Discover all the New Forest’s best dog-friendly walks, beaches & places to eat. With ancient woodland & stretches of coastline to roam, there are loads of great days out with dogs!
The New Forest’s countless woodland trails, stretches of unspoilt countryside and accessible coastline make it an absolute haven for dogs. With almost endless freedom to run and play, your four-legged friends are guaranteed to have as much fun on holiday as you are!
As the area is home to many proud dog lovers, you’ll also find that various shops and pubs throughout the New Forest are dog-friendly, ensuring you’re set up for a great day out.
Check out our top recommendation for the best dog-friendly walks, places to eat, beaches, dog parks and accommodation below…
We’ve narrowed down some of our favourite dog-friendly walks that ensure the whole family can experience the New Forest at its best.
Start/ finish: Bucklers Hard Boat Yard, Brockenhurst, SO42 7XB
what3words: ///cabbies.terminology.quack
Distance: 4 miles circular
This is a very pretty and mainly flat circular walk. The path is protected from wind in winter and is beautifully leafy and shady in summer, making it a great bet all year round.
Start at Buckler’s Hard Boatyard and walk to Beaulieu where there are lots of good cafes, a great pub and restaurant and a chocolate shop to refuel at before you head back.
Start/ finish: Filly Inn, Lymington Rd, Brockenhurst SO42 7UF
what3words: ///tablet.durations.teach
The woodlands, meadows and glades at Roydon Woods Nature Reserve are beautiful for a stroll all year round. Arguably, the woods are most spectacular in springtime when the carpets of bluebells bloom.
The reserve near Brockenhurst is owned by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust and has plenty of beautiful vantage points. There is a lovely clear stream and masses of deer living here – be careful if your dog is a chaser. We recommend starting and ending your walk at the Filly Inn, where free parking is available to patrons.
Start/ finish: Lymington Yacht Haven, King’s Saltern Rd, Lymington SO41 3QD
what3words: ///simulations.response.perfected
Distance: 5.4 miles circular
The path along Solent Way is utterly beautiful. You’ll find views of the Isle of Wight, mudflats and salt marshes and there are plenty of benches to sit on and while away your time.
We love starting in Lymington, near the Yacht Haven and walking east toward Keyhaven. Stop for coffee or lunch at the Gun Inn in Keyhaven before heading back to the Yacht Haven to warm up by their wood burner or sip something refreshing on their sun terrace, depending on the weather.
The marshes are full of birds feeding and roosting all year around, so please keep dogs on a short lead.
Start/ finish: Chapel Ln, Burley, Ringwood BH24 4AA (carpark)
what3words: ///prepare.failed.powerful
Distance: 4.2 miles circular
This walk skirts around the edge of the ancient village of Burley. From the village centre, follow the path along Castle Hill Lane, past the hill fort on Castle Hill and across the open forest before you return to the village for a potter around the shops and a pit stop at one of the village pubs.
Start/ finish: Saltgrass lane, Keyhaven, Milford on Sea
what3words: ///habits.exhaling.sprouted
Distance: 3 miles circular
We love the leisurely 1.5-mile walk along the shingle spit from Keyhaven to Hurst Castle. The sea is wild and fast-moving on the western side, but the eastern side is protected by the spit and there is a huge lagoon. This area is perfect for dogs and children who love to paddle.
At the end of the spit, you’ll find Hurst Castle, the iconic coastal fortress commissioned by Henry VIII. There’s plenty of open space around the castle for even more roaming, and the castle itself also allows dogs. To find out more about visiting, see our guide to Hurst Castle.
Start/ finish: Royal Oak, Fritham, Hampshire, S043 7HJ
what3words: ///winds.diets.shapeless
The walks near Fordingbridge are never-ending and absolutely beautiful. You’re deep in ancient trees and most of it is unfenced – be careful not to get lost!
Our favourite is the walk from the Royal Oak pub in Fritham (definitely stop here too) and out toward Godshill. The ridge on the hill has superb viewing and it’s less popular than the south of the forest, so you likely won’t come across too many other people.
Start/ finish: Hatchet Pond, Brockenhurst, SO42 7WT
what3words: ///latched.reckon.committee
The heath here is beautiful and well worth a visit. There is ample parking and the forest area is nice and quiet but still has well-marked tracks. You’re likely to see the famous wild ponies, donkeys and probably cattle too.
An ice cream truck selling New Forest ice creams is almost always parked here in peak months, but if you fancy something more substantial, then try The Turf Cutters (usually more dogs than people) in nearby East End.
// Livestock roam free, so please keep your distance when they are present and be careful not to get between a mother and its young.
// Every year from March to August the area is full of ground-nesting birds. During this time, please keep to the walking paths and keep dogs on leads so as to not disturb their nests.
// Though many of the local beaches are dog-friendly all year around, some of them have seasonal restrictions. Look out for local signage.
