Hampshire is a county on the southern coast of England. After the metropolitan counties and Greater London, Hampshire is the most populous ceremonial county in the United Kingdom.
You’ll be amazed at all the wonderful places to visit in Hampshire. The county has it all, from stunning coastline and beautiful countryside to the many exciting attractions of Portsmouth, the New Forest and Winchester.
Only one hour from London and with excellent transport links, it's the perfect destination for short breaks and family holidays.
Want to bring your dog with you on a day trip, holiday or on a short break? Looking to come to Hampshire but not sure where your four legged friend will be welcome? Hampshire offers a whole host of dog friendly attractions, accommodation, pubs, restaurants and parks which welcome canine visitors.
Winchester
Winchester is a city well catered towards dog owners. With a range of dog-friendly hotels and self-catering facilities, visitors won't be short of places to stay with their canine friends. The city and its surrounding areas have a generous supply of eateries which allow dogs in their bar area, from cosy country pubs to city centre dining.
Dogs on leads are welcome at many of Winchester's top attractions, particularly those with open spaces or gardens. A unique experience can be had on the Watercress Line Steam Railway where pets are charged £1 a ticket.
Southampton
Southampton has a good selection of dog friendly parks and green spaces, both in the city centre and further afield. There are eight greenway walks which are an ideal dog walking opportunity and there are regular agility courses in the area. Southampton Common stretches an impressive 326 acres and is home to a lake, ponds, play areas and nature reserve.
Dogs are welcome in many of the pubs on the outskirts of the city. The pretty village of Hamble is home to three marinas and many of the pubs and restaurants along the High Street welcome pets. Nearby Old Bursledon has an old-world charm and its cosy pubs are a great place to escape to after a dog walk around the area.
Portsmouth
There is a comprehensive guide to dog-friendly Portsmouth on the Visit Portsmouth website. Discover Southsea in the heart of Portsmouth where your pets can run the beach or the common.
Hayling Island
Dogs are not allowed on the blue flag beaches from 1st May to 30th September, but are allowed at the following locations: From golf club to Ferry, From funfair to Creek Road at Eastoke, at Eastoke from Bosmere Road to lifeboat station. On the grass: Above the road parallel to Ferry, Between funfair & Eastoke Corner. On the promenade: On leads only.
The New Forest
Well-behaved dogs are welcome in the New Forest National Park. With its miles of bridleways and open heathland, the New Forest is the perfect place for your dog to to explore w
From 1st October to 30th April dogs are allowed on ALL beaches on Hayling Island. Well-behaved dogs are welcome in the New Forest National Park. With its miles of bridleways and open heathland, the New Forest is the perfect place for your dog to to explore when visiting the county.
Portsmouth has parks, open spaces and beaches which welcome dogs, but there are some restrictions - byelaws known as Dog Control Orders. ... Dogs Exclusion - there are some areas where dogs are not allowed, such as children's playgrounds. It is an offence to allow a dog under your control to enter one of these areas.
While dogs are allowed at the end of Eastney Beach and from Clarence Pier up to Old Portsmouth all year, Dogs are only allowed on sign-posted sections of beaches in Bournemouth during the summer.
With over 465 miles of bridleways there are many picturesque trails for horse riding in Hampshire. Hampshire is also home to two of the best equestrian shows in the UK, the New Forest and Hampshire County Show and The Romsey Show, which feature competitions, displays and events.
Hampshire is a beautiful county in the south of England, known for its rolling hills, historic landmarks, and charming villages. If you're planning a trip to Hampshire and wondering where to stay, there are several areas that offer a variety of accommodation options and easy access to the county's many attractions. Here are some of the best areas to stay in Hampshire:
Winchester: Located in the heart of Hampshire, Winchester is a charming city known for its medieval cathedral, historic castle, and bustling high street. It's a great base for exploring the county, with easy access to the South Downs National Park and nearby towns like Alresford and Romsey.
New Forest: If you're looking for a more rural experience, the New Forest is a beautiful area of woodland, heathland, and grassy plains. You'll find plenty of quaint villages and country pubs, as well as outdoor activities like cycling, horse riding, and hiking.
Southampton: Hampshire's largest city is a vibrant port town with a rich maritime history. There are plenty of accommodation options here, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels, and you'll be within easy reach of attractions like the SeaCity Museum and the Tudor House and Garden.
Portsmouth: Another historic port town, Portsmouth is home to the famous HMS Victory and the Mary Rose Museum, as well as a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars. There are plenty of hotels and guesthouses in the area, and you can easily explore nearby attractions like the Isle of Wight and the South Downs.
Basingstoke: Located in the north of Hampshire, Basingstoke is a bustling town with plenty of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. It's also a good base for exploring the surrounding countryside, including the North Wessex Downs and the Jane Austen Trail.
No matter where you choose to stay in Hampshire, you're sure to find plenty of things to see and do. Whether you're interested in history, culture, or outdoor activities, this beautiful county has something for everyone.