Dorset is genuinely one of the most dog-welcoming counties you could choose. In one direction, you’ll find the Jurassic Coast; in the other, the gentle heathland, oak woods and romantic ruins of the Isle of Purbeck. Add to that a pleasing scatter of country pubs, beach cafés and historic gardens that genuinely welcome dogs rather than merely tolerate them and you have all the ingredients for a memorable outing.
Plan thoughtfully and your dog will spend more time sipping from offered water bowls than seeking out puddles. Plan less carefully, and you may arrive to discover that entry is restricted to assistance dogs only.
This guide brings together our favourite dog-friendly castles, beaches, country parks, gardens and lunch stops across Dorset, along with the lead policies and seasonal restrictions worth knowing about. If you’re staying on the eastern edge of the county, most venues are within an hour’s drive. Our cottages in Christchurch sit conveniently placed—just four miles from the New Forest in one direction and a short drive from Studland and Corfe in the other.
Corfe Castle is the standout. The dramatic Purbeck ruins are dog-friendly throughout the grounds on a short lead, and dogs are welcome in the National Trust tea room on the outdoor terrace. The village underneath is small enough to wander in twenty minutes and has a couple of dog-friendly pubs. Pair the visit with the Swanage Railway, which carries dogs free of charge on the heritage steam line that runs past Corfe.
Lulworth Castle and Park offers parkland walks, an estate to roam and the dramatic cove a short drive away. Dogs are welcome on leads in the parkland; the cove itself has off-lead access outside the peak summer months. The Castle Inn at West Lulworth is a popular dog-friendly lunch stop, with water bowls and outdoor seating.
Athelhampton House has dog-friendly grounds and gardens; the historic house itself is assistance dogs only. Sherborne Castle is another estate worth visiting, particularly in spring when the gardens and Capability Brown lake are at their best. Dogs are welcome in the parkland and gardens on a short lead.
For Christchurch-based visitors, Highcliffe Castle sits ten minutes from town. The clifftop grounds welcome dogs and the views across Christchurch Bay back to the Isle of Wight are worth the walk on their own.
Dorset’s beach policies vary by season and by stretch of sand, so a quick check before setting off saves an awkward conversation. The summary that matters most:
If you want a longer coastal walk with the dog rather than a sit-on-the-sand beach day, Golden Cap and the Hengistbury Head clifftop are both worth the legwork. We’ve covered these in more depth in our coastal walks with dogs guide.
Arne RSPB on the Purbeck heath has well-marked trails through pine and heather, with views across Poole Harbour. Dogs welcome on lead throughout. Upton Country Park outside Poole has 100 acres of formal gardens, parkland and harbourside paths, with off-lead access in designated areas. Moors Valley Country Park at the eastern end of the county has miles of waymarked forest trails and a dog-friendly café.
Tout Quarry on Portland is a working sculpture trail set in old quarry workings; dogs on lead throughout. Brownsea Island, in Poole Harbour, is a National Trust nature reserve with red squirrels and ancient woodland; dogs on short leads are welcome in designated areas, with the boat across from Poole Quay or Sandbanks taking them aboard. Check the current National Trust access map before you go.
For something quieter, Thorncombe Wood near Hardy’s Cottage offers shaded woodland walks with a literary footnote, and Canford Park SANG at the edge of Bournemouth gives Christchurch-based dog walkers a five-minute drive to a 200-acre suitable alternative natural greenspace specifically designed for dog exercise.
Swanage Railway (free dog travel on the steam line, Norden to Swanage via Corfe) is the easy choice for a half-day with the dog. City Cruises Poole runs harbour tours from the quay with dogs welcome on outside decks; the ride past Brownsea Island is the shortest.
The Dorchester Dinosaur Museum allows well-behaved dogs on a short lead throughout the exhibits, which is rare for an indoor attraction. Nothe Fort at Weymouth has dog-friendly grounds, harbour views and a steep enough hill that nobody minds the lead.
Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens has 30 acres of unusually warm-microclimate planting, with dogs welcome on lead throughout. The neighbouring Walled Garden Moreton combines a tea room, a wildflower meadow and the unusual setting of Lawrence of Arabia’s grave nearby. Kingston Lacy opens its parkland to dogs on lead year-round; the formal gardens and house are assistance dogs only.
If you’re heading west, Minterne House opens its gardens for dog-friendly visits in May, when the rhododendrons are at their peak.
A few proven stops if you’re building a route around the dog:
If you’re staying near Christchurch and want a single worked example: head west on the A35 to Wareham, take the back road over the Purbeck heath to Corfe Castle for a morning at the ruins (allow two hours including the climb), drop down to The Greyhound for lunch, then continue to Studland for an afternoon on the beach, returning via the chain ferry to Sandbanks and the seafront drive home along Bournemouth and Christchurch. That’s a full Dorset day out without driving more than 35 miles in any direction. Do the reverse trip toward Lulworth and Durdle Door if the weather suits.
A Dorset trip works best when the cottage you come back to is properly set up for the muddy paws and the long sleep that follows a coastal walk. Our holiday cottages in Dorset and wider dog-friendly cottages collection welcome dogs as a matter of course, with enclosed gardens, washable floors and walking access to coast or forest. Our Christchurch cottages sit at the eastern end of the county, an hour from Corfe in one direction and a short drive into the New Forest in the other. Plenty of trips, in other words, without long driving days.
Hampshire deserves a place on any dog owner’s map. The New Forest has welcomed dogs and grazing livestock across its heaths for centuries; the National Trust runs three of the most generous dog-friendly estates in the south here; and an unusual number of historic gardens allow dogs on short leads through even their formal areas. The trick lies in knowing which venues genuinely welcome a pet dog and which quietly restrict entry to assistance dogs only. Marwell, Paultons Park, the New Forest Wildlife Park and Sir Harold Hillier all fall into the latter category, despite their obvious appeal.
This guide is the result of a careful walk through the better-known venues: gardens at their spring best, estates with proper acreage to explore, castles where you can walk your dog on a short lead, country parks, heritage railways and a handful of indoor options for wetter days. With every lead policy verified and a clear note of the ones worth skipping.
A few practical points before the venue list. Most National Trust and English Heritage properties require a short lead (under two metres) at all times. Open access land in Hampshire (particularly the New Forest, the South Downs and parts of the Test Valley) applies a legal requirement to keep dogs on a short lead between 1 March and 31 July to protect ground-nesting birds. Beyond that, the practical kit is a collapsible water bowl, a roll of bags, and a clear plan for where the dog goes if you want to stop for lunch indoors. Most dog-friendly cafés in Hampshire allow dogs in outside seating only; venues that take dogs inside are flagged below where we can confirm it.
The standout. 200 acres of Rothschild plantings on the edge of the Beaulieu River, dog-friendly throughout the gardens on a short lead. Water stations across the site, canine ice cream at Mr Eddy’s Restaurant, and dogs are welcome aboard the Exbury narrow-gauge steam railway. The garden runs Devoted to Dogs days at quieter points in the calendar with discounted entry. Best in spring for the rhododendrons and azaleas, in summer for the rose garden and water gardens.
The National Trust’s Mottisfont estate is one of the most dog-welcoming in the south. Dogs on short leads are welcome in most of the garden, the shop, and the outdoor seating at the Stables café and Coach House Café. Assistance dogs only inside the house, on the formal lawns and in the famous walled rose garden. Beyond the pay zone, the Spearywell Wood walks attached to the estate are off-payment and dog-friendly, which makes Mottisfont a fair-value half-day even on a quick visit.
Hinton Ampner offers four miles of trails across 200 hectares with a Capability Brown landscape and South Downs views. Dogs on short leads in the gardens, shop and bookshop; outdoor seating only at the café. The estate is rated two pawprints by the National Trust’s own scheme. Note the seasonal lead rule on open access land between March and July.
The Vyne is the dog-friendliest of the National Trust’s Hampshire properties, rated three pawprints. Short leads throughout, dogs welcome in the ground-floor Brewhouse tearoom, water bowls at reception. Assistance dogs only inside the house, in the children’s natural play area and in the tearoom servery.
A quieter option in the upper Test Valley. Riverside paths through formal and informal gardens, dogs welcome on short leads. The setting along the chalk-stream Test makes it a particularly pleasant stop in late spring and summer.
The naturalist’s home with a 25-acre garden, dog-friendly throughout the grounds and outdoor café on a short lead. Assistance dogs only in the house. The annual September Dog Show at Gilbert White’s is worth planning a day around if you’re in the area then.
