Dogstival | Dog Festival in the New Forest

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South Western Railway March 27, 2026 5 min read

In this article, you'll learn the following:

When and where is Dogstival?
How do I get to Dogstival?
Things to see and do at Dogstival
Where to stay in Bournemouth
Dogstival Accessibility

Dogstival is a fun day out for dog owners, families and anyone who just loves dogs. Set in the New Forest park area, this dog festival brings together fun activities, live entertainment, good food and a relaxed atmosphere in a beautiful outdoor setting. Tickets for dogstival start at £18 for adults and from £10 for children aged 6 to 16, while under 5s go free.

When and where is Dogstival?

Dogstival returns to Burley Park in the New Forest on Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st May 2026, running from 9:30am to 5:30pm each day.

The address is: Burley Park, Burley, Hampshire, BH24 4BS.

Dog on paddleboard in dog festival pool

How do I get to Dogstival?

Travelling by train

Planning your transport to this dog festival in the New Forest? This can be done by travelling with SWR from various locations across the southwest. The closest train station to the event is Brockenhurst train station, which is a 16 min drive away. You can travel directly to this station from London Waterloo in approx. 1 hour and a half, Bournemouth and Southampton in just 20 mins approx. with SWR, and from there you can continue on to Burley Park by local transport or taxi.

Explore our full range of ticket types to find the right one for your journey. You can find cheap train tickets by booking early or going off-peak, and if you have a Railcard or if you’re travelling in a group, you could save even more.

Things to see and do at Dogstival

Dog diving pool at Dogstival in the New Forest

A Beach party built for dogs

One of the most popular parts of Dogstival is the Shorefield Holidays Beach Party, the UK’s original beach just for dogs! It features sand, palm trees, deckchairs, a foam party and a dog pup-tail bar, making it one of the most fun and unusual areas to visit over the weekend.

Have A Go dog activities

Dogstival is known for activities that dogs can actually take part in and there is plenty planned for 2026. Visitors can expect flyball, agility, scent work, scurries, lure racing, diving pools, splash pools and the Barkour Adventure Playground. It is all set up so dogs can join in, not just watch. This year, there are also some new extras, including doggy paddleboarding, more water activities and fun for smaller dogs, giving visitors even more to enjoy across the day. Take a look at the activities page to find which activities are the best fit for your dog.

Entertainment, food and more at Dogstival

Other activities are also taking place during Dogstival:

The Naturo Main Arena features plenty to enjoy across the weekend, including mayhem with the Little Nippers Terriers, performances from the kids Shetland Pony Display Team and lunchtime ‘heads & tails’ quiz.

The Top Dawg Show Ring is home to the Fun Dog Show, along with trainer sessions and advice on puppy training, common behaviour issues and different breed needs.

Dan The Hat’s Barking Mad Family Area adds even more to the day, with circus style acts, comedy, workshops and live performances for families to enjoy.

There is also live music across the weekend on the Hound Dog Music Stage, alongside food, shopping and more than 130 stands to browse.

Dogstival picnic area with benches and food truck

Dogstival picnic area with benches and food truck

Things to do near Brockenhurst

Dogstival takes place at Burley Park in the heart of the New Forest, so it is easy to turn your festival visit into a longer day out or short break. The New Forest is a national park area known for its woodland, open heath, coastline and free roaming ponies, and it is a great place for walking, cycling and relaxed time outdoors.

If you are stopping in Brockenhurst, one of the most popular things to do is hire a bike and explore the forest trails from the village. Brockenhurst is a good base for walking and cycling, with routes leading into the forest and towards places such as Rhinefield Ornamental Drive.

You can spend time visiting pretty villages, head to Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary for forest views and picnic space or make time for the coast and dog friendly beach walks if you are staying a little longer. For more ideas while you are in the area, take a look at our New Forest guide.

If you are looking to save a little on the day, SWR Rewards has offers on activities, food and drink.

Dogs on agility seesaw at outdoor dog festival

Dogs on agility seesaw at outdoor dog festival

Where to stay in Bournemouth

Brockenhurst has a good mix of places to stay, from luxury hotels and boutique stays to campsites and self-catering cottages close to the forest.

For a more luxurious stay, try Careys Manor Hotel and SenSpa or The Pig. If you want something smaller and dog friendly, Cottage Lodge Hotel is a boutique option in Brockenhurst with pet friendly rooms.

If you would rather stay closer to nature, Long Meadow Campsite is a family friendly option, and there are also plenty of dog friendly cottages in the wider New Forest.

Dogstival Accessibility

The dog festival offers a disabled ticket with a free carer ticket, and Blue Badge holders can park for free in spaces close to the main entrance. The festival also has both human first aid and dog medical help by the main ticket gate, which can be reassuring if you are spending the full day on site

See the website’s FAQ page to learn more.