A Dog-friendly Guide to the New Forest

There are so many reasons why over 25,000 dogs are walked in our beautiful New Forest National Park each day. Be that the acres of trails to explore, furry friendly boutique shops or exciting new smells around every corner. There are also plenty of four legged friends to meet along your way too. That being said, we’ve compiled a list of our favourite go-to dog-friendly things to do in the New Forest National Park.

Exbury Gardens

Exbury Gardens is one of the leading woodland gardens in Europe, with over 200 acres of stunning gardens, miles of pathways and beautiful woodland glades to explore. Showcasing the season’s ever-changing palette and spectrum of flora and fauna, throughout summer admire the harmonious display of rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias, whilst in autumn wonder at the buzzing frenzy as damselflies and dragonflies hover around the ponds. There are over 22 miles of pathways in the Gardens, with a variety of walking surfaces and different habitats that our four-legged friends can explore. Dog bins are located throughout and are clearly marked on our map. Please keep your dogs on a short lead.

The Drift

The Drift is a traditional country pub and restaurant located in the heart of the New Forest National Park. Surrounded by acres of heathland and free-roaming fauna, including Ponies, Donkies and Cows, the Drift is the perfect pit-stop after a long day exploring the National Park. You can expect the very best pub classics, suitable for all dietary requirements, as well as a fully-stocked bar. Celebrating the finest locally-sourced, seasonal tipples and tastes. Suitable for the whole family, dogs included, The Drift has an extensive garden located to the rear of the pub. Complete with large playpark and garden benches for al fresco dining. They simply ask you to keep your doggos on their lead during your visit. Water bowls and good boy biccies are available too

Beaulieu River Cruise

From April to November you and your pooch can enjoy a leisurely river cruise down Beaulieu River. This river, both unspoiled and privately owned, attracts gorgeous wildlife. The cruise is 30 minutes long and costs £5.50 per grown up and dogs are welcome on board for free.

Beaulieu National Motor Museum

Submerge yourself in the history of motoring with over 280 vehicles to explore. From F1 cars to land speed record breakers even on-screen cars, tour yourself through the National Motor Museum and World of Top Gear before heading outside to stand in the specter of Beaulieu Abbey and walk in the footsteps of medieval monks. Dogs are welcomed at Beaulieu and are permitted within the grounds, but for the benefit of other visitors we do require that they be kept on a lead and under control at all times. Owners are also asked to ensure that no mess is left within the grounds where it will be offensive to others.

New Forest Tours

Running from the 1st July until 17th September, the New Forest Tour returns this summer, covering three different routes. The hop-on, hop-off bus is the perfect opportunity to reduce your travel miles, learn New Forest tales and take in the awe-inspiring landscape. Plus bikes go free and doggos are more than welcome too! Tickets can be purchased from the New Forest Visitor Centre in Lyndhurst and make sure to make a pit stop at The Drift, our country pub for a light bite or refreshing tipple.

New Forest Collection

Furry friends are welcome across our Collection in several different rooms types, but please rest assured, our bedrooms are cleaned to a very high standard so you won’t even know they were there. However, we do respectfully ask you do not allow your dogs on the bed or furniture. At Forest Lodge, Beaulieu Inn, Bartley Lodge and Moorhill House dogs are priced at £15 per dog per night and £30 per night for your first pup or £45 for two at Burley Manor. We allow a maximum of two dogs per room and these must be over one-year-old. Keep an eye out for our latest dog friendly offers.

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