Southampton, a vibrant city known for its rich history and bustling modern life, is also a haven for dog lovers and their furry companions. Many activities, spaces, and services cater to the needs of dogs and their owners.
From scenic parks and green spaces to welcoming pubs and shopping centres, this city ensures that your four-legged friends are not just allowed, but warmly welcomed.
Let’s explore the best dog-friendly spots in Southampton, including places for memorable adventures and comfortable stays, ensuring you and your pet have an enjoyable experience in the city and its surrounding area.
Note: we’ve also included Eastleigh and Beaulieu in this guide.
Table of Contents
Dog Friendly Southampton Must Sees
Netley Abbey
Abbey Hill, Netley, Southampton SO31 5FB
Netley Abbey is a ruined late medieval monastery located in the village of Netley, near Southampton. It is the most complete surviving Cistercian monastery in southern England and was trransformed into a mansion house after the Dissolution of the Monasteries.
Eastleigh Lakeside Steam Railway
Eastleigh Lakeside Railway. Lakeside Country Park, Eastleigh SO50 5PE
Eastleigh Lakeside Steam Railway is a family-friendly and dog-friendly miniature steam railway located in Eastleigh, just outside of Southampton. They have a large collection of miniature steam trains, a 1-1/4 mile track through scenic woodland where people can enjoy 20-25 minute train rides.
Beaulieu Motor Museum – National Motor Museum
National Motor Museum, John Montagu Building, Beaulieu, Brockenhurst SO42 7ZN
About 30 minutes drive from Southampton is Beaulieu, a village that’s home to the National Motor Museum. It houses one of the world’s finest collections of cars, motorcycles, and motoring memorabilia, with over 250 vehicles on display – including iconic vehicles from TV and film, such as Mr. Bean’s Mini and Del Boy’s Reliant Regal.
Alongside the motor collection, there are other attractions at Beaulieu too, including the Palace House and Gardens, World of Top Gear and Beaulieu Abbey.
Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway
Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway, Exbury, Southampton SO45 1AF
Exbury Gardens is a 200-acre botanical wonderland in Hampshire’s New Forest, featuring a delightful narrow-gauge steam railway that winds its way through the heart of the gardens. There is over 200 acres of woodland, herbaceous, contemporary, formal, and wildflower gardens to discover, alongside a century of horticultural history to appreciate.
The Best Dog Friendly Walks in Southampton
Manor Farm Country Park
Manor Farm Country Park, Pyland’s Ln, Southampton SO31 1BH
Manor Farm Country Park is a unique blend of a working farm, heritage experience, and family-friendly country park nestled within 400 acres of scenic Hampshire countryside.
Royal Victoria Country Park
Royal Victoria Country Park, Netley Abbey, Southampton SO31 5GA
Royal Victoria Country Park is a captivating blend of history, nature, and family-friendly activities, nestled on 200 acres of scenic parkland.
Central Parks in Southampton
There are some nice parks in the city to enjoy with your dog, including:
- Andrews (East) Park
- Hoglands Park
- Houndwell Park
- Palmerston Park
- Watts (West) Park
Southampton Common
Southampton Common, The Avenue, Southampton SO15 7NN
Southampton Common is the largest open space in the city of Southampton, spanning 365 acres and offering a vibrant mix of nature, recreation, and history. There’s natural landscapes to explore, alongside walking, cycling, running, and dog walking trails, a nature play area for children, and the Hawthorns Urban Wildlife Centre which used to be home to a zoo.
Itchen Valley Country Park
Itchen Valley Country Park, Allington Ln, West End, Southampton SO30 3HQ
Itchen Valley Country Park is a 440-acre haven of natural beauty and outdoor activities, nestled beside the River Itchen. There’s water meadows, grazing pasture, woodland, and meadows, alongside play areas for children, the Woodland Cafe for refreshments, Go Ape! treetop course, trails for walking, cycling, and running, and opportunities to spot roe deer, badgers, kingfishers, and more.
Riverside Park
Riverside Park, Manor Farm Rd, Southampton SO18 1NQ
Riverside Park is 32-hectare park situated along the River Itchen.
It offers a variety of sporting facilities, including:
- Six football pitches
- Two cricket pitches
- A tennis court
- A skate park
- Three play areas
It’s considered a great place for picnics, walks, dog walking, playing with children, and swan feeding. There’s also the opportunity for scenic riverside walks with views of wildlife like salmon, water voles, kingfishers, dragonflies, and otters.
Ashurst Stroll
Ashurst Stroll is a short circular walk through the woods on the edge of Ashurst.
Lepe Beach
Lepe Beach, Lepe Country Park, Southampton SO45 1AD
Lepe Beach is a scenic stretch of shingle beach located within Lepe Country Park. It’s an expansive shoreline framed by pine-fringed cliffs and the Solent, and is known for its natural beauty, historical significance, and recreational opportunities.
