Hampshire is a dream if you’re a dog. Wonderful sights and smells abound, from the New Forest and South Downs National Parks to the rugged coast. If you and your dog fancy a lovely walk in this majestic county before hitting a nice pub for a tipple and a bite to eat, look no further. We’ve done our research and surveyed a few dog owners to bring you this list of the top dog-friendly pubs in Hampshire.
If you don’t live in the county, remember, the UK’s dog-friendly trains make reaching Hampshire’s villages and coast a doddle. You can take up to two dogs with you on all British trains free of charge.
1. The White Hart
Address & Map: 17 Milford Road, Lymington, SO41 8DF
If your furry best friend has a birthday coming up or just a Tuesday, take him to The White Hart where they’ll spoil him rotten. There are three different napping spots to choose from (for dogs, that is) including a traditional bar area, contemporary lounge and large restaurant, within which, all dogs are welcome. Check out the garden where there’s a ton of space to relax, unwind and throw a tennis ball or two in. Expect toys, treats and lots of water bowls for parched dogs plus a warm welcome from Kia the pub Husky. Humans are looked after too, with delectable dishes like stuffed chicken breast and loaded potato skins to keep hunger at bay. When you’re finished, walks at both Lower and Upper Pennington are less than a five-minute drive away.
2. The Hampshire Bowman
Address & Map: Dundridge Lane, Bishop’s Waltham, SO32 1GD
From the happiest hounds to the hungriest ones, The Hampshire Bowman is ideal for all mutts on a doggy day out. The pub is nestled in the heart of the southern countryside in the picturesque hamlet of Dundridge—accessible from three different directions which is probably why it’s a favourite with every local and their pet. It’s known as “a dog’s pub that lets people in,” and they’re looked after by the pub’s two resident pooches and their owners. The huge garden is a sniffer’s paradise and it backs on to woods and fields so you can go for a post-lunch frolic.
Water bowls, hoses for muddy paws, and two big open fires equip this pub with everything you need for a cosy afternoon. There are doggy treats on the bar for very good boys and girls. Humans aren’t left out either, with well-stocked supplies of real ale and generous portions of everything from baked camembert to lamb tagine, no one leaves The Hampshire Bowman hungry. Stay all day! There are enough friendly dogs and spaces to keep your little guy entertained for hours and you’ll be treated to some of the best sunsets in England.
3. Barton’s Mill
Address & Map: Bartons Lane, Basingstoke, RG24 8AE
Barton’s Mill is a pub and restaurant housed in a former mill in the Hampshire countryside. There are plenty of picturesque walks nearby so it’s an ideal pit stop for dog owners and their companions. The timber-framed part of the building dates from the late 17th century, while the red brick structure with sash windows was attached in the early 19th century so there’s lots original character to be found, and log fires and cosy nooks throughout. Choose from some real ales and a great selection of gins as well as lovely pub grub including gluten-free options.
Dogs are welcome in the bar and garden, the only rule is that you need to keep your little mate on a lead while on the premises. They can look forward to a nice bowl of water and some treats which are stocked behind the bar, plus there are usually lots of other furry customers to get to know. The pub’s set right on the River Lodden with its own private lake in the beer garden, so it’s a lovely place for dogs to cool off in the summer.
4. The Southampton Arms
Address & Map: 89 Moorgreen Road, SO30 2HG
The Southampton Arms is a real dog-friendly pub with jars of free doggy treats and plenty of water to make new dogs and their owners feel welcome. Dogs who like a fuss can expect the best cuddles and pats from the bar staff, while owners get stuck into the huge list of cask ales. Food consists of traditional pub grub classics, from breaded mushrooms to hand carved ham and beer battered fish. Dogs can sit in the bar with you, or grab a bench in the outside area, just keep a lead to hand as there’s a road nearby.
5. The White Hart
Address & Map: The Street, Hook RG27 0PJ
With a superb selection of drinks, flavoursome home-cooked food, a secluded garden, roaring fires and doggy treats, there’s truly something for everyone at The White Hart—the second pub by this name on our list of top dog-friendly pubs in Hampshire. Set in the countryside in the lovely village of Eversley, the Cask Marque accredited community pub offers ales from local breweries on rotation, as well as fine wines, and an impressive range of gins, rums, and single malt whiskies. Your little buddy can get stuck into a nice cool bowl of water while you decide what to drink.
The 17th century, Grade II listed building with a pretty red tile roof and gabled sides is said to be the spiritual home of the legendary Marauders Rugby Club, and all major sporting events can be watched in the Saloon Bar where dogs (and muddy boots) are very welcome.
6. Three Tuns Romsey
Address & Map: 85 Middlebridge Street, Romsey, SO51 8HJ
The folk at Three Turns Romsey believe that pubs and dogs go hand in hand. They have two of pub dogs, Alfie and Monty, who love to make new friends. The 300-year-old, Grade II listed pub is nestled deep in the Hampshire countryside and just a five minute walk from the village of Romsey’s Market Square, so it’s in a great spot for dog owners who fancy a swift pint and bite to eat after walkies. They offer no less than four guest beers at any time, some great wines, and countless gins alongside the usual selection of drinks, and delicious pub food.
Furry patrons are welcome to sit with you throughout the bar—where they can admire the wood panelling, vintage chandeliers, oak beams and open fireplaces—as well as outside in the delightful beer garden. They’ll be given a bowl of water and some treats as standard, but if you visit on a Sunday they can even nab some roast beef!
7. The George Inn
Address & Map: Waterlooville, PO8 0AU
Smack bang in the middle of the South Downs country park The George Inn dates from the 18th century and is ideally located for easy access to loads of walking routes. The Cask Marque accredited pub offers real ales, a nice range of mocktails (if you don’t want a hangover), and tasty home-cooked dishes made using locally grown, fresh seasonal ingredients where possible.
Dogs aren’t just welcomed here, they’re encouraged! Jack, a gorgeous German shepherd who lives at the pub loves it when other furry guests join him in the bar area and massive, lawned beer garden (where you’ll always find poo bags next to the bins). He’s also more than happy to share his basket of dog biscuits and water. The pub hosts lots of events like live music, summer garden parties, and the occasional Pet Photo Shoot Day!
8. The Compass Inn
Address & Map: Winsor, SO40 2HE
Hugo and Murphy, the resident pub dogs are on hand to welcome all guests at The Compass Inn. Not only are there plenty of water bowls available inside and out, you can eat in the pub with your dog at a table or grab a shady spot in the outside beer garden or under the pagoda. While you tuck into a proper country pub classic like creamy garlic mushrooms followed by a mixed grill, your dog can enjoy their own free doggy dinner. How can you beat that? Well, once a month the pub goes all out and dogs can get their very own roast dinner after their pub-community walk! There’s no area where dogs aren’t allowed in this friendly free house so you can relax while your dog has a great time come rain or shine. The pub is also 100% gluten-free for diners with particular dietary requirements.
Bear in mind that some dogs might prefer to be tucked up in bed than hang around a pub in the evenings so if you fancy going for a drink but your dog prefers to stay at home, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! You can find lots of local sitters who provide dog boarding in Bournemouth and throughout the rest of Dorset on Rover.com—it really couldn’t be easier to find someone to look after your furry little chum when you go to the pub.
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Featured image: The White Hart
