Exploring Dorset’s Secure Dog Fields – My Honest Review 🐾

Lucy Bright
Oct 16
3 min read

Since bringing Sage home I’ve been on a bit of a mission to find safe, secure places around Dorset where she and Jet can run off some energy without me panicking that she’ll disappear into the next postcode.

Sage is still a bit of a flight risk, i've only had her a couple of months after all, so enclosed spaces have become essential. Over the last few weeks we’ve been testing a few of the local secure dog fields and as always, I have opinions.

🐾 K9 Woods – West Parley / Ferndown

💷 £10 per 55 minute session (private hire)📍 Christchurch Road, West Parley, BH22 8SH

K9 Woods is a small woodland style dog park made up of two enclosed pens, each about half an acre, surrounded by six foot fencing. It’s peaceful with water, benches and poo bags provided and you get the whole area to yourself for your booked slot which I really liked. No awkward encounters, no surprise dogs appearing from nowhere.

The woodland setting is lovely. Birds chirping, leaves underfoot, dogs darting through the trees. It’s calm and quiet which makes a nice change from open fields. It’s not huge though, so it’s best for short sessions rather than long walks. And when it rains it gets properly muddy. They actually warn you on the booking page to bring wellies and they are not joking.

There are no toilets, no café and no extras, just a simple fenced space where dogs can be dogs.

Verdict: Peaceful and private, great for a quick session if you want somewhere quiet. Take wellies and don’t expect fancy facilities.

🐶 The Dog Park – Three Legged Cross

💷 £13 per hour for the running field | £16 per hour for the adventure park📍 Three Legged Cross, BH21 6RS

This one is brilliant. It’s a huge purpose built dog park with about eight acres of space split into two areas. There’s a large open running field and another that’s more like a dog playground with agility equipment, tunnels, splash pools, seating and even a café.

It’s really well organised and clean. You can tell the owners have thought about what people need. There are proper gates, water, bins, shaded seating and floodlights for winter evenings. It feels safe and looked after which makes a big difference.

It’s a little pricier than others but you can see exactly where the money goes.

Verdict: My favourite so far. Loads of space, great facilities and a relaxed friendly feel. The café is a bonus. The only catch is you’ll need to book ahead, especially at weekends.

🌲 The Woodland Dog Park – Bransgore / Christchurch

💷 Around £10 per hour📍 Bransgore area near Burley Road

I really wanted to love this one but it didn’t win me over. It’s in a lovely area and once you’re in, the field itself is fine. The issue is getting inside.

You have to go through three gates, all while holding on to two overexcited dogs who think they’re about to win Crufts. Trying to juggle keys, leads and enthusiasm at the same time was not my finest moment. By the time I reached the actual field I was done.

Once you’re finally in it’s quiet and secure, but the whole process is such a faff I wouldn’t go back on my own.

Verdict: Pretty once you get there but far too much effort. Would only recommend if you’ve got help and patience to spare.

🐕 Slades Farm – Bournemouth

💷 Free entry, public enclosed dog area📍 Slades Farm Road, Ensbury Park, BH10 4HF

This one has become my go to spot because it’s easy, free and local. It’s a council run enclosed dog area with benches, bins and a few bits of agility equipment. There’s usually a friendly mix of regulars and new dogs so it’s great for socialising.

It can get busy, especially at weekends, and being council run it isn’t always spotless, but it’s convenient and relaxed. For quick everyday runs it’s perfect.

Verdict: Simple and reliable. Not fancy but free, safe and friendly. Ideal for regular visits.

💬 Final Thoughts

All four have their perks depending on what you’re after.

K9 Woods – quiet and simple, ideal for short private sessions (£10 an hour).
The Dog Park Three Legged Cross – the best overall, with brilliant facilities (£13 to £16 an hour).
The Woodland Dog Park – lovely surroundings but too much hassle to get into.
Slades Farm – free, local and easy for everyday walks.