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.

Accommodation

When it comes to finding somewhere to stay, there’s no shortage of 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/

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: This is a new, 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.

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.

Attractions

Many Dorset Attractions welcome dogs, so there’s no need for your furry friend to miss out on the fun. Durlston Country Park, situated in the south-east corner of the Isle of Purbeck, is dog-friendly, they even provide water bowls which can be found on the terrace outside the Castle. Sherborne Castle also welcomes dogs in the Gardens and Grounds, provided they are kept on a lead at all times. Plus many more Dorset Gardens, such as Compton Acres, Athelhampton, and Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens allow well-behaved dogs, as long as they’re on a lead. How about a train ride? Swanage Railway also welcome dogs on a lead!