With a dog
Dog-friendly Odiham
Walks, pubs and the practical bits for a weekend away with the dog, from the canal towpath to the nearest vet.
Why it works with a dog
This is the page we'd send friends coming with a dog. The Basingstoke Canal towpath is flat, with water all the way and no roads once you're on it. Odiham Common is woodland and meadow with free parking at Colt Hill. And most of the pubs welcome dogs, at least in the bar or garden.
Two things to know: the Common and the field paths get very muddy after rain, and there are cattle on Warnborough Green and Greywell Moors, so leads on there.
Dog walks from Odiham
All eight of our mapped walks work with a dog. Here's what to expect on each, from the walk pages.
Odiham Common and the canal
With a dog: Hart District Council describes the Common as dog friendly, and it's a favourite local dog walk. Watch out for adders on sunny days in spring and summer, and keep dogs close on London Road and Bagwell Lane. The canal is handy for a drink.
Canal towpath to King John's Castle
With a dog: No livestock and no roads once you're on the towpath, so it's relaxing with a dog. Cyclists and anglers share the path, so keep dogs close when it's busy. Plenty of water along the way.
Odiham, North Warnborough and King John's Castle
With a dog: Mostly lanes and towpath, so it's an easy one with a dog. Leads on for The Street, Hook Road and London Road. Cattle sometimes graze Warnborough Green, near the ford. There's water at the ford and all along the canal.
Odiham village heritage trail
With a dog: Fine for dogs on leads, though they'll need to wait outside the church and the Pest House.
The Mill House, Butter Wood and Greywell Tunnel
With a dog: Cattle graze Warnborough Green, and there may be a few animals in the fields near Greywell, so keep dogs on leads there. Butter Wood is private woodland with public footpaths through it, so keep to the paths and keep dogs under close control. Take care crossing Hook Road twice. There's water at the ford and along the canal.
Greywell Moors, Greywell and the castle
With a dog: Cattle graze Greywell Moors all year round, and the Wildlife Trust asks for dogs on leads throughout the reserve and out of the river. Fields near Odiham may have cattle too. Leads on for crossing Bidden Road, which is fast. The canal is fine for a drink on the way back.
Dogmersfield Park and Broad Oak
With a dog: Leads on for both A287 crossings, as the traffic is fast. There may be livestock and deer in Dogmersfield Park and the fields near Broad Oak. The canal has water for the first half of the walk.
Odiham Trail and Ale
With a dog: Dog friendly all the way, with water at the canal and the ford. Cattle can graze Warnborough Green and the fields near Greywell, so leads on there, and in Butter Wood, which is private woodland with public paths. All seven pubs (six until the Waterwitch reopens) welcome dogs, at least in the bar or garden, but it's worth checking before you go in.
Dog-friendly pubs and cafés
Most places keep dogs to the bar or garden rather than the dining room, so have a quick word when you arrive.
The Red Lion, High Street
Independent, Grade II-listed and dog friendly, with seven bedrooms, some of which take dogs. It opens early for breakfast from Friday to Sunday.
Bel & the Dragon at the George, High Street
Dogs on leads are welcome in the bar and the garden, but not the main dining areas, so ask for a dog-friendly table when you book.
The Bell, The Bury
The tiny community-owned pub opposite the church, dog friendly and family friendly. It opens in the late afternoon on weekdays (closed Mondays) and from noon at weekends.
The Mill House, North Warnborough
Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome in the bar, as long as they stay off the furniture. Mention your dog when you book.
The Anchor Inn, North Warnborough
A proper village local with a big beer garden, and dogs are welcome. It doesn't usually open at weekday lunchtimes.
The Derby Inn, Bartley Heath
Dogs are welcome in the bar, with water bowls outside and often treats behind the bar.
The Waterwitch, Colt Hill
The canalside pub, with dogs welcome in the big garden and selected areas inside under the current team. The Waterwitch changes hands on 1 November 2026 and reopens under new owners some time in November (no date yet), so check it's open before you go. New owners may change the dog rules too.
The Fox & Goose, Greywell
Handy for the western end of the canal and the castle. It's under new management, so check first whether dogs and children are welcome and whether food is on.
Newlyns Farm Café, North Warnborough
Dogs aren't allowed inside, but they're welcome on the outdoor terrace, weather permitting.
Fancy doing a few in one go? The Odiham Trail and Ale walk links seven local pubs (six until the Waterwitch reopens).
Where dogs can't go
- John Pinkerton canal cruises: no dogs on public trips, except assistance dogs.
- Pennybridge Alpacas: no dogs, as the herd is wary of new animals.
- Newlyns Farm Café: terrace only, not inside.
- Greywell Moors: the Wildlife Trust asks for dogs on leads throughout the reserve and out of the river.
If your dog needs a vet
Hook Vets, Bell Meadow Road, Hook
The nearest vet practice we know of, about four kilometres away, so you'll need the car or a taxi. It sees dogs, cats and small pets, and there's an emergencies page on its website. Ring before you turn up.
A ready-made day
Our dog-friendly day in Odiham puts it together: the village walk in the morning, the Red Lion for lunch and the towpath to the castle in the afternoon.
Quick answers
Is Odiham dog friendly?
Very. The canal towpath and Odiham Common are on the doorstep, and most of the pubs welcome dogs, at least in the bar or garden.
Which Odiham pubs allow dogs?
The Red Lion, Bel & the Dragon (bar and garden), The Bell, and in North Warnborough the Mill House (bar), the Anchor and the Derby Inn. Check the Waterwitch is open first, and check with the Fox & Goose, which is under new management.
Where can I walk my dog off the lead near Odiham?
The canal towpath has no roads or livestock once you're on it, though cyclists and anglers share it, so keep dogs close when it's busy. Leads go on for cattle on Warnborough Green and Greywell Moors.
Where is the nearest vet to Odiham?
Hook Vets on Bell Meadow Road in Hook, about four kilometres away.