Bournemouth

A 162-hectare peninsula at the east end of Bournemouth Bay, mostly off-leash with sandy beaches, heathland and a 35-metre summit with views to the Isle of Wight. The most ambitious dog walk in the BCP conurbation, free Land Train back if your dog tires.

A 2 km linear chain of three Grade II-listed Victorian gardens running from the pier inland along the Bourne stream, dogs welcome on leash year-round. The signature city-centre dog walk, with cafés and bandstand along the way.

The reference year-round dog beach in Southbourne, one of two sections of Bournemouth seafront where dogs are allowed every day of the year, including the summer ban period (1 May–30 September) that closes the central beach to pets.

A wooded valley descending steeply from the cliff-top to the beach at the western end of Bournemouth, dog-friendly year-round on the path, with the chine pub at the top and a dog-friendly section of beach below.

The 1880 Victorian pier extending 305 metres into the bay, dogs are welcome on the pier deck itself on a leash (unlike Brighton Pier), but barred from the indoor RockReef adventure attractions at the seaward end.

Half-hour drive north, 566 km² of ancient forest, heath and open commons with free-roaming ponies, cattle and donkeys. Off-leash hiking is the norm, but keep the dog under close control near the livestock, ponies kick.