Top 10 Dog-Friendly Things To Do in Hampshire

We know that Hampshire is a dog walker’s delight with a myriad of woodlands and forest walks, pretty beaches backed with pastel-coloured huts and coastal paths to traverse, but Hampshire has much more to offer you and your canine companion besides walking. No need to leave your hound at home – they can enjoy fun-filled days out in Hampshire with you and the family, where they will be as welcome as you are.

You’ll be amazed at just how many top attractions in Hampshire have thrown open their doors to our four-legged friends, from museums, castles, farms, gardens, steam trains as well as dog-friendly ferries for days out in the Isle of Wight. Here we explore some fabulous dog-friendly tours and attractions you won’t want to miss.

New Forest Hidden Gems Self-Guided Tour
Experience the New Forest’s off-the-radar sights in a fun and unconventional way with this dog-friendly self-guided tour and treasure hunt. Download the GPS-based smartphone tool and depart the tourist trail by car and foot to embrace the beauty, history, and culture of the National Park and find places you’d easily overlook if alone. Solve puzzles, complete challenges, and earn points that could win you prizes—adding extra fun to your quest with your pooch.

Private Walking Tour Of Southampton’s History
Embark on a History Tour of Southampton with a PhD historian, with your canine companion in tow. On this private tour, which takes around an hour and a half, your guide will take you to several important places in the city, explaining their history and how modern culture has affected them. This is a private tour, so you can go at your own pace since you won’t be sharing the experience with a large group.

Journey through Winchester’s Past
Walk in the footsteps of the historical characters of Winchester’s past including the Romans, Alfred the Great, William the Conqueror, Oliver Cromwell, and Henry VIII. The tour will also bring to life Winchester’s great literary characters including Jane Austen, John Keats, Thomas Hardy, Sherlock Holmes, and King Arthur. Beginning at The Westgate, the medieval entrance to Winchester, walk the streets of Winchester with your best furry friend while you conjure up these characters from the past.

Walk The Secrets Of The Titanic
You will hear the story of the Titanic and visit the pub that holds the Titanic’s secrets, as well as learn all about Southampton’s Port – present and past. You will see where the Mayflower departed for America and learn about the QE2 and other famous ocean liners with connections to Southampton Port. The tour is limited to groups of 8, which offers a more personal experience.

A Private Tour of Winchester
On this dog-friendly tour, you will find out all about the history of Winchester in the company of historian Dr Lillian Cespedes Gonzalez. Enjoy detailed explanations and information from a historical perspective, as well as benefiting from her in-depth local knowledge. You will learn of the legends around some of the most iconic locations in the city, such as the Great Hall. You will also get to know notable characters such as Licoricia of Winchester and dive into the Anglo-Saxon past following the footsteps of King Alfred of Wessex.

Portsmouth Treasure Hunt
Enjoy this dog-friendly treasure hunt that will entertain all the family including the dog. On Nelson’s last day on dry land he stored a valuable diamond necklace in the safe of an old Portsmouth tavern, but that night a thief broke in and snatched it! Was it an act of revenge? Nobody knew. But the villain left a trail of clues. And this is where you come in. Your challenge is to track down hidden objects, decode symbols, and uncover hidden messages, as you eliminate suspects and gradually unravel the crime. And an exciting twist awaits. Combine your skills to crack the clues and unravel the epic tale, while discovering Portsmouth’s amazing history and hidden gems.

Ghost Trail Walking Tour
If you love all things spooky, then this tour is perfect for you and you will have your dog with you to keep you safe! Walk in the ghostly footsteps of King Alfred the Great, led by an actor/comedian to entertain and guide you. After meeting your guide at the meeting point, visit the eerie ruins of Hyde Abbey, the cemetery, and the actual resting place of England’s first king. See other haunted sites, and listen to scary stories of Winchester’s High Street and Cathedral.

Exbury Gardens
Exbury’s delightful Gardens are perfect for beautiful daytime walks with your best furry friend. Designed and curated by the de Rothschild family, the spectacular collection of landscaped woodland, formal and wildflower gardens will entice any adventure-loving hound to stay for longer walks. Although dogs must be kept on a lead, nowhere is off-limits as you walk through the expansive gardens with water bowls en route and even a train ride to enjoy! Make sure to visit the restaurant and treat your four-legged friend to special dog ice cream.

Hurst Castle
Dogs will love exploring Hurst Castle! An artillery fortress built by Henry VIII, Hurst Castle has plenty of open space for your four-legged friend to explore and fantastic views of the Isle of Wight. With nowhere off limits for on-lead dogs to discover, many dog walkers decide to complete The 1.5-mile walk along the shingle spit up to the castle. Alternatively, enjoy a picturesque ferry ride from Keyhaven for a fresh sea air adventure! There are many facilities at Hurst Castle including daily refreshments available from outside the castle entrance.

The Watercress Line Railway
Dogs are very welcome on The Watercress Line and even travel for free! Hop on and off the steam or heritage diesel trains with your four-legged friend to enjoy all four of the stations. For off-lead- frolics in the beautiful Hampshire countryside, take a country walk from Alresford, Medstead or Alton. The railway also hosts many special days such as the Diesel Gala, 50s and 60s Weekend and Wizard Week for the whole family to enjoy. Bring along a picnic and relax in the beautiful south-facing picnic area at Alresford and Ropley, both offering excellent views of the trains.

Explore our dog-friendly properties in Hampshire for your next getaway.