Dog-Friendly Isle of Wight | Dog-Friendly Beaches Isle of Wight

Whether you’re house sitting as a pet sitter on the Isle of Wight or you live on the island with a canine companion, you’re in the right place to plan a pet-friendly day out near you. Below, find the ultimate guide to dog-friendly Isle of Wight, as we explore beaches, pubs, restaurants, dog-friendly attractions and more.

Dog-friendly beaches on the Isle of Wight

Many of the Isle of Wight’s beaches welcome dogs, but some have seasonal restrictions in place, especially in the bathing areas. With that in mind, remember the importance of getting to know the local dog rules, and double checking before exploring a new beach with your four-legged friends. To get you started, find a list of popular dog-friendly beaches on the Isle of Wight, along with their restrictions for dogs.

Gurnard Beach

Between 1st October and 30th June, dogs are welcome on Gunard beach to explore its calm waters and shingle beach - perfect for a winter dog walk to blow the cobwebs away.

Location: Grantham Court, 10 Queen's Rd, Cowes PO31 8BB

Colwell Bay

For an expanse of sand perfect for walkies and a family day out with your canine companions, head to Colwell Bay on the Isle of Wight for unforgettable views across the Solent. Follow local restrictions and keep in mind that dogs are not permitted on the main area of the beach between 1st May to 30th September.

Location: Colwell Bay, Isle of Wight

Seagrove Bay

If you’re on the lookout for a beautiful beach on the Isle of Wight with no seasonal restrictions for dogs, head to Seagrove Bay - a sheltered spot near Seaview.

Location: Seagrove Bay, Isle of Wight

Bembridge Beach

For a long stretch of sand, pebbles and rock pools to let dogs free all year round, check out Bembridge Beach on the Isle of Wight’s easternmost point.

Location: 16 Beach Rd, Bembridge PO35 5NZ

Dog-friendly pubs on the Isle of Wight

Did you know that pubs are some of the most dog-friendly places the Isle of Wight has to offer? Yup - many of the island’s pubs are dog-friendly, welcoming canines and their humans for comfort food, ales and a taste of local history. Start with our list below to get an idea of the kinds of dog-friendly pubs and restaurants the Isle of Wight has to offer.

Wight Mouse Inn

If you’re south of the island, stop by the Wight Mouse Inn for pub classics, including homemade steak pies and ham & eggs. Dogs are welcome too, if you’re eating in the bar area, terrace or pub garden.

Location: Church Pl, Chale, Ventnor PO38 2HA

The Buddle Inn

This 18th century smugglers inn is a favourite amongst locals and visitors alike. It’s dog-friendly, and serves a classic menu plus heaps of historic charm.

Location: St. Catherine's Rd, Niton Undercliff, Niton, Ventnor PO38 2NE

The Spyglass Inn

For stunning sea views, The Spyglass Inn is where it’s at if you’re looking for dog-friendly restaurants on the Isle of Wight. Well behaved dogs are welcome, and visitors can enjoy a real ale alongside homemade British fare, like cottage pie and honey roast ham.

Location: Esplanade, Ventnor PO38 1JX

The Crab

For a taste of historic Shanklin, head to The Crab - a thatched dog-friendly pub serving up a simple menu for all the family.

Location: 94 High St, Shanklin PO37 6NS

The Taverners

Slightly inland is The Taverners - a cosy locals pub with exposed beams and a delicious menu made with local produce.

Location: High St, Godshill, Ventnor PO38 3HZ

Shanklin, Isle of Wight

Dog-friendly cafes on the Isle of Wight

Luckily for locals, pet-friendly Isle of Wight is brimming with places to take your pooch for a morning coffee or a light lunch. We’ll share a few of the dog-friendly cafes the Isle of Wight has to offer below - just to give you a taste.

Artisan Cafe

Located in East Cowes, Artisan Cafe is a cosy spot filled with plants, freshly made and seasonal lunches, and welcoming vibes for both pups and their humans.

Location: York Ave, East Cowes PO32 6PH

Appley Beach Cafe

Want somewhere with a sea view to watch the world go by with your canine companion? Check out Appley Beach Cafe in Ryde, where you can get everything from a full English breakfast to burger and chips.

Location: Appley Ln, Ryde PO33 1ND

The View

Overlooking Osban Bay, The View Cafe is an adorable spot that welcomes dogs and their owners for a bite to eat. Choose from a well-reviewed lunch menu, or book in for afternoon tea.

Location: The View Cafe, 13 Eddington Rd, St Helens, Ryde PO33 1XS

MJ's Café and Tea Rooms

On the south of the island is MJ’s Café and Tea Rooms - a cosy cafe that serves homemade breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Location: High St, Niton, Ventnor PO38 2AT

Calon Cafe and Bistro

This restaurant-come-cafe is a welcoming spot for a coffee and a puppuccino. And if you’re staying for food, rest assured - this cafe even has a menu for dogs.

