Things to do

• Dog friendly

Dog Friendly Walks

New Forest

Here are some of the top dog walks we recommend (ask our team for more info and maps):

• Beaulieu to Buckler’s Hard – a two-mile walk along the river
• Bolderwood – walks of differing lengths where you can often spot the resident deer of the New Forest
• Lyndhurst Parish walk – an eight-mile walk skirting the perimeter of Lyndhurst
• The Solent Way – in total this route is 60 miles, however smaller sections can be enjoyed taking you along the New Forest’s coastline

Dog-Friendly Attractions and Days Out

In the New Forest, many attractions welcome dogs, so you can enjoy a day out without leaving your furry friend behind.

Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway: Explore 22 miles of pathways with your dog. Well-behaved pets can even ride the miniature steam train. The gardens offer dog water stations and staff can suggest dog-friendly walks. Check out the ‘Devoted to Dogs’ days for discounted admission.

Beaulieu: Dogs on leads are welcome in the grounds, though not inside Palace House, the National Motor Museum, or other indoor areas.

Buckler’s Hard: This picturesque village allows dogs on leads. Enjoy a Beaulieu River cruise with your dog or take a two-mile shaded walk between Buckler’s Hard and Beaulieu with scenic river views.

New Forest Heritage Centre: Located in Lyndhurst, this museum and gallery welcomes dogs. Learn about the New Forest’s history and discover local attractions.

• Dog friendly
• Family

Moors Valley

Horton Road, Ashley Heath, Dorset, BH24 2ET

Mini Land Rover Adventure – at Moors Valley

Give your children the opportunity to experience the thrill of off-roading on our all new specially crafted mini Land Rover course. With a miniature version of the iconic vehicles, they will feel like true explorers conquering Rumble Road, Bumpy Lane, Seesaw Bridge and more.  Moors Valley is an award-winning visitor attraction offering a host of outdoor activities for all ages. Discover miles of walking trails, cycle routes and dog-friendly trails, two large adventure play areas, Cycle Hire, Gruffalo and friends’ sculptures, a one mile Play Trail, our Tree Top and Music Trails, and accessible play structure Beehive.

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• Dog friendly
• Family

Furzey Gardens

School Lane, Minstead, Lyndhurst SO43 7GL

Furzey Gardens is a secret woodland garden nestled deep in the New Forest. With a cosy thatched tea room, rare and unusual plants and over 40 fairy doors there is something for everyone. Every time you visit you are helping us to provide support and work experience for people with learning disabilities.  Furzey Gardens is ideal for kids, offering a blend of adventure and learning. Nestled within the enchanting Furzey Gardens, it features whimsical fairy doors and hidden treasures, sparking imagination and curiosity. The vibrant flora, play areas, and thatched treehouses provide ample space for exploration and fun.

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• Couples
• Dog friendly
• Family
• Friends

Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary

Bolderwood Arboretum Ornamental Dr, Lyndhurst SO43 7GQ

The deer viewing platform at Bolderwood is one of the best places in the New Forest to see a herd of deer. Fallow deer gather in the meadow for their daily feed between noon and 3pm, from April to September. Bolderwood is also a great spot for an afternoon walk, too.

• Couples
• Dog friendly
• Family
• Friends

Cycle Hire with Woods Cyclery

56 High St, Lyndhurst SO43 7BG

Explore the many off-road, track cycle routes the New Forest has to offer with Woods Cyclery. With a variety of bikes for the different route options, including Adult Premium Suspension for £22, Electric Comfort Hybrid for £5 and Gravel Bike for £40, they are bound to have just the bike for you. All bikes are available for day hire, with part day hire available during off-peak seasons. If you are unsure which bike to hire, simply get in contact with the team and they will be able to advise you.

Website Link

• Dog friendly
• Family
• Friends

New Forest Heritage Centre

Main Car Park, Lyndhurst SO43 7NY

The New Forest Heritage Centre is situated in the heart of the New Forest and welcomes over 200,000 visitors every year. A free-entry museum, gallery and reference library situated in the heart of Lyndhurst, the New Forest Heritage Centre is dedicated to sharing the history of our wonderful National Park. As an independent museum, the New Forest Visitor Centre relies on the generosity of its users and visitors and welcomes support in helping to create a cultural hub for the New Forest.

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• Dog friendly

Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway

Exbury, Southampton, SO45 1AZ

Now more than 100 years old, Exbury Gardens is a spectacular collection of woodland, herbaceous, contemporary, formal and wildflower gardens. At over 200 acres, these impressive gardens (created and managed by the Rothschild family) border. Experience the sights and sounds of a working narrow-gauge steam railway by stepping aboard The Rhododendron Line.  The narrow gauge engines trains travel on an extended 1.5 mile track through the gardens.

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