The New Forest is an excellent destination for a dog-friendly holiday, with miles of woodland trails, open heathland, pretty villages and a beautiful coastline to explore together. Enjoy scenic walks, dog-friendly pubs, historic attractions and seaside strolls, with plenty of opportunities to discover the National Park at your own pace. From rural retreats surrounded by countryside to cottages close to the coast, you'll find a choice of welcoming places to stay with your dog. Read more
Walking is one of the best ways to discover the New Forest, with routes ranging from gentle woodland strolls to longer trails across open heathland and through ancient forests. Keep an eye out for the free-roaming ponies, donkeys and cattle, as well as deer and other wildlife that make this landscape so distinctive.
The village of Lyndhurst is an excellent starting point for a walk, with numerous trails nearby and dog-friendly pubs where you can stop for refreshments. For a riverside walk, head to Buckler's Hard and follow the paths towards the picturesque village of Beaulieu. The paths offer peaceful riverside and woodland scenery, making this a lovely area to explore on foot with your dog.
For longer walks, sections of the Avon Valley Path offer routes through the surrounding countryside. Across the New Forest there are a network of tracks and footpaths providing plenty of options for a range of walking abilities.
Remember to keep your dog under control around livestock and wildlife, stick to main tracks where advised and use a lead when necessary. The official New Forest National Park dog-walking guidance has useful advice for exploring responsibly.
There is more to the New Forest than walking. For a dog-friendly day out with a historical twist, visit the Beaulieu attraction, set in beautiful grounds in the heart of the New Forest. Dogs are welcome in the grounds on a lead, although access to buildings and individual experiences may be restricted. It's a lovely option for combining a walk with a glimpse into the area's heritage.
Garden lovers can visit Exbury Gardens, a 200-acre woodland garden where dogs are welcome on a short lead. You can explore the woodland paths, take your dog on the Exbury Steam Railway and stop for dog-friendly ice cream at the restaurant. Water bowls and dog waste bins are also available throughout the gardens.
For something a little different, look out for Dogstival, a festival dedicated to dogs, featuring activities, stalls and entertainment for four-legged visitors and their owners. It takes place seasonally, so check the website for the latest dates and arrangements.
The New Forest's coastal setting provides another lovely option for a dog-friendly day out. Near Milford-on-Sea, you'll find a shingle beach backed by colourful beach huts, with beautiful views across the Solent towards the Isle of Wight.
From here, you can walk along Hurst Spit towards Hurst Castle, a historic coastal fortress reached on foot or by ferry. The walk offers sweeping sea views and a chance to enjoy a different side of the New Forest landscape. Check the castle and ferry websites for current dog-access arrangements, and look out for local beach restrictions before letting your dog off the lead.
Choosing the right cottage makes it easier to enjoy a relaxing break with your dog. Burley is a lovely choice for a traditional New Forest village surrounded by woodland and heathland, while Fordingbridge offers a riverside setting on the edge of the National Park, with countryside walks nearby. If you prefer to be close to the coast, Lymington is a charming Georgian market town with a bustling harbour, independent shops and access to coastal walks.
Whether you're looking for a rural retreat or a cottage close to the coast, you'll find plenty of options for a dog-friendly holiday in the New Forest.
Yes, the New Forest is an excellent destination for dog owners, with extensive walking routes, woodland, open heathland, coastal scenery and dog-friendly pubs and attractions. There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors together, provided you follow local guidance around livestock and wildlife.
The New Forest is a great place to visit at any time of the year. Spring and summer are perfect for woodland walks and longer days outdoors, while autumn brings beautiful colours to the trees and heathland. Winter can also be a peaceful time to visit the New Forest and there are plenty of dog friendly pubs to refuel after a days exploring.
Yes, you can find dog-friendly accommodation to suit different styles of holiday, including properties with extra comforts and special features. Explore our luxury cottages in the New Forest for a more indulgent stay, or browse our cottages with a hot tub in the New Forest for a relaxing retreat after a day of walking.
