Discover the best dog-friendly activities in Dorset. From scenic walks to historic landmarks and charming villages, Dorset offers plenty of opportunities to explore with your four-legged friend. Whether you’re enjoying the beaches or wandering the countryside, here’s everything you need to plan a perfect day out.
Are Dogs Allowed on Brownsea Island?
A common question among dog owners is whether dogs are permitted on Brownsea Island. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed, except for assistance dogs. But don’t worry—there are plenty of other dog-friendly activities nearby to enjoy.
- Things To Do In Swanage With Dogs
- Things To Do In Charmouth With Dogs
- Things To Do In Wareham With Dogs
- Things To Do In Bournemouth With Dogs
- Things To Do Near Wimborne With Dogs
- Things To Do In Poole With Dogs
- Things To Do In Weymouth With Dogs
- Things To Do In Dorchester With Dogs
- Things To Do In Lyme Regis With Dogs
- Things To Do In Bridport And West Bay With Dogs
Things To Do In Swanage With Dogs
Agglestone Rock
Location: Swanage BH19 3AY
Agglestone Rock, also known as the Devil’s Anvil, is a striking sandstone rock perched on a hill. A gentle one-hour walk across the heathland rewards you and your dog with stunning views of Poole, Brownsea Island, and beyond.
Durlston Country Park
Location: Lighthouse Rd, Swanage BH19 2JL
If you’re looking for things to do in Swanage with dogs, then check out Durlston Country Park. It’s a nice place to explore with your dog.
Durlston Country Park offers a mix of woodland trails and coastal paths, perfect for exploring with your dog. You might even spot dolphins off the bay!
Parking is available onsite, or you can extend your adventure by parking in one of the Swanage town car parks and walking up the hill.
Top Tip: Don’t miss a stroll towards the iconic Old Harry Rocks for breathtaking views.
Related post – Bumper list of things to do in Dorset
Swanage Railway
Location: Station House, Swanage, BH19 1HB
Take a scenic steam train journey with your dog along the 5.5-mile route between Swanage, Corfe Castle, and Norden. Dogs are welcome onboard for a small fee but must stay on leads and are not allowed in buffet areas.
Read the full review of Swanage Steam Railway
Swanage Museum & Heritage Centre
Location: The Square, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 2LJ
Learn about the history of Swanage at this free-entry museum. The museum is open between Easter and December each year. Dogs are welcome, and the museum’s central location makes it an easy stop during your seaside walk.
There is wheelchair access into the museum too, making it accessible for all.
Things To Do In Charmouth With Dogs
Charmouth Beach
Location: Heritage Centre, Charmouth, Bridport DT6 6LS
Charmouth Beach is a fantastic dog-friendly spot, with year-round access on West Beach (with leads required during the summer months). Enjoy fossil hunting, rock pooling, and splashing in the stream.
Parking is reasonable as a daily charge, however the machines are cash only so remember your change.
Things To Do In Wareham With Dogs
Corfe Castle
Location: The Square, Corfe Castle, Wareham BH20 5EZ
Explore the historic ruins of Corfe Castle with your dog. As a National Trust site, dogs on leads are welcome throughout the grounds, and the nearby Greyhound Inn pub provides a warm welcome for both you and your furry friend.
There is also a large car park nearby that National Trust members can park for free.
Related Post – National Trust places to visit in Dorset
Kimmeridge Bay
Location: Wareham BH20 5PE
Kimmeridge Bay is perfect for exploring rock pools and coastal scenery. Parking via a toll road is £6, so plan to spend the day enjoying the stunning views and unique geology.
As you park at the top of the cliff top, you will be greeted with amazing views across the bay.
Related Post – Visiting Kimmeridge Bay
Corfe Castle Model Village
In the centre of the village in Corfe, you can visit the model village and tea rooms. Dogs are welcome on leads throughout the whole attraction including the tea room.
The model village is open from 10:00am to 5:00pm seven days a week during spring, summer and autumn.
Lulworth Cove
26 Main Rd, Wareham BH20 5RQ
Lulworth Cove is a UNESCO World Heritage site which is famous for its geology and fossil hunting. We go to Lulworth Cove frequently as there is ample parking at a reasonable cost. Once parked, you can spend hours exploring Lulworth Cove and the village itself.
