Dog friendly Wareham!
Our guide to dog friendly locations in and around Wareham
Wareham is a great base for anyone planning to take their dogs for a holiday, weekend break or daytrip. As Wareham is located in the midst of the stunning countryside of Purbeck and a short drive to the spectacular Jurassic Coast of Dorset – there are endless opportunities to take your dog exploring with you! So here’s our guide to dog friendly Wareham!
Visit Wareham has been asked to suggest dog friendly locations – so we have created our own dog friendly guide to Wareham! Links below…
Dog friendly tourist attractions near Wareham!
Wareham is just a short drive from the Jurassic Coast with some breathtaking coastal paths and beaches
South West Coast Path: Dogs are allowed on the entire South West Coast Path, and there are many stunning coastal walks you can enjoy together. Be sure to look after you and your dog’s safety, especially near cliff edges.
Beaches in Purbeck: Dogs are welcome at all times on the beaches of Durdle Door, Kimmeridge, Lulworth Cove, Man O’War Cove and Worbarrow Bay.
Studland: 1st May to 30th September dogs must be kept on a 2 metre lead on all beaches.
Swanage: No Dogs from 1 May to 30 September on the main beach, but dogs are welcome to use Monkey Beach which is located by the old stone quay, close to the pier.
More dog friendly places to visit near Wareham...
The Blue Pool
Dogs are very welcome!
Holme for Gardens
Dogs are very welcome!
Durlston Country Park
Dogs are very welcome!
RSPB Arne
Dogs are very welcome!
Swanage Railway
Dogs are very welcome!
Corfe Castle
Dogs are very welcome!
Tips on exploring the Purbeck and Dorset countryside with your dog
Grazing animals
Please be mindful of grazing animals. Avoid taking your dog into fields where there are farm animals or horses. If you have to go into the field, keep your dog on a lead and stay as far away from farm animals as you can. Never take you dog through a field with young animals in as their mothers can get very protective. Even friendly dogs who don’t normally chase may start grazing animals to run in fear. This can have serious consequences including injury and the loss of unborn young.
Remember that it is a criminal offence under the Protection of Livestock Act 1953 to injure or worry livestock. Also in the worse case, Section 9 of the Animals Act 1971, provides that the owner of livestock, the landowner or anyone acting on their behalf, is entitled to shoot any dog if they believe it is the only reasonable way of stopping it worrying livestock. Dorset police advise that you Keep dogs under control at all times. Keep to rights of way and, if your dog has previously chased or attacked livestock, take responsible measures to prevent it happening again. Anyone with any information about livestock worrying is urged to call Dorset Police on 101.
What if Cattle start chasing you?
Remember Cattle can be extremely inquisitive and you may feel threatened if they crowd or chase you. Keep calm if a farm animal seems aggressive. Release your dog (drop the lead) so you can both get to safety separately. Don’t risk getting hurt trying to protect your pet. Letting your dog go will help keep you both safe – your dog will be able to run away and you’ll be less threatening without your dog by your side.
Wildlife
Be aware of the danger to wildlife. Follow any signs to keep dogs on a lead, and keep to signed paths in protected areas.
Pick up Poo!
Please pick up you dog’s poo in ALL public spaces and dispose of it appropriately. (This does mean taking it with you when there are no bins on countryside tracks).
Beaches
Dogs are not allowed on certain beaches between1st May and 30th September. See list of beaches in Purbeck above.
Your dog's welfare
Take your dog’s welfare into consideration when exploring new, unfamiliar areas. Always seek out shade on hot days. Take regular breaks and plenty of water for you and your dog. Make sure your dog will come when you call if they’re off the lead. Keep your dog on the lead if you’re worried about their recall or think they might be distracted. Take care to keep your dog on a lead on coastal paths with steep cliff edges.
Keep to paths – this will protect your dog from picking up ticks or bumping into an adder (common on heathland in this area).
More information for Dog owners in Dorset
For more information check out www.dorsetdogs – a good resource for dog owners in Dorset.
For the official guide to regulations and rules for dogs check the Dorset Council website’s regulations and advice.
Dog Friendly Businesses in Wareham
In our first initial short survey of Dog Friendly businesses we have had the following responses (we’ll add more to the list as we find them!)