Dog Friendly Places Near Dogstival

A field of dogs who are living their best life, trying new activities and making cherished memories with their humans. What are we describing? It’s Dogstival. Dogstival is one of our favourite annual events. An annual festival of fun for dogs taking place on 5th-6th June in the New Forest.

Many of the furry visitors taking part in the tail-wagging event, will be visiting from afar. Some as far as Scotland (we see you Storm). There’s no doubt you’ll be sniffing out places to eat after or maybe even before the event. So we’re sharing some of our favourite dog friendly places near Dogstival.

What Is Dogstival?

This event is dedicated to delivering new experiences and opportunities for dog owners to relax and have fun with their dog. Dogs of all shapes and sizes can take part in sporting activities such as canicross, flyball, agility and barkour – a spin on the popular sport parkour. The Dog House Stage hosted by This Morning’s TV Vet Dr Scott Miller, has a vets area and canine nutrition kitchen with talks and demonstrations about things health and wellbeing.

Other attractions include a giant dog-diving splash pool, fun dog shows, sports day competition, impressive dog show acts and demonstrations, live music and a range of food and drink supplied by local producers. The list is endless with all the fun things you can do together.

Dog Friendly Places Near Dogstival

Anyway, we could talk about how amazing this event is all day, but what what is there to do after the event? Where can you grab a pint, a snack or a well-deserved treat? Are there any other attractions nearby to enjoy during your visit. Well we have all the answers below. Here’s some of our favourite dog friendly places near Dogstival.

Dog Friendly Places To Eat

At the event, there’s no doubt you’ll be stuffing your chops with some mouth-watering goodies from local food and drink vendors. Heck, you may even be able to grab your dog a puppacino or pizza.

However, sadly the event has to come to an end at some point (though we wish it could go on forever). At that point there’s no doubt you’ll be hankering for some dinner in a pub or restaurant. Alternatively, if you’re making a weekend of it, you may want to grab some brekky.

Here’s some of our favourite places to check out, with full details of whether or not you need to book a table. There’s also seating outside, which is perfect for when the sun is shining.

Queen’s Head

The Queens Head is situated six miles from the lovely town of Burley where Dogstival is hosted. This classic country pub, is very popular with both locals and tourists alike. Even wildlife and a variety of animals like to visit in the surrounding fields, including deer, ponies, cows and donkeys.

The pub dates back to 1645 and is rumoured to be an old smugglers haunt. Treasures like old pistols, coins and bottles were uncovered here during the pubs refurbishment. There is also an alleged underground tunnel running between Burley Manor public house and this one. If you and your pooch can sniff and dig that one out during Dogstival, it makes it an easy trip right? Though the search to find the hidden tunnel will probably take you months to find.

Dogs are made to feel very welcome by the dog loving staff here. With a number of alcoves, nooks and crannies, you can hide away and enjoy a quiet drink or meal with your pooch. There’s a great beer garden to enjoy during the summer months. The food is so good and each dish has been carefully thought out, with mouth-watering produce from local foodies.

You will need to book a table in advance, but this can be done via a nice simple form on the website.

The White Buck

If there’s one thing we love about the New Forest, is it’s bursting with history. The White Buck is another pub which has a great background, having been a hospital complex in the 2nd world war called Holmhurst. In the 1950’s this wonderful place transformed into the hotel you see today. Intrigued to know why it’s now called the White Buck? The owner cycled home after a game of cricket and enjoying a few drinks when he saw a large white animal in the forest. A white Fallow deer buck, and the White Buck was born.

Anyway, enough of the history lesson, and down to the more important info, the grub. This place serves an incredible menu, packed with fresh, locally-sourced Hampshire produce. From gourmet sandwiches to sumptuous steaks, cooked fresh by the team of talented chefs.

This is a Fuller’s pub, and while you don’t have to book, it’s recommended you do to make sure you get a table. Do this via their website.

Burley Inn

Found right in the heart of Burley, and just a bone’s throw away from Dogstival. This place loves welcoming our canine companions. The menu is limited at the moment due to, y’know, the pandemic and all. However it does include all your pub grub classics including steak and ale pie, scampi and chips and BBQ ribs. There’s also a lighter lunch menu packed with toasties and jacket potatoes.

It’s unclear whether or not you need to book, so we recommend that you do just to be on the safe side. You can book a table by phoning up: 01425 403448.