1,800 acres of Hampshire estate with a dog-friendly walled garden, woodland and parkland, plus outdoor seating at the Pavilion Tearoom. Assistance dogs only in the house, the Maze, the Dutch Garden and the arboretum, but the wider estate offers more than enough room for a long walk.
A New Forest exception worth knowing about. Furzey applies a seasonal split: from April to October, assistance dogs only; from November to March, all well-behaved dogs welcome on short leads. Useful for an off-season visit when the woodland walks are at their quietest.
The Palace House gardens, riverfront and abbey ruins all welcome dogs on short leads. There’s an unmanned Dog Waiting Area beneath the National Motor Museum for the indoor part of the visit, and complimentary poop bags at the entrance. Dogs aren’t allowed inside Palace House itself or the Motor Museum building.
The historic shipbuilding village runs along a single street down to the Beaulieu River. Dogs welcome on short leads in the village, the museum, the Captain’s Table tea rooms and on the Beaulieu river cruise. Combine with Beaulieu for a full day.
The Henry VIII coastal fortress at the end of Hurst Spit. Dogs on short leads throughout the castle and grounds. The two-mile shingle walk along the spit is a serious workout in either direction; alternatively, the Hurst Ferry from Keyhaven accepts friendly dogs on short leads if you’d rather save the legs for the castle itself.
Small but useful for a wet-weather hour. Dogs welcome on short leads in the museum and gallery. A reasonable indoor option in a forest where most attractions are outside.
Dog-friendly grounds and outdoor café on short leads; assistance dogs only inside the museum itself. Worth a stop if there’s a motorbike enthusiast in the party.
English Heritage runs an unusually generous dog policy across most of its Hampshire sites. Dogs on short leads are welcome throughout the following:
Portchester Castle: a Roman fort with later Norman and medieval additions on the edge of Portsmouth Harbour. Excellent views, extensive grounds.
Netley Abbey: Cistercian ruins on the Solent edge, evocatively overgrown.
Bishop’s Waltham Palace: medieval bishops’ residence in a country town setting.
Wolvesey Castle, Winchester: the old Bishop’s Palace ruins, easily combined with a Winchester city walk.
Titchfield Abbey: smaller, quieter ruins worth pairing with a New Forest day out.
The Jane Austen connection. The grounds are dog-friendly on short leads but no interior access. Pleasant when paired with the village walk through Chawton itself.
A reconstructed Stone Age, Iron Age and Roman farm complex on the edge of the South Downs. Dogs on short leads across the entire site, with the exception of special event days when assistance dogs only is enforced. Unusual, hands-on, and a genuine alternative to the more polished historic-house circuit.
Hampshire’s largest country park, with a “Countryside Canines” traffic-light trail system that flags which routes are best in which season for dogs and grazing livestock. Trails range from gentle valley loops to the South Downs Way ridge. Dogs under close control; on lead in livestock fields.
The standout amenity here is the dog wash facility: a proper shower-and-shampoo setup near the visitor centre, useful after a muddy walk along the Solent shoreline. Extensive parkland, dogs welcome on short leads, dog-friendly outdoor seating at the café.
The Hampshire side of the Solent, with a long shingle and sand beach. Dog-friendly with seasonal restrictions on the main beach during the summer; year-round access on the quieter ends.
Dogs welcome under close control across most of the parkland. The working farm at the centre is assistance dogs only. Useful if you want a longer walk with a wet-weather contingency.
Dogs travel free on the heritage steam line on a short lead. Welcome at all four stations (Alresford, Ropley, Medstead and Four Marks, Alton) and aboard standard service trains, though not on the dining services or Steam Illuminations evenings. A useful fall-back for an inclement afternoon.
A working Victorian brickworks museum south-east of Southampton. Dogs on short leads throughout, dog-friendly café. Not on most Hampshire shortlists, which makes it a quieter day.
Small but dog-friendly grounds in the same area, often overlooked. A pleasant 45-minute stop rather than a half-day.
The list of well-known Hampshire attractions that accept assistance dogs only, to save you a wasted journey:
Marwell Zoo: assistance dogs only.
Paultons Park (Peppa Pig World): assistance dogs only.
New Forest Wildlife Park: assistance dogs only.
Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey: assistance dogs only despite the obvious appeal of 180 acres of arboretum.
Longstock Park Water Garden: assistance dogs only.
West Green House Garden: assistance dogs only inside the formal garden; pet dogs welcome in the car park area.
Furzey Gardens, listed above, falls into a third category: pet dogs welcome November to March only. Spinners Garden in Boldre operates by appointment and applies seasonal short-lead rules, so check the current status before travelling.
The right base in Hampshire is one with a garden the dog can be turned out into, somewhere to leave wet kit overnight, and a forest track or a coastal path within walking distance of the door. Short Stay Homes’ holiday cottages in Hampshire and our wider holiday cottages in the New Forest collection are dog-friendly across the portfolio, with most opening directly onto either the forest or the wider Hampshire countryside. The full dog-friendly cottages collection covers our wider footprint if you want to combine Hampshire with a Dorset or Devon stay.
If you’d like further assistance in finding the perfect dog-friendly cottage for your trip to Hampshire, get in touch with our team at Short Stay Homes, we’re always happy to help!
For wider reading: our notes on coastal walks with dogs, what the New Forest is famous for, and what to expect from a Hampshire trip.
No. Marwell Zoo is assistance dogs only. The same applies to Paultons Park, the New Forest Wildlife Park, and Sir Harold Hillier Gardens. Plan around them if you’re travelling with a pet dog.
Exbury Gardens, Mottisfont, Hinton Ampner, the Vyne, Houghton Lodge Gardens, Gilbert White’s House and Gardens, Stansted Park, and Furzey Gardens (winter only) all welcome pet dogs on short leads. Sir Harold Hillier, Longstock Park and West Green House are assistance dogs only.
Yes. Dogs on short leads travel free on the heritage steam line and are welcome at all four stations. They aren’t permitted on dining trains or the seasonal Steam Illuminations services.
Yes, in the Palace House grounds, the abbey ruins and the riverfront on short leads. They aren’t allowed inside Palace House itself or the National Motor Museum, but there’s an unmanned Dog Waiting Area underneath the museum. Buckler’s Hard, in the same Beaulieu Estate, takes dogs throughout the village and aboard the river cruise.
In the open forest, dogs can be off-lead under close control outside the ground-nesting bird season (which runs 1 March to 31 July, when a short lead is legally required on open access land). Stay clear of grazing livestock at all times. The New Forest’s commoning ponies, cattle and donkeys are there year-round, and dogs and livestock don’t mix well.
A cottage hen weekend suits brides who would rather wake to coffee on the terrace than to a hotel corridor in Marbella. It suits groups that span ages, friendship circles and energy levels. The school friends, the uni friends, the work friends and the bride’s sister all gathered under one roof. And it works because the venue itself carries some of the entertaining weight for you. A house with a hot tub, a generous kitchen table and a proper view needs little else.
This guide walks you through the practical side of organising one. How to broach it with the bride first. How to get the budget right and gather the funds. What size and shape of cottage actually works for your group. How to build a Friday-to-Sunday itinerary that holds together without leaving anyone exhausted. And what tends to slip if you don’t.
Cottages give you the things hotels don’t. A kitchen for the long Saturday breakfast. A private space the group can occupy without anyone asking you to move. The kind of evening where activities come to you (mobile cocktail-making, a private chef, a pamper round in the lounge) rather than dragging fourteen people across town for a 3pm spa slot. They give you what city breaks don’t: a long bath after a long walk, a hot tub on the Saturday night, somewhere quiet for the bride to step away from the noise for ten minutes, and a base that costs less per head than four hotel rooms.
The trade-offs are real. Cottages mean someone is cooking, or someone is organising catering. They mean coordinating arrivals from different directions. They mean the venue itself does some of the work, so the location and the property need to earn their place. For groups who want shared bedrooms and a long lazy Saturday rather than back-to-back booked activities, the cottage format is the strongest match by some distance.
Before anything else. Three questions to ask:
What kind of weekend does she actually want? “Relaxed” and “wild” mean different things to different people. A cottage weekend can unfold gently, spa treatments, a leisurely pub lunch, time in the hot tub, supper together at home, or it can be more spirited with clubbing in the nearest town, a mobile cocktail masterclass, a themed dress code, and late nights. The bride sets the tone.
