It just doesn’t feel like a proper family holiday when man’s best friend has to be left at home, right? Luckily, the Isle of Wight offers plenty of dog-friendly activities, places to stay and dining options for you to choose from.
Whether you’re searching for where to stay, fun activities, attractions or nice walks, there’s plenty to enjoy alongside your four-legged friend…
Dog-Friendly Accommodation
Tom’s Eco Lodge at Tapnell Farm offers a wide range of dog-friendly accommodation options. Set in the beautiful surroundings of West Wight, there are loads of dog walks to explore! Choose from geodesic domes with clear front panels that provide amazing views of the rolling countryside and stunning sunsets. Alternatively, you might prefer safari tents, log cabins, modulogs or the original eco pods.
Take in the historical and cultural surroundings while staying at Farringford Holiday Cottages. Located on the grounds of Farringford, the residence of the famous Victorian Poet Laureate Alfred, Lord Tennyson (1809-1892). Taking your dog for a walk from Farringford couldn’t be easier, thanks to direct access to the footpaths on Tennyson Down, where you can enjoy miles of trails without having to encounter a road.
If you still want the luxury of a hotel, The Seaview Hotel offers a range of rooms where the dog is a key guest too. Within the hotel itself, dogs are allowed in the Lounge and The Pump Bar, a traditional pub decorated with seafaring paraphernalia. Located just a minute away from the coast, there are dog-friendly beaches open all year long.
Discover more dog-friendly accommodation on the Isle of Wight on our dog-friendly page.
Dog-Friendly Places to Eat
The White Lion isn’t just an AA rosette award-winning pub and restaurant, it’s also one of the most dog-friendly pubs around. Situated in Niton on the southern part of the Island, the pub is nestled among rolling hills and beaches, offering plenty of beautiful country and coastal walks.
Take a walk up Culver Down to get your heart pumping, then reward yourself with a bite to eat or a nice pint at The Culver Haven Inn. Dogs are warmly welcomed here by the owners and their very own ‘pub-dog’, Humphrey.
If you’re looking for something different from pub food, check out Isle of Wight Pearl Café. They serve a variety of tasty dishes using local produce wherever possible. Plus, dogs are allowed on leads, and there’s a lovely walk right outside along the cliff path or the beach.
Discover more dog-friendly places to eat on the Isle of Wight on our dog-friendly page.
Dog-Friendly Attractions
Dogs can jump on board at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway. They can travel on all trains for free and wander around the beautiful Havenstreet Station, complete with Woodland Walk (as long as they stay on a short lead).
Carisbrooke Castle provides hours of fun for the whole family, including the dog. The castle is most famous for imprisoning King Charles I and has plenty of stunning countryside walks all around it. All dogs must be kept on leads and are not allowed in the museum.
Robin Hill spans 88 acres of parkland, making it a perfect day out for families and their furry friends. You can wander through the woodland, let the kids enjoy the different attractions, and keep an eye out for red squirrels and peacocks in the lovely garden areas. Just remember, dogs need to be on a lead at all times throughout the park.
Check out the Island’s oldest attraction. Shanklin Chine is a stunning tree-lined gorge, stretching from Shanklin Old Village down to the sandy beach and Esplanade below. It’s packed with plants and wildlife, and there’s even a natural waterfall. Plus, during the summer, the Chine is illuminated at night. Just remember to keep your dogs on a lead.
Discover more dog-friendly attractions on the Isle of Wight on our dog-friendly page.
Dog-Friendly Beaches
Although a lot of the Island’s beaches do not permit dogs during the summer months (1 May to 31 October), there are still some great ones that do.
Bembridge Beach stretches along the coast from the spit at the edge of Bembridge Harbour. The beach is made up of stones and shells, but you’ll find sand beneath the high water mark and a big sandbank that reaches into the Solent when the tide is low.
Steephill Cove is only reachable on foot, which means the dog gets a nice walk as well. During the day, dogs are allowed on leads, and after 6pm, they can run free in this beautiful cove.
Head out to Brook Beach for some fossil hunting, and the entire family can kick back and have a good time. Just a heads up, there aren’t any facilities around, so it’s a good idea to pack a picnic.
Discover more beaches on the Isle of Wight on our beach guide.
