Dog Friendly Cottages in Ventnor by the Sea

Dog Friendly Holidays in Ventnor

Dogs are excluded from Ventnor Beach from 1 May to 30 September. Outside these dates, dogs are allowed back onto the beach. The restriction is part of the Isle of Wight Council’s current Public Spaces Protection Order covering selected beaches around the island.

You don’t have to travel far to find somewhere else to walk during summer. Steephill Cove lies just west of Ventnor and welcomes dogs throughout the year, although local guidance requires dogs to be kept on a lead during the day. Bonchurch Beach, on the other side of Ventnor, is also listed by the council as a year-round dog-friendly beach.

For more places to stay with your dog around the island, browse our Isle of Wight dog friendly cottages by the sea.

Walk from Ventnor to Steephill Cove

The coast path provides an easy way to leave Ventnor without needing the car. From the town it runs through parkland before continuing beside the sea towards Steephill Cove. The cove can only be reached on foot and has a small beach, rock pools and cafés that open seasonally.

Steephill Cove is dog friendly throughout the year, making it particularly handy when the summer restriction is in place on Ventnor Beach. You can walk there from Ventnor and return the same way, giving you a straightforward coastal walk without committing to a long route.

Ventnor Downs with Your Dog

For a change from the beach, head uphill to Ventnor Downs. Dogs are welcome across the National Trust land, with walking routes providing views over Ventnor and the English Channel. The National Trust’s circular Views of Ventnor trail is around 2.5 miles and takes approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes. It is classed as challenging because of the steep terrain.

Dogs should be kept on a short lead around livestock and under close control elsewhere. There are also areas with ground-nesting birds where dogs must be kept on a lead from 1 March to 31 July, with signs showing where this applies.