Dog-Friendly New Forest

The New Forest is unlike anywhere else in England - ancient woodland, open heathland, and free-roaming ponies and cattle create a unique landscape. This accessible national park offers excellent dog-friendly walking, though the roaming animals require understanding and management. Close to Southampton and Bournemouth, it's perfect for forest adventures.

New Forest Overview

The Area

Geography:

• National Park since 2005
• 219 square miles
• Ancient woodland
• Open heathland
• Coastal section
• Free-roaming animals

Character:

• Unique commoning system
• Ponies, cattle, pigs, donkeys roam free
• Ancient forest rights
• Mix of forest and heath
• Accessible from south coast

Why Dogs Love It

• Extensive woodland
• Varied terrain
• Space to explore
• Year-round walking
• Forest atmosphere

The Unique Challenge

Free-Roaming Animals: Ponies, cattle, donkeys, and pigs roam throughout the Forest. Dogs must be controlled at all times.

Understanding the Animals

Ponies

New Forest Ponies:

• Semi-wild, owned by Commoners
• Roam freely throughout
• Can be anywhere - roads, villages, forest
• Generally calm but unpredictable

With Dogs:

• Dogs must not chase, worry, or approach ponies
• Keep distance
• On lead when near ponies
• Ponies can kick

Cattle

Free-Roaming Cattle:

• Also roam throughout Forest
• Can be in woodland, on heath, by roads
• Cows with calves can be protective

With Dogs:

• Give wide berth
• Dogs on lead
• Don't walk between cow and calf
• If cattle approach, let dog off lead (they can escape) while you move to safety

Pigs (Pannage Season)

Autumn Only: Pigs released September-November to eat acorns (poisonous to ponies).

With Dogs:

• Pigs can be aggressive
• Avoid completely
• Lead essential during pannage

Donkeys

Also Roam Free: Throughout the Forest. Similar considerations to ponies.

Dog Rules in the New Forest

The Law

Dogs Must Be Under Control: This means close control, not necessarily on lead, but immediately responsive.

Ground-Nesting Birds: March-July, dogs on short leads in areas with ground-nesting birds. Signs indicate where.

Best Practice

Recommended:

• On lead near any animals
• On lead on roads (animals on roads too)
• Close control at all times
• Lead during ground-nesting season
• Awareness of surroundings

Never:

• Chase ponies or cattle
• Let dogs approach animals
• Assume animals will move
• Ignore ground-nesting signs

Best Areas for Dogs

Woodland Areas

Excellent Dog Walking:

Bolderwood: Deer sanctuary (viewing platform). Arboretum. Good walking. Car park.

Rhinefield: Ornamental Drive. Tall trees. Forest walks. Atmospheric.

Lyndhurst Area: Central village. Various forest walks accessible.

Burley: Village with forest access. Various walks.

Heathland Areas

Open Heath: Ponies and cattle often present. Beautiful but more animal encounters.

Areas:

• Beaulieu Heath
• Acres Down
• Various throughout

Coastal Section

Lepe Country Park: Beach access. Dogs welcome. Solent views. Different character.

Keyhaven Marshes: Coastal walks. Wildlife area - dogs on lead.

Recommended Walks

Easy Walks

Bolderwood Arboretum: Marked trails. Various lengths. Good paths. Deer viewing possible.

Ober Water Walk: Near Brockenhurst. Riverside. About 3 miles. Varied.

Wilverley Inclosure: Near Burley. Woodland walking. Good paths.

Moderate Walks

Rhinefield Ornamental Drive: Spectacular tall trees. Various routes. Forest atmosphere.

Knightwood Oak: Ancient tree. Forest walks around. Historic interest.

Brockenhurst to Beaulieu: Varied terrain. About 6 miles. Village to village.

Longer Adventures

Forest Exploration: Connect routes for longer days. Many possibilities.

Coastal Walks: Lepe to Calshot. Different New Forest character.

For more long-distance options, see our Long Distance Trails guide.

Key Villages

Lyndhurst

Forest Capital:

• Central location
• New Forest Centre
• Good facilities
• Busy in peak times

Good base with access to many walks.

