The seven of the best dog-friendly pubs in Hampshire are just that because they are all off the beaten track, even the pub in Winchester is away from the hustle and bustle. Most locations have extensive gardens, one seating hundreds and there are even those who go as far as organising monthly dog walks in the New Forest.
7 of the Best Dog Friendly Pubs in Hampshire
It is not all about forest though because there is the coastal cities of Southampton and Portsmouth to explore, days out across the water to the Isle of Wight and the historic city of Winchester home to the country’s oldest cathedral. Not to mention the vast amount of country walks for dogs in Hampshire, your pups will have hours of endless fun.
In Portsmouth you can visit the Mary Rose museum on the docks and go aboard the HMS Victory or climb the Spinnaker Tower for views that stretch for miles. In Southampton you can spend the day in Seacity and the night in the Solent Skies Museum but if you plan to bring your dog then you will be looking for activities and Hampshire pubs that allow dogs.
The Hampshire landscape is a vision most visitors can’t get enough of and one way to see a good part of it with your pooch by your side is to take the Watercress Line, one of the most famous heritage railways in England, from Alresford to Allton. The carriages have been restored to their 1940s glory and from the slow-moving puffing billy you will see slices of the county you never knew of.
Whichever way you plan to see this gentle county there are ways of bringing your four-legged buddy into the picture if you check beforehand to pinpoint places, activities and pet friendly pubs.
Our Top 7 Choices
Find below 7 of the best pet friendly pubs in Hampshire
1. Bush Inn, Ovington
Thanks to its idyllic location this Itchen riverside pub with the Pilgrim’s Way winding beside it, is a favourite with ramblers and their dogs. The interior harks back to its 1600s’ roots with exposed stone feature walls and beamed ceilings. Its cosy atmosphere is a great hit with dogs but you can go one better by sitting at a picnic table so close to the river Rover can get his paws wet. Expect to see swans and their cygnets while you sip on a thirst-quenching Wadworth Game of Stones or its session ale, Henry’s IPA. Its gastro pub grub menu includes trout served with tomato and caper butter.
2. Hampshire Bowman, Dundridge
Mark, Chloe and Iris the dog will be there to welcome you and your pup. The couple are proud to say that this dog-friendly pub is “mobile phone unfriendly” and while the pitter patter of paws is encouraged, jarring ringtones are not. The Bowman has been in the CAMRA good pub guide for more than 25 years. The garden seats a staggering 300 customers and there is even room for you to erect your own gazebo or awning. There are at least five real ales to choose from served straight from the cask on a stillage behind the bar.
3. Boot Inn, Houghton
This beamed fishing pub with a riverside garden allows dogs in most areas of its delightful site. There are treats behind the bar for both pooch and chaperone. There is even a kitchen in the garden, which is handy for high foot and pawfall days. Starters include Hampshire smoke salmon with sourdough doorsteps and rabbit ragu tagliatelle and then there’s the pub’s signature dish of fish pie with locally sourced ingredients. If it’s a snack you’re after, try the homemade sausage roll, leaving a bit for your fur baby. After refuelling explore the Test Valley renowned for fly fishing in its river’s clear waters that yield salmon and trout.
4. Brickmakers, Asthall
The pub dog Rosie will be there to meet you and your pooch with a wagging tail. Relax indoors in this snug pet friendly pub in front of one of its open fires, sinking deep into a leather sofa while your best friend succumbs to Rosie’s charms and receives a lot of fuss and treats from the jar on the bar. A free house, the pub has a wide range of ales from independent breweries such as Hopback’s Winter Lightening and Cotleigh’s Old Buzzard dark beer. All the pub grub at the Brickmakers is free range and if weather permits you can enjoy your food outdoors in the large garden.
5. King’s Head, Hursley
After you have visited the Winchester Cathedral make for the outskirts of the city and unwind in traditional British comfort in this Georgian coaching inn nestled in the historic village of Hursley. In this dog friendly pub you will always find water and a biscuit or two in the bar or in the snug downstairs. Spitfire Suite is one of cottage-style rooms that allow dogs if you are planning on a sleepover. It’s unique selling point has to be its skittle alley where it is great for groups of friends or families to compete in this classic game, wooden skittles and all.
6. Black Boy, Winchester
This traditional backstreet boozer is fiercely loyal to local breweries that include Bowman Ales, The Cheriton Brewhouse, Flack Manor, Itchen Valley Brewery and Alfred’s Brewery. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, its quirky features and “dogs are welcome” policy have earned it a sterling reputation with locals and visitors alike. Beyond the organised chaos of clutter and taxidermy you can sit in the book-lined bar area sipping a pint or enjoying a meal from the specials’ board. Other than a roaring fire inside you can keep warm under the outside heaters.
7. Compass Inn, Winsor
On the fringe of the New Forest this uber dog friendly pub is off the beaten track but this doesn’t stop walkers and their wagtails from finding it. It is the only pub in the area that has a totally gluten free menu. Boris, the resident top dog, hosts a dog walk on the first Sunday of every month. For £18.50 you can sign up and this includes coffee and bacon rolls to fuel up for the 1.5 hour walk in the New Forest and concludes with a roast lunch and pudding and a free slap-up meal, wheat-free of course, for Fido.
Last Word
From the picturesque New Forest to the vibrant coastal cities of Southampton and Portsmouth you’ll be falling over yourself with things to do here. There are a number of pet friendly beaches in Hampshire and The New Forest has 140,000 acres of unspoilt grassland and ancient wooded areas. It prides itself in being one of the prettiest National Parks in the country and it is full of dog bars that will get a paw-up from your pup. We also have a detailed guide on pet friendly cottages in Hampshire, as well as pet friendly log cabins in Hampshire.
If you are a dog owner and both you and Rove love luxury, why not check out our brilliant Hampshire dog friendly hot tub cottage breaks.