Who’s invited and who isn’t? Some brides welcome their mother and future mother-in-law; some prefer not to. Some want a single coherent group; others prefer a gentle two-day split where the immediate friend group has their own time before the wider group joins. It’s worth asking before you draft the guest list.
What’s the absolute veto list? Almost every bride has at least one. Certain games, certain venues, certain people, hen-do-themed clothing for the bride. Get the list now and you’ll avoid an awkward conversation later.
If it’s meant to be a surprise, run the first three questions through her closest sister or bridesmaid instead.
The guest list shapes every decision after it. Group size sets the cottage capacity. The mix of friend groups sets how much icebreaker and structured-game work you’ll need to do. The age range sets the activity tone. A few patterns worth knowing:
8-12 people is the easy size; fits most cottages, simple to feed, manageable to cost-split.
12-20 people is the most common UK hen weekend size and where most cottage planning content focuses.
20-30 people opens up larger cottages and country houses but starts to need more structure (rooming plans, food coordination, transport in groups).
30-45 people is multi-friend-group or extended-family territory. Short Stay Homes’ larger properties cover this range; few cottage-rental businesses do.
If the bride’s list mixes ages (sister’s friends in their 20s with mother of the bride and an aunt), plan activities the older guests can opt out of without missing the main event. A spa morning and a quieter evening menu work well. Loud club night out plus 8am brunch does not.
UK hen weekends run anywhere from £100 to £400 per person all-in for a cottage weekend, with around £200-£250 per person being a reasonable target for a two-night cottage stay with food, basic activities and decorations included. Add more if you’re booking a private chef, a mobile pamper service, or a clubbing night with cocktails included.
The breakdown that usually works for a cottage weekend:
Cottage cost split per head (the biggest line; typically £80-£150 per person for two nights in a quality property, sometimes more depending on size and date)
Food: shared groceries, plus one delivered or catered meal (£40-£70 per person)
Drinks: kitty contribution (£30-£60 per person depending on group taste)
Activities: cocktail masterclass, spa, mobile pamper or similar (£30-£100 per person)
Decorations and games: bunting, balloons, themed accessories, hen-do games (£10-£25 per person)
A small contingency for the bride’s costs to be covered by the group, which is standard convention.
Be open about the per-head cost in the very first message to the group. Surprises in money chats break trust faster than anything else in hen-do planning. PayPal Money Pools, Splitwise or a dedicated bank-transfer reference are all acceptable; pick one and stick to it.
This is where cottage hen weekends succeed or fail. The features that matter:
Sleeping configuration matters more than total capacity. A cottage that sleeps 16 with eight bunkbeds in a single room will not work; a cottage that sleeps 12 with six proper double bedrooms will. Ask for the bedroom layout, not just the headcount.
Bathroom-to-person ratio. Three or four people per bathroom is workable. Ten people per bathroom on a Saturday morning is not.
A communal space large enough for the whole group at once: for the welcome drinks moment, for dinner, for games. If the only seating is a four-person sofa, it doesn’t work.
A hot tub if the season suits it. Hot tubs are the single most-used feature on a cottage hen weekend, particularly on the Saturday night. Short Stay Homes’ cottages with hot tubs are a popular hen-weekend pick.
A games room or extra space for a quieter sub-group, particularly if you’re inviting older guests.
Quality assurance. A cottage that turns out to be tired, cramped or grubby on arrival is a real risk on a £3,000-£8,000 booking. Look for Visit England, AA or Quality in Tourism ratings rather than relying on photos alone. Short Stay Homes carry a Visit England Gold Award across the portfolio.
Dog-friendly if anyone wants to bring the bride’s dog (a more common request than the SERP would suggest). Most hen-friendly cottages don’t allow dogs; Short Stay Homes’ dog-friendly cottages do.
Location. The Cotswolds dominates the hen-cottage market, which means everyone is in the Cotswolds. The New Forest, Dorset and Devon are quieter, more reachable from London by train (Brockenhurst is 90 minutes from Waterloo, Christchurch and Salisbury similar), and tend to be better value. Short Stay Homes’ hen and stag party cottages are all in the southern half of England.
For larger groups specifically, our full property collection ranges from 4-person lodges up to 45-sleeper estates, which covers most hen-weekend group sizes.
Hen weekends typically happen 4-12 weeks before the wedding. Once that window is set, book the cottage four to six months out for choice; longer if you’re targeting a peak summer Saturday or a bank holiday. Most cottage agencies see hen-weekend bookings concentrated on Saturdays from April through September, with mid-week bookings cheaper but harder to arrange around the group’s work calendar.
If you’re flexible: a Friday-Sunday or Sunday-Tuesday booking is sometimes 20-30% cheaper than Saturday-Monday.
The activity plan needs three things: a daytime anchor, an evening centrepiece, and downtime in between.
These are the cottage hen weekend’s secret weapon. Bringing the activity to you means no transport coordination, no group-of-12 walking through a town, and the option for guests to drop in and out:
Mobile cocktail masterclass: typically 90 minutes, around £25-£35 per head, includes ingredients and a cocktail recipe each guest takes home
Mobile pamper service: manicures, facials and massages set up in a spare room or the lounge, usually £30-£60 per head depending on the package
Private chef for one evening meal: the showpiece dinner, typically £45-£80 per head depending on the menu
Life drawing class: short, surprisingly bonding for a mixed group, around £15-£25 per head
Murder mystery dinner: works well for a long Saturday evening, especially with a hot tub afterwards
Cake decorating, candle making or floristry workshops: daytime, hands-on, low-pressure
A few worth planning a half-day around:
Spa day at a nearby hotel
Vineyard or distillery visit: the New Forest, Hampshire and Dorset all have working vineyards and distilleries running tasting tours
Beach trip with a pub lunch if you’re on the south coast
A countryside walk or a forest hack on horseback: surprisingly popular for groups who want a daytime anchor that’s not drinks-led
A pub lunch with the whole group on Saturday, often a more memorable moment than the evening dinner
Mr & Mrs is the universal favourite. Beyond that, prosecco pong, the wedding-dress relay (toilet paper edition), Pin the Veil on the Bride, group quizzes about the bride, and a themed dress code for one of the evenings all have their place. Keep games short and plan no more than two or three across the weekend; most groups value time to talk and simply be together, rather than constant structure.
Three options for catering, ordered by effort:
Self-cater entirely. Cheapest. Works for groups who enjoy the cooking. Plan two meal teams of three or four people each, rotating.
Mix self-catering with one delivered or catered meal. Most common. Pizza Friday night, breakfast self-cater, brunch self-cater, dinner private chef or group cook, Sunday brunch self-cater.
Private chef for one or both evening meals. Premium. Frees up the organiser. Typically £45-£80 per head per meal.
Collect dietary requirements at the same time you collect deposits. Vegan, gluten-free, nut allergies, alcohol-free preferences are easier to plan for at the start than to apologise for on the night.
For drinks: a kitty contribution paid up-front and a single supermarket run on arrival usually beats a “everyone bring their own” arrangement, which leaves someone short.
Worth doing, easy to overdo. Bunting, balloons, a bride banner, a personalised playlist on a Bluetooth speaker, and a small welcome pack on each guest’s pillow (eye mask, mini bottle, hangover remedy) cover the essentials. Avoid anything that requires drilling, sticky tape directly on painted walls, or confetti that needs vacuuming for the entire deposit-return inspection.
A welcome bag for each guest (£8-£15 a head) is one of the most-appreciated organiser touches and easy to order in bulk.
How much should a hen weekend in a cottage cost per person? UK hen weekends in a cottage typically run £200–£250 per person for two nights, including accommodation, food, basic activities and decorations. At Short Stay Homes, we provide properties ranging from intimate cottages to large estates sleeping up to 23, so you’ll find options across different budgets. Per-head cost falls as group size rises.
How far in advance should I book the cottage? Four to six months ahead for choice; longer for peak summer Saturdays and bank holidays. Mid-week dates are easier to arrange last-minute.
How big should the group be? Eight to twenty people works well for most cottage hen weekends. At Short Stay Homes, we provide everything from intimate cottages for smaller groups (6–8) to larger properties like Arniss Farm and the New Forest Cottages (sleeping up to 23), which can be enhanced with glamping pods and the Riverside Lodge for extended friend groups.
Do I need a private chef? Not necessarily. One catered or delivered meal across the weekend (typically Saturday evening) is enough for most groups. The rest is straightforward self-catering.
