Dog Friendly Basingstoke: Things To Do in Basingstoke With a Dog

If you think dog-friendly Basingstoke is packed with riverside strolls, dog-friendly restaurants Basingstoke locals swear by, and pubs where muddy paws get more attention than your shoes ever will. This guide rounds up the best parks, trails, cafés, and real-deal doggy activities for pups who expect more than a token walk.

And if you’re hunting for house sitting opportunities in Basingstoke, or need a Basingstoke pet sitter who actually gets dogs, keep reading. We’ve got you covered!

Best dog parks in Basingstoke

Forget boring dog walks around the block – these are the parks where Basingstoke’s dogs come to run, chase, splash, and get into a bit of harmless trouble. If you're looking for the best dog-friendly places in Basingstoke for playtime (and lots of muddy fun), these parks are where you’ll find the regulars and their very happy pups.

Eastrop Park

Everyone calls Eastrop Park “chaos on the grass” – in a good way. Kids and dogs everywhere, someone always drops a ball in the lake, and there’s at least one Labrador who thinks it’s a lifeguard. The bridge is where all the dogs gather for a sniff-and-greet before someone inevitably cannonballs into the water. If your dog loves action, this is the spot to burn them out.

Location: Eastrop Park, Eastrop Ln, Basingstoke RG21 4QF, UK

War Memorial Park

This is where you’ll find the “morning regulars” swapping weekend walk stories while their dogs turn the main lawn into a canine obstacle course. The bandstand is fetch-central, but the real action is along the winding paths behind the sports courts where dogs criss-cross, humans pretend to keep up, and nobody’s too precious about a muddy paw print or two.

The on-site café has a bowl by the door for thirsty pups and more than a few tables reserved for those with a dog at their feet.

Location: Crossborough Hill, Basingstoke RG21 4AG, UK

Crabtree Plantation

Mud. Pine trees. Squirrels that taunt from the branches. This is where the off-leash regulars go to “get lost” for an hour. The main dog-friendly trail twists and doubles back, so if your dog bolts ahead, you’ll see them again... eventually. Locals say: if your car doesn’t smell like wet dog when you leave, you did it wrong.

Location: Crabtree Plantation, Basingstoke RG21 3AA, UK

Dog-friendly restaurants in Basingstoke

Tired of pretending your dog isn’t staring at your chips under the table? At these dog-friendly eateries, no one cares because half the regulars bring a furry plus-one. If you want to eat out without leaving your dog behind, start with these two favorites.

Bartons Mill

Picture a classic riverside pub with dogs curled up by the fire in winter and sprawled across the garden in summer. Staff here know half the customers by the name on their dog’s tag, and the menu delivers on hearty pub classics (try the steak and ale pie). There’s always a water bowl by the door, and the garden backs right onto a footpath for a post-lunch stroll.

Location: Bartons Mill, Bartons Ln, Old Basing, Basingstoke RG24 8AE, UK

Festival Street Kitchen

For something less “pub grub,” this is the place for global street food, sunshine, and dogs snoozing under outdoor tables. The staff love a chat about your dog’s breed (and will sneak them a treat if you say yes). The menu changes all the time – one day, it’s burritos; the next, it’s Thai noodles. If you forget your dog’s water bottle, don’t worry; they’ll bring one out before you finish your order.

Location: Festival Place, Basingstoke RG21 7BA, UK

Fun dog-friendly activities in Basingstoke

Looking for things to do with your dog besides another lap around the park? Here’s how to actually fill a weekend in Basingstoke: one long walk, one café crawl – both guaranteed to keep your dog busy and your phone full of new photos.

Basingstoke canal walk

Kick off at Eastrop Park, leash up, and head for the canal. Every bend brings a new bush to sniff or a duck to investigate. Locals trade dog names and weekend gossip as they wander, and benches are spaced just right for catching your breath or sneaking your dog a snack. Finish up with a quick dip in the stream or a game of “Who’s the Muddiest?”

Cost: Free
Date and time: Anytime
Location: Eastrop Park to Bastoke Canalings

Retail therapy with your pup at Festival Place

Who says shopping is just for humans? At Festival Place, Basingstoke's bustling shopping center, well-behaved dogs are welcome to join you on your retail adventures. Many stores display paw print stickers indicating they're dog-friendly, so you and your furry friend can browse together. After some shopping, relax at one of the eateries with outdoor seating.

