Five of the best dog walks in the South
When you think of UK dog walks, you picture the magic of ever-changing weather, escapism and fresh air, friendly encounters, beautiful landscapes and an abundance of excitement from our waggy-tailed, four-legged explorers.
The South of England has all that and more, making it the ideal place for adventures with your dog in tow. And the bonus on top is that we have plenty of dog-friendly pubs to hit the spot.
From beer gardens and cosy fires to light lunches and hearty Sunday roasts, our welcoming pubs complete the perfect walk – which you may have found via the excellent AllTrails app.
Wherever you are in the South, it only takes a few moments to search for dog-friendly pubs near you.
Five of our favourite dog walks in the South of England
To inspire your walking choices in the south, we’ve laid out our top five dog walks coupled with the perfect dog-friendly pub for you to enjoy the dream day or weekend getaway.Walk 1: Colne Valley Regional Park
This stunning landscape is the first glimpse of the vast countryside west of London – spanning 43 square miles from Rickmansworth in the north to Staines and the Thames to the south, plus Uxbridge and Heathrow in the east and right the way to Slough and Chalfont St Peter to the west.
The area consists of parks, farmland, woodland, green spaces and reservoirs. Just imagine the excitement your dog will have enjoying, exploring and adventuring through the park. Truly heartwarming.
Best dog-friendly pub to visit near Colne Valley Regional Park
Just minutes from the park sits one of our comforting country pubs, the Swan & Bottle pub restaurant in Uxbridge. After a day walking, where better to relax and unwind than in a spacious beer garden in the summer? Or settle in by our roaring log-burning fire in the winter, keeping you and your dog snug as a bug.Walk 2: New Forest National Park
Discover the stunning beauty of Hampshire by visiting the New Forest National Park. It boasts 150 miles of unique landscape, including the largest area of lowland heath in Southern England. With an extraordinary diversity of animals and plants as well as a fascinating history, there’s plenty to learn, discover and find peace within.
No matter the season – whether you explore the heathland or wander along the coastal footpath – it’s truly a dog walker’s dream.
Best dog-friendly pub to visit near New Forest National Park
We know you’ll be eager to delve further into Hampshire, but first things first: you’ll need to stop somewhere to refuel and give your four-legged friend a rest. Look no further than the White Rabbit in Lyndhurst. Just walking distance from the National Park, our traditional pub offers classic, lovingly prepared pub food that’s guaranteed to hit the spot.
Walk 3: Dedham Vale AONB
Dedham Vale is an area of outstanding natural beauty, famous for its links to artist John Constable and boasting 35 square miles of picturesque landscapes. Found on the Essex and Suffolk border, north of Colchester and with the River Stour winding through, there are endless footpaths and vistas to explore with your pawed partner.
Dog-friendly Dedham is home to thatched cottages, charming bridges and flower-lined river banks – wonderful for a peaceful walk or a refreshing dip for your canine companion.
Best dog-friendly pub to visit near Dedham Vale AONB
You can’t beat a proper homely country pub where the atmosphere is cosy, the chef serves seasonal specials and the staff bring a warm welcome to you and your dog. Just a short drive from Dedham Vale, the Yew Tree in Great Horkesley is a thatched-roof quintessential pub that’s a gem of a find.Walk 4: Surrey Hills
Imagine treating yourself and your playful pup to an area rich in woodland, wildlife, delightful market towns and some of the best walks in the South of England. Get ready to embrace the Surrey Hills. Stretching across a quarter of the county of Surrey, you’ll take in the exceptional landscape from rolling hills and rich green lands to wondrous woodland.
Go on an adventure with your dog up Leith Hill – the highest point in South East England – and on a clear day, you’ll be treated to seeing 13 counties from the top.
Best dog-friendly pub to visit near Surrey Hills
This family-friendly, dog-welcoming pub combines traditional charm with a contemporary flair, making it feel just like home. A short drive north of the Surrey Hills, Ye Olde Windsor Castle in Little Bookham serves seriously good food, local ales and standout Sunday roasts – there’s something to suit everyone, including your beloved pet. So, what are you waiting for?Walk 5: Chichester Harbour National Landscape
Walking is the best way to explore the landscape and wildlife of Chichester Harbour. You can be living the good life with your pup in tow – walking the shorelines of the natural harbour, strolling past boatyards, beaches and quaint villages. All while being on the doorstep of the rolling green hills, woodland and windswept cliffs of the South Downs National Park.
There’s plenty to choose from in this stunning part of the country. Perched along the spectacular South Coast, we’d say it’s one of the UK’s most beautiful areas.