Related Post – Dog friendly cottages in Dorset
The cove is made up of a large pebble dog friendly beach which can be a little difficult to walk on for lesser abled people. If you’re looking to explore some of the Jurassic Coast then Lulworth is a great place to start.
There are some amazing local shops in the village to tempt you from fresh fish to restaurants and tea rooms. Lulworth is definitely one of our favourite dog friendly places in Dorset to visit.
Durdle Door
Just a couple of miles away across the cliffs from Lulworth Cove is Durdle Door. Both beaches are dog friendly at Durdle Door, and there is often plenty of space for dogs to run around.
RSPB Arne
Address: Arne Rd, Arne, Wareham BH20 5BJ
RSPB Arne is a nature reserve in Wareham, Dorset. Managed by the RSPB, entrance and parking is free for members, or a flat charge otherwise.
Dogs are welcome across the nature reserve, but must be kept on leads at all times even on the beach. There are no dog waste bins and everything must be taken away with you.
You can wander the woodland trails, and follow one of the many marked paths, some of which lead to the narrow beach over looking Poole Harbour and Brownsea Island.
Other facilities include a cafe, toilets, guided walks a shop and play area.
River Frome Boat Trip
Departing from Wareham Quay, you can enjoy a historical river trip lasting for one hour. Sailings are up to five times a day depending on weather and tides. Dogs are welcome on board at no additional cost.
The Blue Pool & Tearooms
Old Furzebrook Rd Wareham, Dorset BH20 5AR
The Blue Pool in Wareham is a must place to visit with your dogs on a sunny day. The Blue Pool is a beauty spot and tea rooms where dogs are welcome all year round.
Dogs must stay on a lead and are not allowed in the water, however if you pop into the tea rooms you’ll even find dog friendly ice cream and dog friendly popcorn.
The pool has a clay base which reflects the sun making some stunning shades of blue. On a dull day the sights aren’t quite as attractive, however there are some lovely woodlands to walk your dog around.
Tyneham Village
East Lulworth, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5QF
Tyneham village was evacuated in 1943 during WWII and is to this day an abandoned village. During the war the village was used for military training, but the residents were never allowed to return after the war ended.
You can visit Tyneham village and wander through learning about the history of the houses, school building and church that were once occupied.
Tyneham Village is open most weekends, but if there is firing in the area, the village will be closed off so it’s worth checking before you visit.
Things To Do In Bournemouth With Dogs
Hengistbury Head
Broadway, Bournemouth BH6 4EW
We love visiting Hengistbury Head. It’s a great walk from Hengistbury to Mudeford Beach along the paths. You can also walk along the beach, and dogs are fine on and off leads.
The land train does also travel along the same paths so it’s sometimes advisable to keep the dogs on the leads.
Parking is cheaper in the winter months at Hengistbury, however if you’re popping down for a walk it’s not too expensive at all.
Related Post – Fish and Chips on the beach in Dorset
Stour Valley Nature Reserve
Address: Muscliff, Bournemouth BH9 3PR
The Stour Valley way is a 64 mile footpath running through Dorset. It starts in Wiltshire at Stourhead, and ends at Hengistbury Head.
The nature reserve is one of the best places to visit in Dorset with dogs to explore some of the river Stour and enjoy some great walks with your dog.
Read more about the Stour Valley Way
Things To Do Near Wimborne With Dogs
Kingston Lacy
Kingston Lacy, Wimborne BH21 4EA
Part of the National Trust, visiting Kingston Lacy is one of our favourite things to do in Dorset with dogs.
Dogs aren’t allowed on the main lawn in front of the house, however there are plenty of paths and areas they are allowed.
There is a great woodland walk which takes you through the play area at Kingston Lacy.
You won’t miss out on the bamboo gardens, or Japanese Gardens if you’re taking your dog with you.
They’re also very welcome in the stable restaurant in a section which makes it the perfect excuse for a hot chocolate on a cold day or a jacket potato for lunch.
