The New Forest is a vast area of over 500 square kilometres sitting mainly in Hampshire. If you’re looking for dog friendly things to do in the New Forest, you won’t be short of ideas, as there is so much to see and do.
If you’re planning on staying in the new Forest, check out some of the great dog friendly cottages if you’re looking for self catering accommodation.
Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary
Nr Lyndhurst, SO43 7GE
If you would like to spot some Fallow deer then Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary is your place to go in Hampshire. Car parking is free (donations are welcomed).
Nearby is the famous Tall Trees Trail too – a nice easy 1.5 mile circular walk
There are walking and cycling trails, a picnic area and toilet facilities. Dogs are welcome on leads as you are separated from the deer by fencing.
Bucklers Hard
Bucklers Hard, Brockenhurst SO42 7XB
Step back in time and enjoy some maritime history at Bucklers Hard. The village was once a ship building village where Nelson’s fleet at Trafalgar were built.
You can discover the maritime museum, a reconstruction of the village pub, The New Inn, Shipwright’s cottage and plenty of places to explore and enjoy some history.
Dogs are welcome on a lead in the village, however they aren’t permitted into the buildings.
Beaulieu River Cruise
Bucklers Hard, Brockenhurst SO42 7XB
Between April and October you can enjoy a gentle cruise down the Beaulieu river. On your visit to Bucklers Hard, why not take this 30 minute cruise learning about some history, enjoying the views as you sail.
Dogs are welcome on the river cruise on a lead.
Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway
Hampshire, SO45 1AZ
Exbury Gardens, on the Exbury Estate is home to large woodland gardens and a steam railway close to Beaulieu.
Dogs are welcome on a short lead throughout the gardens and railway. There are water stations at the entrance, railway and Mr Eddy’s restaurant.
You won’t be short of walking paths with your dog, as there are over 22 miles of dog friendly paths at Exbury gardens to explore with your pooch.
Throughout the year you can spot Devoted to Dogs days where you can take advantage of discounted entry when taking your dog, so it’s worth keeping an eye out. Why not also visit Exbury Gardens in the Spring time to see the bluebells.
Hurst Castle
Milford on Sea, Lymington, Hampshire, SO41 0TP
A fort in Hampshire established by Henry VIII against the invasion from France in 1500’s. Dogs are welcome everywhere on a short lead at Hurst Castle, and you might even meet the resident castle dogs themselves to say hello to.
Other facilities available are an adventure playground, picnic area, toilets, shop and cafe.
Related post – Circular walks in the New Forest
Hurst Castle is open between July and November between 10am and 4.30 / 5.30pm. Entry is free for English Heritage members, and chargeable for non members.
The nearest car park is at Keyhaven, a short walk away.
Lepe Country Park
Country Park Lepe, Exbury, Southampton SO45 1AD
Lepe Country Park is open daily and free to access, parking charges apply. There is plenty of walking and nature to discover at Lepe, as well as adventure playgrounds, nature trails, bbq area, shop, kiosks, and a sensory nature garden to name but a few facilities.
Dogs are welcome at Lepe Country park, they will also enjoy the long stretch of shingle beach.
New Forest Reptile Centre
Lyndhurst, SO43 7QR
Home to a collection of native lizards, snakes, frogs and toads, the New Forest Reptile Centre has plenty of wildlife cameras to discover all the history.
There is no charge for parking and access, but donations are welcome. Also on site is a walking trail, picnic area and toilets. Dogs are welcome on a lead.
Rockbourne Roman Villa
Rockbourne Rd, Fordingbridge SP6 3PG
Discover Roman history in the New Forest at Rockbourne Roman Villa and Museum. An archaeological site near Fordingbridge where you can walk among the remains of what was once the largest villa complex in the area.
One of the great things to do in the New Forest with dogs. There is free parking on site, a picnic area, toilets, gift shop and museum. Dogs are welcome in the grounds on a lead but not in the museum.
Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum
Bashley Cross Roads, New Milton, Hampshire, BH25 5SZ
Sammy Miller’s Motorcycle Museum is one of the World’s largest motorbike museums. You can expect to see restored motorcycles from around the World.
Also on site are sheep and pygmy goats, as well as tea rooms, a shop and toilets. Dogs are welcome in the museum, but must be kept on leads at all times.