What can you do with dogs in Bournemouth? There are plenty of ideas for days out in Bournemouth with dogs. Bournemouth is home to five award winning Blue Flag beaches, as well as being the largest town in Dorset.
Dog Friendly Things To Do In Bournemouth
Hengistbury Head
Broadway, Bournemouth BH6 4EW
Hengistbury Head is a large headland in Bournemouth with views across to the Isle of Wight and the Purbecks. It’s a popular choice for visiting with dogs, with access to both Hengistbury Head beach and Mudeford beach, two quieter beaches in Dorset.
Parking is cheaper in the winter months at Hengistbury, however if you’re popping down for a walk it’s not too expensive at all. The Hiker Cafe is situated just next to the main car park. There are dog bowls outside which are always filled, and whilst dogs aren’t allowed inside the cafe, there is plenty of seating outside.
If you don’t fancy the walk between Hengistbury and Mudeford, the land train runs on a daily basis. Dogs are welcome on board for a nominal fee.
Stour Valley Nature Reserve
Address: Muscliff, Bournemouth BH9 3PR
The Stour Valley way is a 64 mile footpath running through Dorset. It starts in Wiltshire at Stourhead, and ends at Hengistbury Head.
The nature reserve is one of the best places to visit in Bournemouth with dogs to explore some of the river Stour and enjoy some great walks.
Coastal Walks
With 7 miles of coastline, you won’t be short of walks with great views. The stretch of coastline between Bournemouth, Hengistbury Head and Poole is mainly flat with a promenade to walk along. This means that no matter what time of year, you can enjoy a scenic walk with your dog with some sea air and great views.
Lower Gardens
Enjoy the stunning floral displays that change with the seasons as you take a relaxing walk through the Lower Gardens. Located between the pier and the town centre, there is always something happening. Time your visit to enjoy one of the many festivals happening through the year, or relax in the amazing scenery in one of the cafes dotted through the green space.
Bournemouth Pier
Dogs are welcome on Bournemouth Pier, as well as the great dog friendly restaurant at the end of the pier, Key West.
During the off peak season, there is no toll fee for the pier, however between April and October, the entrance toll is £1.30 which is payable only once through the season.
Dog Friendly Pubs In Bournemouth
Spyglass and Kettle, 25-27 Stourwood Avenue, Southbourne, Dorset, BH6 3PW
order and pay app available, beer garden, family friendly, WIFI
The Goat and Tricycle, 27-29 Westhill Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH2 5PF
Patio garden and guest beers available.
The Curlew, 287 Christchurch Road, West Parley, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH22 8SQ
Dogs are more than welcome with fresh water provided and possibly treats as well. Dogs are permitted into the bar areas of the pub.
The Durley Inn, West Undercliff Promenade, Bournemouth BH2 5JF
Part of the Harvester chain, dogs are welcome in the outside seating area of the pub. Water is provided for dogs upon request.
The Commodore, Southbourne Overcliff Dr, Bournemouth BH6 3TD
Close to Southbourne beach, the Commodore welcomes dogs, and even has dog friendly rooms. There’s a large outside seating area for nice days.
Dog Friendly Beaches In Bournemouth
Dogs can enjoy Bournemouth beaches without restrictions throughout the winter season which is from 1st October to 30th April. However between 1st May and 30th September dogs are only permitted on certain parts of the beach. These areas are clearly marked by the information flags.
Durley Chine beach (BH2 5JF) welcomes dogs on parts of the beach all year around. During the Winter dogs are welcome on all parts of the beach, however between May and October, dogs are only permitted between Groyne 5 and 7.
Fishermans Walk is a sand and shingle beach area between Southbourne and Boscombe. This is a popular area for dogs accessed from Southbourne Overcliff Drive.
Hengistbury Head West beach (BH6 4EN) offers views of Poole Bay. Even with so many dog friendly beaches in Dorset, Hengistbury Head is one of my favourites. The beach is made up of shingle and pebbles, and is popular with dog walkers and families alike. The beach is dog friendly all year around.
Mudeford Quay (BH23 4AB) is close to Christchurch harbour. A sandy beach with close by facilities which include a big grassy area which is a popular spot. Dogs are welcome all year around.
Dog Friendly Accommodation In Bournemouth
Hotel Collingwood, 11 Priory Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH2 5DF
There are dog friendly hotel rooms available at the Hotel Collingwood for a supplement of £10 per dog. Rooms include water and food bowls and local dog treats, with a maximum of two dogs per room.
The Queens Hotel and Spa, Meyrick Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 3DL
There are a variety of dog friendly rooms at the Queens Hotel and Spa with a £10 surcharge per dog staying at the hotel. Dogs are also welcome in the gardens on a lead.
Brooklands Hotel, 1 Kerley Rd, West Cliff, Bournemouth, BH2 5DW
Dogs are allowed throughout the hotel, even the bar at Brooklands, one of the great dog friendly hotels in Bournemouth. There is no extra charge to bring your dog.
Norfolk Royale Hotel, Address: Richmond Hill, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH2 6EN
Dogs receive a welcome pack which includes two healthy dog treats, braided rope toy and waste bags when staying at the Norfolk Royale.