If you've got a dog, Waterlooville is one of the best places to live in Hampshire. With country parks, ancient woodland, and plenty of dog-friendly pubs, your pup will be living their best life.
🐕 Best Dog Walks Near Waterlooville
1. Queen Elizabeth Country Park
📍 Gravel Hill, Horndean PO8 0QE 🅿️ Parking: £3-6
The best dog walk in the area, no contest. 1,400 acres of forest and downland with: - Off-lead areas away from cyclists - Multiple trail options (30 mins to 3+ hours) - Water bowls at café - Dog poo bins throughout
Top tip: The Butser Hill route has stunning views but can be muddy after rain.
2. Forest of Bere
📍 Various access points around Denmead 🅿️ Free (roadside or pub car park)
Ancient woodland with quiet trails. Less busy than QECP, perfect for dogs who need space. Start from The Forest of Bere pub for easy parking.
Watch out for: Deer — keep dogs on lead during certain times.
3. Staunton Country Park
📍 Middle Park Way, Havant PO9 5HB 🅿️ Parking: £2.50-5
More manicured than QECP, with parkland walks and gardens. Dogs must be on lead in some areas (clearly signed). Good for older dogs or calmer walks.
4. Lovedean Woods
📍 Lovedean Lane, Waterlooville 🅿️ Limited roadside parking
Local secret — small woodland area popular with local dog walkers. Not huge, but good for a quick off-lead run.
5. Portsdown Hill
📍 Various car parks along Portsdown Hill Road 🅿️ Free
15 minutes from Waterlooville. Spectacular views over Portsmouth and the Solent. Mostly off-lead, with chalk grassland trails.
🍺 Dog-Friendly Pubs in Waterlooville
1. The Bird in Hand — Best Overall
📍 269 Lovedean Ln, Waterlooville PO8 9RX ⭐ 4.3/5 (1,197 reviews)
Classic country pub that loves dogs. Water bowls, dog treats, and a massive garden. Popular with walkers — expect muddy boots and happy pups.
2. The Forest of Bere
📍 Hambledon Rd, Denmead PO7 6PP ⭐ 4.4/5
Perfect post-walk pub. Dogs welcome inside and in the garden. Good food, real ales, and a genuinely friendly atmosphere.
3. The Fox & Hounds
📍 160 Stakes Hill Rd, Waterlooville PO7 7BS ⭐ 4.4/5
Traditional local pub with dog-friendly policy. Regulars often bring their dogs — it's that kind of place.
4. The Heroes
📍 Waterlooville town centre ⭐ 4.3/5
Wetherspoons — yes, really. Dogs allowed in certain areas, cheap drinks, and no judgment for bringing a muddy spaniel.
☕ Dog-Friendly Cafés
- ✓Esquires Coffee — Dogs welcome inside
- ✓The Old Barn Tea Room — Garden seating for dogs
- ✓QECP Visitor Centre Café — Dog bowls outside
- ✓Staunton Country Park Café — Outdoor seating area
🏪 Dog Supplies
Need dog food, toys, or grooming?
- ✓Pets at Home — Stakes Road
- ✓Jollyes — Havant Retail Park
- ✓Local pet shops — Several independent options in town
🏥 Vets in Waterlooville
- ✓Companion Care Vets (inside Pets at Home)
- ✓Orchard House Vets — Stakes Hill Road
- ✓Denmead Veterinary Centre — Hambledon Road
- ✓Vets4Pets Havant — Nearby option
🎯 Why Waterlooville is Great for Dogs
Honestly? Waterlooville is dog paradise. You've got:
- Country parks and woodland within 10 minutes - Multiple dog-friendly pubs - Quiet residential streets for daily walks - Easy access to South Downs - Strong local dog walking community
If you're moving to the area with a dog, you've made a great choice.
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