DOG FRIENDLY GUIDE

An Isle of Wight dog-cation is not complete without woodland walks, runs on the beach and plenty of DOG FRIENDLYguidedog-friendly ice cream on the menu. Great news! The Island has it all – you and your pooch can even take a ride on a steam train too! With all this dog-friendly ‘stuff’ on offer the Island really is a haven for dogs and their humans!

GETTING HERE

You know your beloved pooch is in for a good holiday when you board the Red Funnel ferry to find a dedicated pet lounge or outside deck to explore in the warmer months – no staying in the car for our four-legged friends. Dogs don’t need a ferry ticket, and there’s no charge for them to travel, so bringing them to the Island is hassle-free.

BEACHES

The Isle of Wight is surrounded by beautiful beaches that are perfect for dogs to jump over the waves, go for a swim, or scamper along the shore. There are various year round dog-friendly beaches to enjoy with no restrictions, and many of the more popular tourist beaches allow dogs in the winter.

5 TO TRY:

Bembridge (see page 22) St Helens (see page 24) Seagrove (see page 24) Bonchurch Monks Bay (see page 27) Yaverland (see page 27) EATING OUT

There are plenty of options when it comes to dining out with your dog. Many pubs and restaurants on the Island welcome dogs (and their owners) with open arms, with some even offering their own interpretations of a doggy menu.

5 TO TRY:

The Lifeboat (thelifeboatcowes.co.uk) The Coast Bar & Dining Room (thecoastbar.co.uk) The Buddle Inn (characterinns.co.uk/the-buddle-inn) The Chequers Inn (chequersinn-iow.co.uk) Off the Rails (offtherailsyarmouth.co.uk)

Dog walks on the Island give you an opportunity to explore breath-taking countryside, coastal paths and woodland trails. For easy exploring, we highly recommend the series of flat walks that follow the former Island railway lines, with one of the highlights running from Yarmouth to Freshwater.

Start at the main Yarmouth car park off River Road and follow the path south along the shoreline of the estuary, past the old mill. From here you’ll join the former railway track, for a relaxed countryside stroll through to Freshwater, with river views almost all the way.

PLACES TO STAY

If you still need to book accommodation, you’ll find a number of the places to stay on the Island are more than happy to accommodate dogs. From luxury hotels to campsites, there’s plenty of choice on offer, just be sure to check facilities and requirements before booking.

5 TO TRY:

The Royal Hotel (royalhoteliow.co.uk) Orchards Holiday Park (orchards-holiday-park.co.uk) St Helens Coastal Resort (ariaresorts.co.uk) Berryl Farm Cottages (berrylfarmcottages.co.uk) Whitecliff Bay Holiday Park (awayresorts.co.uk/whitecliff-bay) DAYS OUT

Being able to take your dog with you on a day out is a big deal, and you’ve got a load of options on the Island. Some attractions allow pups to roam around all areas, and you can even visit some of the Island’s best known spots, with just a few restrictions.

5 TO TRY:

Isle of Wight Steam Railway (iwsteamrailway.co.uk) Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary (iowdonkeysanctuary.org) Fort Victoria Country park (fort-victoria.co.uk) Robin Hill (robin-hill.com) Carisbrooke Castle & Osborne (english-heritage.org.uk)