Can we bring the bride’s dog? Yes. At Short Stay Homes, we provide dog-friendly accommodation by default across our entire portfolio – a genuine advantage when coordinating a hen weekend with four-legged guests.
What’s the best region for a hen weekend cottage? The Cotswolds dominates the market but tends to be expensive. At Short Stay Homes, we provide properties in the New Forest and Dorset, quieter, charming locations with fantastic walks, vibrant nearby towns like Salisbury, and easily reachable from London. We also offer extras like private fishing on the Hampshire Avon and a range of activities and discounts to make the weekend extra special, all without the Cotswolds price point.
Once you have the date and the headcount, the cottage decision is the one that holds everything else together. Short Stay Homes’ hen and stag party cottages span the New Forest, Dorset, Devon and Salisbury, with capacity from 4 up to 45, hot tubs in many of the properties, and dog-friendly across the collection. Our full property collection covers everything from smaller bridesmaid getaways through to whole-estate bookings. If you’d like a hand narrowing it down, get in touch with our team. We’ve helped plenty of organisers through this; we’ll know within a couple of questions which property fits your weekend.
The New Forest in spring is the version that regular visitors rather prefer to keep to themselves. The forest tracks have dried out beautifully, the ponies have only just had this year’s foals, the heath is scattered with primroses and gorse, and the gardens at Exbury, Furzey and Mottisfont burst into colours you simply won’t find in any other season. The summer crowds haven’t yet arrived either, which means quieter villages, gentler beaches at Milford and Lepe, and a genuinely better chance of securing a table at the pub of your choice.
This guide explores what makes a spring break in the New Forest worth planning for in 2026. The wildlife to watch for, the gardens in bloom, the seasonal events, the villages worth basing yourself around, and the kind of cottage that welcomes those cooler mornings and warmer afternoons.
The New Forest transforms between late March and early June in three distinct ways. The light stretches longer, sunset drifts from around 6pm in March to past 9pm by early June. The ground firms underfoot after a winter of rain, which makes the gravel forest tracks a pleasure to walk and cycle without the mud of colder months. Summer brings busier crowds and warmer days, but spring is when the New Forest reveals itself most authentically.
For visitors travelling from cities, the practical bonus is that May half-term and the late May bank holiday land inside the same window, so a long weekend or a full week of school holiday both work. We’ve covered the half-term planning side in more detail in our May half-term cottage guide.
The New Forest pony foals start arriving from late April and through May, with most births clustered around early to mid-May. They’re easy to spot if you walk or drive the lanes around Bolderwood, the Ornamental Drive, Bratley View and around Burley. A few practical points:
Don’t approach foals or stand between a foal and its mother. The mares are protective and will move quickly if they think you’re a threat. Stay 50 metres back where you can.
Keep dogs on a short lead near livestock. The legal requirement on open access land between 1 March and 31 July (ground-nesting birds) overlaps the foal season. It’s the safer policy year-round around commoning livestock.
Don’t feed any of them. Feeding makes ponies and donkeys associate cars with food, which is how they end up in the road.
Beyond the foals: lambs are at their most photogenic at Longdown Activity Farm in March and April. Fallow deer fawns appear at Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary in late May and into June. Spring bird migration brings Dartford warblers, woodlarks, lapwings and nightjars back to the heath; the Wild New Forest team runs guided walks if you want to get them properly identified.
The New Forest’s bluebells peak from late April into mid-May, give or take a week each year depending on the spring. The named locations worth walking are:
Roydon Woods (Brockenhurst): a Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust reserve with one of the densest bluebell carpets in the forest. Park at Setley and walk in.
Pondhead Inclosure (Lyndhurst): managed by Pondhead Conservation Trust, with active coppicing that thins the canopy enough to give the bluebells real light. Smaller than Roydon but more reliable in a late spring.
Ivy Wood (Brockenhurst): a quieter alternative, often less crowded on a sunny May weekend.
Clayhill Heath, Broomy Inclosure and Sandleheath offer sparser, more scattered bluebell displays for walks where the bluebells are part of the picture rather than the whole point.
The window is genuinely narrow. By the third week of May they’re usually past their best.
Three spring gardens are within easy reach of any New Forest base, and each is worth a half-day:
Exbury Gardens on the Beaulieu River is the headline. 200 acres of Rothschild plantings, with rhododendrons and azaleas peaking from mid-April to early May, magnolias before that, and roses opening from late May. The Exbury narrow-gauge steam railway runs through the gardens and dogs travel free on a short lead.
Furzey Gardens at Minstead is smaller, woodland-set, and known for its azalea collection. Note the seasonal dog policy: assistance dogs only between April and October, all dogs welcome on short leads November to March.
Mottisfont in the Test Valley sits just outside the New Forest proper but is the most visited spring garden in Hampshire. Spring bulbs and blossom in April; the famous walled rose garden from late May into June.
If you’re staying in the western forest, Sir Harold Hillier Gardens near Romsey offers a 180-acre arboretum that’s at its best in the spring colour months, though pet dogs aren’t permitted.
A short list of the dated New Forest spring events worth building a trip around:
BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair, Beaulieu (1–3 May 2026): the season’s biggest gardening weekend in the south, with show gardens, plant sales and talks. Runs across the National Motor Museum site.
Beaulieu Spring Autojumble (16–17 May 2026): the country’s largest motor jumble, held in the same Beaulieu grounds. A day out in itself if anyone in the party is mechanically curious.
Wild New Forest Guided Tours: small-group wildlife and tracking walks running through April and May. Worth booking ahead.
Easter weekend (3–6 April 2026): most New Forest attractions run Easter trails and family events. Paultons Park, Beaulieu, Buckler’s Hard and Longdown Activity Farm all programme around the weekend.
Mother’s Day (15 March 2026): falls just before the New Forest’s official spring feel kicks in, but most of the area’s pub restaurants book up well in advance.
May late bank holiday (25 May 2026): coincides with the start of the May half-term week. Expect the forest to be busier, particularly at headline attractions.
Check the Visit New Forest events listings closer to your travel dates for additions and weather-related changes.
Spring is when the forest’s gravel tracks and bridleways are at their most rideable. A few suggestions if you’re new to the area:
The Old Railway between Brockenhurst and Burley is the gentlest cycle in the forest: a flat, traffic-free track along a former railway line, suitable for any age. Hire bikes from Cycle Experience in Brockenhurst.
Bolderwood and the Ornamental Drive offers some of the most reliable pony, deer and woodland views, walking or driving.
Ober Water and Whitefield Moor are short circular walks for shorter legs.
The coastal path from Lymington to Hurst Castle is a longer day, around 12 miles each way; the alternative is the Lymington-Yarmouth ferry to the Isle of Wight for the day with the option to come back the same way.
For a separate piece on walking the south coast with a dog, see our coastal walks with dogs guide.
The New Forest meets the coast at Lepe, Lymington and the long shingle out to Hurst Castle. In spring, before the Solent fills up with summer sailing, the coast feels surprisingly quiet:
Lepe Country Park has a long beach, a working café, and good views across to the Isle of Wight. Spring is the best season for the bird life on Lepe’s mudflats.
Lymington combines the cobbled high street, the Saturday market (a fixture since the 13th century), and the Wightlink ferry terminal if you fancy a day on the Isle of Wight.
Milford on Sea is quieter, with a long shingle beach running out to Hurst Spit.
Hurst Castle sits at the end of a two-mile shingle walk or a short ferry ride from Keyhaven. Worth combining with a pub lunch at the Gun Inn at Keyhaven or the Mayflower in Lymington.
If you’re travelling during May half-term, the busier family attractions hold up:
Paultons Park (Peppa Pig World) runs full programming through the half-term week.
Longdown Activity Farm is at its best in spring, with new lambs, calves and chicks throughout April and May.
Beaulieu typically runs additional family events through Easter and May half-term, with seasonal additions to the Top Gear and 007 attractions.
New Forest Wildlife Park (assistance dogs only) is at its most active in spring with new arrivals across the species.
Buckler’s Hard runs maritime-themed family activities through the school holidays.
A New Forest spring asks something specific of a cottage. Cold mornings, warm afternoons, the kind of evening light that holds until 9pm by mid-May, and the occasional April shower that arrives sideways. The features that earn their keep:
A wood burner or open fire for cooler mornings and the kind of post-walk evening that needs more than central heating.
