Abbottsbury Sub Tropical Gardens, Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 4LA
Dogs are allowed on the lead in the gardens and at the tables both in and outside of the cafe. As well as enjoying the gardens, wander up the Magnolia walk to a viewpoint looking over the Jurassic coast. There is plenty of parking (we have taken the Motorhome there) and the gardens are included in the Gardener’s World magazine 2 for 1 offer.
Blue Pool, Swanage, Dorset, BH20 5AR
https://bluepooltearooms.co.uk/
Dogs are allowed on the lead. Lovely walk around the pool with lots of side paths to explore. Great tearooms.
Branksome chine beach, Dorset, BH13 6JL
Beautiful sandy beach – dog area is to the left of the car park. Although it was a Thursday in late September, we were amazed that the car park had plenty of spaces – I’m guessing because there are plenty of other beaches in the area. It was nearly all dog walkers on the beach even though it was about 11 when we got there.
We visited again in June 2024 and were even more impressed. Although the parking is quite expensive, you can see that it has been used for the benefit of beach users. The beach was spotlessly clean, there are plenty of bins and taps for water and on the non dog side – free electric BBQs that can be used after 6pm, coffee shack and restaurant – dog friendly, area for yoga, toilets. The beach is used extensively especially early morning – lots of swimmers, runners, cyclists, gym and yoga sessions and in the evening by clubs – we saw a life saving session with probably around 30 people talking part.
Chesil Beach, Dorset
Portland end (DT4 9XE), West Bay end (DT6 4EL)
Dog are allowed on at least part of the beach all year round but as it is stony, it is not the easiest beach to walk on. For stunning views, take the road from Bridport towards Abbotsbury – the whole of the coast is spectacular. The beach is 18 miles long and stretches from West Bay to Portland with the pebble size increasing as you move eastward.
Dorchester – Sculpture by the lakes, DT2 8QU
Stunning sculpture park – the sculptures are set around lakes which provide the perfect backdrop. Plenty of places to sit and just enjoy the view. Dogs on a short lead are allowed everywhere except the kitchen and oriental gardens and the cafe is dog friendly inside and out.
Dorset Nectar cider farm DT6 5HZ
Dog friendly with a lovely shaded orchard with plenty of benches and shade. We spent an afternoon here when they had music and food and enjoyed very much the relaxing ambiance as we picnicked and tried various different ciders.
Durdle Door, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5PU
Stunning location with gorgeous sandy beach which is down a very steep path / steps with not much in the way of handholds. Gets very busy in summer.
Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary, Ventnor PO38 3AA
https://www.iowdonkeysanctuary.org/
Lovely, friendly, independent donkey sanctuary where dogs are very welcome. Lovely (and very reasonable) cafe.
Lulworth Cove, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5RQ
Like Durdle Door gets very busy in summer but is a beautiful stony bay with several cafes that are dog friendly.
New Forest, Hampshire / Wiltshire
With 219 sq miles encompassing forest, heathland and coast, there are plenty of places to walk and attractions to visit in the New Forest. The ponies are very decorative but make sure your dogs are under control around them. There are several caravan sites on the Forest and being able to take your dogs out onto open forest first thing is fantastic.
Portland, Dorset, DT5 2JT
The entrance to Portland is quite bleak and industrial looking, but get past that and there are some lovely places. You can walk along Chesil Beach which has it’s most easterly point here and a trip to Portland Bill with it’s lighthouse is well worth it.
Swanage and Swanage Railway, Dorset, BH19 1HB
https://www.swanagerailway.co.uk/
The railway is dog friendly and in summer, easily the nicest and least stressful way to travel into Swanage. Park at Norden (BH20 5DW) where there is plenty of space (we parked the Motorhome there without any difficulty). Dogs are not allowed on the main beach between 1st May to 30th September but are allowed on Monkey beach. There are lovely walks from Swanage into Durlston Country park – a 320 acre country park and nature reserve.
Yaverland, Sandown, Isle of Wight, PO36 8QB
Yaverland is a very long sandy beach which is dog friendly to the left of the car park.
Goldies on tour 