Related post – Dog walks in Wimborne
Moors Valley Country Park
Horton Rd, Ashley Heath BH24 2ET
Moors Valley Country Park has so many activities for a great day and is one of the more popular places to visit in Dorset with dogs. Parking is on the high side here, but if you know you’ll stay all day then it’s cheaper to get an all day ticket.
Dogs are very welcome on leads, and are allowed in most places apart from the train, play park and obviously the Go Ape Course.
Take a picnic to keep the costs down, but there is also a lovely restaurant on site and plenty of places to buy hot and cold drinks, ice creams and snacks should you want to.
Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park
Edmondsham Road, Verwood BH21 5RJ
One of the very last Heavy Horse Centres left in Britain. This farm park in Dorset is recognised as a multi award-winning day out for all ages the farm is home to the Shire, Clydesdale, Suffolk Punch, Percheron and Ardennes.
Dogs are welcome as long as they are kept on a lead at all times. There are certain areas of the park where dogs aren’t allowed.
Things To Do In Poole With Dogs
Poole Park
Address: Poole Park, Parkstone, Poole, BH15 2SF
One of the best places to go in Poole with dogs is to Poole Park. Located next to the town centre in Poole, you can park for free in one of the three car parks, though on busy days these tend to fill up quickly.
Enjoy a 2km walk around the lake, and exit near the train line at the back of the lake to walk a few minutes to Baiter Park which is a huge green space near Poole Harbour. This is definitely one of my favourite dog friendly places in Dorset.
Related Post – Dog walks in Poole
City Cruises Poole
Poole Quay
Dogs on a lead are welcome on board the City Cruises boat tours around Poole Harbour and Islands.
A City Cruises Poole Harbour & Islands cruise is one of the popular circular cruises leaving the harbour at regular intervals during the peak Summer season.
If you’re visiting outside of the Summer months, then fear not, as this cruise from Poole Harbour runs all year round on varying schedules.
Upton Country Park
Poole Rd, Upton, Poole BH17 7BJ
If you’re looking for things to do in Poole with dogs, then I recommend Upton Country Park.
With low parking charges and a huge amount of green space, Upton Country Park is a great low cost day out.
You will want to take your own chairs, picnic blanket and entertainment along with food and drink, but you can spend hours at Upton Country Park on a nice day. There is a nice stream, plenty of places to explore and a great place to stop for ice cream.
Lake Pier And Hamm Common
BH15 4LR
A small sandy inner harbour beach which is surrounded by a nature reserve. This is one of the dog friendly beaches that welcome dogs all year round.
There is parking for 63 cars, with good public transport links. Ham Common is one of the many nature reserves in Dorset next to Lake Pier beach. You can see across the Purbecks on a nice day with stunning views.
Compton Acres
Dogs are welcome everywhere at Compton Acres in Poole. If they’re good they may even get biscuit treats. They are welcome in the gardens, cafe and tea rooms.
Things To Do In Weymouth With Dogs
Radipole Lake Nature Reserve
Radipole Lake Visitor Centre, Weymouth DT4 7TZ
At RSPB Radipole Lake you could be treated to wildlife such as Kingfishers and otters. The nature reserve is free to enter but car parking charges apply.
Dogs are welcome at the reserve but to be kept on leads at all times. It’s also important to know there are no waste bins for the dogs on site.
Tout Quarry Sculpture Park
Tradecroft Industrial Estate, Portland, Dorset, DT5 2LN
One of the great dog friendly days out in Weymouth is Tout Quarry. An abandoned stone quarry which has been turned into a stone sculpture park.
It’s a hidden gem, but one of the great dog friendly things to do in Dorset. It’s also a great free activity for the whole family.
There is a free car park area at the entrance to the nature reserve. The car park is quite hidden from view, and as you reach the end of the industrial estate, turn right up a stony path.
Abbostbury Subtropical Gardens
Buller’s Way, Abbotsbury, Weymouth DT3 4LA
Dogs are welcome on leads at Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens. There is plenty of free parking for cars.
Open every day between 10am – 5pm, you can enjoy beautiful strolls through the gardens with history dating back to the 1700’s when a kitchen garden was created to provide fresh produce for the family living in the Abbotsbury castle.
