Dog-Friendly Days Out on the Isle of Wight

From rolling country parks with exciting kids activities to a first-class excursion on the majestic steam train, here are some recommendations for great places to visit and things to do - whether you’re on two legs, or four!

From rolling marshland for running, sand dunes for exploring, gorse bushes for sniffing and calm waters for swimming, the “Duver” at St Helen’s is a haven for dogs and their owners year-round. Once a Victorian golf course opened in 1880, the Duver today is a National Trust owned site between St Helen’s dog friendly beach and Bembridge Harbour. A picturesque spot perfect for a stroll, enjoy the unique landscape of the Duver, explore nearby woodland, skim stones on the nearby pebble beach and negotiate the winding harbour wall to visit Bembridge. You’ll find the Baywatch Café and The Duver café for a bite to eat or pack a picnic to make a day of it with your pooch. Please follow “The Canine Code” when visiting The Duver.

Take a trip back in time at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, with a ride on one of their beautifully restored Victorian and Edwardian locomotives. Get swept away in nostalgia, as you power through the beautiful Island countryside from Havenstreet Station towards Wootton and Smallbrook (Ryde). With an All-Day-Rover ticket, you can hop on and off the train as you like and discover the many walking trails from each station with your best friend. Dogs go free on the train, but please keep them on a lead and off the seats.

Step into the whimsical world of miniature at the Model Village in Godshill. Nestled within the chocolate box village, this timeless attraction offers areas of the Isle of Wight in miniature form. A popular attraction since 1952, the model village has been lovingly cared for and extended over the years, with each replica built to a scale of 1:10. From Shanklin Chine to Godshill village, you won’t find a blade of grass out of place – a most instagrammable location. The Model Village offers an abundance of photo opportunities as your pooch looms like Godzilla over cottages and through the tiny Island streets! Please keep dogs on a lead, and appreciate the love, care, and attention to detail that’s gone into this attraction.

March on down to Carisbrooke Castle and discover over 1000 years of history! Climb cobblestoned stairwells, lap the narrow walkways of the Norman keep, and sprint across the bowling green where the imprisoned Charles I played before his execution. Don't forget to say hello to the resident donkeys who demonstrate a centuries-old tradition at the castle, helping to lift water from the well. 

Inside the battlements, dogs must be kept on short leads and avoid certain areas for safety, they are also not permitted inside the museum. However, outside the castle walls you’ll find a dog’s paradise, where dogs and owners can walk and admire the castle from a different point of view atop the banks of the impressive moat. The castle is set in the heart of the Island’s countryside, with large open fields next door where dogs can run and play off-lead, connecting with plenty of trails for dog walking and exploring.

Surrounded by 20-hectares of woodland, Fort Victoria is a great day out that adults, kids and dogs alike will love. Explore a host of attractions inside the Victorian fort buildings, including a Planetarium, Reptilarium and Model Railway, all of which welcome well-behaved dogs. Right on the water’s edge between the woods and the pebble beach, Fort Victoria offers a bit of everything. Enjoy educational attractions inside, then head outside for walks along the beach, skimming stones and adventure in the woods. Pack a picnic or stop for a bite at the fort’s Cafe Verdi and enjoy lunch with a view.

Your doggie will be delighted to make some furry friends at this award-winning sanctuary. As long as they're kept on a lead, they're able to scamper around the grounds and come nose to nose with its adorable residents. Admission is free, although donations are gratefully accepted. Stop for delicious cake and a cuppa in Grazers Café, their onsite tearoom overlooking the donkey paddocks.