Dog-friendly beaches · New Forest & Christchurch
Dog-friendly beaches in Christchurch & Highcliffe
7 beaches, 3 with dogs allowed all year and 4 with summer or zone restrictions.
These are the dog rules published by the councils and landowners that manage each beach, checked in October 2026. Restrictions usually apply to particular stretches, so look for the signs on the day.
| Beach | Dogs | When restricted |
|---|---|---|
| Avon Beach | Summer restriction | 1 May to 30 September |
| Friars Cliff Beach | Some zones restricted | 1 May to 30 September |
| Highcliffe Beach | Some zones restricted | 1 May to 30 September inclusive |
| Gundimore Beach | Dogs allowed all year | — |
| Mudeford Sandbank (Mudeford Spit) | Dogs allowed all year | — |
| Hengistbury Head beach | Dogs allowed all year | — |
| Southbourne and Fisherman's Walk | Some zones restricted | 1 May to 30 September |
- Summer restriction
Avon Beach
Mudeford, Christchurch · BCP Council
A Blue Flag beach, so dogs are not allowed on the sand from 1 May to 30 September; they are welcome from 1 October to 30 April. Dogs must be on a lead on the promenade, paths and zig-zags all year. Nearest summer options are Gundimore Beach and Mudeford Sandbank just to the west.
- Restricted
- 1 May to 30 September
- Leads
- On a lead on promenades, piers, zig-zags and footpaths at all times
Sources: bcpcouncil.gov.uk, bcpcouncil.gov.uk (2), PDF
- Some zones restricted
Friars Cliff Beach
Friars Cliff, Christchurch · BCP Council
The main Friars Cliff beach (a Blue Flag beach running on from Avon Beach) is closed to dogs from 1 May to 30 September. The stretch at its eastern end, from the wave wall below Steamer Point to groyne H4 at Highcliffe, stays open to dogs all year. Dogs must be on a lead on the promenade.
- Restricted
- 1 May to 30 September
- Leads
- On a lead on promenades, piers, zig-zags and footpaths at all times
Sources: bcpcouncil.gov.uk, bcpcouncil.gov.uk (2), PDF
- Some zones restricted
Highcliffe Beach
Highcliffe, Christchurch · BCP Council
Dogs are banned only between groynes H4 and H8 (below the cliff-top car park) from 1 May to 30 September. The rest of Highcliffe beach, west of H4 and east of H8 towards Chewton Bunny, is open to dogs all year, and outside summer dogs may be off lead on the whole beach.
- Restricted
- 1 May to 30 September inclusive
- Leads
- On a lead on the promenade at all times
Sources: bcpcouncil.gov.uk, bcpcouncil.gov.uk (2), PDF
- Dogs allowed all year
Gundimore Beach
Mudeford, Christchurch · BCP Council
Dogs are welcome all year and can be off lead on the beach. Keep them on a lead on the promenade.
- Leads
- On a lead on the promenade at all times; off lead on the beach
Sources: bcpcouncil.gov.uk, bcpcouncil.gov.uk (2)
- Dogs allowed all year
Mudeford Sandbank (Mudeford Spit)
Mudeford, Christchurch · BCP Council
Dogs are allowed all year and can be off lead on the beaches. If you walk there across Hengistbury Head Nature Reserve, keep your dog under close control, preferably on a lead, to protect wildlife.
- Leads
- Off lead on the beach; close control, preferably on a lead, when crossing Hengistbury Head Nature Reserve
Sources: bcpcouncil.gov.uk, bcpcouncil.gov.uk (2)
- Dogs allowed all year
Hengistbury Head beach
Southbourne, Bournemouth · BCP Council
Well-behaved dogs are welcome on the beach all year. Hengistbury Head is a nature reserve, so off the beach keep dogs on a lead and under close control.
- Leads
- On a lead and under close control when off the beach (nature reserve)
Sources: bcpcouncil.gov.uk, bcpcouncil.gov.uk (2), PDF
- Some zones restricted
Southbourne and Fisherman's Walk
Southbourne, Bournemouth · BCP Council
Fisherman's Walk beach and Southbourne beach (both Blue Flag) are closed to dogs from 1 May to 30 September. BCP's dog map shows a dog-friendly stretch all year between them, east of Fisherman's Walk towards Southbourne, but the council's pages describe it loosely, so look for the signs marking where the dog zone starts and ends.
- Restricted
- 1 May to 30 September
- Leads
- On a lead on the promenade, paths and zig-zags at all times
Sources: bcpcouncil.gov.uk, bcpcouncil.gov.uk (2), bcpcouncil.gov.uk (3), PDF
After the beach
Dog-friendly pubs and places to stay a short drive inland, from our New Forest directory.
- Dogs welcome
The Queens Head
A large pub at The Cross in the centre of Burley with three real fires and a garden. Hours vary by season.
Dogs welcome.
- Dogs welcome
The Burley Inn
A characterful pub at The Cross, full of pictures and curios, with an open fire.
Dogs welcome throughout.
- Dogs in some areas
The White Buck
An inn with rooms on the edge of Burley, with a large garden and open forest walks on its doorstep.
Dogs welcome in the pub and garden, and in several dog-friendly rooms.
- Dogs welcome
The Old Beams
A gastropub at Ibsley, on the A338 two and a half miles north of Ringwood and on the Avon Valley Path, with a real fire and front and rear gardens.
Dog-friendly, with water bowls and treats. Recently changed hands, so check the menu and hours.
- Selected properties
Church Cottage
A three-bedroom cottage in Burley with direct access to the forest, let through Toad Hall Cottages.
Dogs accepted; check the number allowed when booking.
- Dogs in some areas
Burley Manor
Country house hotel in the centre of Burley with grounds and an outdoor pool; overnight guests must be over 13.
Dogs welcome in selected rooms, including the Burley Hut and designated Classic, Deluxe and Suite rooms.
See all our dog-friendly beaches.