New boutique festival for dogs in the New Forest

“If a dog could have the best day of its life, it would go to Dogstival.”

Reward your dog with their best day out ever at Dogstival, an exciting new, boutique-style festival taking place on 18 and 19 May 2019 in doggy paradise, the New Forest.

Set in the stunning surroundings of the Pylewell Park Estate, Dogstival will be hosted by local resident, TV presenter and renowned dog lover Chris Packham and promises all the ingredients for a fabulous day out for you and your four-legged family member. There’s even a glorious dog-friendly beach!

A celebration of the joy dogs bring to our lives, visitors can expect dazzling displays, activities to try, delicious treats, fantastic gifts, experts talks and more, in the heart of one of the UK’s most dog-friendly areas. Dogstival also intends to help owners discover more about the mental and physical wellbeing of their furry friend for a happier, healthier future together.

A Dogstival day out will include:
Dogstival Main Arena – this is the place to watch the dazzling skills of traditional working, therapy and assistance dogs from some of the best display teams in the UK

Dog House Behavioural Stage – owners can get a deeper understanding of their dog’s wellbeing and behaviour from canine experts covering topics such as mental stimulation, separation anxiety, diet, exercise and more.

Have-A-Go – because who wants to just sit and watch? Getting tails wagging will be an array of activities for dogs to try their paw at. Splash about in the K9 Aqua Sports Pool, enjoying canine aquatic sport otherwise known as dock diving. There’s also agility and flyball to get the pace going. Plus, dogs can enjoy dips and water-soaked fetch on Pylewell Park’s very own beach.

Happy Hound Den – dedicated to all things canine pamper and chill, dogs can recharge from all the excitement with power naps and relaxing grooms, while humans chat with fellow owners

Boutique shopping – visitors can expect over 200 quality stalls catering to a dog’s every need, as well as lots of wonderful goods and gifts from local New Forest producers.

Artisan Food & Drink – Fuelling the humans’ day will be a host of food from local land and sea including delights such as wood fired pizza, crispy squid, Hampshire hog roast, freshly made Isle of Wight fishcakes, local ale, craft gin, freshly squeeze juice and more.

Bringing the whole dog day together is an engaging, friendly boutique-vibe. Expect live music, Vintage Fairground complete with a Ferris Wheel offering views over the Isle of Wight and just for dogs, there will be surprises to discover including a canine cartoonist, Dogstival Photobooth and Dogstival Treasure Hunt with hidden prizes to sniff out.

Dogstival’s stunning, dog-friendly South Coast location plays a huge factor in making the event a truly fantastic day out with your dog. Pylewell Park is steeped in history as a grand 17th century house, positioned on the south coast of the New Forest. The estate is approximately 2,000 acres with a mix of woodland, a 15-acre lake with around 70 acres of open lawn that flows down from main house onto its private beach, which makes it the perfect spot to visit during National Walking Month!

For more information visit the dedicated website.

For campsites nearby consider family-friendly Premier Park Shamba Holidays, or adults only Back of Beyond Touring Park. Both are dog-friendly and just a 40-minute drive through the New Forest.