to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
The Isle of Wight is the ultimate doggy destination, whether you’re looking for a day trip with a difference or a longer holiday that caters to all your pooch’s needs.
There are beautiful walks aplenty, stunning sandy beaches, loads of dog-friendly attractions and no shortage of places to stay.
And with Wightlink, getting there is part of your getaway. Dogs travel free on all Wightlink’s services, and they even have dedicated pet lounges on all their car ferries for you and your furry friend to relax, unwind and enjoy the journey.
Travelling by ferry with your dog
Taking your beloved pooch on a cross-Solent ferry is easier than you may think. Whether you’re bringing a vehicle along or not, you can expect a hassle-free experience from the moment you turn up at the port to the moment you disembark.
If you turn up a little early for your crossing, you’re more than welcome to take your dog for a wander around the local area. Wightlink have Pet Cleaning Stations at all their ports, so even if a little toilet accident takes place, it’ll be easy to clean up.
If you’re travelling on Wightlink’s FastCat service between Portsmouth and Ryde – which can get you across the Solent in just 22 minutes – simply head on board with your pooch and choose from the interior seating or the outside sun decks.
Travelling with your vehicle? You can either leave your dog in your car with an open window for the duration of the crossing or bring them up to the main decks with you. Wightlink have Pet Friendly Areas on all their vehicle ferries and dogs are also welcome on the outside sun decks.
Ferry travel can be a unique and interesting experience for both dog and owner, so it’s well worth checking out Wightlink’s Dog Travel Guide before you step on board.
Dog-friendly things to do
From events to beaches and historical attractions to natural landmarks – so much of the Isle of Wight is dog-friendly, so you really don’t have to make sacrifices on your Island adventure.
The Isle of Wight Steam Railway – a beautifully-preserved historic railway on the east of the Island – makes for a great day out. Both you and Fido are allowed on board their painstakingly-restored Edwardian and Victorian carriages, so you can both take a trip through time as you steam through the Island countryside.
One of the Diamond Isle’s most picturesque and tranquil places, Shanklin Chine, is also a perfect location to stretch your pooch’s legs. It’s open throughout the day but it’s a real treat at night, with garden illuminations lighting up the paths, walls and plants.
On the Isle of Wight, you’ll also find some of the most scenic walking routes in the UK, many of which are ideal for a short amble with your furry friend.
Places to stay
The Isle of Wight has a huge range of accommodation options, from cute self-catering cottages to luxury hotels, and many of them are welcoming to well-behaved four-legged friends.
Luccombe Manor in particular goes the extra mile for dogs. For £15 extra per night, you’ll get a dog bed and blankets in your room and the on-site restaurant, towels, toys, treats, a welcome pack and access to the hotel’s dog wash station.
If you’re looking for a self-catering family getaway, Whitecliff Bay Holiday Park offer a wide variety of accommodation options, all of which allow dogs.
Many Island businesses don’t just cater for your four-legged friend – they positively love welcoming them across the Solent. So make sure to take photos, leave reviews and let fellow dog-owners know just how great the Isle of Wight can be.
And don’t forget – getting there is easy with Wightlink. So book your dog-friendly adventure on the Isle of Wight today.
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