A drying space or boot room if you’re walking or cycling. Wet kit is a daily reality in April even in a dry spring.
A private garden (preferably enclosed) if you’re bringing a dog, particularly with foals about on the estate boundaries.
A south-facing aspect or terrace for the long late-spring afternoons.
Walking-distance access to forest tracks so you don’t have to start every day with a drive.
Short Stay Homes’ New Forest holiday cottages cluster mainly around the western and northern forest, around Godshill, Fordingbridge and the Avon Valley fringe. All are dog-friendly. Most have private gardens, log burners, and direct walking access to forest trackways. The wider Hampshire collection covers the rest of the county if your spring plans take you east toward Winchester or the Solent coast.
If you’re reading this in mid-spring and wondering what’s still available for May or early June, our last-minute deals page is updated weekly.
For more on what makes the New Forest worth visiting beyond spring, see what the New Forest is famous for, the New Forest’s miles of freedom all year round, and why May is a wonderful month for the outdoors.
If you’d like to ask about availability, dog-friendly options, or a cottage that suits your particular spring plans, do get in touch. We’re a small team and we can provide personal advice on how best to make your trip work. Whether that’s finding the right cottage, planning your itinerary, or simply knowing which venues genuinely welcome dogs. We know our homes and our regions well, and we’re happy to help.
Devon offers some of Britain’s most breathtaking countryside, from the wild open spaces of Dartmoor and Exmoor to river valleys and ancient woodlands. Whether you’re seeking a stroll or a hike, the county’s diverse terrain provides endless opportunities for walkers to explore natural beauty at its finest.
At Short Stay Homes, we’ve compiled this guide to help you discover the countryside walks that showcase Devon at its best. So, pack your walking boots and grab a map!
Devon offers a diverse walking experience. In just one day, you can cross open moorland, wander through ancient woodlands, and follow streams through quiet valleys.
The county is home to two stunning national parks. Dartmoor is known for its wild granite tors, while Exmoor offers rolling hills and hidden combs. Between them, you’ll find National Trust sites, nature reserves, and protected landscapes that showcase Devon’s natural beauty.
Walking here is more than just time outdoors. Many routes follow old paths once used by farmers, miners, and traders. It’s a journey through nature – and history.
Devon has plenty of great woodland walks, with a mix of quiet paths, interesting trees, and wildlife. Here are a few worth exploring:
This ancient oak woodland near Two Bridges feels like stepping into a fairy tale. The gnarled, moss-covered trees create an otherworldly atmosphere that’s particularly magical in early morning mist. The easy 2.8-mile circular route from the car park takes roughly 1.5 hours, making it perfect for families.
The 2.5-mile Danes Wood walk offers a delightful journey through the Killerton estate in east Devon. This National Trust site is a haven for wildlife, while the well-maintained footpaths make for a comfortable stroll year-round. Look out for the spectacular bluebells carpeting the ground in spring.
The dramatic White Lady Waterfall forms the centrepiece of this 1.75-mile trail. The path winds through a steep-sided gorge filled with rainforest. You’ll hear the rush of water as you walk and spot ferns and mosses thriving in the sheltered valley.
Devon’s river valley walks offer a mix of scenery, from steep gorges to gentle riverside trails. These routes follow the water and offer a different perspective on the countryside.
This 4.1-mile route follows the famous Hunters Path high above the River Teign before descending into woodland alongside the water. Starting from Castle Drogo, the route offers spectacular views across Dartmoor’s eastern edge. Sharp-eyed walkers might spot kingfishers, dippers, and even otters in the waters below.
The East Lyn River valley offers some of Exmoor’s most picturesque scenery. This 2.2-mile walk winds through woodland alongside the rushing river. The area inspired R.D. Blackmore’s famous novel, Lorna Doone. You’ll understand why when you experience its romantic beauty first-hand.
The river Plym carves its way through woodland and moorland edges. The 3.5-mile “bricks, boulders and bronze walk” takes in granite crags, including the imposing Dewerstone, and passes the remains of historic quarries and brickworks. The area teems with wildlife, including deer, buzzards, and kingfishers.
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Devon’s moorlands are open, rugged, and full of history. These routes take you across Dartmoor and Exmoor, with great views and a real sense of space.
For more experienced walkers, this 6.4-mile route across Dartmoor’s western flanks is for you. The distinctive rock formations of Great Staple Tor create perfect natural viewpoints across the moor. Mysterious prehistoric remains dot the landscape, connecting walkers with Devon’s ancient past.
The village of Belstone provides an excellent starting point for exploring Dartmoor’s northern edge. The 5.5-mile circular route takes you past imposing tors and across open moorland where Dartmoor ponies graze freely. Listen for the delicate song of skylarks rising from the heather and gorse.
The Doone Valley Circular is a challenging 7-mile walk through one of Exmoor’s most striking landscapes. It crosses open moorland where Exmoor ponies graze, then drops down to follow the quiet Badgworthy Water. Along the way, you’ll pass through woodland and see the ruins of a long-abandoned medieval village.
If you’re after some solitude, these lesser-known walking routes in Devon are a good place to start. They’re ideal for a more relaxed walk away from busy spots.
Our luxury self-catering homes make the perfect base for exploring Devon’s countryside walks. Many are located near Dartmoor, Exmoor, and the county’s most beautiful river valleys. After a day on the trails, you can relax in comfort – perhaps soaking tired muscles in a hot tub while planning your next adventure.
Whether you want a tough hike across moorland or a gentle riverside stroll, Devon’s walks have something for everyone. So, lace up your boots and see why this county has inspired artists, writers, and nature lovers for centuries.
Contact Short Stay Homes and enjoy easy access to Devon’s best countryside walks. Experience the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and cosy comfort.
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There’s nothing quite like setting off along the coast with your dog trotting happily by your side – the salt air, the wide open views, the simple joy of a good walk together. The south coast of England is one of the finest places in the country to enjoy exactly that, with dramatic cliff paths, sweeping sandy beaches and charming seaside villages all within easy reach of your holiday home.
Whether you’re planning a short break in the New Forest, a Dorset escape, or a Devon adventure, we’ve rounded up some of the best dog-friendly coastal walks along the south coast – with distance notes, local highlights, and a few well-earned pit stop suggestions along the way. Lace up your boots, clip on the lead and let’s explore!
Distance: 2-3 miles one way (4-6 miles return) | Difficulty: Moderate
No guide to south coast dog walks would be complete without Durdle Door. The walk from Lulworth Cove to this iconic limestone arch is every bit as spectacular as you’d hope. Following the South West Coast Path west from Lulworth, the trail climbs steeply before rewarding you with panoramic views of the Jurassic Coast. The path then descends to the famous natural arch framing brilliant turquoise water below.
It’s a moderately challenging route with some steep sections, but your dog will love bounding through the open countryside and clifftop grassland. Carry water for both of you, as there are limited facilities on the route. If you and your four-legged friend still have energy to spare, the South West Coast Path continues to White Nothe, though the terrain becomes more remote and demanding.
Staying nearby? Our holiday homes in Dorset put you within easy reach of the Jurassic Coast, with the countryside right on your doorstep.
Distance: Approximately 12 miles | Difficulty: Challenging
For those who love a big adventure, a full loop of the Isle of Portland is an unforgettable day out. Cross the causeway from Chesil Beach onto Portland (a tied island), and pick up the South West Coast Path as it hugs the rugged cliffs around the island’s perimeter.
Highlights include Portland Bill Lighthouse, where you can pause to take in sweeping sea views and watch ships passing through the busy shipping channel, and the lovely tucked-away Church Ope Cove on the eastern side. The landscape has a wild quality that makes this one of the most distinctive dog-friendly coastal walks on the south coast. Pack plenty of snacks and water. There are refreshment stops along the way, but it’s wise to be prepared for such a long route.
Distance: Approximately 2.5 miles one way | Difficulty: Moderate
This beautiful section of the South West Coast Path takes in rolling hills, sea views, and open countryside as it winds between the village of Osmington Mills and Bowleaze Cove. The route offers classic Dorset coastal scenery (the sea to one side, gentle farmland to the other) with some satisfying ascents that make the views feel properly earned.
At Osmington Mills, you’ll find the dog-friendly Smugglers Inn. Dogs are welcome inside and out, which makes it a perfect reward at the end of a good coastal walk with your dog.
