Are you on the lookout for top dog friendly beaches in Hampshire? If the New Forest just isn’t cutting it, why not head down towards the Hampshire coastline with your pets? The dog beach scene down here extends all the way into Dorset, though for this guide, we’re keeping it strictly Hampshire!
If you’ve ever strolled down the coastline in Hampshire and have fancied booking out beach huts – or just want to know the hotspots where local dog owners take their pooches – then you’ve come to the right place. We’ve based our list on the best dog friendly beaches near Hampshire on our own experience, as well as on reviews and opinions of local people and tourists.
While you’re at it, be sure to narrow down your search for Hampshire pet friendly cottages through our guide! Let this be your one-stop shop for finding a sand stretch or two that you and your four-legged friend can enjoy.
When are dogs allowed on beaches in Hampshire?
Hampshire is generally a very dog friendly region! That means you shouldn’t find it too difficult to narrow down Hampshire dog friendly beaches. However, during your search, make sure to look into dog restrictions or dog bans before you make your trip down to the coast.
The three beaches we list in this guide will accept dogs. However, be careful to keep your pet on a lead in designated areas. The last thing you’ll want is to go for a walk on the coast and realise there is a dog ban in place!
Keep reading for full information. Why not check out pet friendly pubs in Hampshire, too?
The Best Beaches in Hampshire for Dogs
Calshot Beach
Calshot Beach is a lovely sandy stretch and shingle beach for you and your dogs to enjoy all through the year! There are commanding views of the Isle of Wight from afar, and there is something of a nature reserve towards the salt marsh. If you are on the search for a dog friendly beach zone with lots of variety, this really is one of the top places to start.
There is a lot of history to Calshot Beach, too, with Henry VIII’s Calshot Castle looming ahead. This area is also very popular with watersports enthusiasts, meaning that across the more popular times of the year, you’re likely to find plenty of people enjoying the surf.
You’ll find that this Hampshire dog friendly beach backs onto perhaps the largest port zones in England, and you are only a short distance from the city of Southampton. The water here is blissful and sparkling, and the beach itself has won awards!
- Seasonal Restrictions: No
- Lifeguards: No
- Address: Calshot Beach, Southampton, Hampshire, SO45 1BS
- Facilities Near By: Car park, food and drink, toilets
Old Portsmouth Beach / Victoria Pier
Portsmouth is, of course, one of the biggest cities on the coast, and it’s firmly on the UK map of port locations! However, Old Portsmouth is also well-known for being popular with dogs and walkers alike. Of all the dog friendly beaches Hampshire has to offer, this sandy run tends to be one of the most popular for angling – so when you’re not out and about with dogs, be sure to bring a rod and bait with you!
It’s worth remembering that there are restrictions to this dog friendly beach, meaning you won’t be able to visit between May and September. Otherwise, like many other beaches in Hampshire, you can feel free to come down for a sandy trot or two with your pooch!
One of the top beaches for connections between the city and nearby Portsea Island, this is also likely to be one of the main beaches experienced swimmers head towards. That’s because the currents here are really strong! There are no lifeguards here, so do look for other dog friendly beaches close by for safer stretches.
- Seasonal Restrictions: Yes (May to September)
- Lifeguards: No
- Address: Old Portsmouth, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 2LY
- Facilities Near By: Cafes, fishing, dog bins
Milford on Sea
This delightful shingle beach connects to the Bournemouth Coast Path and is amazingly dog friendly! Milford offers one of the top dog friendly beaches in the area for those who don’t like getting too bogged down in the sand. It’s also well connected to nearby Hurst Castle, meaning that you and your dogs can take a look deep into local history and heritage when you’re not walking down the seafront.
Milford’s beach may not be the most tourist-friendly as it is largely replete with pebbles! You likely won’t need to bring your bucket and spade here. However, like many other dog friendly beaches in the region, Milford Beach will happily welcome pets across the year. That said, do always keep a lookout for any signs or notices on the areas and places you visit. You may need to keep all dogs on leads when walking down shingle straits. Be sure to look up this information before you travel in case you’re unsure.
Otherwise, Milford makes for a great connection between Hampshire and Dorset. It’s only a short distance to Bournemouth where there are country pubs and shops. You can even see the Isle of Wight from here, making it one of a handful of dog friendly beaches Hampshire has to offer with overseas sights.
- Seasonal Restrictions: No
- Lifeguards: No
- Address: Milford on Sea, Lymington, Hampshire, SO41 0PT
- Facilities Near By: Toilets, food and drink, nature spots
Last Word
Looking to find a dog friendly beach in Hampshire? We hope you’ve found our dog beach guide helpful. After all, this is only the start – there is more information out there on additional shorelines and some of the best dog walks in Hampshire, so make sure to plan ahead and pack that lead!
Beyond dog friendly beaches, why not plan ahead and find top dog friendly pubs in Hampshire, too?