Whether you’re from the local area, or if you’re bringing your pooch on holiday with you, here in the New Forest we are well geared-up for visitors coming along with their dogs. You’ll not only find a wide range of places to stay with your dog and some fantastic dog friendly days out but also some great pubs, restaurants and cafes all happy to accept your four-legged friend through their doors. So what’s stopping you?
Relax after a busy day’s exploring
With over 140 miles of tracks and footpaths, it’s no surprise that the New Forest is a popular area for walking. Whether you fancy a short stroll around one of our towns and villages with your dog, a brisk walk along the coastline or a longer trip taking a morning, afternoon or even all day to explore the open forest and ancient woodlands, you will be sure to find lots of places to stop along the way for a spot of food and drink that are dog friendly.
Take a look as we give you some handy tips for places to stop with your dog below. Plus don’t forget the listings at the bottom of this page for details of eateries that you can find here in the New Forest that will welcome your dog.
Dog friendly pubs and inns
You’ll find the majority of our New Forest pubs and inns are dog friendly and offer a relaxed atmosphere for you and your pooch to enjoy after lots of exploring.
If you visit during the warmer months you can relax in the wonderful atmosphere of our pub gardens, a great place for you and your dog to unwind after those big adventures. Or in the colder months, why not let your pup warm up in front of an open fire whilst you sample some of the local produce and tipples? You may even find that your four-legged friend is given a treat of their own, some of our pubs and inns have dog treats on the bar just in case they have any furry visitors!
In Lyndhurst you will find The Waterloo Arms! Dogs are very welcome in the relaxed bar area and also in the more formal restaurant ‘side’ of the pub, plus their large garden is also perfect for our four-legged friends! Lucky dogs may even get a dog biscuit as an extra treat!
Soak up the sun in the garden of The Trusty Servant Inn at Minstead or warm up in front of one of the inn’s three roaring log fires in the winter. Not far from the picturesque village of Beaulieu is The Royal Oak where everyone, including dogs and horses, are very much welcome.
There's no need to leave the dog at home when you head out for some food and drink at The Walhampton Arms, as they are very welcoming to our four-legged friends!
Head to Monty’s Inn in Beaulieu, where they are more than happy for pooches for you to bring your furry friend to enjoy the wonderful atmosphere and delicious food.
There are many more examples of dog friendly pubs and inns, take a look at the listings below and select where you’d like to visit.
Dog friendly restaurants
As well as dog friendly pubs, we are also home to lots of dog friendly restaurants here in the New Forest, meaning you can enjoy all sorts of cuisine with your dog relaxing at your feet. You can find dog friendly restaurants in our vibrant towns and villages, as well as in more rural areas dotted around the New Forest.
One restaurant that is super welcoming to pooches is The Terrace Restaurant at The Montagu Arms Hotel.
Dog friendly cafes and tea rooms
If you don’t fancy stopping at a pub or an inn then there are other relaxed options available, notably at our friendly cafes and tea rooms.
Take a walk from Burley (suggested route is 6 miles) or along the disused railway line to The Old Station Tearooms at Holmsley. Breakfasts, lunches, afternoon tea and freshly made patisserie and cakes are all on offer here. A great place to stop after an energetic dog walk!
Woods Bikes and Brews Cafe are super dog friendly - you might even get to make friends with their own pooch while you're there! The perfect location for a brew and a bite to eat after a walk in the forest surrounding Lyndhurst.
Sit outside at Steff’s Kitchen in Beaulieu. Here dog owners can relax over some home-cooked food. If it rains, don’t despair, there is a dog umbrella onsite too!
Attractions with dog friendly cafes
Dogs are allowed in the visitor restaurant at Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway. Water bowls are also left outside the café so dogs can refresh after having been walked around the gardens.
At Buckler’s Hard, there are picnic benches which are a great place to enjoy some dining al-fresco with your pooch.
Want to find out more?
Take a look at our listings on this page to find out more about the places within the New Forest where you can bring your pet. Don’t forget to also use your Go New Forest Card to save you lots of money off eating out, things to do and even shopping here in the New Forest.
