As a pet-friendly hotel located in Bournemouth, we understand the importance of finding activities that you can enjoy with your furry friend. Bournemouth is a great destination for dog owners, as there are plenty of outdoor activities that allow dogs to run, play and explore. Here are some of the best dog-friendly activities to do in Bournemouth:
1: Take a Walk on the Beach: Bournemouth is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the UK. The best part is that many of these beaches are dog-friendly, including Alum Chine Beach, Branksome Chine Beach, and Durley Chine Beach. You and your furry friend can take long walks on the sandy shores and enjoy the sea breeze. Dogs are allowed on the beach between 1st October - 30th April each year without restriction. Between 1st may - 30th September there some restrictions in place however there are still dog friendly areas such as: Sandbanks, Branksome Dene, Middle Chine and Hengistbury Head. Find out more info here.
2: Visit the Gardens: Bournemouth is known for its beautiful gardens, and many of them are dog- friendly. The Lower Gardens is a popular spot, with plenty of open spaces and shady areas to relax in. The Upper Gardens is also worth a visit, with its water features, rock gardens, and stunning flower displays. Upper, Central and Lower Gardens have all been Green Flag winners since 1999 and run from Bournemouth pier to the boundary with Poole. The gardens are 3 kilometers long. They are all part of the Bourne Valley Greenway and are Listed Grade II in the English Heritage Register of Parks and Gardens. There are lots of activities and events taking place, or you can simply enjoy the scenery. The Lower Gardens section of the gardens is quite short, it runs from the pier to the town centre, but there is always lots going on. Year-round attractions include Classic mini golf, a bandstand, refreshment kiosks and Street food corner site, an aviary, and art exhibition. Seasonal events in this section of the gardens attract thousands of visitors. In 2018 the gardens became the main setting for the Christmas Tree Wonderland.
3: Explore the Forest: The New Forest National Park is just a short drive away from Bournemouth and offers endless opportunities for outdoor activities with your dog. You can take your furry friend along with you for a hike, a bike ride, or a horse ride through the forest. There are also plenty of picnic spots where you can enjoy lunch with your furry companion.
The New Forest is a unique place with rare wildlife and free-roaming livestock and by following the code you can help protect the animals and plants.
Keep your distance from the animals – don’t feed or touch them
Take home litter and dog waste
No fires or barbecues
Keep dogs under control. Don’t let dogs approach or chase any animals
Park only in car parks
No wild camping
Stick to the permitted cycle tracks
Drive with care – animals on the road!
Help wildlife by keeping to the main tracks.
4: Go on a Boat Tour: Why not explore Bournemouth's beautiful coastline from a different perspective? Many boat tour companies in Bournemouth allow dogs on board, so you and your furry friend can take in the stunning views of the coast together.
5: Visit a Dog-Friendly Pub: Bournemouth is home to many dog-friendly pubs where you and your furry friend can enjoy a drink or a bite to eat. The Brewhouse and Kitchen is a popular spot, with its wide range of craft beers and dog-friendly policy. The Goat and Tricycle is also a great option, with its cozy atmosphere and dog-friendly outdoor seating area.
As you can see, Bournemouth has plenty of dog-friendly activities to offer. We hope this guide has inspired you to get out and explore with your furry friend. At The Ashleigh, we welcome dogs of all shapes and sizes and offer a range of pet-friendly amenities to ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible.