Hampshire has a fabulous selection of dog-friendly days out for all the family! Perfect for adventure-loving hounds, hop on a steam train with your four-legged friend to discover the rolling countryside hills, explore wonderful Exbury Gardens or visit the iconic Needles Landmark Attraction for a truly memorable Hampshire experience.
From the New Forest to the South Down National Park, we’ve picked our favourite dog-friendly days out in Hampshire.
Butser Ancient Farm
Step back in time and visit Stone Age houses, Iron Age Roundhouses, a Roman Villa and Saxon Hall with your four-legged friend. Dogs are welcome on lead to discover Butser Ancient Farm, an archaeology site nestled into the rolling countryside of the South Downs National Park. After a historical stroll around the farm, make sure to stop off at the Eco Visitor Centre and try some locally produced cakes, ice creams and fudge. Or decide to enjoy a picnic with your furry plus-one and cosy up around a fire in one of the farm’s prehistoric houses!
STAY AT: The Old Cook House, Hampshire
Chawton House
A must place to visit with your best furry friend, Chawton House is a beautiful historic setting paying homage to Jane Austen’s wonderful letters. Referred to as the ‘Great House’, discover the peace and tranquillity of the gardens and embark on fabulous walks around the grounds. Bringing to life the context within which women writers lived and worked, learn the history of Chawton House through its many information points. When stopping for a bite to eat, dine outside at the dog-friendly tearoom and take in the wonderful grounds with your canine companion by your side.
STAY AT: The Anchor Inn, Alton
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.
STAY AT: Downton Lodge, Hampshire
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.
STAY AT: The Barn, Hampshire
Beaulieu River Nature Reserve
A natural haven where the New Forest meets the Solent, Beaulieu River Nature Reserve is rich in history, beauty and wildlife. Enjoy peaceful walks with your furry plus-one along the waterways, taking in over 200 species of birdlife. Adventure-loving hounds will love taking part in a Family Canoeing session where dogs big or small are welcome to tag along on a gentle cruise through the beautiful nature reserve. You can even embark on a full day’s bike hire where your canine companion can run alongside you as you spend time exploring the New Forest National Park by bike, best suited for the most energetic of pups!
STAY AT: The Master Builder’s Hotel, Brockenhurst
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.
STAY AT: Spot in the Woods, Southampton
The Brickworks Museum
Explore over 125 years of brick history with your four-legged friend at The Brickworks Museum. Perfect for a historical day out for all the family, check out the height of Victorian industrial innovation and the sounds and smells of the last steam-driven Victorian brickworks in the UK. There are a few places where on-lead dogs can’t go as you venture around the museum. Make sure to stop off at the on-site cafe to enjoy a bite to eat alongside your canine companion.
STAY AT: Bailey Cottage, Southampton
Gilbert White’s House and Gardens
A 25-acre plot of wonderful gardens surrounded by walls, hedges and flowerbeds, Gilbert White’s House and Gardens is the perfect place to explore with your canine companion. Follow the trails through the picturesque routes around The Meadow, The Orchard, Hotbeds and The Naturalists Garden, an area housing fruit trees from the 18th century. Pay a visit with your furry plus-one in September when the Museum hosts an annual Dog Show to celebrate our four-legged friends.
STAY AT: The Anchor Inn, Alton
Itchen Valley Country Park
Set in 440 acres of beautiful water meadows and woodland, Itchen Valley Country Park is situated beside the River Itchen and has been recognised with ten Green Flag Awards. Perfect for outdoor adventures with your furry plus one, there is ample space for your dog to roam while you enjoy the wonderful surroundings. Join a themed family trail throughout the year to discover the very best water meadow nature routes, a prize even awaits at the end. Or, treat you and your four-legged friend to well-deserved refreshments in the dog-friendly Woodland Cafe.
STAY AT: 1 Baytree Cottage, Hampshire
The Needles Landmark Attraction
One of the Isle of Wight’s most iconic sights, venture to The Needles Landmark Attraction for outstanding natural beauty and an unforgettable adventure. The spectacular landscape and stunning Alum Bay Beach provide the perfect walking areas for dogs. Known for its multi-coloured sand cliffs and stunning views across the Solent, enjoy long walks taking in the fabulous views. Look out for The Needles Lighthouse before resting your legs at dog-friendly Marconi’s Licenced Tea Rooms or The Wight Horsebox Bar just off the footpath.
STAY AT: Swallow Cottage, Isle of Wight
Still looking for somewhere to stay? 
Take a sniff around our full collection of dog-friendly places to stay in Hampshire and the New Forest, including cosy dog-friendly pubs with rooms, fabulous dog-friendly hotels and charming cottages.
