If you’re looking for dog friendly hotels in Bournemouth, somewhere that really understands what dog owners need compared to a standard hotel stay, then let me introduce you to The Ashleigh Hotel Bournemouth. This charming Victorian villa has been a B&B in Bournemouth for over 35 years and today proudly specialises in dog friendly stays. Whether you’re after convenience, comfort or a welcoming base to explore Dorset with your four-legged bestie, this gorgeous spot has it all.
The Ashleigh Bournemouth Review
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The Ashleigh is the perfect pet friendly bed and breakfast in Bournemouth town centre, with free parking, free WiFi and a generous breakfast included. The level of genuine care and attention given to four-legged visitors is outstanding. The warm welcome, the thoughtful extras, and the bright, beautifully maintained building make your stay feel like a gift.
Table of Contents
A Historic Stay With Heart
Before becoming one of the most beloved Bournemouth guest houses, the property was once home to Chang Woo Gow – the famous 19th-century “Chinese Giant”, who toured with P.T. Barnum’s circus before choosing Bournemouth as his home. It’s a lovely slice of local history that adds even more character to this cosy B and B in Bournemouth.
Dog Friendly Hotels in Bournemouth
As you’d expect from one of the best dog friendly Bournemouth hotels, the details here really set it apart. Ivan was welcomed like a celebrity from the moment we arrived. We were lucky enough to be upgraded and stayed in room 34 – spacious, spotless and absolutely perfect for an overexcited pup who wants to explore every corner.
Inside, the rooms are well-designed and practical, with everything you need for a relaxing break. We had a king-size bed, plenty of seating, a Smart TV, tea and coffee-making facilities and even a fridge – perfect for keeping snacks, medication and opened dog food cool. After arriving in torrential rain, the hot chocolate was a lifesaver! Fluffy dressing gowns, soft slippers and hooks on the back of the door for our wet coats added an instant sense of comfort. There were even dog mats for food and water bowls.
Of course, no stay is perfect, and there were a couple of small things worth mentioning. The carpet in our room was quite heavily stained – not unexpected in a dog-friendly property, and they do provide slippers, which helped, but it’s something to be aware of. The only other thing we missed was having USB charging points. I completely appreciate that it’s an older building, but when the rooms get updated, some bedside lamps with built-in USB ports would make a world of difference for modern travellers.
Thoughtful Touches
And then came the best bit: Ivan’s welcome pack. A branded bandana, collapsible bowl with his name on, treats, poop bags and a toy – honestly, it melted my heart. There were also dog blankets and towels in the room, along with guides to local walking routes and dog-friendly things to do in Bournemouth. In reception, I even spotted adorable rain jackets in multiple sizes and cosy dog beds in case you can’t bring your own. No wonder this place features so highly in dog friendly hotels in Bournemouth roundups.
Dog Friendly Hotels Bournemouth With Parking
One big perk is that The Ashleigh offers free parking. With 10 rooms and 7 spaces, you may need to double-park and leave your keys, but there’s also free on-street parking nearby if you prefer. It made arriving in awful weather so much easier.
Breakfast at The Ashleigh Restaurant
Now let’s talk food. Breakfast is an absolute treat. It includes cereals, pastries, yoghurt and a full English made to order. What really impressed me is that they make their own bread and apple juice – such a lovely homemade touch.
Breakfast is served in a relaxed dining area where dogs are genuinely welcomed. Ivan was howling at his new dog friends across the room, which everyone found hilarious rather than annoying. It makes such a difference to be among “dog people”, where nobody judges the noise or the waggy excitement.
The Ashleigh – Dog Friendly Bournemouth Reviews
Would we go again? Absolutely. Prices vary per night, but for your information, we paid £150 for a bed and breakfast for a two-night break in November 2025, booking direct. Communication was excellent from booking, during and following up after our stay.
You’ll love The Ashleigh, especially if you’ve enjoyed our other reviews like:
- Nancecliff Holiday Cottage in Looe
- Looe Bay Holiday Park
- The 18 Bucklands in Bideford
- Cliffden Hotel in Teignmouth
- Bell Inn Broadway in Ilminster
- Ship & Castle St Mawes
- Stannylands in Wilmslow
How to Book Your Stay
When you’re ready to book, check availability early – this Bournemouth hotel is popular for good reason. With its friendly atmosphere, heritage charm and incredible dog-friendly facilities, it’s no surprise the property is consistently praised in Ashleigh Bournemouth Reviews.
Whether you’re after a short staycation, a beachy weekend escape, or a base for exploring Dorset, this delightful B&B in Bournemouth truly is one of the best dog-friendly hotels you’ll find.
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The Ashleigh Hotel Bournemouth Address
📍 The Ashleigh, 6 Southcote Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 3SR
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Travelling with your Dog
FunnyFuzzy is a brand that offers stylish and practical accessories for travelling with pets, focusing on comfort, safety, and convenience. Their product range includes cosy pet carriers and cushioned car seat covers designed to make journeys more enjoyable for pets and their owners. These accessories often feature durable materials, easy-to-clean fabrics, and thoughtful design elements, such as secure fastenings and ventilation, to ensure pets are comfortable and safe on the go.
Exploring Bournemouth With Your Dog
If you’re coming to Bournemouth for the beach, you’re in luck – several dog-friendly stretches are just a short distance away. Both Boscombe Pier and Bournemouth Beach and Pier are about a 25-minute walk from the guest house. Of course, there’s pay-and-display parking nearby. We also drove to Southbourne Beach, a 12-minute drive, for a more peaceful walk.
For woodland adventures, head to Queen’s Park or the beautiful Stour Valley Nature Reserve, both offering longer walks with plenty of space for energetic paws.
One of the best parts of staying at The Ashleigh is how close you are to everything. The town centre is only a 10-minute walk from the hotel, making it incredibly easy to explore without needing a car. Wind your way from the centre down to the seafront with plenty of benches and photo spots along the way.
Don’t Get Caught Short 💩
Tuff Pets Dog Poop Bags are premium, extra-thick, and environmentally friendly, providing a reliable and eco-conscious solution for pet waste. These zero-waste, home-compostable poo bags allow pet owners to care for their pets and the planet simultaneously, making walkies so much easier.
Dog Friendly Pubs in Bournemouth
- The Cricketers – A 10-minute walk from The Ashleigh, and a brilliant dog-friendly local pub. We were made to feel incredibly welcome. Lovely décor, loads of history and a busy events calendar. (They don’t serve food.)
- The George Tapps – Large and lively with a huge beer garden. A little pricey unless you’re a student, but perfect for a casual drink or bite to eat. We popped in to watch the rugby and loved the atmosphere.
- The Hop Inn – Relaxed, spacious and very welcoming to dogs. An excellent spot for a laid-back drink and homemade pub food.
- Slug and Lettuce – Dogs are welcome during the daytime. Fun, colourful interior and ideal for drinks and cocktails.
- Harvester – Dog-friendly in the bar area. A reliable, family-friendly option with a familiar menu.
- Brewdog – Perfect for craft beer fans. There are burgers, hot wings and salads on the menu.
- Cosy Club – Dogs are welcome in the bar area. It’s great for brunch or early evening drinks.
- The Libertine – Perfect for a cocktail and a bite to eat from breakfast to dinner.
- The Four Horsemen – A ’90s-inspired retro craft beer pub and cider. In fact, they have over 100 to choose from. They also serve Detroit-style pizza
- The Goat and Tricycle – A traditional pub tucked away from the busiest streets. Known for real ales, characterful interiors and great food.
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