After walkies through the New Forest, what could be a better leg rest than a pub lunch with your pup?

Sometimes the holiday moments you remember most fondly are as simple as a trip to the tavern with your best pal by your side.

So you’re never stuck wondering where you can and can’t visit on your New Forest holiday, get your paws on the top dog-friendly pubs.

The best dog-friendly pubs in the New Forest

You and your four-legged friend can be sure of a very warm welcome in Fordingbridge, home to the excellent Cartwheel Inn and The George, then there’s Ringwood’s pro-pup The Red Shoot and Old Beams Inn. Similarly welcoming is the dog-friendly New Forest Inn in Lyndhurst and The Drift Pub, up the road from beautiful Beaulieu.

Whilst we can’t pretend this is an exhaustive list, keep reading for a little more about a few of our favourites.

The Cartwheel Inn — Whitsbury, Fordingbridge, SP6 3PZ

The Cartwheel Inn in Whitsbury is a meeting place in more ways than one. First and foremost, this watering hole welcomes walkers and their four-legged friends after rambling through the New Forest. Pinpointed right where Hampshire meets Dorset and Wiltshire, its location offers a great meeting spot for loved ones and their pets crossing neighbouring counties.

This quaint country gastropub offers dogs free rein inside and out so the whole family can sit together at any table. Behind the pub, you'll find the Whitsbury Manor Stables, where you might catch a glimpse of the racehorses if you’re lucky. Head on down there with the whole family, but give it a miss on Monday and Tuesday, as the pub is shut both days.

Old Beams Inn— Salisbury Road, Ringwood, BH24 3PP

Bringing out water bowls for dogs at The Old Beams Inn comes second nature. This Ringwood pub even offers treats to all the good boys and girls. And your treat? A lovingly crafted menu of seasonal dishes paired with pints from local brewers set in an 11th century pub right here in the heart of the New Forest.

All you need to do is sit back, relax and enjoy a much needed sit down after taking in all of the ancient woodland.

The George — 14 Bridge Street, Fordingbridge SP6 1AH

The George is a fantastic place to visit with the dogs on your next New Forest trip. Located by the River Avon that flows through town, you’ll discover a dog-friendly pub with a special doggy menu, including dried chicken and doggy fish cakes. Now, that’s what we call a treat!

The Red Shoot— Toms Lane, Linwood, Ringwood BH24 3QT

Tucked away in the New Forest National Park is the Red Shoot country pub and microbrewery. Dogs are welcomed throughout and there’s even a resident spaniel to keep your furry friend company.

Located just 15 minutes from Ringwood, the western gateway to the New Forest, the Red Shoot is the perfect place to fuel up on pub grub before or after your dog walk. We’re talking about everything from beer battered haddock and chips to a slap up Sunday roast.

New Forest Inn— 2 Boult Bee Cottages, Emery Down, Lyndhurst, SO43 7DY

Described in its own words as ‘a proper country inn’, what you see is what you get when you visit the New Forest Inn.

The pub dates back to the 18th century and the landscape hasn’t changed much since then either. With ponies, horse riders and even pigs regularly passing by, you’ll feel right at home bringing your dog in for a water bowl by the bar. Just ask one of the bartenders for one of the homemade dog treats if they’ve been extra good.

To continue the walkies, head to the rear of the pub where you’ll find a gate with direct forest access.

The Drift Pub and Restaurant— Beaulieu Road, SOO42 7YQ

The Drift Pub is another great stop off for dogs and their owners. With towels and dog treats on hand, the pub has already thought of everything that your dog may need for a comfortable pit stop. And for the family members on two feet, there’s a full pub food menu and children’s menu for everyone to enjoy.

If you’ve got little ones, they’ll love burning off energy in the children’s play area while the dog recovers from the walk and gets ready for the next one.

Looking to explore the New Forest with your furry friend(s)?

We’re in the perfect place. Green Hill Farm Holiday Village is our luxury holiday park nestled at the heart of the New Forest, in Landford.

As well as a range of excellent amenities and accommodation — luxury lodges, cosy holiday homes, safari tents, glamping and camping and touring pitches — our park is also completely dog friendly. You can bring along up to two of your canine companions for your stay.

If you’re wanting to return time and again, you might even want to consider holiday home ownership in the New Forest with us.