// Please always take bagged dog waste home, or use a litter or dog bin. Dog poo can be very harmful to grazing wildlife.
There’s nothing better than rewarding an invigorating walk with a delicious pub lunch or a bite to eat. Luckily, there are plenty of pubs, restaurants and cafes throughout the New Forest that’ll welcome your furry friends with open arms.
In the heart of Beaulieu, Monty’s welcome their 4 legged guests with open arms. Great for cream teas or larger meals (the ingredients for which are grown predominantly in their kitchen garden). The place has a more laid back feel than its sister restaurant at the Montague Arms.
On the cliffs overlooking Barton-on-Sea beach, The Beachcomber has a massive garden to enjoy a light lunch or cup of something. The views can also be enjoyed on colder days from inside the window lined cafe.
Famous in ye olde smugglers times, and very well regarded now. The Turfcutters is great for an inexpensive meal, it’s all home cooked, a generous size and unpretentious. There is easy parking and a very relaxed policy on dogs. In fact, your dog is likely to have more chat than you. There are usually more dogs than people here – especially at weekends.
The Mayflower is a great spot just behind the marinas, the Salt Water Pools and the coastal path. Recently renovated and huge inside, it sprawls for a large bar area with lovely tables for coffee, food and drinks, and a separate restaurant which is much smarter. Dogs are welcome in the bar area. Outside there is extensive decking and relaxed dining.
This is a favourite spot of ours for warming up after chilly walks on the coastal path.
Steph’s Cafe, at Fairweathers Garden Centre is a great cafe and well regarded. You can eat here or do a bit of shopping. Opposite is a beautifully run, educational show garden showcasing interesting fruit and vegetable growing techniques and best practice gardening. It’s well worth a visit and suitable for dogs and small children too.
The beach might not be one of the first things that comes to mind when thinking about the New Forest but our lovely coastline boasts several beaches and coastal walks that make for a great day out with your pup!
Carpark: SO41 0UX
What3words: ///angry.reminds.marzipan
Restrictions: Dogs welcome all year round.
The beach here is accessed via a relatively steep set of stairs, but once you are down, your pooch (and you) will love the seemingly endless length of shingled beach.
Carpark: BH6 4EL
What3words: ///bill.verbs.hype
Restrictions: Dogs welcome all year round.
Mudeford sand spit adjoins the ancient headland of Hengistbury Head. The sandly beach is approximately 500m in length and are backed by dunes. Both the Isle of Wight and the Needles are visible across the Solent from here.
Carpark: SO45 1AD
What3words: ///straddled.hampers.photocopy
Restrictions: Restrictions during the summer months.
Lepe is on the outskirts of the New Forest and gives you the opportunity to enjoy a walk on both the beach and in the country. After frolocking in the waves, take your dog on a walk around the ‘Lepe Loop’, a circular walk that takes you around scenic Lepe and Exbury (approx 5 miles).
For more seaside adventures, check out our guide to the New Forest’s beaches.
For somewhere that’s exclusively designed to cater to your dog and their boundless energy, head to one of our local dog parks and let them run wild.
Teddy’s Playhouse is an adventure playground for dogs and a hub for like minded dog owners. The playhouse is over 1000 sqft, with an outdoor space for drier days, and lots of tailored equipment. Private & group sessions available.
If you’re looking for an opportunity to exercise your dog off lead, in a secure and more private setting, why not book a session at either the meadow or play pasture offered by Dandelion Dogs. These settings have 6ft secure fencing, fresh water, waste bags and bins for disposal. The perfect activity for a more reactive dog, an older dog or a puppy.
Woodland Park has two enclosures with around 2 acres of fenced forest land. The fields are well away from roads and other people so function as a safe place to exercise, train and play. Enclosure 1 is shady with shrubs and logs for your dog to climb, whilst enclosure 2 has tyres filled with wood chips, a tunnel and a seating area for you to enjoy the view whilst your pooch plays.
Wild & Free have 2 dog meadows available for private hire on the outskirts of the New Forest. The meadows have a great selection of play things including (but not limited to) stepping logs, scent walls, cooling stations, a play house and log mountain and a natural agility course including a tunnel, jumps, catwalk, weave poles and platforms. This place really is a holiday treat for your canine companion.
We understand that sometimes a holiday just isn’t complete without the whole family, including your loyal four-legged friends! Many of our properties (more so than not) are dog-friendly, so you don’t have to worry about anyone missing out.
From countryside hideaways to seaside stays and chic townhouses, no matter what kind of holiday you’re after, we can help you find the perfect getaway.
Check out some of our four- legged guests enjoying our dog friendly properties...
Kiki at Cliff House
Dexter at The Nook
Daisy at Fair Winds
Luna at Field View Cottage
Angus at Anoush
