We are a nation of animal lovers, and none more so than our beloved family dogs. Yet when it comes to having a relaxing getaway, the thought of leaving them behind soon becomes a major headache of sadness and guilt as well as a hefty blow to the budget after kennel and dog sitting fees.
You don’t have to leave your best friend behind, bring them with you and stay in a dog-friendly New Forest cottage. The National Park is a beautiful pocket of gorgeous woods; heather carpeted heathland on the south coast, adjacent to a coastline of award-winning golden sandy beaches, castles and old-fashioned days with a bucket and spade.
The New Forest has a huge bow-wow factor for dogs and their owners. It is one of the most dog-friendly places to visit in the UK, and a holiday here will keep your furry-friends tails wagging and humans young and old smiling throughout your stay.
Come to explore 220 square miles of open forest on foot or hire bikes and discover stunning spots on more than 100 miles of dedicated cycle tracks. Stop for lunch where your dog will be warmly welcomed and pampered with treats in fairy-tale thatched pubs and historic inns. Or paddle the Beaulieu River with your dog in large Canadian style canoes! At the end of a paw-fect day, return to a lovely cottage and laze in the pretty garden’s evening sun. And, when the nights are cold and frosty, cosy up in front of a roaring log fire with your dog at your feet.
Take a holiday with your dog this year and have your four-legged friend jumping for joy! Here’s a roundup of some of the best dog-friendly New Forest cottages…
Former fisherman Pad
The Cottage, Christchurch, sleeps 4
Just steps away from the historic centre of Christchurch, town Quay and close to stunning beaches, this refurbished fisherman’s cottage is well placed for those wanting a base to explore the New Forest and east Dorset. There’s an enclosed garden at the back of the cottage and riverside park popular with dogs and their owners a few minutes’ walk away. Head to Mudeford Quay to watch the fishermen and sailors tinker with their nets and lobster pots. From here, you can take the little ferry across Christchurch Harbour entrance to Hengistbury Head Nature Reserve and the softly sloping sand dunes of Mudeford Spit, where pastel-painted beach huts sell for £250k a pop!
Ponies on the front lawn
Oakdale, Bransgore, sleeps 9
Oakdale is a mighty hulk of a home on the edge of open forest, and a popular spot for local dog walkers. This is a great holiday home for dogs, families and groups of friends. Inside is sprawling and spacious with a games room and downstairs en-suite bedroom for the less mobile. The outside space is truly wonderful. The front garden is often frequented by the famous free-roaming ponies, nibbling on branches and the grassy verge. Oakdale’s large landscaped garden to the rear is stunning. It features an established pond with seating around and a super children’s adventure playhouse with swings and slide. Dining and garden furniture stands on a mix of patios and decking, creating a little slice of heaven to sip a cocktail as the sun goes down.
Coastal beauty with a beach hut!
Solent View, Milford on Sea, sleeps 6
Reviewers say they love this cottage’s location, chic interior and complimentary use of a beach hut, just a few minutes’ walk from the fully fenced garden, great for lazy days bathing and relaxing just a few metres from the seashore. This luxury holiday home comes with thoughtful extras and mod cons. It’s also close to some amazing restaurants – try Verveine Fishmarket and Restaurant and La Perle. Take a walk along a pebble spit from Milford on Sea to King Henry VIII’s coastal fortress, Hurst Castle, and Hurst Lighthouse. If you don’t fancy walking back, you and your pooch can hop on the ferry boat to Keyhaven Harbour, which is a twenty-minute walk back to Solent View.
Make friends with the wildlife
The Coach House, Beaulieu, sleeps 8
Even though it’s not pretentious and glitzy, The Coach House does hone a magical and luxurious homely vibe. It is, however, ludicrously pretty, very comfortable and sat right on the edge of the woods. Sit by one of the large picture windows and watch all that Mother Nature has to offer from the comfort of an armchair. Beaulieu, hailed as ‘the prettiest village in the New Forest’ is on your doorstep and home to the National Motor Museum, Palace and ancient Abbey. It’s a fascinating place and well worth a visit.
Cute for two
Oakview, Woodgreen, sleeps 2
Loved by all who visit, Oakview is a single storey cabin for two overlooking the cute village green. Relax with a glass of wine in the fully fenced and lawned garden and watch ponies and donkeys nibble on the grass as the world passes by. Enjoy direct access on to the forest for lovely walks through glorious scenery, past ponies, deer and abundant wildlife. Pop into the Horse and Groom pub (which is very dog-friendly) in the village or go into the town of Fordingbridge, just three miles away, for a choice of restaurants, takeaways and more good eating pubs.
One of the few with a Pool
Old Farm Cottage, Pilley sleeps 8
This pretty single-story cottage is excellent for multi-generation holidays. A big plus point is the large, enclosed rear garden which has swings, an adventure climbing frame, slide and completely separate, gated private swimming pool. There are plenty of adventures to be had exploring the National Park, coastal walks, towns and numerous beaches.
Take a look at more dog-friendly holiday homes in the New Forest here.