![SDVH [Self Drive Vehicle Hire]](https://sdvh.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/SDVH_logo_concept_4-02.svg){kind=logo}
Hampshire has plenty of dog-friendly beaches for you and your pup to explore, with plenty of room to run, play, and of course, soak up some sun. Whether you’re a resident or visitor, the county offers incredible beach adventures with its extensive shoreline on the Channel Coast.
In this article, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to know about the best dog-friendly beaches Hampshire offers. With this guide’s help, you can be sure you and your pet have the best time possible!
Table Of Contents
The 5 Best Beaches In Hampshire For Dogs
1. Milford-On-Sea Beach
Milford-On-Sea Beach in Hampshire is a great dog-friendly beach for both dogs and their owners. Not only is the beach long, wide, and sandy, but it is also very sheltered and protected by the ‘Needles’ (chalk stacks) to the east and the Hurst Spit to the west.
This means the beach is relatively calm and protected, making it an excellent place for dogs to play and explore in the sand and shingle. Additionally, the beach has no restrictions on dogs, and they can be off-leash, making it excellent for your four-legged friend to exercise and have fun.
Furthermore, Milford-On-Sea has plenty of visitor amenities such as parking, toilets, and a café, making it a convenient and enjoyable experience, more so than other nearby beaches.
2. Browndown Point Beach
Browndown Point Beach is a beloved local spot for dogs and their owners. It has two miles of cliffs and a shingle beach area, making it a perfect location for dogs to explore and play.
The gentle slope of the dog-friendly beach gives easy access to the sea, so they can have a swim without challenging themselves with a steep descent. This shingle beach is mostly secluded, which makes it ideal for dog owners and those who don’t want to find themselves surrounded by people.
Plus, there are many grassy areas for exercising or lounging around with the dog. It’s a great environment for practising dog-walking etiquette, and there are plenty of places to keep your dogs entertained. If you frequently struggle to get your pet’s fur out of your car, learn how to remove dog hair from a car easily.
3. Calshot Beach
Calshot Beach in Hampshire is often mentioned as one of the best dog-friendly beaches because of its expansive open space, shingle beach, and large stretch of sand. This safe beach provides plenty of room and offers excellent opportunities for exercise and play for your dog.
It is essential to mention that the beach is a dog-free zone during the summer season, but off-season dogs can roam around freely without any restrictions.
During the season, dogs can also be exercised off the leash on a long shoreline which is great for running and roaming around. This beach has a dedicated car park specifically for dog owners, and it is also next to a nature reserve with vast grasslands and vast areas of trees, which means owners can easily and quickly get to the beach with their pets.
4. Barton-On-Sea Beach
Barton-On-Sea dog-friendly beach is an ideal location for dog owners in Hampshire. This beach is renowned for its humongous stone cliff and mesmerising views of the Isle of Wight and Needles. It boasts an expansive stretch of sandy beach and pebbles alongside crystal clear waters and ample space for canines to get up and running freely.
See our article on how to get to the Isle of Wight.
Plus, aside from the stunning views and great beach, visitors will find plenty of dog-friendly amenities, such as bins for the disposal of waste, drinking water points, canine-friendly eateries and even agility equipment to keep your pooch entertained.
5. Bembridge Beach
Bembridge Beach in Hampshire is a well-loved place by nature seekers, dogs and their owners. This is due to its sweeping, sandy beach and clear waters, making it ideal for paddling, running on the sand and playing with your pup.
Its large open space and low noise level provide an opportunity for the dogs to roam free and socialise with other doggy pals. This dog-friendly beach also has plenty of amenities, such as complimentary bins, doggy bag stations and plenty of parking spots for quicker access to the beach.
The nearby town also boasts a variety of pet-friendly eateries, hotels and dog-friendly pubs, providing much-needed rest stops for long walks.
Furthermore, the beach has two voluntary dog check-in points, encouraging responsible, considerate dog ownership and eliminating the worry of possible dog fights or loud, troublesome behavior. This combination of factors lands Bembridge Beach on my list of dog friendly beaches in Hampshire for owners and dogs alike.
The 3 Best Beaches In Hampshire With Some Restrictions For Dogs
1. Old Portsmouth Beach
Old Portsmouth Beach is a decent dog-friendly beach as it has a designated section for dog owners to use and enjoy. This specific section of shingle beach runs along Eastern Parade, and it is open all year round.
The restrictions dog owners will face if they choose to visit the beach are that dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. Additionally, people must always clean up after their dogs, and in the summer months, there are time restrictions for when dogs are allowed on the beach.
From 1st May until 30th September, dogs are only allowed on the beach from 8 am to 6 pm each day. Finally, dogs are not allowed to swim on either side of the area of the beach that is reserved for them – Eastney and Camber.
