Dog-friendly Portsmouth: Things to do in Portsmouth with a dog

If you’re house sitting in Portsmouth or a local pet parent, knowing the best spots to take your pup can make all the difference. From peaceful walking routes to cafes that welcome furry friends inside, this guide to dog-friendly Portsmouth has something for everyone – Portsmouth pet sitters, owners, and their four-legged friends included!

Dog-friendly restaurants, Portsmouth

Here’s a roundup of the best dog-friendly restaurants in Portsmouth, where you and your furry friend can feast together without a single “No Dogs Allowed” sign in sight.

Salt Shack Cafe

Book in advance to secure your table at this popular Hayling Island spot, and enjoy fresh crab salad and filled jacket potatoes over a view of Northney Marina.
Location: Northney Marina, Hayling Island PO11 0NH

Farm Kitchen - AM

Authentic Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes are served at breakfast and lunchtime in this cozy, rustic spot, where pups can enjoy a bowl of water and plenty of fussing. 

Location: 67 Palmerston Rd, Southsea, Portsmouth, Southsea PO5 3PP

The Garden Southsea

Dig into plates of traditional English breakfast (extra sausages for Fido!) and Sunday lunch just a short walk from the sea. Dogs are warmly welcomed here, making it a perfect spot for pet parents. ​

Location: Florence Rd, Southsea, Portsmouth, Southsea PO5 2NE

Bayside Cabin

Pups are allowed on this beautiful beachfront terrace, which overlooks Stokes Bay. With good coffee and even better food, it’s a great place to stop by for breakfast or lunch. 

Location: Stokes Bay Rd, Alverstoke, Gosport PO12 2QT

Drifters - East Wittering

A family-run restaurant just a stone's throw from the beach, Drifters serves seasonal bites and comfort food in a relaxed, dog-friendly setting. 

Location: 59-61 Shore Rd, East Wittering, Chichester PO20 8DY

Porters

A beloved spot among Southsea residents, Porters is known for its huge portions of Mexican-inspired plates and its open-door policy for dogs, meaning everyone feels at home. 

Location: 31-35 Albert Rd, Southsea, Portsmouth, Southsea PO5 2SE

Vito Lounge

This cafe-bar serves everything from puppachinos to cocktails in a warm, casual setting.

Location: 80 West St, Fareham PO16 0JN

Dog-friendly pubs, Portsmouth

British pubs tend to serve a restaurant-worthy menu in a relaxed, cozy setting (bonus points if you can grab a table by the fire) – and the good news is, most of them are pooch-friendly! 

The Still & West

Dig into traditional British fare at this charming country pub, which overlooks Portsmouth Harbour and welcomes pooch pals. 

Location: Bath Square, Old Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 2JL

The Dolphin Pub & Kitchen

Claiming the title of the city’s oldest pub and a bit of an institution for anyone who’s grown up in Portsmouth, The Dolphin serves wholesome pub grub and pints in a pup-friendly setting. 

Location: 41 High St, Old Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 2LU

Eastney Tavern

This relaxed watering hole offers classic comfort food, spirits, and ales, and furry friends are welcome in certain areas. 

Location: 100 Cromwell Rd, Southsea, Portsmouth, Southsea PO4 9PN

The Vaults, Southsea

Grab a seat in the sunny nook with your pooch and enjoy a wide selection of wines and ales, as well as live music on certain nights. 

Location: 41-47 Albert Rd, Southsea, Portsmouth PO5 2SF

Dog-friendly cafes, Portsmouth

There’s no need to leave your pup at home while you grab your morning flat white or settle in for a leisurely brunch – here are some of the best dog-friendly cafes in Portsmouth.

Salt Café

Extremely dog-friendly (they even serve plates of sausages) – this is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat after walking along the coastline.

Location: Cranleigh Rd, Portchester, Fareham PO16 9DR

The Canteen

Snuggle up under a blanket and enjoy scones with jam and cream surrounded by a 15th-century fort – pups are welcome. 

Location: Point Battery & Barracks, Broad St, Old Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 2FS

Southsea Coffee Co.

This independent cafe is passionate about coffee and baked goodies, and even invites pups inside!

Location: 63 Osborne Rd, Southsea, Portsmouth, Southsea PO5 3LS

The Spinnaker Café

Situated in the heart of Old Portsmouth and offering great value for money, The Spinnaker serves big plates of English breakfast, sandwiches, and fish and chips, all in a dog-friendly setting.

Location: 96 Broad St, Old Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 2JE

Southsea Beach Cafe

Located right on the beach, this cafe serves seasonal dishes from locally sourced ingredients for breakfast and lunch.

Location: Eastney Esplanade, Southsea, Portsmouth, Southsea PO4 0SP

Dog-friendly beaches, Portsmouth

Furry friends are welcome on many of the Portsmouth beaches throughout the winter months (October to April), but some even have areas with year-round access. Be sure to check beach signage for the most up-to-date info on dog-friendly beaches.

