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.
1. The Red Shoot Inn
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.
2. The New Forest Inn
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.
3. The Drift Inn
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.
4. The Trusty Servant Inn
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.
5. The Foresters Arms
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.
6. The Rockingham Arms
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.
7. The Turfcutters Arms
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.
8. The High Corner Inn
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.
9. The Oak Inn
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.
10. The Cartwheel Inn
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.
Exploring the New Forest with Your Dog
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.
