Dog-friendly things to do in Dorset
Dorset’s probably most famous for its sprawling Jurassic Coast and vibrant British seaside towns like Bournemouth. If you’re staying in this part of the country in one of our Weymouth or Poole holiday parks, you’re bound to want to get out and explore.
Thankfully, Dorset has so much to offer families with dogs! Here are some of our top recommendations for dog-friendly Dorset.
Corfe Castle Model Village and Gardens, Isle of Purbeck
This model village on the Isle of Purbeck is like stepping back in time. A 20th-century scale model captures the 1600s castle and village life—complete with mini villagers—sprawling over an acre. There’s also a fairy garden, fossil corner, giant games, and a spot to feed the birds in the wildlife garden. For history buffs, visit the life-size Civil War display. Dogs can join the fun here, just keep them on a lead!
Hungry after exploring this dog-friendly Dorset walk? The Courtyard Café dishes up delectable Dorset cream teas, homemade cakes, and more, with a licence to serve a cheeky glass of wine or ale if you fancy.
Kimmeridge Bay
Nestled on the Jurassic Coast and part of the South West Coast Path, Kimmeridge Bay is a haven for rock pooling and a must-visit for dogs who like to sniff and scamper. There’s freedom to roam off-lead all year round! It’s accessible via a gently sloping gravel path, stretching for roughly a mile and a half, leading to breathtaking vistas from the headland.
Facilities are handy with toilets and showers by the car park, which grants stunning views across the bay. Roam the rocky shores by foot or cycle for no cost. If you’re coming by car, it’s accessible via a toll road so there might be a fee. It’s best to time your visit with the low tide to make the most of your adventure, and don’t forget sturdy walking boots or trainers, the terrain here is more pebbly than sandy.
Athelhampton House and Gardens, Dorchester
Athelhampton House is a captivating Tudor manor from 1485. Every room is decorated with exquisite art and furnishings, all with its own story to tell. The gardens, reimagined in 1891, are divided into themed compartments with unique styles and a water feature in each. Don’t miss the world-famous yew trees sculpted into towering pyramids!
When visiting, you can head to the welcome centre, restaurant, and tearoom for that much-craved cuppa, and there's a gift shop where you can pick up plants and souvenirs.
If you fancy a bite to fill hungry bellies, The Coach House serves up coffee and lunch while The Long Hall is perfect for a hearty carvery. Or why not bring your own picnic to savour among the garden greenery? Dogs aren’t allowed inside the house but well-behaved pooches can enjoy the restaurant and gardens while on a lead.
Arne, RSPB Nature Reserve
If you're after a natural dog-friendly Dorset getaway, this gem is tucked near Poole Harbour. Explore woodlands, farms, and mudflats where seals often lounge along the coastline. It's also a rare spot where you can encounter all six native UK reptiles!
The heath has been untouched for centuries, with grazing cattle and ponies wandering freely—so keep an eye on your pooch to keep them safe. The kids can unleash their inner adventurer in the play area, with den building and low ropes, and the paths are a breeze for pushchairs.
When you’ve worked up an appetite, the café is a cosy nook serving up local, seasonal delights—think hearty sandwiches, soups, and a selection of pastries, all washed down with a lovely cuppa. There's a charming shop on-site as well, perfect for picking up bird-friendly goodies and some nature-inspired gifts.
The Royal Oak, Melbourne St Andrew
For a family-friendly outing to a dog-friendly pub in Dorset, book a table at The Royal Oak Pub in Melbourne St. Andrew. On arrival, your dog will be showered with fuss from staff who get a real kick out of meeting new furry friends!
They're all about mixing things up with themed food nights and cater for everyone with gluten-free and vegan options alongside classic pub favourites. There's a wide selection of drinks, plus a sports bar for footy fans.
Their Sunday carvery is a highlight, and for the little ones, there's a kids' menu. If you’re not up for a big meal, there’s lighter options. When the sun's out, their garden is a gem, with a big wooden play zone for the kids and plenty of tree-framed spots to kick back in.
It's a good idea to book ahead - this place gets busy, especially with folks coming off the nearby village walks.
The Dolphin Centre, Poole
Who doesn’t love a bit of retail therapy? Head to the Dolphin Centre in Poole - it’s a shopper’s paradise with a vibrant mix of over 80 shops. You’ll find everything from the familiar high-street names to unique independent boutiques. And when you fancy a snack, there are plenty of restaurants and bakeries to choose from.
Little ones getting restless? Stop at the play areas for a little diversion. The centre prides itself on being super accessible, ensuring that everyone, including those with wheelchairs, powerchairs, and pushchairs, feels welcome. Your four-legged friends can tag along as well! Out of all the stores, 56 welcome dogs inside - just keep an eye out for the paw print sticker in shop windows. Remember to keep your dog on a lead as you explore.
There's designated disabled parking and it’s conveniently situated right next to the bus station.
The Angel Inn, Ferndown
For a quintessential pub day out, visit Ferndown’s cosy Angel Inn. Get comfy by the roaring log fire, tucking into a hearty Sunday roast with a pint of the local brew and your dog at your feet. Bliss! It's a perfect blend of rustic charm with a modern twist, with classic pub fare like juicy burgers and fish and chips.
Planning to pop in with your pooch? Just give the staff a heads-up so they can sort you out with a spot in the dog-friendly area.
Start planning your Great British break
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Brand new holiday homes from £34,995
Holiday home price is for a new 3-bedroom ABI New Horizon holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 19 July 2024, price is available at all parks, excluding Church Farm, Cala Gran, Kiln Park, Littlesea, Lydstep Beach, Penally Court, Perran Sands, Rockley Park, Seashore, Seaview and Thornwick Bay.
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Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
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From 12 July 2024 the holiday home price is reduced from £37,995 to £33,995 and will remain at this price until all available stock is sold.
The holiday home price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 12 July 2024 this price is available at Berwick, Burnham-on-Sea, Devon Cliffs, Doniford Bay, Hafan y Mor, Kent Coast, Lakeland, Marton Mere, Presthaven, Primrose Valley, Reighton Sands, Seton Sands and Weymouth Bay.
Haven reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any time. Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Pre-owned holiday homes from £19,995
Holiday home price is based on a Bronze Grade pre-owned holiday home 6 years or older and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 12 July 2024, price is available at all parks, excluding Cala Gran, Church Farm, Cardigan View, Cleethorpes Beach, Craig Tara, Far Grange, Golden Sands, Haggerston Castle, Kiln Park, Littlesea, Lydstep Beach, Orchards, Penally Court, Perran Sands, Rockley Park, Riviere Sands, Seashore, Seaview, Skegness and Thornwick Bay.
Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times. Park cannot be used as a permanent residence.
Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Let2offset - make no site fee payments until 2031
Let2offset is a contractual lettings product that offers eligible owners a guaranteed letting income at a preferential rate (calculated each year) in exchange for a stipulated number of letting breaks. It also allows eligible owners to pay their site fees and receive their letting income in 12 equal monthly instalments; the monthly site fee amount charged by Haven will be after deduction of the letting income.
‘Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031’ is available at 33 Haven parks excluding Burnham, Cardigan View, Far Grange, Garreg Wen, Lydstep Beach, Riviere Sands and Seaview. The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance.
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An example of how “Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” operates under Let2offset is the purchase of an Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home at Primrose Valley with a monthly site fee of £585.00 (includes purchasing discount of £45) and monthly letting income of £803.67. The monthly difference equates to £218.67, which will be credited to the owner's account. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and the monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2024 figures.
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Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.