Dog Furiendly
Nestled in the heart of Hampshire, the New Forest is the paw-fect escape for those looking to swap the daily grind for snuffling snouts, ancient woodlands, and cosy countryside charm. If you and your four-legged explorer are heading this way, here are some of the most dog furiendly towns and villages to add to your tail-wagging itinerary…
Lyndhurst
Often called the ‘capital’ of the New Forest, Lyndhurst is a bustling little village and the perfect place to start your New Forest trip. Drive past free-roaming ponies and explore what is actually a great high street, for somewhere so rural. Filled with dog-welcoming pubs and cafés, sweet shops, home stores and even a Ferrari garage.
We recommend: Stop at Woods Cyclery for coffee (and to meet their resident doggo) and The Oak Inn, in nearby Bank for a spot of lunch and pony spotting!
Lymington
Seaside charm? Tick. Cobbled streets and a historic harbour? Tick. Lymington is a Georgian gem nestled on the edge of the forest, offering the best of both worlds: salty sea air and leafy woodland strolls. Lymington has a great high street, with a range of upmarket shops, great dog welcoming pubs and plenty of afternoon tea spots.
We recommend: Stay at Stanwell House, in one of their dog-friendly terrace rooms. The Angel and Blue Pig is one of our favourite spots for lunch and if it’s a nice day, we’d suggest grabbing a takeaway from Eat Pizza and taking it down to the Marina.
Keyhaven
This quiet coastal hamlet may be small, but it’s packed with natural beauty and peaceful walks. Keyhaven is a little less trodden than the larger towns, making it ideal for those who prefer a tranquil wander. It follows on from Lymington perfectly, because there is a beautiful walk between the two, which goes through the Keyhaven marshes.
We recommend: Park in Keyhaven and walk along Hurst Beach to Hurst Castle, for views across the Isle of Wight and get the boat back with your dog. It makes for a really nice afternoon, with some gorgeous views across the Solent.
Brockenhurst
You’ve not truly experienced the New Forest until you’ve seen a pony queuing outside the village shop. Brockenhurst is wonderfully laid-back and surrounded by peaceful woodlands, perfect for a slower pace of life and plenty of tail-wagging wanders… and lots of New Forest ponies! The houses are beautiful and there are a lot of walking trails that start from Brockenhurst.
We recommend: The Brockenhurst village walk – It takes just under two hours and is a real varied walk, but lovely and flat. In the summer, you can eat outdoors at The Pig with your dog (they aren’t allowed indoors sadly). If you’re looking for a dog-friendly pub, The Huntsman is a great spot. They have rooms and even rapid EV charging on site (which we always appreciate).
Burley
We couldn’t leave Burley out, seeing as Burley is the home to our favourite dog event… Dogstival! Quirky and full of character, Burley is a village of myths, magic and moorland. Known for its connections to witchcraft, it’s a great place for curious canines and their humans to explore something a little different.
We recommend: Lunch at The White Buck – a gorgeous dog-friendly pub, followed by a wagon ride through the beautiful New Forest, pulled by rare breed heavy horses (and it is dog-friendly believe it or not). Oh and definitely come along to Dogstival!
Beaulieu
This charming riverside village oozes history and elegance. It’s also home to the famous Beaulieu Motor Museum – sadly not for paws, but the village and surrounding walks more than make up for it.
We recommend: Stay at The Montagu Arms and then walk from Beaulieu to Buckler’s Hard – A highly rated riverside trail through woodlands and fields.
Whether you’re looking for beachside breezes, woodland wanders or village vibes, the New Forest is brimming with tail-thumping adventures for you and your pup.
Don’t forget to check out our New Forest listings for dog-friendly places to eat, stay and explore! Have you and your dog visited any of these spots? Share your favourite tail-wagging memories on social media and tag us @dogfuriendly!
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