Dog-Friendly Dorset

A fully-fledged member of the family, your four-legged friend doesn’t need to feel left out of the holiday loop and will be well-catered for when you come to dog-friendly Dorset.

Dog-Friendly Accommodation

When it comes to finding somewhere to stay, there’s no shortage of dog and pet friendly accommodation to choose from. Whether it’s camping, a caravan, cottage or lodge you’re after, Dorset has plenty of dog-friendly options to choose from to make the perfect holiday for you and your pooch. 

Dog-Friendly Beaches in Dorset

Dorset is a coastal and countryside paradise; and a long walk across the fields, a dip of your toes – or paws – in the surf, or a leisurely stroll on the beach is just the tonic needed for a great holiday. Many Dorset beaches are dog-friendly all-year round, but some do have restrictions, especially in the main summer season. Within dog-walking season, Weymouth Beach is a haven for pooches as they release their energy with a big smile. Alternatively, you can opt for one of the many other beaches in Dorset where just as much fun is to be had! For a detailed looks at all Dorset beaches, visit: dorsetdogs.org.uk/out-about/

Dog Walks

With ancient woods, secluded streams, and rolling hills to ramble upon, there’s plenty of Dorset just waiting to be sniffed out. Dorset loves responsible dog owners, so please do follow any requests on signs e.g. keeping your dog on a short lead/not chasing other animals or wildlife, and please do bag and bin your dog’s poop. Some great places to walk include:

Thorncombe Wood: a 26-hectare mixed woodland and heath site that sits next to Hardy’s Cottage. You’ll also find Under the Greenwood Tree – a dog-friendly café located in the Hardy's Birthplace Visitor Centre there, so not only can you discover some of the literary history of Dorset, you and your dog can explore the woods, then enjoy a well-earned treat.

Moreton Forest & Ford: The Forest at Moreton offer a variety of woodland and paths to explore. The Ford is wide and shallow, but deeper in places and is perfect for splashing about in, and for keeping cool on warm days.

Hardy Monument: This iconic Dorset landmark sits above the village of Portesham and is surrounded by a landscape that’s suited to and welcomes dog walkers.

Upton Country Park: Sitting on the edge of Poole is 160 acres of woodland, parkland, shoreline and gardens to explore for free with onsite pay and display parking. It’s perfect for a long walk or a picnic, plus dogs can get access to cooling water at the stream splash. The majority of the park welcomes dogs off lead, but there are some 'dogs on lead' areas. The park has a DIY dog wash and a Visitor Centre with all the usual facilities. Read more at uptoncountrypark.com

Canford Park SANG: A 74-acre greenspace where dogs are especially welcome and can run around off lead. Situated next to the River Stour, between Poole and Ferndown, it’s a great place for a picnic, with benches and picnic area provided. Entry and parking is free with lots of surfaced paths as well as a children’s play area and outdoor gym equipment. There are three enclosed areas for training recall, socialisation and dog agility, which are available every day and are pay-as-you-go, with no booking required. There are two car parks, both of which are located off Magna Road, BH21 3AS. More details can be found on the Canford Park SANG Facebook page.

A must-see for any coastal walk enthusiast, Studland Bay is one of the most dog-friendly beaches in Dorset. Follow the clifftop path to Old Harry Rocks for breathtaking views. Dogs are welcome all year on parts of the beach, do check local signage. There are car parks nearby with the National Trust.

Riversmeet Meadow: This meadow is a new greenspace on the edge of Christchurch, with picturesque views of the harbour, Hengistbury Head and Christchurch Priory Church. The area is mostly grass with trees around the edge, and dogs are welcome off lead. Access is free with pay and display car parking available at Two Riversmeet Leisure Centre where paths lead into the meadow. There is also a small car park at Stanpit Recreation Ground, BH23 3ND.

Pubs and Cafés

If you’re wanting to eat out, many Dorset cafés and pubs welcome dogs. Some to look out for include Key West, Bournemouth Pier, Hive Beach Café at Burton Bradstock, and The Castle Inn at Lulworth Cove. Hall & Woodhouse have a selection of pubs in the area and if you take a look at their website, you’ll be sure to find one suited to you. The website even has a section for Dorset Walks – perfect for planning your day out.

Dog-Friendly Attractions

There are great walks for dogs at many of Dorset’s parks and gardens.  Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens has over 30 acres of exotic plants and shaded paths for well-behaved dogs to enjoy with their owners.  Dogs are also welcome to accompany their owners while exploring the expansive award-winning gardens of Forde Abbey, Sherborne Castle and Athelhampton House, although only assistance dogs are allowed within the historic buildings.

There is fun for all the family at Dorset’s dog-friendly attractions. Sandworld in Weymouth is in an ideal location for four-legged friends, being set within the grounds of Lodmoor Country Park, adjacent to a nature reserve, and just across the road from a shingle beach that allows dogs all year round. Sandworld welcomes well-behaved dogs to join their owners in admiring the impressive sand sculptures, and provides areas for dogs (and tired parents!) to sit and watch while the rest of the party enjoy the giant sand pits.

The Nothe Fort is a popular visitor attraction and dogs (on short leads) are allowed to explore the whole site with their owners, including the café and shop.  If the three levels of the fort are not enough to tire your dog out, then the surrounding gardens should do the trick.  Dogs are also welcome in Castletown D-Day Museum on Portland, just a short walk from Chesil Beach and the Fleet Lagoon. 

In Dorchester you will find a trio of dog-friendly museums: the Dinosaur Museum, the Teddy Bear Museum and the Tutankhamun Exhibition. All three are within a few minutes’ walk of Dorchester town centre, with easy access to Borough Gardens and peaceful waterside walks along the River Frome. 

Dorchester is also home to MUTT – Everything Dog, a unique dog-focused destination that combines a soft play café for dogs, an irresistible dog bakery, and a fabulous gift shop, all designed with wagging tails in mind.  Everyone likes a little indulgence while they are on holiday, and if the same is true of your dog, then a visit to MUTT at Brewery Square is a must.  With plenty of tasty treats for humans as well, MUTT is the perfect place for you and your four-legged friend to relax and socialise in the most dog-friendly of environments.

For anything else your dog could need during their stay in Dorset, head to The Pet Experience in Weymouth. This independent pet shop stocks a wide range of high-quality pet food, treats, toys and accessories, ensuring that your canine companion doesn’t have to miss out on any home comforts while you are away. Friendly staff are on hand to offer advice and recommendations, making it well worth a visit whether you are topping up supplies or hunting for a special gift to take home. If your pup ends up loving their specialist food, you can order online and get it delivered to a UK address ready for your return home. It’s a dog’s life!