The gardens grew over the years and coupled with the castle being demolished, storms and restorations, today you can see a mix of formal and informal flowers.
The Victorian garden showcases it’s famous Rhododendron and Hydrangea collections.
Weymouth To Portland Boat Trips
You can experience views of forts, castles and the Jurassic Coast between Weymouth and Portland. The one hour sea cruise is also dog friendly and travels through the waters of the 2012 sailing Olympics.
Sandworld
Lodmoor Country Park, Weymouth
Nestled in Lodmoor Country park next to the Weymouth Sealife Centre, you’ll find the amazing Sandworld Sand Sculpture Festival.
Dogs on leads are welcomed with their owners as you admire the amazing sand sculptures on display.
Things To Do In Dorchester With Dogs
The Dinosaur Museum
Icen Way, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1EW
Assistance dogs are welcome throughout the Dinosaur Museum at all times. Other dogs are welcome in the museum at their discretion.
Related post – Dinosaur days out in Dorset
Britain’s original and award winning attraction, The Dinosaur Museum located in Dorchester, only 7 miles from the Jurassic Coast. It’s a great day out for all the family!
Athelhampton House
Athelhampton Rd, Puddletown, Dorchester DT2 7LG
A stunning Tudor house and gardens in Dorset, where you can expect to see plenty of fountains and walled gardens which showcase the world- famous topiary pyramids.
You can also expect to find a visitor centre with a restaurant, tea room, gift shop and plant sales area.
Dogs are welcome on a lead throughout the gardens, only Assistance dogs are allowed in the house.
Minterne House and Gardens
Dorchester DT2 7AU
The gardens are Minterne are around a mile in length. They showcase a completely unique collection of Himalayan Rhododendrons and Azaleas, with Spring bulbs, Cherries, Maples and many fine and rare trees.
You can wander the trails and enjoy the small lakes, waterfalls and streams. With an abundance to see from the snowdrops in winter, to spring bluebells through to summer azaleas and hydrangeas.
There are plenty of benches nestled throughout the garden to sit and enjoy the amazing peace and quite the gardens have to offer. Dogs are welcome on leads at all times in the gardens.
The Walled Garden, Moreton
Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8RG
One of the great dog friendly things to do in Dorset, with free parking and free entry. The Walled Garden and Dovecote Café are open 7 days a week.
The Walled Garden is a five-acre landscaped formal garden situated in Moreton, Dorset. The village is close to the historic market town of Dorchester on the River Frome.
Moreton has become well-known because of its association with T. E. Lawrence, also known as Lawrence of Arabia. T. E. Lawrence lived near to Moreton when he served at Bovington Camp and was later buried in Moreton Church Yard.
Sculpture By The Lakes
Pallington Lakes, Dorchester, DT2 8QU
Sculpture by the Lakes in Dorset is a unique blend of art and nature, set in 26 acres of stunning gardens and serene lakes.
There are many sculptures to admire and enjoy around the gardens with lake and river views. Dogs on short leads are welcome. Why not spend a day enjoying the peace and tranquility nature has to offer. Many of the pathways are very accessible for wheelchair users too.
Things To Do In Lyme Regis With Dogs
Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium
The Cobb Lower Walkway, Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT7 3JJ
Access to the Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium is along the cobb wall. The aquarium is open between February and the end of October, and dogs are welcome in on a lead.
You can get up close and personal with mullet, starfish, lobster, bass and brown crab. The aquarium is a must do if you’re visiting Lyme Regis.
Things To Do In Bridport And West Bay With Dogs
West Bay Discovery Centre
You’ll find West Bay Discovery Centre next to the Bridport Arms car park and close to East beach. The centre has changing exhibitions through the year, and plenty of family friendly activities.
During the school holidays you’ll also find plenty going on to entertain the kids if you’re looking for things to do in West Bay.
The West Bay Discovery Centre is also dog friendly. There is a note that on very busy days, dogs may not be permitted but other than that dogs are welcome. The Centre is free to enter but donations are welcomed.
It says that the Blue Pool will be open this year. When?
Thanks
It’s open again now.