Do I need to buy a general entry ticket to attend Bark on the Beach?

No, the event is completely free to enter and wander around, though standard vehicle parking rates apply at the park gates.

How much does it cost to enter my dog into the competition?

Competition entry is £1 per category, and owners can sign up for multiple categories while spaces last.

How do I register my dog for the show?

You can sign up in advance at the visitor desk, email lepe.enquiries@hants.gov.uk, or register on the day at the cool down station before 1:00 PM.

Bark on the Beach 2026

13 June 2026

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Treat your four-legged best friend to a spectacular day out by the sea as the highly anticipated Bark on the Beach 2026 dog festival returns to the Hampshire coast. Taking place on Saturday 13 June 2026 from 10:00 AM to 15:00 (3:00 PM), this fantastic canine celebration is hosted on the stunning clifftop grounds of Lepe Country Park in the New Forest. Bringing together regional animal charities, local independent pet businesses, and a high-energy fun dog show, it offers the ultimate summer gathering for dog lovers, families, and pups eager to showcase their skills, socialize, and enjoy beautiful panoramic views across the Solent.

Quick Summary: Bark on the Beach

Bark on the Beach is a family-friendly coastal dog festival combining a lively afternoon ‘Scruffs’ competition with specialist advice booths and local artisan treat markets.

The Scruffs Competition: Enter your pup into nine fun, light-hearted judging categories including Best Trick, Fastest Recall, and Cutest Puppy to compete for prizes.
Expert Pet Markets & Mascots: Browse bespoke stalls from the New Forest Dog Group, shop handmade items from local pet businesses, and meet National Coastwatch Institution’s mascot, ‘Spot the watchkeeper.’
Coastal Picnic & Doggy Ice Cream: Pack a lunch to enjoy on the clifftop lawns or head into The Lookout restaurant to purchase refreshments, including specialized Doggy Ice Cream for your pet.

The Scruffs Competition Schedule and Timings

The absolute highlight of the festival is the light-hearted ‘Scruffs’ Fun Dog Show, taking place live on the clifftop grounds. Whether your furry friend is a master trickster or a flawless rescue pup, here is the full judging timetable for the afternoon:

10:00 AM: Bark on the Beach officially opens. Artisan pet stalls and advice booths open to the public.
13:00 (1:00 PM): Fun Dog Show Category: Best Trick
13:20 (1:20 PM): Fun Dog Show Category: Best Paw Shaker
13:30 (1:30 PM): Fun Dog Show Category: Best Rescue Dog
13:45 (1:45 PM): Fun Dog Show Category: Fastest Recall
14:00 (2:00 PM): Fun Dog Show Category: Most Mismatched Pair
14:15 (2:15 PM): Fun Dog Show Category: Best ‘Golden Oldie’ (Open to all dogs over 7 years old)
14:30 (2:30 PM): Fun Dog Show Category: Cutest Puppy (Open to all pups 12 months and younger)
14:45 (2:45 PM): Fun Dog Show Category: Judges Favourite (Grand finale sponsored by Coast and Canines in partnership with Bird Aware Solent, featuring a premium winner’s prize pack)
15:00 (3:00 PM): The festival officially concludes.

How to Enter Your Dog

To ensure a smooth, stress-free experience for you and your pet, the organizers provide three easy ways to sign up for the show:

In Advance via Visitor Desk: Drop by the main Lepe Country Park visitor services desk ahead of the event weekend.
In Advance via Email: Send your entry request directly to the park team at [email protected].
On the Day: Sign up directly at the on-site ‘Cool Down Station’ before the strict 13:00 (1:00 PM) entry cutoff.

Show Entry Rules: Entry costs just £1 per category. You can sign your dog up for as many classes as you like, but spaces are strictly limited to 12 dogs per category. Rosettes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place winners!

How to Get to Lepe Country Park

The festival is located at Lepe Country Park, Exbury, Southampton, Hampshire, SO45 1AD.

By Car: From Southampton, follow the A326 south down the Waterside peninsula toward Holbury and Fawley, then follow the clear brown tourist signs leading straight through Exbury to the coastal park entrance.
By Public Transport: Due to the remote, tranquil New Forest coastal location, direct Sunday bus and train links to the beach are extremely limited. Visitors traveling via transit are advised to take a train to Southampton Central, use the local ferry link across to Hythe, and take a local taxi down to the coast.
By Bicycle: The park is a highly popular stop along the scenic New Forest coastal cycling networks, featuring dedicated bike racks situated outside the main visitor pavilion.

Where to Park

Standard regional country park parking tariffs apply throughout the festival day. The site offers three excellent council-operated parking options:

The Clifftop Car Park: The primary location for the event, offering sprawling parking bays right next to the grass fields and activity zones. (Open 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM).
The Beach Car Park: Ideal if you want to park down on the shoreline for easy level access to the beach, the public restrooms, and The Lookout restaurant. (Open 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM).
The Western Car Park: A slightly quieter parking zone located further along the coastal road, perfect if your dog prefers a peaceful walk along the Lepe Loop trail before heading into the main show fields.

Local Parking Rates Tip: Parking costs £2.50 per hour up to a maximum full-day rate of £9.50 during the high season. The automated ticket cameras scan registrations on entry, allowing you to pay easily via card or phone before exiting.

Explore More Summer Live Music

Looking to pair your weekend with incredible open-air performances right in the city center? Explore our comprehensive visitor guide to the Southampton Summer Sessions 2026 to find full star-studded lineups, gate opening times, and essential concert details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to buy a general entry ticket to attend Bark on the Beach?: No, the festival itself is free to attend, and you do not need to book entry tickets to access the clifftop show area, trade stalls, or advice booths. Standard country park vehicle parking charges still apply.
How much does it cost to enter my dog into the Scruffs Fun Dog Show?: Entry costs just £1 per category. You are welcome to sign your dog up for as many individual judging categories as you want, but keep in mind that each group is strictly limited to 12 dog spaces.
Where can I buy food and drinks during the festival?: You can pack a family picnic to enjoy on the clifftop lawns, or head over to the park’s main restaurant, The Lookout. The cafe serves hot food, light snacks, coffees, and a specialized Doggy Ice Cream treat made specifically for your pup.
Are there plenty of facilities to keep my dog safe and cool on-site?: Yes, a dedicated ‘Cool Down Station’ will be operating on the field, offering freshwater bowls and shaded spots. There are also plenty of dog waste bins located across the entire country park footprint.
What happens if a category is fully booked?: Because entry spaces are capped at 12 dogs per category to keep the judging fair and swift, it is highly recommended to pre-register your entry by emailing the park rangers in advance at [email protected].