For visitors bringing their pets on holiday with them, it can be difficult to plan the journey. From finding the best pet-friendly places to stay to making sure you don’t have to leave your pup at home while you enjoy yourself. And a number of destinations especially in Europe and the United States have made efforts to make pet-toting visitors welcome. A good example is the British county of Hampshire, on the English Channel roughly halfway along Britain's south coast. With its cities of Southhampton, Portsmouth, and Winchester, as well as bucolic rural areas and beautiful beaches, Hampshire offers two-legged visitors a plethora of fantastic attractions, culture, dining, and outdoor/adventure fun - along with many ways to enjoy it with their four-legged pals. Here are nine excellent examples:
National & Country Parks
South Downs
South Downs National Park consists of 1,600 quare kilometres of natural beauty, inlcluding stunning views and diverse wildlife. This beautiful expanse of countryside covers ground from the rolling hills of the Western Weald to the chalk cliffs at Seven Sisters. For those with highly energetic dogs, the rambling trails in the South Downs is the perfect way for your pup to spend its energy while you enjoy the stunning views of the south coast.
Alver Valley
Alver Valley Country Park is another favoured spot for ramblers looking to enjoy the natural beauty of the Hampshire countryside. Within the park, take your dog to the summit of Sandhill and look out over the Solent towards the Isle of Wight or walk the Alver Way, alongside the river Alver. This park also features a large outdoor play area, making it perfect for the whole family.
New Forest
The New Forest National Park is a fantastic area of heath and wildlands which make for great walking routes with your dog. Conservationists recommend remaining on the designated paths for both you and your dog through spring to avoid disturbing the rare wading bird species such as the curlew, redshank and snipe. Even on a lead, this area is sure to provide a great experience for both you and your pet in yet more of the natural beauty of Hampshire.
Eastleigh Miniature Railway
An ideal adventure for families with small children, the this train in Southampton travels from Eastleigh Parkway to Monks Brook Halt, allowing visitors the chance to view the lakes and enjoy the play area. Dogs are happily welcomed onboard and even travel for free. Not only this, but dogs are also welcomed at the café, meaning you won’t have to leave your four-legged friend at any point through the day.
Beaches
Lee-on-Solent
On the south coast, looking out towards the Isle of Wight, this beautiful pebble beach is dog-friendly and also has something for everyone. There are zoned areas for swimming, fishing and water sports, helping to keep everyone entertained. The receding tide also exposes rock pools which are perfect for family explorers on a summer day.
Stokes Bay
Another pebble beach with views of the Isle of Wight, Stokes Bay is highly regarded on Trip Advisor as a quiet, attractive seafront perfect for dog walkers. The beach features two cafes and other attractions such as crazy golf and the Gosport Diving Museum.
Southsea Beach
This beach sits less than a mile from Portsmouth’s centre and features a pier which makes for a beautiful walk in summer and dramatic scenes during a storm! Dogs may not be allowed onto the beach itself in the summer months, but this stretch of coastline provides interesting views along the promenade any time of the year.
Other
Southsea Model Village
This Portsmouth attraction on third of an acre in the grounds of an old Victorian fort and makes for another interesting activity for families with young children. Visitors can see the large-scale electric railway; 40 houses, castles and other buildings; and a scale model of Portsmouth Guildhall. Open daily, weather permitting.
Little Woodham
On the harbour across from Portsmouth, this "living history" recreation of a rural 17th-century village provides visitors with an understanding of what life was like in early modern Britain, with docents portraying blacksmiths, weavers, potters and sawyers re-enacting how their lives would have been in dedicated – and award-winning – detail. Dogs are welcome in the village but must be kept on a lead during your visit. This village is set within Alver Valley Park, meaning your day could include both activities to provide the most enrichment for your pooch!
For more information about holidaying in Hampshire with your pet, get in touch with Complete Holiday Homes, dog-friendly cottages in Hampshire.
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