New Forest Inn Lyndhurst

The New Forest Inn is a, traditional 18th Century pub with a lovely country charm and friendly atmosphere. They adore dogs here who are welcome in both the bar and restaurant. They provide plenty of free treats and sell homemade dog treats. There’s also a back-gate leading on to some of the most beautiful forest paths. It’s not only dog’s who swing by, out the front you’ll find ponies, donkeys, cows and pigs.

Delicious homemade food is served here all day, with freshly sourced produce from all areas of the New Forest. There’s also a lovely beer garden overlooking the forest – perfect if we’re in for a sunny weekend.

Again, you will need to book in advance for this lovely place. This can be done via a simple form on the website.

Boston Tea Party Ringwood

Boston Tea Party is open between 9-5pm – perfect for setting your stomach with a nice big breakfast for the adventures ahead. It’s a gorgeous historic building called Frampton’s Mill, in the heart of Ringwood. We love all of these places dotted around the UK, but this place in particular has an amazing atmosphere. They don’t offer bookings here, so just pop on by when you fancy it. Plenty of seats over two floors plus a fabulous terrace. Dogs are always loved here!

Trusty Servant Lyndhurst

This classic New Forest pub can be found in the town of Minstead, a little town with a woof load of history. In fact, it’s home to the writer of Sherlock Homes, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. In fact, he’s buried by an oak tree in All Saints Chruch just second’s away from the pub.

The Trusty Servant Inn is also another pub, not only loved by locals and tourists but ponies, donkeys, cows and pigs who amble through the village. This town is one of the least visited, but probably the least spoilt – surrounded by forest, with thatched cottages.

Here you can order fresh homemade food, and grab some free treats for your pooch who are welcome in the bar, restaurant and rooms. Food served all day, every day, but you will need to book ahead to secure a table. This can be done on the website.

Dog Friendly Things To Do Near Dogstival

Beaulieu River Cruise

After a day of excitement, you might want a moment to unwind before heading home. Take a nice dog friendly cruise along the sparkling waters of Beaulieu River. You might even see some pretty birdlife darting between the reeds and flying overhead. Dogs are welcome on board providing they are kept on a lead. They will love sniffing out river life and watching the world pass by.

New Forest Heritage Centre

This wonderful place is an essential part of any visit to the Forest. It’s set in the heart of the National Park with a fascinating Museum, Gift Shop, Reference Library, Exhibition Gallery and friendly staff to answer all your questions. You can step back in time by visiting the traditional Cob Cottage or learn how to detect animals by their poop (which may sound gross but its definitely interesting). Well behaved pooches on leads are welcome at the New Forest Heritage Centre and Museum.

Knightwood Oak

Knightwood Oak is the oldest tree in the New Forest, over 500 years old! This tree has witnessed both World Wars and has been managed by the Forestry Commission since 1923. Surprisingly, it continues to grow to this day. It’s the most famous tree in the New Forest and definitely worth a look. There are plenty of walking routes to explore from the car park, and if you’re lucky you can spot ponies, as well as deer.

ClueCrypted – New Forest Escape Room

Speaking of Sherlock Holmes, if you fancy going on a quizzing adventure together, New Forest has its very own dog friendly Escape Room. You’ll get 60 minutes to escape from a locked room. Sniff out the hidden clues and solve puzzles to beat the timer. Together, you’ll have to think smart and work as a team!

Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary

Bolderwood is a great place to walk the pooch, situated in the heart of the New Forest. The car park is free of charge (although there is donation box). It’s one of the best places to see the deer as there is a purpose built platform which overlooks a large meadow. Here you’ll get so many great photo opportunities of the natural surroundings. You will need to keep your pooch on a lead when deer are nearby.

The New Forest Paddle Sports

Do you have a water loving pup? While there’s plenty of splashing at Dogstival, you can extend the adventures by paddle-boarding with your pooch. You and your four legged paddling buddy will have an SUP instructor to get your dog comfortable on the Starboard Avanti solid board.

Places To Stay Near Dogstival?

Chances are you’ve already booked your accommodation. But if you’re a last minute Lucy like myself, then you’ll be on a mission to find yourself a dog friendly room. We’ve provided a guide with some of our favourite dog friendly hotels in the New Forest.

Are you heading to Dogstival?

Are you visiting Dogstival? Let us know how long you’re staying in the New Forsest and what your plans are for the weekend in the comments below.