With miles of tracks to explore through countryside, coast, and woodland, it’s no wonder the New Forest has long been a favourite for dog walkers.
Many of the local establishments and attractions are well-aware of the popularity for walkies and welcome dogs inside with their owners. There’s certainly no shortage of pubs to refresh in after a long walk either. Here are 15 of our favourite dog-friendly pubs in the New Forest, (plus a few extras!)
Nestled right in the heart of the New Forest you’ll find The Drift Inn. It’s impossible to resist drifting into this charming country pub, especially as it’s beside miles of heathland and marked walks.
There’s a huge garden and play areas for kids, while doggy visitors will be given treats, water bowls, and a towel for their muddy paws.
Address: Beaulieu Road, SO42 7YQ
Opening Times: Every day: 12:00-22:00
The Horse and Groom is a cosy family pub not far from the River Avon at the edge of the New Forest, and not too far from the Cranbourne Chase AONB. There’s open fires, local food and ales, and a real homely atmosphere here.
It’s handy for vegetarians too, as the veggie menu is quite extensive. This pub welcomes families and dogs throughout, so all are welcome within its wood-panelled walls.
Address: High Street, Woodgreen, SP6 2AS
Opening Times: Mon-Sun 12:00-23:00
Located in the (hilariously) named Sandy Balls Holiday Village, the newly-refurbished Woodside Inn is the perfect pit-stop to relax after a long walk in the 120 acres of woodland and park.
If you’re staying in the resort, it’s a great place to go for a hearty pub lunch, and your dog is more than welcome to join you. The Fighting Cocks pub down the road is also dog-friendly.
Address: Sandy Balls Holiday Village, Southampton Road, Fordingbridge, SP6 2JZ
Opening Times: Various
The Forester Arms in Frogham is conveniently located beside a brilliant 7-mile walk, so you and the pooch can spend a few hours stretching your legs before popping in for a pint. This pub’s become famous for its delightful donkeys out the front.
It’s also been redecorated inside recently and has a distinct country manor vibe. If you want local food, award-winning ales, and a place to cosy-up with your dog, this is sure to be a favourite.
Address: Abbotswell Road, Frogham, SP6 2JA
Opening Times: Various - Check here
If you’re out Linwood way, be sure to stop by The Red Shoot. This is every bit the welcoming country pub with friendly staff, fine food, and amazing ales. It even has it’s own micro-brewery!
They regularly welcome animals of all shapes and sizes, from horses transporting their owners for a pint, even to a few parrots, so your pooch will definitely be welcome. It’s also part of the Red Shoot Camping Park, perfect for those of you holidaying in that stretch of the New Forest.
Address: Toms Lane, Linwood, BH24 3QT
Opening Times: Mon-Sat 12:00-22:00 / Sun 12:00-18:00
Nestled next to gorgeous Canada Common and the miles of walkies to be found, The Rockingham Arms is a village pub that prides itself on a warm welcome and cosy hangout.
This dog-friendly pub in the New Forest is happy to welcome your pooch to the bar, where they’ll receive a big fuss and you’ll find jars of treats ready for your furry friend. The human food here is pretty good too, so don’t be surprised if your pup tries to snuffle a scrap off you.
Address: West Wellow, Romsey, SO51 6DE
Opening Times: Mon-Sat 12:00-22:00 / Sun 12:00-20:00
The Rising Sun in New Milton is most well known for its menu of hearty pub classics and light bites. An inn has stood in this spot for centuries and has been rebuilt many times over, most recently in the Victorian era.
It has undergone extensive restoration in the last few years and looks incredible inside. Dog and family-friendly, this pub also has a fantastic play area in the garden for little ones.
Opening Times: Open from 10am every day.
In the heart of the village of Minstead overlooking the village green (and stocks) is The Trusty Servant. If you’re looking for a quintessential country pub, you’ll find it here. They’re used to hosting coach parties, hikers, dog walkers, kids, and cyclists so the whole family (and muddy boots) will always be welcome.
There are lots of treats for the dogs to eat and home-cooked food and local ales for the humans, so everyone can fuel up after a long walk.
Opening Times: Mon-Sun 12:00-22:00
Nowadays, the White Buck Inn is a lovely light and airy pub that combines a modern vibe with period features. It has history too, as back in the First World War the building was used as a hospital. If you need a place to stay, this pub has a few warm and welcoming rooms.
Otherwise, the pub has great food that tastes as good as it looks and a lot of dog-loving staff. There’s almost always a pooch resting somewhere by the bar, not least because of the jars of biscuits waiting for them.
Address: Bisterne Cosel, Ringwood, BH24 4AZ
Opening Times: Mon-Sun: 08:00-22:00
As the name implies, The Smuggler’s Inn sits a stone’s throw from the sea and is the perfect pit-stop after a walk along the beaches of Milford with their views of the Isle of Wight.
If you’re a little damp after your seaside stroll you and the pooch can cosy up by the log fires to warm up, or try one of the daily specials. As well as being a dog-friendly pub in the New Forest the friendly staff happily welcome families too.
Opening Times: Mon-Sat: 11:00-23:00 / Sun: 12:00-22:30
This family-run pub has been serving locals since the 18th century and to this day remains a traditional, cosy country pub. The New Forest Inn also happens to be one of the most dog-friendly pubs in the New Forest, and your pooch is welcome anywhere in the bar, restaurant and garden.
As well as Sunday roasts, this pub has some fine fish specials on Fridays and Saturdays. You could easily be confused and confused end up in the New Forest Inn four miles up the road in Ashurst.
Opening Times: Mon-Sun: 12:00-22:00
Winners of the most dog-friendly pub in the New Forest in 2018, the Turfcutter’s Arms is a fantastic family and dog-friendly pub with accommodation, so you and the pooch are welcome to make base here for a weekend of walking. (And there’s a lot of lovely local walks!)
The staff are super friendly and the pub’s a firm favourite with humans who enjoy the homely feel, regular live music, and fascinating local history decorating the walls. There’s also a large garden and covered seating outside for those who like life al-fresco.
Opening Times: Mon-Sat: 11:00-22:00 / Sun: 12:00-21:00
A true hidden gem, the High Corner Inn is tucked away at the end of a gravel track which is easier to reach on horseback than it is in the car. Given it is in the middle of nowhere, this quiet teal-trimmed pub is used to welcoming families on walks, horse riders, and canine companions and is well-beloved by weary walkers.
Since it is so secluded, you might even see some birds, deer, pigs, and New Forest ponies from the beer garden.
Address: Linwood, Ringwood, BH24 3QY
Opening Times: Various - Check here.
The second pub named The Foresters Arms to grace this list, this pub is the local favourite in Brockenhurst and can be quite busy. As well as the busier bar at the front, there is a quieter lounge bar too.
It’s a super spot to watch some sport, enjoy live music, or simply refuel after a walk. Conveniently, it’s not far from Brockenhurst station or another dog-friendly pub, The Huntsman of Brockenhurst.
Opening Times: Mon-Sun: 11:00-22:00
Last but not least, The Compass Inn bills itself as the most dog-friendly pub in the New Forest. This is a great spot for couples but children are not allowed except for Sunday lunch. (Even teenagers are only allowed on exception.)
Meanwhile, dogs are more than welcome anywhere inside or out and can even wolf down a free doggy dinner while their humans enjoy some pub grub. The pub is also 100% gluten-free. They also host social dog walks on the first Sunday each month.
Address: Winsor Road, Winsor, SO40 2HE
Opening Times: Every day, 12:00 until late.
More pubs: Winchester, Essex, London