Hampshire is stunning county located in Southern England with Cities such as Southampton and Bournemouth close by. If your after dog friendly days out in Hampshire, then you’ve come to the right place!
The Best Places To Take Dogs in Hampshire
Below we have compiled a list of the top dog friendly attractions in Hampshire for you and your canine companions to try.
Whether that be exploring the New Forest National Park, walking across the South Downs or simply enjoying the English Heritage with the vast amount of Castle’s on offer. We’re sure there will be attractions for you and your best friend in Hampshire.
Activities & Things to Do
Find below 7 of the best days out in Hampshire for dogs
1. Visit Winchester
This historic city, and capital of the county of Hampshire, is a great place to spend the day, for humans and four legged friends alike. There are lots of historic sites to visit, many of them in the open air, including the fabulous Winchester Cathedral. Around the city and its environs, there are lots of dog friendly pubs, cafes and restaurants, where you can stop off for rest and refreshments. There are also riverside walks and plenty of superb parks to enjoy. Try the Watercress Line Steam Railway, which charges £1 for a ticket for pooch.
2. Explore the New Forest
A unique part of the English countryside, the 219 square miles of the New Forest covers much of south west Hampshire. Home to its own breed of ponies, your four legged friend will love the endless places to seek out across this amazing National Park. As well as ancient forests, the Park also has miles of beaches, which stretch out along the English Channel. There are dog friendly attractions such as Buckler’s Hard and Exbury Gardens to enjoy, and you’ll find plenty of welcoming pubs to stop off in throughout the Park.
3. See Hayling Island
There are canine restrictions on this extremely popular maritime visitor attraction from May to September, but none whatsoever at other times. Even during the restricted months, you can still take pooch with you to a whole host of superb sites, including the Lifeboat Station, the fun fair, Creek Road, Eastoke, and the golf club to the ferry landing. You can also enjoy the superb walks along the grass parallel to the ferry, and between the fun fair and Eastoke Corner. Take in the promenade as long as you keep fido on a lead.
4. Enjoy Southsea
Located at the southern end of Portsea Island, not too far off the centre of
Portsmouth, this Victorian seaside resort is jam-packed with things to do and most
are child and dog friendly. The amusements on the Clarence Pier are particularly
popular with the younger set and, in summer, you can catch a Punch and Judy
show.
5. Walk the South Downs
Across the county from the New Forest, the South Downs National Park comes into Hampshire from the east, adjoining neighbouring Sussex, and stretching all the way to Winchester. The South Downs are perfect for dog walking, with their rolling chalk hills presenting wonderful views without being too challenging. Try the Shipwrights Way, which starts in the Downs and heads south to Portsmouth. The Queen Elizabeth Country Park has 2,000 acres of open downs and woods, and is yours to enjoy if you keep pooch on a lead, or at least under close control.
6. Visit Southampton
Another dog friendly city in Hampshire, Southampton is a thriving modern metropolis which sits on the water and has lots of fantastic open spaces to enjoy. Southampton Common covers 326 acres, and is has its own nature reserve, as well as a lake and plenty of ponds. Just outside the city are the villages of Hamble and Old Bursledon, which are havens of old England with lovely dog friendly country pubs, as well as marinas and access to the surrounding countryside for lots of lovely exercise.
7. Enjoy the English Heritage
Hampshire is home to many sites which are managed by English Heritage, and many of these are dog friendly. Castles are especially popular, and this part of the south coast has seen plenty of military action in the past. Visit Hurst Castle, which is in the New Forest, Portchester Castle near Portsmouth, or Wolvesey Castle, in the heart of Winchester. For fresh air and maybe a picnic with pooch, try the National Trust properties at Mottisfront near Romsey, or The Vyne estate near Basingstoke.
Looking at Visiting the Area
The warm weather, forests, beaches and South Downs all combine to make this county a popular holiday destination and as you’ve seen there are plenty of dog-friendly places in Hampshire too, making it ideal for pet-friendly holidays on the south coast. There is also an array of dog walks in Hampshire for great days out.
Holiday Cottages
One of the best ways to enjoy a staycation is to book Hampshire hot tub cottages for pets and with more and more people not wanting to leave Fido at home we have also sniffed out the best Hampshire dog friendly cottages.
Log Cabins
If you are looking for something a bit more rural or onsite facilities these fantastic dog friendly lodges in Hampshire are ideal.