Lakeside Country Park
Lakeside Country Park, Wide Lane, Eastleigh SO50 5PD
Located in nearby Eastleigh, Lakeside Country Park is a 22-hectare green haven offering a welcome escape from the city bustle. There’s activities to enjoy for everyone, including walks, picnics, fishing, dog walks, or relaxing by the lakeside. The park is conveniently located just off the M27 motorway, with free parking on weekends and for four hours during the week.
Dog-friendly Cafés and Restaurants in Southampton
Big Blue Cafe
Big Blue Cafe, 35a Chapel Ln, Totton, Southampton SO40 9LA
Big Blue Cafe is a dog-friendly family-run cafe that’s been serving up great value and variety since 1992. Specialities include all-day breakfasts, brunches, homemade scotch eggs, monthly specials, cakes, and local produce, and there are great options for vegetarians and vegans.
Mayfield Garden Centre and Cafe
Mayfield Garden Centre and Cafe, Mayfield Nurseries, Mayfield Park, Weston Lane, Southampton, SO19 9HL
Mayfield Garden Centre, is a delightful discovery for gardening enthusiasts, boasting an extensive selection of top-quality plants, expert guidance in gardening and horticulture, along with a variety of gardening essentials and extras. Its café serves as a tranquil retreat, offering snacks, tea, and coffee in a cosy indoor space and a spacious outdoor area for enjoying sunny days. The centre warmly welcomes dogs across its premises. Importantly, all profits from the garden centre and café are dedicated to supporting mental health wellbeing. This includes providing horticultural therapy, groups for gardening with dementia, community gardening initiatives, and assistance with digital and internet access.
Santo Lounge
Santo Lounge, 429 Shirley Rd, Shirley, Southampton SO15 3JF
As frequent readers know, we love The Lounges chain, and Santo Lounge is Southampton’s local. It offers all-day food and drinks, including breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and cocktails, alongside great vegan and gluten free menus. Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome, as are children.
Dog-friendly Pubs and Bars in Southampton
The Hampshire Bowman
Dundridge Ln, Southampton SO32 1GD
If you’re looking for an unspoilt country pub in the Southampton area, chances are you need The Hampshire Bowman, in nearby Dundridge.
It’s a traditional country freehouse with real ales, real ciders, and real food. It’s dog-friendly with a large garden and children’s play area.
Rumours are there’s no mobile phone signal – this will depend on your network and whether or not you want to be contacted! Oh, and please give Freya the owner’s dog a stroke from us!
The Empress of Blandings
8 Romsey Rd, Copythorne, Southampton SO40 2PF
The Empress of Blandings is a charming country pub named after a prize-winning pig from P.G. Wodehouse’s novels, and the walls are adorned with over 350 pig-related pictures and paintings!
There’s a delicious menu of pub classics, fresh seafood, and homemade dishes, with options for all dietary needs. There’s also a lovely beer garden, perfect for enjoying a drink on a sunny day.
Cricketers Arms
34 Carlton Place, Southampton SO15 2DX
The Cricketers Arms is a traditional pub with a warm and welcoming atmosphere, serving a wide selection of real ales, craft beers, and ciders, alongside a hearty pub food menu with steaks, burgers, and vegetarian options. There’s a dedicated dog area inside and water bowls are provided.
The Royal Oak Beaulieu
Hill Top Nursery, Beaulieu Rd, Hill Top, Beaulieu SO42 7YR
The Royal Oak is a stunning country pub located in Hilltop, Beaulieu, on the outskirts of the New Forest National Park in Hampshire. They offer a wide selection of food and drinks, including pub classics, pizzas, burgers, and vegetarian options and also have a large beer garden, perfect for soaking up the sun on a nice day. The pub themselves state that ‘Muddy boots and dogs always welcome‘ and it’s the perfect place to go after a long dog walk.
Brewhouse & Kitchen
47 Highfield Ln, Southampton SO17 1QD
Brewhouse & Kitchen is a microbrewery and pub located in Southampton offering offer over 70 craft beers and ciders, many brewed on-site, alongside a food menu with items like burgers, pizzas, and pub classics.
The Southampton Arms
89 Moorgreen Rd, West End, Southampton SO30 2HG
The Southampton Arms is a traditional pub known for being very friendly with great service and good food. There’s a nice beer garden, a play area for children, and the pub is very welcoming to dogs.
The Grapes
41-43 Oxford St, Maritime Quarter, Southampton SO14 3DP
If you’ve watched Titanic before, you may recognise The Grapes, as it was famously a backdrop in the movie. It’s one of Southampton’s most historic pubs, and dog friendly, too!
The Cowherds
The Common, Southampton SO15 7NN
Part of the Vintage Inns chain, The Cowherds in Southampton is a welcoming country pub that offers seasonal food and cask ale within a dog-friendly environment. Located on the west side of the Avenue, near the south end of Southampton Common, this pub has a history dating back to 1762. The name and location have historical significance, as it was associated with the cowherd who managed animals on Southampton Common, with records indicating Edward Dyett moved into the cowherd’s house in 1774 when he took on the job. For dog owners looking for a lovely experience with their pets, The Cowherds is great!
