Dog Friendly Cottages New Forest

Dog-friendly cottages in the New Forest

Woodland walks and wild ponies for you and your dog

Planning a getaway with your pup? The New Forest is one of the UK’s best-loved dog-friendly destinations. With miles of open heathland, ancient woodland and peaceful villages, this National Park is made for exploring on four legs (and two). Whether you're after a luxury lodge, a cosy cottage or a family-sized farmhouse, we’ve got dog-friendly places to stay where everyone’s welcome – wagging tails and muddy boots included.

Our collection of pet-friendly holiday cottages in the New Forest includes homes with enclosed gardens, direct access to walking trails and even a few with doggy extras like boot rooms and warm showers for post-walk scrubs.

Why choose a dog-friendly holiday in the New Forest?

There are few places better suited to a dog-friendly break than the New Forest. It’s a paradise of woodland trails, coastal paths and sniff-worthy meadows – all watched over by free-roaming ponies and deer. Your dog can enjoy off-lead adventures in many parts of the park, with lots of space to stretch their legs and streams to splash in.

The area is also packed with dog-welcoming pubs, cafés and attractions, so you’ll never be short of places to visit, eat or relax together.

Best dog-friendly walks in the New Forest

Whether you're wandering through ancient woodland or taking in sea views, here are some top dog-friendly walks:

• Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary – a gentle forest trail with viewing platforms to spot deer. Great for kids and dogs alike.
• Wilverley Inclosure – a peaceful circular walk through woodland and heath, perfect for off-lead running.
• Blackwater Arboretum Trail – explore towering redwoods and a lovely enclosed path network – ideal for nervous pups.
• Hatchet Pond – a scenic waterside walk with lots of wildlife (and water!) to keep tails wagging.
• Burley village and forest loop – start in the dog-friendly village and head into the surrounding forest for a charming woodland adventure.

Dog-friendly activities and attractions

There’s plenty to do in the New Forest beyond walking:

🛤 Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway – dogs on leads are welcome in the gardens and can join you on a scenic steam train ride.

🏰 Hurst Castle – nowhere’s off limits for dogs at this former artillery fort. And getting there’s all part of the fun – you can either walk along the Hurst Spit or catch the ferry.

🦎 New Forest Reptile Centre – free entry, dogs allowed – what more could you want? This little centre is open during the summer holidays.