Brockenhurst

Forest Village:

• Train station
• Ponies in village
• Good walking access
• Attractive character

Burley

Witchy Village:

• Quirky shops
• Forest edge
• Good walks
• Tea rooms

Beaulieu

Historic:

• Motor Museum (grounds may allow dogs - check)
• Palace House
• Pretty village
• River walks

Lymington

Coastal:

• Georgian town
• Marina
• Ferries to Isle of Wight
• Good facilities

Gateway to Isle of Wight.

Accommodation

Where to Stay

Brockenhurst: Central, train station, good walking access.

Lyndhurst: Very central, busy, good facilities.

Burley: Quieter, forest edge, character.

Lymington: Coastal option, different character.

For cottage options and booking advice, the New Forest has good availability.

Accommodation Types

Cottages: Self-catering throughout the Forest. Gardens vary in security (ponies may visit!).

Hotels: Various dog-friendly options. Many welcome dogs.

Camping: Several sites in the Forest. See our Camping guide. Be prepared for animal visitors!

Glamping: Growing options. See our Glamping guide.

Seasonal Considerations

Spring

Highlights:

• Bluebells in woodland
• Longer days
• Foals being born

Considerations:

• Ground-nesting birds (dogs on leads in marked areas)
• New foals (extra distance from ponies)

Summer

Highlights:

• Full facilities
• Long days
• Best weather usually

Considerations:

• Busiest period
• Car parks fill early
• Ticks active

See our Summer guide.

Autumn

Highlights:

• Beautiful colours
• Quieter
• Fungi in forest

Considerations:

• Pannage season (pigs - avoid)
• Rutting deer (give distance)

Winter

Highlights:

• Quiet forest
• Atmospheric
• Full access

Considerations:

• Shorter days
• Mud in places
• Some facilities closed

See our Winter guide.

Practical Considerations

Ticks

New Forest Has Ticks: Check dogs after walks. Heathland especially. Year-round but worse spring-autumn.

Remove properly with tick tool. See our Emergency Vet guide if concerned.

Roads

Animals on Roads: Drive slowly. Animals have right of way. Common to encounter ponies on roads.

With Dogs: Keep dogs on lead near roads - animals may be present.

Getting There

By Car:

• M27 from Southampton/Portsmouth
• A31 from Bournemouth
• A337 from M3

By Train: Brockenhurst on main line (London Waterloo to Weymouth).

See our Train Travel guide.

Dog-Friendly Pubs

Forest Pubs

Notable Options:

• Various in Lyndhurst
• Burley pubs
• Brockenhurst options
• Countryside pubs throughout

Character: Forest atmosphere. Dog-welcoming. Often traditional.

Good for pub walks.

Combining with Other Areas

Nearby Options

Dorset: West to Jurassic Coast and Dorset.

Isle of Wight: Ferry from Lymington to Isle of Wight.

South Downs: East to South Downs.

Bournemouth: Beach day trip option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the New Forest dog-friendly?

Yes, excellent walking. But dogs must be controlled - free-roaming animals throughout require management.

Do dogs have to be on leads?

Not always, but "under control" at all times. On lead near animals, during ground-nesting season, and near roads. Close control always.

What about the ponies?

Keep dogs away. Don't approach. Ponies can kick. Dogs must not chase or worry them.

Is it safe with cattle?

Yes with awareness. Give space. Don't get between cow and calf. If cattle approach, let dog off lead so it can escape.

Best time to visit?

Year-round appeal. Spring for bluebells. Autumn for colours (avoid pigs). Winter for quiet. Summer busiest.

Are there beaches?

Yes, coastal section. Lepe Country Park. Different character from forest interior.

Ancient Forest Awaits

The New Forest offers unique walking through ancient woodland with free-roaming animals. Understand the animal management requirements, keep dogs controlled, and enjoy this special landscape where traditions dating back centuries continue today.

Luke explores the New Forest with Charlie, Buster, Ember, Simba, Max, and Molly. The pack has learned to navigate around ponies respectfully, enjoying woodland trails and forest atmosphere.