Dog Friendly Holiday Homes in Dorset

Hengistbury Head Beach - Sandhills (5.6 Miles)

Hengistbury Head is the home to a south-facing pebble beach, with commanding clay and ironstone cliffs. This spectacular headland stands around 30 metres tall and is sandwiched between Bournemouth and Mudeford. It offers breathtaking views of the nature reserve, Christchurch harbour, Bournemouth Bay and the sea across to the Isle of Wight.

If you make your way down to the Mudeford Sandbank you will find a wonderful sand beach that’s lined with the famous colourful Mudeford beach huts, a real must-see, although the pup might think they all look black, white and grey!

Tired paws, but still want to see the sights? Take the land train! Running a circular route from Hengistbury Head to Mudeford spit it's a mighty fine way to travel. Fairs for adult humans start from £2.00 and DOGS CAN RIDE FOR JUST 20p - that’s just Pawsome!

Lulworth Cove - Sandhills (30.7 Miles)

Lulworth Cove in Dorset is a stunning horseshoe-shaped cove which was formed around 10,000 years ago by the sheer power of water. After reveling in wonderful white pebbled shoreline, clear blue water and stunning natural beauty, you will be turning your short walks into days out at Lulworth Cove.

And if you really feel like stretching all four legs, take the South West Coast Path from Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door (roughly 1.5 mile walk). The famous arched rock is the most photographed Dorset landmark and will be sure to amaze human and canine alike.

Fun Fact: Lulworth has its own butterfly species, the Lulworth Skipper, discovered in 1832 – keep your eyes peeled!

Old Railway Walking Route, Burley, New Forest - Sandhills (8 Miles)

Along this walk you will find scattered remains of the Old Railway line that was built back in 1847. Train line operations were stopped in 1964 by Dr Beeching, in favour of a more direct route along the coast.

Depending on the route you embark on, you can enjoy in up to 5-miles of beautiful green woodlands and wildlife. A wide path is provided with an almost entirely flat terrain. Paths provide ample room for dogs (potential new friends), walkers, cyclist and horses to experience collectively. Train aficionados stay alert as you will find many sprinkled relics and former railway bridges on your travels.

Also, the former Victorian railway station remains, and has now been transformed into a wonderful dog-friendly tea room – the pawfect pawstop after a long stroll.

Studland Bay - Sandhills (13.8 Miles)

This 4-mile long stretch of golden sandy beach provides stunning views of the Isle of Wight and Old Harry's Rock. Your pooch can enjoy a refreshing drink of water upon arrival, helping keep him/her hydrated before setting out on their big seaside adventure.

The clear blue sea that runs across all the beaches on Studland Bay welcomes water sports enthusiast such as paddle boarders, snorkelers and kayakers. If your pup is an avid swimmer be warned, they will be making a bee line to the shoreline, heading up and over the sand dunes and leaping straight in to join all the other water lovers.

Behind the banks of the sand dunes is a nature reserve, which provides an essential habitat for rare butterflies, insects and reptiles, including the endangered sand lizard.

For a picturesque view of Old Harry's Rock you will have to work all four paws up to the top of the 1.6-mile incline cliff top. However, all this hard work will feel worth it once you witness the towering chalk landmark up close and pupsonal. (Apologies for all the "ruff" dog puns!)