Distance: Variable | Difficulty: Easy
If you’re looking for a more relaxed dog-friendly coastal walk on the south coast, Abbotsbury Beach beside the Chesil Bank is a good option. This sand and shingle stretch sits alongside the Fleet Lagoon Nature Reserve, making it a haven for birdlife. You and your dog can enjoy a peaceful stroll with the chance of spotting all manner of coastal birds along the way.
Dogs are welcome here all year round with no seasonal restrictions. The atmosphere is calm and unhurried, the scenery quietly beautiful – a lovely contrast to the more dramatic cliff paths elsewhere on the Dorset coast.
Note: Chesil Beach itself does have summer restrictions on parts of the beach, so Abbotsbury is the reliable dog-friendly choice for year-round visits.
Distance: Variable | Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
North Devon’s coastline is gloriously dog-friendly, and the beaches around Ilfracombe make an excellent starting point.
From Ilfracombe, the South West Coast Path stretches in both directions, offering everything from gentle cliff-top strolls to longer, more demanding hikes across more rugged and dramatic coastline in England. The path takes in views over the Bristol Channel and out towards Wales on a clear day. Our pet-friendly Devon holiday homes make a wonderful base for exploring this stretch of the south coast with your dog.
Distance: Variable | Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
On the English Riviera east of Torquay, Babbacombe offers an unspoilt arc of shingle beach beneath cliffs, with clear water and a tranquil atmosphere. Babbacombe Downs above the beach is one of the highest promenades in England at around 300ft above sea level.
From Babbacombe, take the South West Coast Path towards Torquay, past Hope’s Nose, for more stunning south Devon coastal scenery. There’s a café within walking distance for a well-earned rest once you’ve both had your fill of the sea air.
Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles | Difficulty: Easy
Lepe Country Park on the Hampshire coast is a favourite with dog owners. The walk along the shingle and grass foreshore beside the Solent offers open space, gorgeous views across to the Isle of Wight, and a relaxed atmosphere. Dogs love the freedom of the open ground and the chance to explore the shoreline at their own pace.
The walk is easy-going and suitable for all fitness levels. There’s ample parking and good facilities at the country park itself. It’s a wonderful spot for watching the constant procession of yachts and vessels crossing the Solent, although your dog will likely be more interested in the smells along the tideline.
Distance: Approximately 3 miles return | Difficulty: Easy
One of the most characterful dog-friendly coastal walks on the south coast, Hurst Spit is a shingle peninsula that juts out into the Solent with Hurst Castle at its tip. The walk along the spit itself, with water on both sides, is an exhilarating experience, especially on a blustery day when the waves are breaking either side of the path.
The castle at the end has a fascinating history, and the views across to the Isle of Wight are spectacular. Your dog will love the open space and the coastal breeze. Our New Forest holiday homes provide a perfect base for getting to know the Hampshire coast.
A few practical things to bear in mind before heading out on any of these south coast dog walks:
Many of our Short Stay Homes holiday properties welcome dogs, so there’s no need to leave your faithful companion behind. Whether you’re after a cosy thatched cottage in the New Forest, a riverside lodge in Hampshire or a characterful Dorset escape, we have beautiful dog-friendly holiday homes right across the south coast.
Properties come with comfortable spaces for dogs to settle after a long walk, and our team’s local knowledge to help you find the very best dog-friendly walks, pubs, and beaches right on your doorstep. We’d love to help you plan your next coastal adventure together. Please contact us or check availability online.
Dorset and Hampshire boast spectacular and welcoming beaches, and the good news is, your dog is more than welcome to join in the fun. From the sweeping shingle of Milford-on-Sea to the dramatic cliffs of the Jurassic Coast, there's a perfect stretch of coastline waiting for every pup and their person.
Whether you're planning a short break or a total seaside escape, we've compiled below the best dog-friendly beaches in Dorset and Hampshire.
A simply stunning location that never fails to take your breath away. Dogs are welcome to run free in all seasons at Durdle Door and Man O' War Beach. Note that getting to the beach requires a steep path and wooden steps, so proper footwear is a must. Also, there are no dog waste or litter bins on the beaches themselves. The nearest ones are in the car park.
Dreamy shallow waters and a beautiful pebble beach make Lulworth Cove a favourite for dogs and their owners. Dogs are welcome unleashed on the left-hand side of the slipway throughout the year. From here, it's also a short walk to other iconic Jurassic Coast landmarks, including Stair Hole.
Flanked by dramatic black cliffs and famous for fossil hunting, the beach is divided into sections with slightly different rules. Charmouth East Beach (on the Bridport side of the River Char) welcomes dogs without leads in every season. Charmouth West Beach welcomes dogs unleashed between 1 October and 30 April. A café with facilities is on hand for rest stops along the way.
A designated dog beach at the western end near Haven Point (by the chain ferry) is available whatever the season. The main beach is off limits from 1 May to 30 September, but outside of those dates, dogs can enjoy the full stretch without leads.
Bournemouth is dog-friendly throughout the year, though between 1 May and 30 September dogs are limited to signposted sections. These include west of Alum Chine Beach Office, middle Chine, east of Fishermans Walk, and Hengistbury Head. From 1 October to 30 April, dogs are welcome on all sections. Dogs should be kept on leads on the promenade, piers and footpaths at all times.
Often named one of Hampshire's most dog-friendly beaches, Milford-on-Sea is a charming village beach with colourful beach huts and views across to the Needles on the Isle of Wight. Dogs are welcome here with no restrictions at any time of year, making it one of the very best options in the county. A lovely walk from the beach along Hurst Spit to Hurst Castle is well worth adding to your itinerary.
Barton-on-Sea is a shingle beach that welcomes dogs in every season. The cliffs here are rich in fossils, while the promenade has cafés, shops, and beach huts nearby for a rest stop.
A shingle beach stretching out into the mouth of Southampton Water, Calshot is popular for walking, swimming, and watersports. It's also dotted with colourful beach huts and has a lovely family atmosphere. A wonderful spot for a breezy walk with your dog.
Southsea is more than a typical seaside resort. Think amusement parks, piers, fish and chip shops, and a long stretch of coastline. Dogs are allowed on beaches between October and April, however, the section east of the Coffee Cup at Eastney is accessible all year. Plus, many pubs, restaurants, and cafés are dog-friendly.
Somewhat quieter than Bournemouth's main beaches, Fishermans Walk Beach is dog-friendly during the winter months. As an alternative, there is a dog exercise area between Fisherman's Walk and Southbourne beach. The beach is also wheelchair-friendly with a lift for less mobile visitors. A fantastic all-round option!
Assistance dogs and guide dogs are exempt from beach restrictions under Public Spaces Protection Orders. If your dog is liveried, you are unlikely to be challenged. If no livery is worn, carrying your dog's ID card is advisable to avoid any issues.
Planning a coastal break with your dog? We'd love to welcome you and your four-legged companion to one of our beautiful holiday homes across Hampshire, the New Forest, and Dorset. Many of our properties accept dogs, so there's no need to think twice about bringing them along.
Our properties feature secure gardens for safe play, thoughtful touches throughout, and all the comforts of home. For more information, please contact us. We're always delighted to help you plan your perfect stay.
Dorset beaches welcoming dogs all year round (off lead unless noted):
Bowleaze Cove
Charmouth East Beach
Cogden Beach
Durdle Door and Man O' War Beach
Eype Beach
Fisherman’s Walk Beach, Bournemouth
Gundimore Beach
Hamworthy Park Beach
Hengistbury Head Beach (leads required — nature reserve)
Highcliffe Castle Beach
Kimmeridge Bay
Lulworth Cove (left-hand side of slipway)
Mudeford Sandbank
Ringstead Beach
Sandbanks designated dog beach (western end, near Haven Point)
Swanage Monkey Beach (between Stone Quay and Swanage Pier)
West Bexington Beach (within designated area)
Worbarrow Bay
Hampshire beaches welcoming dogs all year round:
Barton-on-Sea
Browndown Point Beach
Hordle Cliffs
Milford-on-Sea
Taddiford Gap
Beaches with seasonal restrictions (dogs usually welcome October to April):
Avon Beach, Christchurch
Bournemouth Beaches (designated dog sections available year-round)
Friars Cliff Beach, Christchurch
Lee-on-the-Solent
Lyme Regis Beaches (East Cliff, Church Cliff, Monmouth Beach — open year-round)
Southsea Beach (some sections open year-round)
Studland Bay (dogs on short leads May to September)
Swanage main beach
West Bay Beaches
Please note: Beach rules can change, and it's always worth checking with the local council or beach authority before your visit.