The Rockstone
63 Onslow Rd, Bevois Valley, Southampton SO14 0JL
Located in the heart of Bevois Valley, The Rockstone is a dog friendly pub serving traditional British pub grub alongside hand-picked beers and wines.
Dog Friendly Shops in Southampton
Westquay Shopping Centre
Westquay Shopping Centre, Southampton, SO15 1QF
Westquay Shopping Centre is located in the center of Southampton and is a popular spot for shopping. It’s easy to get to and has more than 80 shops, including big names like Lego and The White Company. This makes it a great place for all kinds of shopping. Besides shopping, there are also many food choices and things to do, making it a good visit for anyone, whether you’re with family, friends, or on your own.
As mentioned in our dog friendly shopping centres guide, Westquay has a great dog policy; well-behaved dogs are welcome, at the shopping centre, as long as you keep to their dog admission policy.
Robins Nest Emporium
Robins Nest Emporium, Unit C, Atlantic Works, Oakley Rd, Southampton SO16 4LL
Robins Nest Emporium is an emporium with a vast array of vintage, retro, and handmade items, as well as a charming coffee shop.
There’s also a Fareham location if you’re ever in the area.
Dog-friendly Accommodation in Southampton: Where to Stay
Travelodge Southampton Central
Castle Way, Southampton SO14 2BW
For a no-frills dog friendly stay, Travelodge Southampton Central is an ideal choice for travelers looking for comfortable and convenient accommodation in Southampton; perfect for exploring the city and wider area. The hotel has recently been revamped with a new design, and allows up to 2 dogs to stay in your room for £20 per dog, per night. Please make sure to contact the hotel in advance.
Novotel Southampton
1 W Quay Rd, Southampton SO15 1RA
Novotel Southampton is a popular, well-regarded hotel offering modern accommodations and facilities and a great base for exploring Southampton, The New Forest and the surrounding area.
It allows pets of any sizes in specific rooms for £10 per pet, per night. At time of checking, both cats and dogs were welcome. Please make sure to contact the hotel to book.
Otters Green
Botley Rd, Botley, Southampton SO30 2DL
Otters Green Bed and Breakfast offers guests a charming and comfortable stay in a picturesque setting. Situated at the top of the tidal reaches of the River Hamble and nestled in a beautiful conservation area, Otters Green is just a few minutes walk from local amenities, combining the tranquillity of a secluded retreat with the convenience of easy access to Southampton’s attractions.
Sunnydale Farm
Grange Rd., Netley, Southampton SO31 8GD
Sunnydale Farm is a touring park offering an idyllic setting for visitors and is perfect as a base for those exploring the New Forest. It has been praised for its spotlessly clean amenities, level and well-drained site, with the convenience of grey water, electricity, and water directly on the pitch itself. The staff at Sunnydale Farm are highlighted for their superb service, making it a welcoming place for visitors.
Room2 Southampton Hometel
1 Queens Ter, Southampton SO14 3BP
Room2 Southampton Hometel redefines accommodation by offering not just a place to stay but a living space. Embracing the innovative hometel concept, it merges home-like comfort with hotel-like facilities, ensuring guests enjoy both the warmth of a home and the conveniences of a hotel. This approach creates a hospitable and adaptable setting for all who visit Southampton.
Pets are allowed at Room2 Southampton Hometel, however they must be either on a lead or carried at all times within public areas. Guests must inform the property prior to arrival that they will be bringing a pet, and there is a charge of £10 per pet, per room, per night, which is capped at £50 per stay.
Moxy Southampton
Harbour Parade, Southampton SO15 1BA
Moxy Southampton, part of the Marriott Bonvoy collection, offers a vibrant and modern stay in the heart of Southampton. It has playful, boutique amenities and stylish decor, aiming to provide an experience that’s far from the ordinary. Its convenient location makes it an excellent base for exploring Southampton’s old town, dining out at nearby restaurants, and shopping at the dog-friendly West Quay mall.
All rooms are pet friendly (up to a maximum of 77lb per pet), there’s a reasonable cleaning fee (£15 per night) and there’s a water bowl and dog biscuits available for your furry friend(s) upon welcome (since the humans will also be offered a welcome drink, too).
The Mansion at Coldeast
Coldeast Dr, Sarisbury, Southampton SO31 7PT
The Mansion at Coldeast is a distinctive Victorian hotel that stands out for its unique charm and convenient, comfortable accommodations. Each of the spacious rooms in the mansion boasts its own individual characteristics and special touches, reflecting the property’s historical elegance and providing guests with a memorable stay.
To book at pet friendly room at The Mansion at Coldeast, please make sure to call the hotel for availability. There will be a £35 charge – more details when you call the hotel.
Days Inn Southampton Rownhams
Roadchef Motorway Svc Area, Southampton SO16 8AP
Days Inn by Wyndham Southampton Rownhams provides convenient and comfortable accommodation for travellers visiting Southampton. It allows up to 3 pets (dogs or cats) of any size in designated rooms for a fee of £10 per pet, per night (maximum £30 per stay).
