Dog Walking in Lee-on-the-Solent

Beaches, parks and routes for dogs and their owners

Lee-on-the-Solent is one of the most dog-friendly towns on the Hampshire coast. The combination of a long seafront promenade, open green spaces, and a community that largely welcomes dogs makes it a popular destination for owners.

The seafront is the main draw. The promenade along Marine Parade East and West provides a flat, paved route that stretches for over a mile. Dogs are welcome on the promenade year-round, and the beach itself is accessible at several points via ramps and steps. Between October and April, dogs can use the full beach without restriction. During the summer months, from May to September, a dog exclusion zone applies to the main bathing beach near the splash park and play areas. The restriction is clearly signed, and the rest of the beach remains open to dogs throughout the year.

The most popular dog walking route runs along the promenade from the sailing club at the western end to the War Memorial at the eastern end, roughly a mile each way. Many owners extend this by continuing along the coast path toward Stokes Bay, which adds another mile or so of coastal walking with good views across the Solent.

Inland, Lee Recreation Ground off Cambridge Road provides a large open green space where dogs can run off-lead. The ground is well used by dog walkers in the mornings and evenings. There are no formal dog exercise areas, but the open grassland is effectively treated as off-lead space by most users.

Alver Valley Country Park, accessible from the eastern edge of Lee-on-the-Solent, offers longer walks through a mix of grassland, woodland, and wetland habitats. The paths are generally well maintained and suitable for year-round walking. Dogs should be kept on leads in areas with ground-nesting birds during spring and early summer.

The residential streets of Lee-on-the-Solent are generally pleasant for walking, with wide pavements and relatively low traffic away from the main roads. Several of the newer developments, including Daedalus Village, have incorporated green corridors and paths that connect to the wider network.

Dog waste bins are provided along the promenade, at the recreation ground, and at key points on the residential streets. Gosport Borough Council maintains these and the general expectation is that owners clean up after their dogs.

Several of the High Street cafes welcome dogs, particularly those with outdoor seating. The seafront kiosks are generally dog-friendly. The pubs, including The Bun Penny and The Old Ship, both allow dogs in their bar areas.

For veterinary care, there are practices in Gosport and Stubbington within a short drive. Pet shops and supplies are available on the High Street and in nearby Fareham.