Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway

Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway is a 200-acre woodland garden and heritage railway near Winchester, where dogs join their owners on lead throughout the gardens and on every train. The paths wind through azaleas, rhododendrons and seasonal colour, with water bowls at the visitor entrance, railway platform, restaurant and outdoor café. The railway runs through the day on a standard timetable and your dog travels on lead beside you.

Open daily until 31 October, 10am to 5.30pm, with last admission at 4.30pm. Advance booking is recommended for discount tickets. Some special event days have separate dog terms, so check ahead if you're visiting during a festival weekend.

Free car and coach parking is on site, with overflow areas used when busy. Dogs are welcome in the left-hand section of Mr Eddy's restaurant, making this a proper day out rather than a dash-round-and-leave. Water bowls are dotted throughout and the mix of garden paths and a short steam ride suits dogs happy to stay on lead and take the scenery at your pace.