2. Lepe Beach
Lepe Beach is a great place for dogs because it is open throughout the year and is located in a beautiful and scenic area. The beach offers wide expanses of shoreline with a wide variety of natural features, such as cliffs, sand dunes, and rock pools.
Dogs are welcome year-round, and from April to October, they can roam in the designated dog-friendly areas. Dogs must always be kept on a leash, and owners are asked to pick up after their pets.
Owners must be aware that during the summer months, restrictions are in place on certain days and at certain times to respect other beach-goers and to protect the local wildlife.
3. Southsea Beach
Southsea Beach in Hampshire offers a great day out for any dog. It’s located on the coast of Portsmouth and is around two kilometres long. It’s very popular for swimming and walking and has a designated dog beach, allowing dogs to exercise off-leash.
However, to ensure the safety of other beach users and animal welfare, the local council has imposed some dog restrictions when visiting Southsea Beach. These include ensuring that all dogs are kept on a leash between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm during the peak season in April-September.
Also, dogs must not enter the designated bathing areas or snack and drink areas. Overall, these regulations ensure that Southsea Beach is a very welcoming place for dog owners and preserves the beauty of the beach for everyone.
Hire spacious cars in Hampshire for journeys to the beach with your dog. You can also check out our minibus options for group trips in Hampshire.
Tips For Enjoying The Beach With A Dog
- Before going to the beach, ensure that all vaccinations are up to date, and bring your dogs’ medical records with you.
- Ensure your pup has access to sufficient water (cooler or a bigger bottle if necessary). Bring along a collapsible water dish!
- Confirm that there are no restrictions on the beach you plan to visit and look for any hazards, such as sea creatures or algae-fouled areas.
- If there are surfers or swimmers, consider an area with a smaller influx of people
- Throw a frisbee or a ball for them to chase and retrieve.
- If the sea is cooperative enough, take them into the water and let them have some fun swimming.
- During the tiresome explorations, it’s a good idea to bring your own small beach huts for shade to prevent your pup from getting too much sun exposure.
Is Hampshire Overall A Dog-Friendly Region?
Yes, Hampshire is a great region for people who have canine companions and not just for the dog-friendly beaches! Dogs are allowed in most public places in Hampshire, including on publically accessible dog-friendly beaches, in some shops, and in many pubs and restaurants.
The local council and other organisations also provide a range of services for dog owners, such as dog-friendly cafes, parking spaces and walking routes.
Furthermore, Hampshire is home to numerous parks and other open spaces suitable for letting dogs off leashes and for socialising with other owners and their pets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Best Dog-Friendly Beach In Hampshire?
The best dog-friendly beach in Hampshire is Calshot Beach. It has miles of sandy beach and shallow waters, perfect for swimming without being too deep. Additionally, the beach has plenty of grassy areas for dogs to romp around and play. It also has a cafe and beach shop so you can buy refreshments and snacks without going far.
Can I Take My Dog To Portsmouth’s Beach?
Yes, you can take your dog to Portsmouth’s Beach in Hampshire. It’s one of the most popular dog-friendly beaches in Hampshire and a great destination for dog owners to take their dogs for a fun seaside adventure. Here they can enjoy a stunning stretch of sandy beach, which is very safe for dogs to run and splash in the sea. All of this makes Portsmouth Beach one of the best Hampshire dog-friendly beaches.
How Do You Go To The Beach With A Dog?
To go to the beach with your dog, you must ensure you have all the necessary items for a safe and enjoyable day. This should include essentials such as water and food bowls, a water bottle, waste bags, a collar, a leash, and a first aid kit. Check the beach conditions before you go. Ask about the water temperature, waves, and the type of beach so you can prepare and keep your dog safe.
Is Beach Sand Too Hot For Dogs?
Beach sand can become too hot for some dogs to play on when the ambient air temperature reaches 85-90 degrees Fahrenheit (29-32 Celsius). Dogs have an average temperature of 101-102 degrees (38°C), so even if the air temperature feels cool to you, the sand can become hot enough to cause your pup discomfort or even burns.
Why Do Dogs Love The Beach So Much?
Dogs love the beach because it allows them to explore new sights and smells they couldn’t experience at home. Dogs are curious creatures and love to explore. In addition to the new smells, they may find exciting things like sea shells and driftwood that they can destroy or play with.
Conclusion
The good news is there are many beaches in Hampshire to take your dog for a walk or a mini holiday. You can find a great spot with great views in no time to enjoy or easily plan your next day trip. Whether it be a shingle beach looking at the Isle of Wight or a beach with wonderful views of the Southampton water, there are many reasons to get out there and enjoy the dog-friendly beaches of Hampshire.
