With near-endless tail-wagging trails and open space to roam, the New Forest is just as exciting a place to visit for dogs as it is for their humans. The area is incredibly dog-friendly, with various attractions and places to eat that are wonderfully welcoming of our four-legged friends.
Nothing beats a quintessential New Forest walk followed by a cuppa and a treat to nibble on. Here is just a small selection of some of the best cafes to stop by if you’ve got a dog in tow!
Set in the heart of the New Forest, Peggy May’s offers a cosy, inviting place to relax and enjoy tasty home-cooked food. Pop in for breakfast, brunch, a light bite or afternoon tea complete with fresh scones.
Well-behaved dogs are very welcome inside the cafe, making it the ideal post-walkies spot. There are several lovely walks nearby, including the iconic Bolton’s Bench walk.
Lounges of Lymington is a family-owned café located on the bustling High Street. Known for its warm, welcoming atmosphere, it offers a variety of homemade cakes, lunches, and a selection of hot and cold beverages. It also provides outdoor seating, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors.
Forest Edge is another Lyndhurst staple, this speciality coffee house and roastery knows what it’s doing when it comes to spectacular coffee. The vibrant cafe is the ideal place to put your feet (or paws) up and settle down with a hot drink and cake or pastry.
Dogs are more than welcome and will love relaxing in the dog beds provided. The roastery even has a blend named in honour of adventure-loving pups with the beloved Muddy Paws coffee.
With a peaceful woodland setting and delicious homemade fare, The Potting Shed is a tranquil spot to while away an afternoon. Enjoy full English breakfasts, sandwiches, burgers, scones and weekly specials in a welcoming atmosphere – there’s even a menu to keep your dogs happy too!
There are loads of nearby walks where the cafe can be your start/end point, so you can make a real day of it here. The adjacent 2km circular route is nice and flat, ideal for those looking for an easy stroll, or the 8.25km Potting Shed hike is great for those with more energy.
For a spot with unbeatable coffee and delectable sweet treats, head to The Beachcomber Cafe. Along with the best coffee around, you’ll find a charming, friendly atmosphere that extends to doggies as well.
Located right next to the seaside, it’s a great place to start from or end up at if you fancy a walk on the beach or along the clifftops.
Located in the historic village of Burley, Shappen Cafe is a great pitstop for locally-sourced ingredients and fresh food, from classic cafe delights like cooked breakfasts, toasties and cream teas to pizza nights on a Friday.
The cabin-like cafe built from oak provides a cosy, unique atmosphere. It welcomes dogs both inside and outside. There are a plethora of lovely walks in the area, including the popular Burley Village circular route that starts/ends near the cafe.
The Old Station Tea Rooms is set in an old Victorian railway station surrounded by glorious countryside. Stop for a tasty bite to eat, including cream teas, homemade patisseries, hearty lunches and Sunday roasts.
Dogs are allowed in the outdoor areas and the sheltered platform seating areas, making it a fantastic place to relax after embarking on one of the many walks in the area. The disused Brockenhurst to Ringwood railway line is right on the cafe’s doorstep, offering a great route to explore with your pup.
Another great little spot for your coastal adventures, The Paddle on the Green is located opposite the village green in Milford-on-Sea. Here, you can expect all-day breakfasts, fresh pancakes, paninis, cakes, scones and more… plenty to help you refuel after a walk by the sea.
Dogs are welcomed and can enjoy their own biscuits to snack on. There are loads of nearby dog-friendly walks to ensure you work up an appetite, including the walk along Hordle Cliff beach and walks to Keyhaven or Hurst Castle.
For the best beachy days out, see our guide to dog-friendly beaches in the New Forest.
Set in the picturesque village of Beaulieu, The Beaulieu Bakehouse provides quality food in a cosy setting. With a great choice of breakfasts, classic brunch items, lunch favourites and mouth watering cakes, you can’t go far wrong.
Dogs are welcome inside and out, and will be fussed over with some tasty treats of their own. Popular nearby walks to enjoy with your pooch include the riverside route to/from Buckler’s Hard.
If you’re after some heartier pub grub, head over to our guide on the best dog-friendly pubs in the New Forest.
The New Forest is a real haven for dogs, and the accommodation is no exception. If you can’t wait to visit with your pup, check out our dog-friendly cottages in the New Forest and discover the perfect place to rest up before days full of play and adventure.