Cost: Just your shopping and perhaps a treat or two

Best Time: Weekdays for a quieter experience

Location: Festival Place, Basingstoke RG21 7BA, UK

Best dog-friendly walking trails in Basingstoke

If your dog hears “walk” and expects an adventure, these dog-friendly trails deliver. Forget laps around the block – these routes have fields, streams, and enough new scents to keep even the nosiest pup busy.

Basing Trail

This one’s for dogs who never tire out. The Basing Trail loops around the old village and weaves through grassy fields, alongside a bubbling stream, and into shady woodland. There are off-leash sections where regulars let their dogs charge ahead and chase each other through the grass. If your dog comes home clean, you missed the best bits.

Location: Basing Trail, Old Basing, RG24 7JL, UK
Length: 5 km

Mill Field Nature Reserve

This dog-friendly trail is a haven for dogs who love to roll and race. The wildflower meadows turn every walk into a scent safari, while muddy puddles after rain are practically an open invitation. There’s always a chorus of birds and some locals letting their dogs run free in the open fields.

Location: Bartons Ln, Lychpit, Basingstoke RG24 8AE, United Kingdom
Length: 3 km

The best dog-friendly cafes in Basingstoke

If your idea of a good morning includes caffeine and canine companionship, these are the dog-friendly cafés Basingstoke locals swear by. Here, dogs aren’t just welcome – they’re treated like regulars (and sometimes get their bowl before you get your coffee).

The Tea Bar

Step into The Tea Bar, and it’s clear: this is Basingstoke’s living room. You’ll spot whippets snoozing in the sunny window, regulars catching up at the big wooden tables, and staff ferrying water bowls between pots of loose-leaf tea. There’s local art on the walls, live music most Fridays, and a terrace for al fresco types (human or hound). It’s the sort of place where nobody raises an eyebrow at a muddy pawprint or a dog curled up by your feet mid-brunch.

Location: 9 London Rd, Basingstoke RG21 7NT, United Kingdom

Willows Coffee House

Willows Coffee House is a charming, dog-friendly café in Basingstoke that opened in August 2020. They warmly welcome dogs, offering free biscuits and fresh water at the door, and even puppacinos over the counter. The café serves locally roasted specialty coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and a variety of cakes and pastries.

Location: 37 Church St, Basingstoke RG21 7QQ, United Kingdom

Annual dog events in Basingstoke

When Basingstoke throws a dog event, it’s not about stiff collars and fancy ribbons. These gatherings are as dog-friendly as they come – think muddy paws, snacks for humans and hounds, and local pubs where nobody blinks if there’s a spaniel under your table.

Basingstoke Dog Show

No need for pedigree papers – this is a proper local bash with contests for the waggiest tail, best “sit,” and “dog most like its owner.” Local vendors set up stalls with treats and accessories, and there’s always a group of kids handing out rosettes like confetti. Expect friendly competition, plenty of laughter, and dogs proudly showing off their best tricks (or at least giving it a try).

Cost: Free
Date and time: Every July
Location: Crossborough Hill, Basingstoke RG21 4AG, United Kingdom

Paws at the Pub

Forget the velvet ropes – dogs run the show at this friendly pub’s riverside garden. Expect a crowd of locals mingling with their pups while live music drifts over the chatter (and the occasional bark). Every dog gets a goody bag at the gate, and you’ll see everything from terriers parading for attention to Labradors snoozing by the barbecue while their humans toast another round.

Cost: Free entry
Date and time: August bank holiday
Location: Bartons Mill, Bartons Ln, Old Basing, Basingstoke RG24 8AE, United Kingdom

The best dog-friendly pubs in Basingstoke

Walk into these Basingstoke pubs and you’ll see bowls by the bar, regulars swapping dog stories, and the occasional game of “guess the breed” breaking out between tables. If you want to share a proper pint with your dog in tow, these are the pubs to put on your list.

The Maidenhead Inn

Right in the thick of the high street, The Maidenhead Inn is Basingstoke’s go-to for some people-watching and even better value. Inside, dogs fit right in, especially during weekday lunch hours when the place buzzes but never feels too tight. The terrace out back gives you a view of the busy lane and is always full of chatter, so there’s plenty for curious pups to sniff out.