The New Forest is one of the finest places in England to explore with your dog. Ancient woodland, open heathland, winding rivers – and when the walk is done, a warm pub is waiting at the end of it. Whether you're staying at one of our New Forest holiday cottages and looking for somewhere to head after a morning on the trails, or simply planning a day out with your four-legged friend, you'll be pleased to know that the New Forest does dog-friendly pubs exceptionally well.
In fact, if you're searching for dog friendly pubs New Forest visitors genuinely rate, you're spoilt for choice. We've pulled together our favourite spots – all welcoming to dogs, all worth the visit.
Address: Toms Lane, Linwood, Ringwood, BH24 3QT
Tucked away in the heart of the National Park near Linwood, The Red Shoot is a firm favourite with dog walkers. It's a proper country pub and working microbrewery, so the ales are as fresh as the forest air outside. Dogs are welcome throughout. With hearty pub food and a relaxed atmosphere, it's a wonderful reward after a good, long walk.
Address: The New Forest Inn, Emery Down Nr. Lyndhurst SO43 7DY
Described by its own team as "a proper country inn" – and they mean it. Dating back to the 18th century, this atmospheric pub in Emery Down sits in a landscape that has barely changed since. Ask the bar staff for one of their homemade dog treats, and head through the gate at the rear for direct forest access. Ponies and horse riders regularly pass by, so your dog will have plenty to take in.
Address: Beaulieu Road, Brockenhurst, SO42 7YQ
The Drift Inn has thought of everything: towels for muddy paws, dog treats on arrival, and a full food menu for the humans. Positioned on the Beaulieu Road, it's ideally placed after a walk through some of the most beautiful stretches of the forest. There's also a children's play area, making it a great all-round stop for families travelling with kids and dogs.
Address: Minstead, Lyndhurst, SO43 7FY
Set in the charming village of Minstead, just outside Lyndhurst, The Trusty Servant is a peaceful spot away from the busier tourist areas. The welcome is warm, the food features locally sourced ingredients, and dogs are very much part of the furniture here. It's a lovely base for exploring the quieter corners of the forest.
Address: Frogham, Fordingbridge, Hampshire, SP6 2JA
Known affectionately by locals as "the donkey pub", you'll understand why when you arrive and find the New Forest donkeys milling around outside. The Foresters Arms in Frogham has a large garden, a menu built around locally sourced produce, and a relaxed attitude to dogs and muddy boots. If you're staying near Fordingbridge, this one is not to be missed.
Address: Canada Road, West Wellow, Romsey, Hampshire SO51 6DE
A little further from the forest’s core but well worth the trip, The Rockingham Arms in West Wellow is a beautifully kept country pub (once a chapel) with soft tones, real ales, and a lovely garden perfect for dogs. Four-legged visitors are spoiled here, with treats, fuss, and a warm welcome that goes well beyond the basics. After lunch, head across Canada Common, a gorgeous stretch of open heathland just up the road, for a post-pub wander.
Address: Main Road, East Boldre, Hampshire, SO42 7WL
Traditional, unhurried, and thoroughly dog-friendly, The Turfcutters Arms sits in the quiet hamlet of East Boldre. It's the kind of pub where dogs settle under tables without anyone batting an eyelid, with a genuinely warm welcome for well-behaved canine companions. A great range of ales and ciders, a solid food menu, and the sort of relaxed, fireside atmosphere that makes you want to stay for one more round.
Address: Linwood, Ringwood, BH24 3QY
Also near Linwood, The High Corner Inn is a remote pub that feels like a genuine discovery. Surrounded by woodland and well off the beaten track, it's popular with walkers who've earned their pint. The menu runs to classic British pub fare, and dogs are welcomed throughout with the easy-going attitude you'd hope to find in a place like this.
Address: Pinkney Lane, Bank, Lyndhurst, Hampshire, SO43 7FD
The Oak Inn in Bank is one of the cosiest spots in the New Forest. Think open fires, low beams, and a proper warm welcome for dogs and their owners. It's ideally positioned for walks around the Lyndhurst area, and the food is consistently good. Dogs are genuinely part of the experience here, with a relaxed atmosphere that makes muddy paws feel right at home. A classic New Forest pub in every sense.
Address: Whitsbury, Fordingbridge, SP6 3PZ
Sitting right on the border where Hampshire meets Dorset and Wiltshire, The Cartwheel Inn in Whitsbury is a delightful find. Dogs have free rein inside and out, so the whole group can sit together wherever you like. Behind the pub, you'll find Whitsbury Manor Stables – there's a chance of spotting racehorses if you time your visit well. Note that the pub is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
The pubs are just the beginning. The New Forest offers miles of dog-friendly trails through ancient woodland, wide open heathland, and beautiful river valleys. And when you're based at one of our holiday homes, you're never far from the next great walk or a cold pint at one of the many pubs in the New Forest where dogs are allowed.
Many of our New Forest and Hampshire properties accept dogs, with no extra fuss and no need to leave your four-legged friends behind (listings indicate which properties are pet-friendly). Whether you're after a cosy cottage for two or a spacious home for the whole family (dogs included), we'd love to help you find the perfect base for your New Forest adventure.
Contact us today to make a booking or with any queries.
Easter is made for exploring the British countryside: longer days, fresh spring air, and the kind of unhurried pace that reminds you why a proper break matters. Whether you're planning a long weekend or a full week away with family, friends, or your four-legged companions, our holiday cottages in Hampshire, the New Forest, Dorset, Salisbury and Devon are ready and waiting.
Below is everything you need to know to plan the perfect Easter 2026 holiday cottage break with Short Stay Homes.
With four days off over the bank holiday weekend, this is a wonderful opportunity to book a short break. If you'd prefer a longer Easter holiday cottage stay, many guests choose to extend their break through the school holidays and enjoy a full week or more.
We'd recommend booking early to secure your preferred property and dates. Easter is one of our busiest times of year, and availability goes quickly.
There's something special about Easter in the South of England. The New Forest starts to glow with spring colour, and the coastal paths in Dorset and Devon are at their very best before the summer crowds arrive.
It's also the ideal season for families. School holidays mean there's time to slow down, explore and actually be together – no early morning commutes or rushed evenings. An Easter holiday cottage gives you the freedom to set your pace, cook when you want to, walk when the mood takes you, and settle in like you belong there.
And because many of our properties welcome dogs, there's no need to leave anyone behind.
We're proud to offer a wonderful variety of properties to suit every kind of Easter break, from romantic retreats for two to large houses for multigenerational gatherings.
Our award-winning Riverside Lodge (winner of Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year 2020-2021) sits on the banks of the Hampshire Avon and is simply one of the most peaceful places you can spend Easter. Guests have access to 80 yards of exclusive fishing, making it a dream for anyone who loves to cast a line in spring.
If you're planning an Easter gathering for a larger group, The Quays in Christchurch works. This luxury property sleeps up to 25 guests and has received a Visit England Gold Award. It's ideal for family reunions, milestone celebrations, or a memorable Easter get-together with loved ones.
For a truly quintessential Easter break, our picturesque cottages in the New Forest are hard to beat. Situated within easy reach of ancient woodland and open heathland, they're perfect for Easter walks, spotting spring wildlife, and coming home to a cosy evening by the wood burner. The first basket of logs is always included – a small touch that makes a real difference on a cool April evening.
Our larger New Forest properties are particularly well-suited to families and multigenerational groups. Guests consistently highlight how well laid out these homes are for sharing: generous kitchens, multiple bathrooms, secure gardens for children and dogs, and plenty of space for everyone to spread out and feel at home. We recommend starting with Forest Drove Cottage and Osmund House.
For those who fancy an Easter cottage break further afield, our Devon properties offer gorgeous countryside and coastal access. Spring in Devon is extraordinary, with bluebells, lambs in the fields, and long cliff-top walks before a proper cream tea.
Part of what makes a Short Stay Homes break special is where you're based. Our properties sit in some of the most beautiful and well-connected parts of the South of England, with brilliant Easter activities on the doorstep.
The New Forest is wonderful at Easter. Many local estates, National Trust properties, and country gardens put on seasonal egg hunts, nature trails, and family activities throughout the school holidays.
If you'd prefer to keep things closer to home, hiding Easter eggs around your cottage garden is always a hit, especially with a secure garden and excited children.
