is perfect for dog-walking, with miles of accessible footpaths and bridle-ways, although dog-walkers should always follow the countryside code. The Shipwrights Way is a new multi-use trail that runs through the South Downs and on to Portsmouth. For more information on walking in this area visit the websites for East Hampshire and the South Downs.  
 
Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Hampshire's biggest country park, is near Petersfield and has 2,000 acres of open access woodland and downland, all set within the South Downs National Park. Dogs are welcome under close control or on a lead. There are also great walks in Alice Holt Forest near Farnham and again well-behaved dogs are welcome. 

Located on the edge of the South Downs, Gilbert White’s Gardens are on the perfect dog walking route of two National Trust walks: Selborne Common and the Lythes.

Dog Friendly Test Valley

With miles of pretty countryside and flowing rivers which are great for fishing, there is a lot to do outdoors in Test Valley. Many of the region's hotels, B&Bs and country pubs offer warm welcomes to dogs and their owners. From popular pubs such as the Peat Spade and Three Cups in Stockbridge to the countryside setting of the Mayfly along the River Test, eating out is never a problem.

Local attraction Houghton Lodge and Gardens in Stockbridge also welcomes dogs, but is only open certain times of the year. Andover also has plenty of parks and green spaces to enjoy when the weather is good.
 

Dog Friendly English Heritage Sites & The National Trust

Many of Hampshire's English Heritage Sites are dog friendly, including some of the county's castles. Hurst Castle in the New Forest, Portchester Castle near Portsmouth, Wolvesey Castle in Winchester and the ruins of Bishop's Waltham Palace and Netley Abbey all welcome dogs on leads.

The National Trust's Mottisfont and The Vyne are popular spots for people to walk their dogs, although they are not allowed inside the properties. Both locations are good places to take a picnic and explore the beautiful grounds surrounding the houses. 
 

Dog Walks in Hampshire’s Country Parks 

Most of Hampshire's country parks and countryside welcome dog walkers, although people are advised to adhere to any signs and restrictions. There is comprehensive online information for dog owners wanting to discover Hampshire's countryside sites and parks.  
 

Dog Friendly Accommodation Information

There are plenty of dog friendly accommodations across Hampshire. Find out where you and your able canine can stay in our dog friendly accommodation section
 

Dog Friendly Beaches

The following Hampshire beaches allow dogs on to them, although you will need to check signs for restrictions and some dogs may be required to stay on their lead:

New Forest

  • Barton-on-Sea
  • Friars Cliff 
  • Highcliffe
  • Hordle Cliff
  • Keyhaven
  • Lepe
  • Milford on Sea
  • Calshot

Solent, Fareham & Gosport

  • Lee-on-Solent
  • Gosport
  • Stokes Bay

Portsmouth

  • Southsea Beach
  • Old Portsmouth Beach
  • Eastney

Hayling Island

  • West Beachlands
  • West Hayling