Eastney Beach

The area to the east of the Coffee Cup is popular with dog walkers, as furry friends are welcome all year round.

Location: Southsea, Portsmouth, Southsea PO4 9ND 

Hayling Island Beach

Pack a picnic and head here off-season to enjoy the clean pebble beach and clear waters.

Location: Hayling Island PO11 9HP 

The Hinge at East Head Spit

Keep Fido on the leash to explore this sandy beach – just keep away from areas with nesting birds, which are usually roped off.

Location: West Wittering, Chichester PO11 9SJ

Lee on the Solent beach

This quiet beach offers views of the Isle of White, with plenty of parking and amenities nearby. 

Location: Solent Beach Path, Lee-on-the-Solent PO13 9LR

Other dog-friendly places, Portsmouth

There’s plenty to keep you and your pooch pal busy in Portsmouth, from the miles of coastline waiting to be explored to an array of designer outlets.

Pembroke Park Dog Training Park

This is a great place to take young pups or nervous doggos who haven’t quite gotten the hang of recall yet. The fully fenced-in area is 1,600 sqm and has two gated entry points.

Location: Pier Rd, Southsea, Portsmouth, Southsea PO1 2TA 

Queen Elizabeth Country Park

Walking, cycling, and horse-riding trails weave through 2,000 acres of woodland just a ten-minute drive from Portsmouth. 

Location: Gravel Hill, Horndean PO8 0QE

Southsea Castle

Furry friends are welcome into the courtyard, where you’re both free to explore this 16th-century castle built by Henry VIII.  

Location: Unnamed Road, Southsea, Portsmouth, Southsea PO5 3PA

Gunwharf Quays 

Home to 95 designer outlets and over 30 restaurants, bars, and cafes, this is a great place to do a bit of window shopping with your pup – just check that you can bring Fido with you before entering anywhere.

Dog-friendly accommodation, Portsmouth

For times when you need to bring Fido along, here are some of the best dog-friendly hotels in Portsmouth. 

The Queens Hotel Portsmouth

Gorgeous rooms overlook Southsea Common – your furry friend will even be welcomed with a little dog pack, which includes a ball, food, and a dog towel.

Location: Osborne Rd, Clarence Parade, Southsea, Portsmouth, Southsea PO5 3LJ

Ibis Portsmouth

Just a 7-minute walk from the train station, this hotel has small, reasonably priced, pet-friendly rooms on the first floor.

Location: Winston Churchill Ave, Southsea, Portsmouth PO1 2LX

Tips on dog-friendly things to do in Portsmouth from owners and sitters

What do local pet parents and sitters recommend doing in Portsmouth? A little insider knowledge never hurts anyone – head to our Community Forum to find out more!

“You can explore the Portsmouth Navy museums (Gunwharf Quay), [...] even though I’m not keen on military museums, this one is spectacular with the Henry VIII ship, The Mary Rose.” – @Verena

“For anyone who appreciates the beauty of flowers, I couldn’t see any dates for a flower festival at Salisbury Cathedral this year, but there is a Festival of Flowers in the nearby Chichester Cathedral.” – @Sam_F

Tips for pet parents

Being a pet parent in Portsmouth means plenty of seaside strolls, cozy dog-friendly cafes, and park adventures. Here are a few things to remember:

Take note of rules for dogs on beaches 

Dog beach rules in Portsmouth vary depending on where you are – some don’t allow them at all, some allow them in specific areas/seasonally, and some welcome pups all year round. Check beach signs for the latest info before you enter. 

Explore dog-friendly places

There are plenty of dog-friendly places in Portsmouth, especially if you and your furry friend love getting out in nature. Take advantage of the numerous parks or explore the coastal paths for a breath of fresh air. 

Prepare for seasonal weather

The weather in Portsmouth can be unpredictable, especially on the coast. Watch out for storms and high winds in colder months, and avoid the hottest parts of the day during heat waves.

Plan ahead for your vacation

Don’t leave sorting your pet care to the last minute – find a loving, in-home pet sitter to care for your furry family member next time you’re away. To find out more about how it works, click on the link below.

Tips for pet sitters

Taking care of some pups in Portsmouth? These tips will make sure you and your furry friends have the best time.

Be mindful of busy tourist spots

Areas like Gunwharf Quays and Southsea Seafront can get very crowded, especially on weekends. If your pooch pal is nervous around large groups, opt for quieter walks where they can enjoy nature with fewer distractions.

Take note of public transport rules 

If you want to explore the area via public transport, Stagecoach buses and Wightlink ferries often allow dogs, but they must be well-behaved and on a leash. Always check with the pet parents before doing anything out of the ordinary with their pooch.

Discover Portsmouth through house and pet sitting

Want to get a real taste of the place? Exchange loving pet care for a place to stay in Portsmouth – find out more below.

Useful resources

• The UK's most dog-friendly cities
• 6 best dog walks in Cheshire (and a few pooch-friendly pub stops)
• 15 dog-friendly cafes in Edinburgh