Dogs
Guidance on bringing your dogs to Hengistbury Head
Well-behaved dogs are welcome at Hengistbury Head, but please respect that this is a nature reserve with plenty of rare and beautiful wildlife.
Check out our map below for the best places to let dogs have a nice run around, and which places to stick to paths or keep our dogs close-by or on a lead. Take a look at Dorset Dogs' 'Doggy Do Code' for more guidance.
Only registered assistance dogs can come into the Visitor Centre, but we do have lots of paw-fect shady spots to tether them outside whilst you have a quick peek. We even provide water bowls, topped up regularly by our volunteers.
Click on the map or here to enlarge
The Hengistbury Dog Walking Trail
We've teamed up with the Dorset Dogs team to put together a fun, interactive walking trail for you and your pup!
Click on the map or here to enlarge and then follow the steps at each place on the walk - you can scan the QR codes, or click on the links below for information about each stage!
Walk stages
Join our Hengistbury Hound Ranger Scheme
We are looking for recruits to our new volunteer Hengistbury Hound Ranger patrols!
Sign up to become a member of our patrols, and you and your pup will receive a bandana and dog tag - all you need to do is volunteer on your regular walks, making a note if you see any instances of wildlife disturbance or inappropriate behaviours such as littering, BBQs or fires.
Full training will be given. To find out more email Mollie Taylor, Dorset Dogs Project Officer (Hengistbury).
Other spots to enjoy with your dog
If you are looking for other spots to enjoy with your dog whilst in the area, take a look at the Dorset Dogs map, or check out these two leaflets, which show the dog-friendly beaches and dog-friendly sites around Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch:
Please take a look at our formal policies here.