Easter falls right as the countryside comes alive. The New Forest ponies are foaling, bluebells carpet the woodland floors, and the rivers are full of activity. Our guests near Fordingbridge often spot kingfishers from the riverbank. Pack your walking boots and allow yourself to get a little lost.
The Dorset coast path and the Test Valley in Hampshire offer memorable spring walks suitable for all ages and most dogs.
If you're staying at one of our Fordingbridge properties, like Riverside Lodge, Criddlestyle Cottage or Mews Hill, you'll have access to fishing on the Hampshire Avon, with four excellent coarse fishing swims. Spring is a fantastic time to fish, and the setting is as beautiful as the catch.
Through our partnership with Experience Hampshire, guests can access exclusive discounts on local dining, activities, and experiences. This includes countryside pubs and restaurants, guided wildlife walks, gin-making sessions, and much more. We'd be happy to share our recommendations when you book.
We'd love to welcome you and yours (dogs included) to one of our holiday cottages this Easter. Whether you're dreaming of a riverside retreat in Hampshire, a New Forest thatched cottage, a grand Georgian mansion in Dorset or a peaceful Devon escape, there's a Short Stay Homes property waiting for you.
Please have a good look around the site, check availability, and book securely online. Or if you'd prefer to chat through the options, we're always happy to help. Please contact us with any questions.
Good Friday falls on 3 April, Easter Saturday on 4 April, Easter Sunday on 5 April, and Easter Monday on 6 April 2026.
Most of our properties are available for short breaks and full week stays. We're happy to discuss longer lets too – just get in touch.
Yes, many of our properties welcome dogs. Many of our properties have secure enclosed gardens, so you can relax knowing they're safe.
Absolutely. We have properties sleeping from 2 guests to 25, so whether it's a couple's retreat or a big family Easter celebration, we'll have something to suit. The Quays in Christchurch and Osmund House are popular for larger Easter gatherings.
Easter dates book up quickly, so we'd recommend checking availability as soon as possible. You can search and book securely on our website with no booking fees. We own our properties directly, so you'll always get our best rate.
When the world feels a little unpredictable, there's comfort in knowing your next break is a short drive away. Whether it's the cost of living, the chaos of busy airports, or simply the desire to slow down and breathe again, many of us are choosing to holiday closer to home.
From the ancient woodlands of the New Forest to the rolling hills of Devon, the British Isles are brimming with beautiful places to unwind, explore, and reconnect with the people who matter most. And with Short Stay Homes' award-winning collection of self-catering holiday cottages and homes in Hampshire, Dorset, Salisbury, and Devon, your perfect UK holiday in 2026 might be closer than you think.
We look at the best types of staycations in the UK, what makes them so special right now, and which of our properties could be the ideal fit for your getaway.
A UK holiday in 2026 offers something that no overseas trip can quite replicate: simplicity. No queuing at departure gates, no lost luggage, no frantic currency exchanges. Just pack the car, pick up the keys, and you're on holiday.
At Short Stay Homes, we're delighted to offer various luxury self-catering holiday homes across Hampshire, the New Forest, Dorset, Salisbury, and Devon. All are available for short breaks and longer stays throughout the year. And because we own our properties directly, you'll pay no booking fees and always get our best rates, guaranteed.
Not all UK staycations are created equal. The key is matching the right destination to the right style of break. These are the most popular staycation types and the Short Stay Homes properties that fit them.
Few things feel more quintessentially British than staying in a picturesque thatched cottage surrounded by countryside. The New Forest National Park is one of the UK's most treasured natural landscapes, with ancient woodland, free-roaming ponies, and a sense of stillness that's increasingly rare.
Our New Forest holiday cottages are perfect for those looking to switch off. Step outside and you're immediately in one of England's most beautiful National Parks, with miles of walking and cycling trails right on your doorstep. The nearby market towns of Fordingbridge and Ringwood offer independent shops, local pubs, and farm shops to keep your larder stocked throughout your stay.
Perfect for: couples, families, dog owners, nature lovers, and anyone who needs to slow down. Many of our properties welcome dogs so don't leave your four-legged friends behind!
For those who find their peace beside the water, a riverside staycation is hard to beat. The Hampshire Avon is one of England's finest coarse fishing rivers, winding through the county's most serene countryside – and a handful of our properties sit right on its banks.
Guests staying at Riverside Lodge, Criddlestyle Cottage, or Mews Hill have exclusive access to 80 yards of private fishing, with four well-established swims ideal for specimen coarse fishing.
Imagine waking up, casting a line before breakfast, spending the day at your own pace, and coming back to a warm home with a well-stocked kitchen and a wood burner crackling in the evening. That's a fishing staycation done properly.
Perfect for: fishing enthusiasts, couples, small groups, anyone who loves being close to nature and water
Our family-friendly self-catering homes are spacious and comfortable, giving everyone, from grandparents to toddlers, space to breathe and enjoy being together.
Guests frequently praise properties like Forest Drove Cottage and Arniss Farmhouse for their suitability for multigenerational stays. With multiple bathrooms, well-equipped kitchens, secure gardens, and generous living spaces, families actually want to spend time together, rather than retreating to separate rooms.
Hampshire and Dorset are rich in family-friendly attractions. The New Forest offers pony spotting and cycling trails that children adore. Devon's coastline, with its sandy beaches, rock pools, and sea air, keeps even the most restless of young adventurers happily occupied for days.
Perfect for: families of all sizes, multigenerational groups, grandparent visits, children of all ages
Sometimes, the two of you just need to get away somewhere beautiful and quiet, where the biggest decision of the day is whether to have a bath before or after dinner. That's the magic of a romantic UK staycation, and something our lodge properties do well.
Riverside Lodge, for example, is our Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year winner (2020-2021), a stunning cedar-clad lodge with views of the Hampshire Avon. With a wood burner, an open plan layout, and the sound of the river running past your window, it's the kind of place that reminds you why time away together matters so much.
Perfect for: couples, anniversaries, honeymoons, birthdays, Valentine's breaks, and anyone in need of quality time together
Getting a large group together for a UK staycation is one of life's pleasures – and one that requires the right space. Too small and it becomes stressful; too grand and it loses that warm, lived-in feel. Our larger properties strike that balance.
The Quays in Christchurch, Dorset, is a Visit England Gold-awarded home sleeping up to 25 guests. It's a stunning backdrop for significant birthdays, family reunions, corporate events, or hen and stag parties (subject to availability at select properties).
Across our portfolio, we cater to groups of 2 to 25 — so whether it's a small gathering or a full-house celebration, we're delighted to help you find the perfect fit.
Perfect for: milestone birthdays, family reunions, stag and hen parties, corporate retreats, shared celebrations
Luxury doesn't have to mean flying somewhere far away. Some of the most indulgent, restorative breaks you can have in the UK are right here at home – in beautiful, carefully appointed spaces designed for relaxation from the moment you arrive.
Our Visit England Gold-awarded properties set a high bar. Think hot tubs, high-quality bed linen, fully equipped kitchens with everything you need, wood burners, secure gardens, plus thoughtful touches throughout that make the difference between a nice stay and a memorable one.
We're also delighted to offer extra facilities that take things to another level: paddocks and stables, glamping pods, pamper sessions and luxury hampers, electric mountain bikes, and even a VW Camper T2 1600 ("Jessica") at select New Forest properties for a nostalgic extra accommodation option.
Perfect for: anyone wanting to be pampered, special occasions, couples and groups who want something a little extra special
One of the very best things about a staycation in the south of England is how much there is on your doorstep. We've partnered with Experience Hampshire to give our guests access to exclusive activities and discounts.
Depending on where you stay, you might enjoy:
Walking and cycling through the New Forest National Park or along the Jurassic Coast
Fishing on the Hampshire Avon
Exploring Salisbury Cathedral and the nearby Stonehenge World Heritage Site
Visiting the beautiful beaches of Bournemouth, Sandbanks, or the Devon coast
Discovering brilliant local farm shops, markets, and independent restaurants
Wildlife spotting – from New Forest ponies to red deer and kingfishers along the river
Gin-making workshops, pottery, wildlife walks, and other curated local experiences
Day trips to Exmoor, the Jurassic Coast, or the Cotswolds
Booking with Short Stay Homes is straightforward. Because we own all our properties directly, there are no booking fees or middlemen. Just the best rate, guaranteed, and personal service from a small team that truly cares about your stay.
Ready to plan your perfect staycation? Browse our full collection of holiday cottages and homes and book directly with us for the best rates. Please contact us with any queries.