Location: Calon Cafe and Bistro, Brighstone, Newport PO30 4AH

Shanklin, Isle of Wight

Dog walks on the Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight is a dog walker’s paradise - and with over 500 miles of footpaths to explore, you’ll never be short of places to wander with your canine companion. The island is a super dog-friendly place to discover with furry friends, so take a look below at some of the most popular dog walking spots.

Tennyson Down

Get into the open air with your canine companion at Tennyson Down - a huge expanse atop the Isle’s white cliffs. Be sure to keep your dog on a lead near livestock and cliff edges.

Location: Totland Bay PO39 0HY

Newtown National Nature Reserve

Explore the Isle of Wight’s stunning wildlife at Newtown National Nature Reserve with your dog on a lead. Find salt marshes, meadows, ancient woodlands and mud flats.

Location: Town Lane, Newtown PO30 4PA

Firestone Copse

If you live near Ryde, Firestone Copse is the ideal spot to explore with your furry friend. Wander the woodland with your pooch, and keep them on a lead around ground-nesting birds.

Location: Firestone Copse, Ryde

Fort Victoria Country Park

Originally built as a coastal defense in the mid 1800s, Fort Victoria Country Park is now a popular place for tourists and dog walkers - explore the beaches and woodlands with your pooch for a dog-friendly day out in the Isle of Wight’s Yarmouth.

Location: Fort Victoria, Westhill Ln, Norton, Freshwater, Yarmouth PO41 0RR

Isle of Wight Coastal Path

With over 70 miles of coastal path to choose from, you’re never short of stunning walks with exceptional sea views on the Isle of Wight. Much of the path winds across cliffs and clifftop paths, so be sure to keep your dog on a lead for their own safety.

Newtown National Nature Reserve, Isle Of Wight

Isle of Wight’s dog-friendly attractions

Want to get to know the island a little better? Find a list of the dog-friendly attractions the Isle of Wight has to offer below.

Shanklin Chine

Fancy visiting one of the oldest dog-friendly attractions on the Isle of Wight? Visit Shanklin Chine with your dog on a lead - it’s a gorge that’s been carved by a stream over 10,000 years, and features waterfalls and gorgeous cliff faces.

Location: 3 Chine Ave, Shanklin PO37 6BW

Carisbrooke Castle

If you’re looking for both historic and dog-friendly things to do on the Isle of Wight, look no further than Carisbrooke Castle. The motte-and-bailey castle has seen over 1000 years of history, and dogs are welcome on a lead throughout the grounds.

Location: Castle Hill, Newport PO30 1XY

The Duver at St. Helens

Explore the sand dune system at St. Helen’s with your canine companion - a haven for curious pups that’s complete with marshland and an expanse of open space. Our furry friends are welcome all year round, but should be kept on a lead around bird nesting areas and livestock.

Location: St. Helens, Ryde PO33 1XY

Isle of Wight Steam Railway

Want a taste of the Isle of Wight’s history? Check out the heritage steam railway, where dogs are welcome. It passes through the small villages of Havenstreet, where you’ll find the station and headquarters.

Location: Railway, Havenstreet Station, Isle of Wight Steam, Main Rd, Havenstreet, Ryde PO33 4DS

Model Village Godshill

This popular tourist attraction showcases adorable model villages of Godshill and Shanklin Old Village and Chine. And the best part? Dogs are welcome to explore - just keep them on a lead and don’t forget poop bags.

Location: High St, Godshill, Ventnor PO38 3HH

Tips for pet parents

Get to know your local beach restrictions. If you’ve recently welcomed a furry friend into your life, you’ll need to familiarise yourself with the restrictions for bringing your dog to the beach. While some beaches on the Isle of Wight welcome dogs all year round, others only welcome dogs off-season.
Follow the principles of the Countryside Code. If you’re new to pet ownership and you’re recently discovering the Isle of Wight’s countryside, follow the Countryside Code - keeping your dog on a lead when needed and always cleaning up after them.
Plan ahead for your holiday. Sure enough, your pooch will never run out of things to do on the Isle of Wight. But what about when the time comes for you to take a holiday? Well as vets agree pets are happier at home, consider welcoming an in-home pet sitter to keep your pooch in the surroundings and routine they love. Click below to find out more.

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Tips for pet sitters

Explore local villages. If you’re house sitting on the Isle of Wight and you want a local spot to explore, get to know a nearby village. The island is filled with gorgeous spots complete with quaint houses, dog-friendly pubs and cafes.
Follow pet parent advice. Get into nature with your new canine companion - for sure, but take the pet parents’ advice on where their pooch is comfortable walking.
Explore the Isle of Wight through house sitting. So, want to get to know the historic island, first-hand? Start your house sitting adventure on the Isle of Wight - meeting new furry friends and paying nothing for your stay. To find out more about how house sitting works, click below.

House sitting on the Isle of Wight