Dog friendly holidays

Dog friendly holidays at Tapnell Farm

We get it. They go wherever you go. They are part of the family.

Your four legged friends are most welcome here at Tapnell.

When you stay with us, your whole family is assured of a warm welcome in all our self catering accommodation.

From the superbly designed domes in the meadow overlooking the stunning Solent and south coast, to the Out of Africa style safari tents nestled amongst the trees, to the cosy Nordic wood cabins and the more traditional farm cottages, we like to think it's a holiday home from home for you.

Some of our accommodation have outside taps for cleaning the inevitable muddy or sandy paw (and boots), but new for this summer, we are installing a dedicated dog wash shower area. We even have a range of special soaps available in our Farm Shop for pampering your pooch.

And appreciating that every dog has their own favourite bowl, bed and towel, we ask owners to bring these with them.

The Cow Restaurant

Our award winning restaurant, The Cow, provides our canine guests with dog blankets and dog bowls - for the inevitable holiday treat tit bits.

There's even a dog-friendly range of ice cream that's lactose free, on the menu!

Tapnell Farm Shop

In our Farm Shop you will find dried and wet dog food, just in case you run short, along with lactose free ice cream specifically designed for dogs. There's also super fun dog toys, plus a range of special soaps.

There may also be a free dog treat or two on offer!

Our Attractions

If the rest of your crew are being active and enjoying the Football Golf or Aqua Park, your best friend can sit with you and watch the fun.

Please note, dogs are not allowed in the Farm Park (guide dogs only) and we request that they are not left in cars or tied up outside.

Walkies!

And we are not alone in recognising man’s best friend.

The Island is one of the most dog friendly regions of the UK with over 500 miles of footpaths, through acres of beautiful and unspoilt downland and woodland - all to be explored and sniffed out, plus outstanding award winning beaches to be scampered on! Along the way you'll find a wide range of eateries and attractions that are happy to host you and your pooch.

Why not check out our very own Tapnell Trail, a 6.5 mile circular walk that runs through the farm, perfect for dog walks with the family. Dogs can be let off the lead to run free in most parts - just look out for signs where some fields have livestock and dogs may need to be back on the lead.

Download the Tapnell Trail map.

Out and about

A few recommends in the West Wight, walkable from Tapnell. Guaranteed to work up an appetite!

Off The Rails
Located at the old railway station in Yarmouth, overlooking unspoilt marshes and fields, the restaurant offers its canine clientele their very own menu.

The Red Lion

Traditional country pub with log burning fires in the Winter, and beer garden in the Summer. Known for its local ales, great menu and warm pet welcome.

Chessell Pottery & Cafe

Not only an excellent cafe offering an exceptional breakfast, lunch menu and afternoon tea and homemade cakes, you can paint pottery as well, as a souvenir of your Isle of Wight adventure

Dimbola Lodge

Nestled behind Freshwater Bay, with views to the sea, Dimbola is a museum and gallery dedicated to the life and work of celebrated Victorian photographer, Julia Margaret Cameron. There is a gift shop as well as tea room offering light lunches and a wide range of tea time treats, for humans and furry friends alike.

Beaches

Best Beaches in West Wight for dog walking include Brook Bay, Compton Bay (Ice cream van during holiday season) and the promenade from Colwell Bay to Totland Bay.

Restrictions for dogs on beaches are generally seasonal with bans taking place between April/May and September.

Please note however that some beaches listed as dog friendly may still have certain restricted areas.

Check the beach descriptions for further information.

Getting to the Island

Getting here couldn't be easier.

Both Wightlink & Red Funnel are dog friendly and offer free travel for pets, with designated dog areas and water bowls on most services. Hovertravel also offers free travel for pets. Please check their websites for more details.