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  1. Getting to the Isle of Wight
  2. Walks your dog will love
  3. Pooch-friendly places to eat and drink
  4. Places to stay
  5. Dog-friendly IOW attractions
  6. Dog travel guides

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Dog-friendly Isle of Wight

Discover the Isle of Wight, a paradise off the south coast of England where four-legged friends are as welcome as their humans.

From scenic walks along rugged coastal paths to cosy corners in the quaintest of country pubs, the Island boasts an abundance of dog-friendly things to do, attractions to visit and places to stay.

And getting there is a breeze. Dogs travel free on our ferries, with dedicated pet lounges where you can relax an unwind with your furry friend. Prefer the fresh sea air? Head to our outside decks, where you’ll find stunning views out across the Solent.

So what are you waiting for? Set sail on a tail-wagging adventure and book your ultimate dog-friendly getaway with Wightlink today.

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Getting to the Isle of WightWalks your dog will lovePooch-friendly places to eat and drinkPlaces to stayDog-friendly IOW attractionsDog travel guides

Getting to the Isle of Wight

As Britain’s best ferry operator, thanks to the votes of thousands of happy customers, we bring over 4.2 million people together every year.

We help you make magical memories, connecting you with loved ones, holidays, festivals, wildlife and everything in between.

Our three convenient routes connect Hampshire on the mainland with the Isle of Wight, getting you across the Solent in as little as 22 minutes.

If you’re bringing a vehicle with you, choose from the picturesque Lymington – Yarmouth or the well-connected Portsmouth – Fishbourne route. Travelling on foot? Our Portsmouth Harbour – Ryde Pier Head route has excellent rail and bus connections on both sides of the Solent.

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Portsmouth – Fishbourne

Due to coronavirus there are changes to this route/service
minutes
Vehicle and passenger ferry

Portsmouth Harbour – Ryde

Due to coronavirus there are changes to this route/service
minutes
Passenger only ferry

Lymington – Yarmouth

Due to coronavirus there are changes to this route/service
minutes
Vehicle and passenger ferry
map

Walks your dog will love

Every trail wags a tail on the Isle of Wight and fortunately for you and your pooch, there are a wealth of dog-friendly walking routes to choose from.

If short and scenic is what you need, head to Freshwater and take your pick from riverside walks along the Western Yar or clifftop ambles past the beautiful Freshwater Bay.

Speaking of bays, if your four-legged friend loves to splash and play by the seaside, there are plenty of beaches on the IOW that allow dogs all year round – check out the full list on our Isle of Wight Beaches Guide.

The Island is one of Europe’s most pre-historic sites and at low tide you can discover the evidence yourself if you and your pooch take on the ‘Dinosaur Dog Walk’. Taking you from Brook Chine to Compton Bay and back, the route has easy beach sections as well as some steeper climbs.

And if you’ve only just jumped off the ferry in Fishbourne or Ryde, there’s a stunning costal stroll that connects our two ports – perfect for a short meander after your crossing.

Walks on the Isle of Wight

Pooch-friendly places to eat and drink

There’s no need to leave Fido behind when visiting some of the Isle of Wight’s best eateries and pubs.

From The Buddle Smugglers Inn – known to have its very own doggy menu – to The Pointer Inn, famed for its tasty food and welcoming atmosphere, the Diamond Isle is awash with places to refuel during your Island adventure.

See our guide to get the full low-down.

Dog-friendly restaurants and pubs
A labrador in front of a red brick pub

Places to stay

Rest easy with your pooch by your side – the Isle of Wight offers a wide variety of pet-friendly accommodation options.

From charming cottages to luxury hotels, you’re sure to find a comfortable and welcoming stay. See three of our favourite dog-friendly places to stay below.

Dog in Isle of Wight hotel

Luccombe Manor

This clifftop country house goes the extra mile for you and your four-legged friend.

Situated on the edge of the beautiful Shanklin Old Village, with beautiful views out to sea, Luccombe Manor welcome dogs on site, in rooms and even in their restaurant.

For £15 per night, you’ll also get dog beds and blankets in your room and the restaurant, towels, toys, treats, a welcome pack and access to a doggy wash station.

Luccombe Manor Country House Hotel
Sandy beach and blue skies at Whitecliff Bay Holiday Park, Isle of Wight.

Whitecliff Bay Holiday Park

Away Resorts’ Whitecliff Bay Holiday Park is the ideal family vacay place to stay.

From glamping pods to luxury lodges with hot tubs, it’s home to a wide variety of accommodation options – all of which allow dogs.

On site, you’ll find everything you need for a memorable Isle of Wight holiday, including an indoor and outdoor heated pool, private beach, crazy golf course and an arcade.

Whitecliff Bay Holiday Park

Seaview Holidays

If a self-catering holiday at your own pace is more your style, Seaview Holidays is a great option.

Their holiday village can be found on the north-east coast of the Island, not too far from our Fishbourne and Ryde ports.

Dogs are welcome in all their two, three and four-bedroom properties, all of which offer gorgeous views out across the Island’s rolling countryside.

Seaview Holidays Ltd

Dog-friendly IOW attractions

Many of the Island’s biggest and best attractions welcome well-behaved dogs, so you don’t have to alter your itinerary just because you’re bringing along your four-legged friend.

Take a nostalgic trip back through time on the IOW Steam Railway, explore the Island’s most iconic attraction, The Needles, or say hello to some other furry friends at the award-winning Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary.

Places to visit

Dog travel guides

Travelling can be stressful enough at the best of times, but throw your four-legged friend into the mix and you might think it’ll be a whole different ball game. Getting to and around the Isle of Wight with your pooch is easy, though.

We welcome pets on board all our ferries free of charge and strive to make travelling with them as hassle-free as possible. We do ask some things of you when we travel, though, so please do give our Pet Travel Guide a read before you sail with us.

We’ve also put together a handy three-part blog series, taking a look at getting to your Wightlink ferry, what it’s like on board and how you can get around the Island once you’re there.

Getting to the ferry

There are many pet-friendly ways to get to our ports in Portsmouth and Lymington and plenty of places to stop off for a quick walk with your pooch.

Travelling to to the ferry

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Taking your dog on board

From walks at the port to the wind in their fur out on the ferry sun decks, your dog is sure to love travelling across the Solent.

On board the ferry

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Pet-friendly travel around the IOW

Once you’re on the Island, you’ll need some pet-friendly ways to get around. From hailing a taxi to jumping on the train, there’s plenty of options.

Travelling around the Island

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