Dog-friendly days out in Hampshire & the Isle of Wight

If you’re looking for things to do in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight with a dog, we’ve got you covered with a range of days out and attractions. We’ve even found places that let dogs in for free! Here at Hampshire’s Top Attractions we know just how special our four-legged friends are, they are members of the family. Lots of our attractions are dog-friendly, so you won’t have to worry about leaving them behind. Keep reading to discover our top dog-friendly attractions that the whole family will enjoy!

Our top dog-friendly days out in Hampshire

From the New Forest to beaches and amazing gardens, Hampshire is a dog walker’s delight! We’ve compiled some of our favourite walks below including museums, castles, landmarks, farms, and even a few dog-friendly activities in Hampshire too. Plus, we’ve got details on one of the region’s best dog shows.

Gardens and outdoor spaces

Dogs have been welcomed to Exbury Gardens since its opening in 1919. Treat your four-legged friends to special dog ice cream in the restaurant, walk through our expansive gardens with water bowls en route and even a train ride! Pooches must be kept on short leads but nowhere is off limits.

Countryside Canine’s is an initiative launched by Hampshire’s countryside service. It aims to let people know where they can walk their dogs off a lead and where we would like dogs to be on leads or on the paths. Coloured way marking discs will denote the areas and more information can be found on the website. Some fantastic dog-friendly parks to check out include Staunton Country Park, River Hamble Country Park, Lepe Country Park, Royal Victoria Country Park, and Queen Elizabeth Country Park.

For a “two-pawprint” rated adventure, head to Hinton Ampner in the heart of the South Downs. This sprawling estate is a dog’s dream, with 200 hectares of woodland and miles of estate walks to explore year-round. Well-behaved pooches on short leads are even welcome in the formal gardens, the shop, and the second-hand bookshop! While only assistance dogs can go inside the house and café, there is plenty of covered outdoor seating where you can enjoy a post-walk cuppa with your companion.

Dogs on leads are welcome to explore most of the gardens, the shop, and even a dedicated indoor café area in the Stables at Mottisfont. For even more space, head to the wider estate or nearby Spearywell Wood for a woodland stroll. You’ll find water bowls and dog bins at visitor reception and the stableyard to make your visit easy and stress-free!

Stansted Park is a dream for dogs who love to explore! While the House, Maze, and Arboretum are reserved for assistance dogs, well-behaved pooches on leads are welcome in the beautiful Walled Garden and the Dutch Garden. For those who need to burn off more energy, the surrounding 1,800 acres of forest footpaths and bridleways are perfect for a long walk under close control. After exploring, you can relax at the Pavilion Tearoom’s dog-friendly outdoor seating.

Treat your four-legged friend to a scenic stroll at The Vyne, where dogs on short leads are welcome to explore the sprawling meadows and ancient woodlands. While your pup can’t join you inside the house or the play area, they can accompany you along the lakeside paths and through the beautiful walled garden. After your walk, head to the Brewhouse tea-room, where dogs are allowed in the ground-floor seating area. It’s the perfect spot to relax together, provided you have a human teammate to stay with the dog while you grab the treats!

Historical Attractions

The Brickworks Museum is very dog-friendly! As long as the dogs are on leads and well-behaved there are few places they can’t go. There is even space inside that isn’t in the cafe so you can enjoy a snack alongside your canine companion.

All of the explorers of the natural world celebrated at Gilbert White’s House & Garden were big dog lovers and the museum is no different! Dogs are permitted in our 25-acre grounds on a lead, and to all outside events. The Museum also hosts an annual Dog Show in September to celebrate our four-legged friends.

At the heart of the New Forest you’ll find Beaulieu. Beaulieu is a multi-award-winning family day out with something for everyone, even dogs! The Palace House Grounds & Gardens are an idyllic place to take a stroll with your four-legged friend and even head down to watch the river flow with spectacular views!

Bucklers Hard believes that every adventure is better with a furry friend by your side. Feel free to bring your well-behaved dog on a lead to explore the village, museum, Captain’s Table Tea Rooms, and even the River Cruise (just be sure they don’t try to steer the boat!).

Explore the ancient past with your dog at Butser Ancient Farm! The Farm welcomes dogs on short leads across the site, where you can step back in time and visit Stone Age houses, Iron Age Roundhouses, a Roman Villa and Saxon Hall. Nestled into a beautiful corner of the South Downs National Park, with several nearby footpaths to explore, the farm has lots of hands-on activities to try out and is also home to sheep, goats and pigs (so dogs do need to be kept under close control). Please note that during special events only assistance dogs are allowed at the farm.

