Dog friendly holidays

Dog Friendly Stays

Walking Holidays

Explore Wonderful Dorset Walks

Your Four-Legged Friends Are Welcome Here

At The Old Forge, we know that dogs are part of the family. That's why we've created the perfect countryside escape where both you and your furry companions can relax, explore, and enjoy quality time together. We are so fortunate to have some incredible walks, right from the door. As well as some lovely dog friendly places to take them.

Where dogs can stay

Glamping with your own enclosed field

Tucked at the foot of Fontmell Down and Melbury Beacon, Woody is our charming shepherd's hut that welcomes dogs with open paws. Complete with a private hot tub, quirky converted BBQ silo, and fire pits beneath the stars, it's the ultimate retreat for couples, families, and their canine companions.

What makes it special for dogs:

  • Completely private site - the whole space is yours

  • Enclosed field perfect for off-lead play and exercise

  • Direct access to walking from your door

  • Animals safely over the fence for safe interaction

Wheelwrights Cottage

Our cosy cottage for two also welcomes well-behaved dogs, giving you all the comforts of home in a beautiful rural setting.

What makes it special for dogs:

  • Enclosed courtyard - a secure private space where dogs can potter about safely

  • Access to the orchard - step outside the courtyard for more space to explore and play

  • Hard floors in porch and kitchen - perfect for muddy paws and easy to clean

  • Porch area - ideal for wiping down wet dogs before coming inside

  • Washing machine - convenient for cleaning dog blankets, towels, and any muddy kit after countryside walks

Walk From the Door

One of the best things about The Old Forge? You can step straight out onto some of Dorset's most spectacular footpaths. All of these stunning walks are accessible directly from The Old Forge - no car journeys needed!

Fontmell Down

Fontmell Down

sweeping Chalk Downland with panoramic views across Blackmore Vale. A fantastic walk from the door.

30 minute walk

Melbury Beacon

Melbury Beacon

Melbury Hill is 263-metres high, very worth the climb!

From the top, you'll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views across Blackmore Vale and Cranborne Chase.

30 minute walk

Guy Ritchies Airfield 
45 minute walk

Compton Abbas Airfield

walk up to Guy Ritchie's airfield for refreshments, dogs welcome Its a 45 minute climb up the hill, lots of space for your doggie to run. Then a downhill climb coming back. Stunning.

Explore a little further…

Hambledon and Hod Holiday

Hambledon and Hod Hill

So worth the climb. An ancient Iron Age hill fort in the village of Child Oakford. You can also pop to our favourites after your walk - Gold Hill Organics for a bite to eat or a coffee, or Meggy Moos, our trusted suppliers for the best local produce.

10 minute drive

Walking holidays

Win Greene

The highest point in the Cranborne Chase. With views from the Isle of Wight to Blackmore Vale and beyond.You can pop into The King John pub after you walk and explore Ashmore Woods.

15 minute drive
Stays near the sea 
45 minute - 1 hour drive

Jurassic Coast

Very worthwhile trip! We are so lucky to be close to the Dorset Coast. Many dog friendly beaches and wonderful clifftop and beach walks. Find our favourites on our out and about page.

Woodland walks

Duncliffe Wood

Duncliffe Wood is one of the oldest and largest woods in north Dorset. This magnificent ancient woodland sits on the twin summits of Duncliffe Hill and can be seen from miles around. Great for walking.

15 minute drive

Wardour Castle

Magnificent 14th Century castle ruins, you may regognise it from Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves! Plenty of stunning walks nearby.

20 minute drive
National Trust holiday 
25 minute drive

Kingston Lacey

A beautiful country house and estate with beautiful parkland, gardens and heathlands. Many lovely walks.

Our Animals

Your dog will have the chance to meet our friendly residents:

  • Lily - our gentle horse, born and bred here at The Old Forge

  • Shorty - our characterful Shetland pony

  • Bonnie - our resident Westie

  • Our flock of free-roaming chickens

Our animals are over a 4 foot mesh fence, so animals can safely say hello to each other. Bonnie is kept down by our horse, but might wander up to say hello.

What We Provide

To make your stay comfortable, we provide:

  • Water bowls

  • Doggie treats

  • Information on local dog-friendly pubs and cafes

  • Recommendations for the best walks in the area

  • Waste bags and bins

What our doggie guest have to say

  • "The secure field was a godsend for our dogs. We'd highly recommend staying here and can't wait to come back again. Thank you!"

  • "We had an amazing stay. Everything about it was well thought through - the shepherds hut was very comfortable, the kitchen well equipped, bathroom has everything you need and the setting is beautiful. Not to mention the hot tub, bbq hut, pizza oven etc. They were very understanding about our barky dog too!"

  • "Wonderful weekend. The whole experience was a delight. Every detail has been well thought out. Perfect enclosed field for our pup to run about and plenty of shelters to deal with the unpredictable english weather. Lovely secluded field with fab views."

Ready to Book Your Dog-Friendly Escape?

Bring your beloved companion to The Old Forge for a countryside retreat they'll love as much as you do. With endless walks, space to run, and a warm welcome guaranteed, it's the perfect place to create memories together.

We look forward to welcoming you and your furry friend to The Old Forge, where tails wag and adventures begin right outside your door.