If your four-legged friend could choose their favourite holiday destination in the UK, we’d bet it would be the Isle of Wight. We’re one of the most dog-friendly places to visit, with a massive variety of walks around our coastlines, beaches to be sniffed, places to be explored and acres of downland and woodland to be scampered on. Dogs are welcome on most of our beaches all year round and there are loads of places to eat at that would be honoured to host your pooch – as well as you, of course.
If you’re searching for dog-friendly holidays near you, we’ve got you covered. As well as offering the best for your dog while you’re on holiday, we make sure it’s easy to get them across the Solent. Dogs travel free on all our car ferry routes, as well as on the Ryde catamaran, Cowes passenger ferry and Hovertravel services. Here are some handy tips for bringing your canine companion (or herd of pooches) to the Isle of Wight for a fantastic dog-friendly in the UK.
Dogs love beaches and the Isle of Wight loves dogs, so it’s a match made in heaven! We have everything from big swathes of sand to play on to rock pools to clamber over and, of course, lots of lovely waves to swim in. Many of our beaches are open to dogs all year round and welcome them with open arms – there’s nothing nicer than a beach full of dogs playing, digging and swimming.
While the winter is a canine playground, dogs aren't allowed on the resort beaches during the main season between 1 May and 30 September. There are restrictions during this period at Cowes, East Cowes and Gurnard, Ryde and Seaview, Ventnor, Sandown, Yaverland and Shanklin and in West Wight at Colwell and Freshwater. More details on the Isle of Wight Council website.
There are some beaches that welcome dogs all year round. Away from the resort beaches, there are many small coves and shoreline that don't make our list. You can walk your four-legged friend at the following - even in the summer:
There are more than 500 miles of footpaths wending their way through the Island and no matter the kind of walk your dog prefers, we’ll be able to provide it! There are woodland trails, clifftop walks, walks over the Downs, forest hikes, beachside rambles… everything your furry pal could dream of. Many of the walks have safe areas where dogs can run free, and a lot take in dog-friendly beaches.
You’ll also find many pubs, cafes and places to eat along the way that are more than happy to accept dogs – most will provide water bowls and some will even go so far as to have their own box of treats. To plan your walks before you arrive, have a look here for ideas and here for maps.
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