For an atmospheric coastal escape with your pup, Hurst Castle is a dog’s paradise! This formidable fortress at the end of a shingle spit offers plenty of open space for a brisk walk, and the best part is that well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome to explore the castle and its massive grounds with you. Whether you arrive via the scenic ferry from Keyhaven or tackle the two-mile coastal stroll, your four-legged friend will love exploring the Tudor keep and taking in those incredible views across the Solent.

Activities to enjoy with your dog

Head over with your paddling pooch to New Forest Activities and take part in a Family Canoeing session. Dog’s big and small are welcome to tag along to enjoy a gentle cruise through the beautiful Beaulieu River Nature Reserve.

Or opt for a Family Adventure Day which includes a canoeing trip and a full day’s bike hire. Your pups can run alongside you as you spend time exploring the New Forest National Park by bike.

Dogs are very welcome on The Watercress Line and even travel for free! Hop on and off the steam or heritage diesel trains to enjoy all four of the stations and take a country walk from Alresford, Medstead, or Alton, you can also find water bowls at every station.

Bring your furry friend along for an unforgettable New Forest adventure! Hire a dog trailer at Cyclexperience and enjoy a scenic bike ride together, this is one they won’t forget for sure.

Dog-friendly attractions and days out in the Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight has plenty of dog-friendly attractions – and a massive variety of walks around the coastlines, beaches with lovely waves to swim in and woodland to be scampered on. There are also lots of pooch-friendly accommodation providers, restaurants, cafes and pubs, so no family member gets left out.

Wightlink welcomes dogs and has Fido-friendly areas on board all their ships. What’s more, dogs travel free of charge. The Isle of Wight is an absolute haven for dog lovers; many attractions and accommodation providers welcome them. For more inspiration and a guide to the Island’s dog-friendly beaches, take a look at Wightlink’s blog here.

Many of the local residents have dogs and the Island is renowned for its welcoming attitude and general dog-friendliness. Red Funnel Ferries welcome accompanied dogs on ALL ferries, FREE of charge. There is no need to pre-book or obtain a ticket. They are also pleased to provide a designated pet lounge, complete with bowls of water and complimentary dog biscuits, in the North Lounge on board Red Osprey, Red Falcon and Red Eagle.

Hovertravel has been welcoming dogs onboard for no charge for over 50 years. The staff and crew are always delighted to shake a sandy paw, watch a wagging tail or get a friendly lick! Dog water bowls are provided in the Ryde and Southsea terminals.

Explore 800 years of history with your dog on a lead throughout the grounds and high battlements. Carisbrooke Castle is dog-friendly, allowing dogs on leads throughout the outdoor grounds, including the cafe, but not inside the museum.

At Osborne, dogs are welcome in the grounds, including the formal gardens. There are outside seating areas in the cafe, terrace restaurant and beach cafe in which dogs are welcome.

Robin Hill Adventure Park says a big “YAY” to four-legged visitors! With acres of rolling parkland and woodland to explore, it’s a perfect day out for the whole family. Dogs are welcome throughout the park on a lead, they can even join you to watch the spectacular falconry displays from the sidelines. Just remember to keep them with you throughout the day rather than in the car, so everyone stays happy and safe!

Blackgang Chine loves welcoming dogs and their humans, the front-of-house team is even known to offer a cuddle or two! Your dog can explore the Land of Imagination with you, provided they stay on a short lead throughout the visit. Just keep an eye on their event pages, as some shows might have loud noises or lights that are a bit much for sensitive ears!

Don’t leave your four-legged family members behind, the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary is famously dog-friendly! Dogs on leads are welcomed throughout the entire site, including the gift shop and the cosy barn café. There’s even a dedicated dog station stocked with water, biscuits, and blankets to ensure your pup feels right at home. While you enjoy the stunning countryside views, your furry friend can tuck into a delicious doggy ice cream from the café.

So there you have it, dog-friendly days out in Hampshire & The Isle of Wight perfect for all the family. From gardens to walks, water activities to events, you’re guaranteed to have one relaxed and tired canine when you get home.

Article updated February 2026. Please note: Attraction features, facilities and offers or pricing are subject to change. Please always check their individual websites before visiting.