Location: 17 Winchester St, Basingstoke RG21 7ED, United Kingdom

The Bolton Arms

Old-school pub charm with just a touch of grit – this is the place for a pint after a walk or before a gig at the Anvil. It’s an independent freehouse, featuring a chalkboard of local ales and a menu of “proper pub grub” that draws a loyal lunchtime crowd. You’ll hear live music on the weekends. The terrace out front sits right on the pavement, where dogs settle in to watch the Winchester Street shuffle, and more than one regular swears their dog has a “favorite seat.”

Location: 91 The St, Old Basing, Basingstoke RG24 7DA, United Kingdom

Dog-friendly wineries in Basingstoke

You don’t have to choose between an afternoon at a vineyard and your dog’s company. These local wineries near Basingstoke are set up for people who want to sip sparkling wine and let their dog stretch out on the grass with no dirty looks if a tennis ball comes out.

Hattingley Valley Wines

Just outside Basingstoke, this working vineyard has long tables on the lawn and views over the Hampshire fields. Dogs are welcome outdoors, where you can linger over tastings or wander the vineyard paths together. Locals often bring picnics, and you’ll always find a few leashed pups flopped in the grass while their owners share a bottle.

Location: Wield Rd, Lower Wield, Alresford SO24 9RX, United Kingdom

Raimes English Sparkling

Tucked into Hampshire countryside, Raimes sits on a family-run farm with vineyard views in every direction. Dogs are welcome at the picnic tables, where owners nibble on local cheese while pups sniff wildflowers and eye up leftovers. On weekends, you’ll see local regulars chatting with the winemakers and a few four-legged guests making the rounds for ear scratches from friendly staff.

Location: Broad Ln, Hinton Ampner, Alresford SO24 0JY, United Kingdom

Dog-friendly beaches in Basingstoke

You won’t find surf and sand in Basingstoke, but if your dog’s due for a real day out, grab the leash and hit the coast. These two beaches are your best bet for salty air, soggy paws, and a change of scenery that’s worth the drive.

Southsea Beach

An hour from Basingstoke, Southsea is your classic British seaside town with pebbles, pastel beach huts, and year-round dog-friendly zones along the shoreline. There’s always a mix of dog walkers, paddleboarders, and families, and the promenade is lined with chip shops (your dog may discover this fast).

Location: Southsea, Portsmouth, Southsea PO4 9RG, United Kingdom

Lepe Country Park

A mix of shingle beach, grassy picnic areas, and woodland walks – Lepe gives you big views across the Solent. Dogs are welcome year-round in the “wild zone,” and you’ll often see locals with muddy boots, kids, and retrievers heading from forest to shore in a single walk. There’s a café for a warm-up after, and the sunsets here are unreal.

Location: Country Park, Lepe, Southampton SO45 1AD, United Kingdom

Tips for pet parents

New to Basingstoke or a seasoned local? These tips will save you from messy car seats and wasted walks.

Be ready for muddy paws

Eastrop Park and Crabtree Plantation get swampy after rain. Carry an old towel in the boot and pack extra poo bags – trust us, you’ll use both before you get home.

Skip the peak hours

War Memorial Park is packed by mid-morning on weekends. For a peaceful stroll, go early or try Crabtree on weekday afternoons when the trails are quieter and most dogs are off-leash.

Find a trusted pet sitter

Don’t leave your dog with just anyone. Read below to learn how to welcome a trusted pet sitter who will keep your dog comfortable at home, stick to their routine, and send you photo updates while you’re away.

Finding a pet sitter

How it works

Tips for pet sitters

Pet sitting isn’t just about cuddles and feeding schedules – it’s also a unique way to explore a new place like a local. With a four-legged friend by your side, you'll get to discover hidden gems you might otherwise miss. Here are a few tips to make the most of your stay while caring for pets in Basingstoke.

Explore cafes and dog-friendly places in Basingstoke

Many cafes, parks, and even some shops in Basingstoke welcome pets with open arms. Look out for dog-friendly cafes where you can relax with a good cup of coffee and your furry companion. It’s a great way to meet locals too – many of whom are pet lovers themselves.

Keep in touch while making the most of your stay

While it’s important to explore, remember to keep the pet parent updated with short messages and photos. This builds trust and helps them feel at ease. If you discover a new walking route or find a quiet café your dog enjoys, share that too. It shows you’re present and paying attention.

Find a reliable pet sit through a trusted platform

If you’re new to pet sitting or sniffing around for your next stay, TrustedHousesitters is where it’s at. You’ll find verified pet parents in Basingstoke (and all over the map), ready to welcome you into their home. Click below to find out more about how it works.

Finding a house sit