Dog-Friendly Holiday in the Forest of Dean: Walks, Pubs and Where to Stay

Jul 27, 2026

A dog-friendly holiday in the Forest of Dean works best when you treat it as a proper break — not a single long walk with a pub stop. You need a base, a mix of woodland trails and riverside paths, a few dog-welcoming pubs, and accommodation that genuinely welcomes four-legged guests. Whether you're planning your first visit or returning for another weekend, the Forest of Dean offers one of the easiest places in Britain to enjoy a holiday with your dog.

We run Severnside Press on Newnham's High Street and host dog-owning guests most weeks.

In this guide you'll find suggested walks, dog-friendly pubs, practical advice and the places we recommend most often to guests staying with us.

Table of contents:

dog friendly walks in the forest of dean

Why the Forest of Dean Suits a Dog-Friendly Holiday

  • Woodland on a serious scale: Hundreds of miles of signposted paths through ancient forest, with off-lead areas in many sections (watch for livestock and seasonal restrictions).
  • Villages that expect dogs: Newnham-on-Severn, Coleford, Lydney and Cinderford all have pubs and cafés used to muddy paws.
  • More than walks: Heritage sites, caves, viewpoints and riverside paths mean you can fill two or three days without repeating the same route.

For a deeper dive into individual routes, see our guide to dog-friendly walks in the Forest of Dean. This article focuses on planning the full holiday.

Planning Your Dog-Friendly Holiday: A Sample Weekend

Friday evening: Arrive in Newnham-on-Severn, walk the High Street and riverside path, dinner at a local pub.

Saturday: Forest of Dean woodland — Sculpture Trail at Beechenhurst (4.5 miles, car park GL16 7EG) or Cannop Ponds for a gentler circuit (GL16 7EL). Lunch at a dog-friendly pub. Afternoon at Symonds Yat Rock for views over the Wye Valley — walks from the car park, dogs welcome, worth it for the panorama alone.

Sunday: Riverside walk along the Wye or Severn, then head home via places to eat in the Forest of Dean if you want one last meal before the drive.

That rhythm — one big forest day, one riverside day — is why a dog-friendly holiday here feels relaxed rather than rushed.

For a broader list of options, see the best things to do in the Forest of Dean.

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Additional Walks Worth Building Your Holiday Around

You do not need to research dozens of routes before you arrive. These work well as anchors; our Forest of Dean walks guide and Dog-Friendly walks guide cover many more.

Mallards Pike Lake Circuit

Flat gravel tracks around pine-fringed lakes — ideal for hot days when you want shade and water nearby.

Wenchford Picnic Site

Shaded glades and a shallow stream between Blakeney and Parkend — good for dogs who like to paddle.

Lydney Park Estate

Woodland strolls within historic parkland (seasonal opening; dogs on leads in formal garden areas).

Lead rules: Many forest sections allow off-lead walking for dogs under reliable recall. Signage marks nesting bird zones, grazing livestock and restricted areas — check before you let your dog run.

Dog-Welcoming Pubs, Cafés and Restaurants

You should not have to leave your dog in the car to get a decent meal. A few reliable spots:

  • The Black Pig (Newnham): Local pub with wood-fired pizzas.
  • The Ostrich Inn (Newland): An ancient pub in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.
  • The Miners Arms (Whitecroft): Real ales, Sunday roasts, dogs welcome in the bar.
  • The Rising Sun Inn (Bream): Hearty pub food seven days a week; dogs in the cosy bar area.
  • Harts Barn Cookery School Café (Longhope): Outside tables where dogs can settle after a morning walk.

For a wider selection — including village pubs and restaurants across the Forest — see our places to eat in the Forest of Dean section. Many display dog-friendly signs; it is worth asking when you book a table at weekends.

Where to Stay on a Dog-Friendly Holiday in the Forest of Dean

Choosing the right base matters as much as choosing your walks. You want somewhere that welcomes dogs properly — not just tolerates them. Dogs are welcomed as guests rather than treated as an exception, with riverside walks from the front door and the Forest of Dean only a few minutes away.

Severnside Press is a Georgian dog-friendly B&B on the High Street in Newnham-on-Severn, featured in Country Living and Period Living. The building was once a Victorian printing business; three ensuite rooms (one with River Severn views) and breakfast built around local ingredients.

Newnham works especially well for a two-night dog-friendly holiday from London — close enough for a Friday afternoon arrival, with enough variety for a full weekend. 

For more on accommodation options, see our dog-friendly accommodation page, or check availability at Severnside Press.

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Essential Tips for a Dog-Friendly Holiday in the Forest of Dean

  1. Carry water — streams can run low in dry summers on remote paths.
  2. Tick prevention from spring — dense undergrowth and deer mean ticks are common.
  3. Check opening times — country parks and estates vary hours outside school holidays.
  4. Bag and bin — bins sit beside most major car parks and picnic sites.
  5. Pack for mud — the Forest of Dean is a woodland holiday; wet-weather gear for you and a towel for your dog saves the car upholstery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog-Friendly Holiday in the Forest of Dean 

Are there off-lead areas in the Forest of Dean?

Yes — many forest sections allow off-lead walking where dogs are under control. Signage marks restrictions for nesting birds, grazing livestock and wildlife zones.

Is there a vet nearby if we need one?

Several practices operate within a ten-minute drive of most villages. Severnside Vets in Lydney have local practices and provide a 24-hour emergency service.

Can we use buses without a car?

Stagecoach generally permits one well-behaved dog, subject to the driver's discretion.

How far ahead should we book accommodation?

Weekends and school holidays fill quickly — especially dog-friendly rooms. Book early if you are planning a bank holiday dog-friendly holiday in the Forest of Dean.

Your Dog-Friendly Holiday from Newnham

A dog-friendly holiday in the Forest of Dean comes down to three things: good walks, dog-welcoming pubs, and a base that makes both easy. Newnham-on-Severn puts the forest five minutes away and the Wye Valley within half an hour — without the coach-tour feel of busier Cotswold villages.

If you are planning a weekend with your dog, check availability at Severnside Press — we are on the High Street, dogs are welcome, and we are happy to suggest walks and pubs for your particular trip.

Author: Tony + Alex

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