May 7th 2025

The best dog walks in the New Forest by local experts New Forest Cottages

As Dogstival draws closer and tails start wagging in excitement, now is the perfect time to think beyond the festival field. The New Forest is a year-round playground for pooches with many wonderful walks. There’s a whole world of sniff-worthy wanders and endless trails of fun, and if you’re not lucky enough to live here, there are plenty of dog-friendly New Forest Cottages to stay for a little holiday.

Here’s your season-by-season guide to the best walks and places to stay in the New Forest.

Spring is prime sniffari season

With new sniffy scents in the air and wildflowers beginning to bloom, Take the Burley to Bolderwood walk and let your dog roam the open heathland. The gentle hills and leafy shade are perfect for shorter snouts and older paws. Afterwards, head to the Oak Inn in Lyndhurst or the Foresters Arms in Frogham for a pint and a biscuit (for you and the dog, respectively).

See dog-friendly cottages in Lyndhurst.

Summer zoomies by the sea

Summer means one thing, and that’s beach time. Many New Forest dog-friendly beaches, like Milford-on-Sea and Highcliffe, welcome dogs, not just in the winter – but all year round for sea-salty walks and jumps in the waves. Early morning zoomies in the shallows, followed by a lazy breakfast in a pet-friendly café like The Beach Hut at Steamer Point in Highcliffe, is a sublime way to start the day!

Find a dog-friendly cottage in Milford on Sea and check out dog-friendly holiday homes in Highcliffe.

Autumn leaves

When the forest turns gold, and the air gets crisp, it’s the perfect time for a muddy-pawed adventure. The Ornamental Drive walk near Brockenhurst becomes a riot of colour, where dogs can stomp through piles of crunchy leaves, aka ‘leaf confetti’! Many New Forest Cottages welcome more than one dog, so bring your bonded pairs and have a look at the dog-friendly cottages in Brockenhurst for a long autumnal weekend.

Winter walks in a twinkly wonderland

Winter in the New Forest is pure magic. Quiet trails, frosty meadows, cold snouts and steaming breath in the sun’s low rays. Explore the lovely Burbush walk close to Burley and pause to take in the glorious views. Imagine returning to a dog-friendly cottage with a log burner where your pooch (and you) can snuggle up by the fire for snoozes – what bliss! Here are some dreamy dog-friendly cottages in Burley.

Whatever the season

The New Forest is packed with dog-friendly walks, and if you live far away or have friends or family needing somewhere to stay, take a peek at the dog-friendly collection of New Forest Cottages. Choose from apartments, cottages, houses and barns with dog-proof gardens to cosy forest lodges near outstanding walking routes and well-worn trails. There’s a New Forest Cottage that’ll be just right for you and your pup.