February 2nd 2026
Coming to Dogstival? You may as well stay a little longer
If you’re packing the car before dawn to get to the New Forest and come to Dogstival 2026, you’re probably driving some distance. And if you’re doing that, here’s a thought worth thinking about… Dogstival doesn’t have to be a day trip.
A day at the festival is so much fun, being informative, interesting, and full of beautiful, playful dogs. But it’s also just one slice of what makes the New Forest such a special place to visit with your pup. Outside the festival ground are 220 acres of woods, heather-laden heathlands, dog-friendly attractions, places to eat, and miles of dog-friendly beaches for your four-legged friends to bound along!
Your day at Dogstival doesn’t have to end with a tired drive home. Make it part of your weekend and book a stay in a dog-friendly New Forest Cottage.
One of the best things about staying for the weekend is the morning after. It’s the perfect antidote to the high energy of festival day. There are really beautiful dog-friendly walks through the forest under the canopy of the trees to keep you and your furry friends cool. A popular route is the one around the large enclosure next to Wilverley Plain, between Brockenhurst and Burley. Or wander the tracks for a super sniffy walk around Rhinefield Ornamental Drive among towering Redwoods. And then there’s the coast for a day or two, tiring feet and paws running after balls and splashing about in the waves while taking in sweeping views across the bay to the Isle of Wight.
Dog-friendly cottages offer plenty of freedom and more space than a hotel room, with a garden and walks on your doorstep, plus lots of dog-friendly pubs within a few minutes’ stroll. Dogs settle more quickly in a cottage. They can keep familiar routines and have a garden to potter about in. There’s no negotiating their space, no tiptoeing through corridors. Just muddy, sandy paws to wipe down, water bowls by the door and a safe place for you all to relax.
Here are some super cottages you can rent from New Forest Cottages for Dogstival 2026
Rooks Cottage, sleeps 5 in Pilley
Relax on big comfy sofas in the lounge while the kids hang out in the games room or enjoy some table tennis. The garden is green and lush with colourful blooms, with lots of leafy spots for doggies to snooze in the shade. You’ll also be just moments from a lovely dog-friendly pub for dinner. Find out about Rooks Cottage
Woodland Cottage, sleeps 8 in Barton on Sea
It’s a quick nip through the woods to the gorgeous sand and pebble dog-friendly beach at Barton on Sea. This handsome cottage includes a self-contained annexe above the garage. It’s beautifully styled for friends and family, with bi-fold doors opening onto a fully enclosed garden with plenty of room for children and dogs to play.
Little Mallard sleeps 4, in East Boldre
To totally immerse yourself in the New Forest landscape, stay in this single storey holiday home with the open forest just steps from the garden. Furnished for comfort as well as style, and a fully enclosed, pretty and well-tended garden.
Brambles sleeps 2 in Ossemsley
This cute little cabin for two is off the beaten track and in a supremely peaceful location. The inside space is all open plan with French doors opening onto a private sunny courtyard garden for al fresco dining, plus a gate to a separate, fully enclosed paddock for your dog to romp and play, which wins rave reviews from past guests.
Click here to book and find out more
92 The Borough sleeps 3 in Downton
Set in the heart of this idyllic forest village, with two great pubs on tap. Perfect as a hideaway for two or a small family of 3. Expect quality country cottage interiors and a gorgeous garden heavily planted with blooms and mature shrubs offering plenty of colour and privacy. Dine outside the back door or follow a little pathway that wiggles on and on to the finish line of a gate opening onto fields.
Find out more about 92 The Borough
Carrington Stables sleeps 4 in Milford on Sea
This homely pad is just a quick walk from the year-round dog-friendly beach and village centre, where you’ll find exceptionally great places to eat. The owners have made the most of the space, carefully designing it with a contemporary edge for the lounge to become a second bedroom for the third and fourth guests on a sofa bed. Take tea or a tipple in the sleek courtyard garden that’s also safe and secure for waggy tails.
See more about Carrington Stables
