Hampshire is anchored by the New Forest National Park — the finest dog-walking destination in southern England. Beyond the forest, the Solent coast, the Hurst Castle spit, Exbury Gardens, and Winchester's water meadows offer an outstanding range of dog-friendly days out.
📍 Hampshire
The New Forest is arguably the finest dog-walking destination in southern England. Over 200 miles of bridleways and forest tracks, ancient heathland, inclosures of ancient oak and beech, and stretches of open common where the famous New Forest ponies and cattl...
📍 Milford on Sea, Hampshire
The walk out to Hurst Castle along the mile-long shingle spit is one of the most dramatic short walks in Hampshire. The views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight and back to the Needles are spectacular, and the castle itself — built by Henry VIII — is fasci...
📍 Exbury, Hampshire
The world-famous Rothschild woodland garden on the Beaulieu River estuary welcomes dogs on the dedicated dog-friendly trail through the outer estate. The rhododendrons and azaleas in late spring are genuinely breathtaking. Note the late summer dog walk note: v...
📍 Beaulieu, New Forest, Hampshire
The picture-postcard New Forest village of Beaulieu sits at the head of the Beaulieu River estuary, with the famous motor museum and Palace House Estate behind it. Dogs are welcome on the riverside walk along the estuary and in the village itself. Several vill...
📍 Christchurch, Dorset/Hampshire border
The Mudeford Sandbank sits at the entrance to Christchurch Harbour and is one of the most unusual and beautiful spots on the south coast. You can reach it by a small passenger ferry from Mudeford Quay — the beach huts here are among the most expensive in Engla...
📍 Calshot, Southampton Water, Hampshire
A quiet shingle and sand beach at the tip of a spit on Southampton Water, Calshot is one of Hampshire's least-discovered dog-friendly beaches. The views across the Solent are excellent — you can watch the Cunard liners making their turns in the channel — and t...
📍 Lyndhurst, Hampshire
The 'capital' of the New Forest is the best base for a dog-walking day out in the region. From the high street you can walk directly into open forest within minutes. The Forest Tea House in the village welcomes dogs, as does the Crown Hotel bar. The surroundin...
📍 Winchester, Hampshire
The cathedral close and surrounding water meadows form one of the most beautiful urban walking environments in southern England. Dogs are welcome in the cathedral grounds on leads, and the water meadow walk along the River Itchen — immortalised by Keats — is s...