Sussex is one of England's most rewarding counties for dog owners. From the South Downs National Park to the miles of beautiful dog-friendly coastline, there's no shortage of adventures to share with your four-legged friend. Read on for some of our favourites.
And at Historic Sussex Hotels, we are not just dog-friendly, we are dog-loving, warmly welcoming your canine companions with plenty of cuddles and treats.
Dog-Friendly Beaches & Coastal Walks
The Sussex coastline offers some of the most rewarding experiences for dog owners, from wide, open beaches to dramatic cliff-top trails with sea views.
Climping Beach, West Sussex
Sitting on the doorstep of Bailiffscourt Hotel & Spa, Climping Beach is a wide, unspoilt stretch of coastline that dog owners absolutely love. Unlike many Sussex beaches, dogs are welcome here year-round, making it ideal for an early morning or late evening stroll at any time of year.
Guests staying at Bailiffscourt can make use of our Sandy Paws package, which includes a Ruff and Tumble drying coat and a full doggy welcome kit.
Camber Sands, East Sussex
Camber Sands is a dramatic five-mile stretch of soft golden sand. Dogs are welcome on the entire beach from October through to April.
During the summer months there is an exclusion zone in the central section, but dogs can still access the beach from the western and eastern ends.
Seven Sisters & Beachy Head, East Sussex
One of the most iconic coastal walks in England, the route from Birling Gap along the Seven Sisters cliffs to Cuckmere Haven rewards walkers and their dogs with breathtaking views over the English Channel.
Dogs should be kept on leads near the cliff edge and around any livestock. This walk is on the doorstep of Eastbourne and is spectacular at sunrise and sunset.
South Downs National Park Walks
The South Downs National Park stretches 100 miles across Sussex and Hampshire, offering some of the finest dog walks in England. Here are some favourite spots:
Devil's Dyke, near Brighton
Devil's Dyke is a favourite for walkers and dogs who love wide open spaces. The views from the top are extraordinary, and on a clear day you can see across the Weald to the North Downs.
The South Downs Way passes right through, and it's possible to follow the route all the way from Ditchling Beacon to Devil's Dyke, approximately 11km one way. The dog-friendly Devil's Dyke pub at the car park is perfect for a well-earned pint afterwards.
Ditchling Beacon, East Sussex
Ditchling Beacon is the third highest point in the South Downs and offers views across the Weald to the north and the English Channel to the south.
The grassland at the top is a National Nature Reserve and extremely popular with dogs who enjoy open runs. It sits on the South Downs Way, making it easy to extend a walk in either direction. There is also a National Trust car park at the top.
South Downs Way
Guests staying at The Spread Eagle Hotel & Spa in Midhurst are perfectly placed for exploring the South Downs on foot.
Our Muddy Paws package includes a curated menu of local dog walks, from gentle strolls to longer routes with picture-perfect views across the National Park. The town of Midhurst itself is wonderfully dog-friendly, with plenty of independent cafes and pubs welcoming four-legged visitors.
Dog-Friendly Gardens & Country Estates
Across Sussex, some of the most memorable dog walks aren’t just found along the coast, but within its historic gardens and country estates.
Sheffield Park & Garden, East Sussex
Sheffield Park is a beautiful National Trust garden. Dogs are welcome on a short, fixed lead in the garden (except Saturday mornings before 1pm) and can be off-lead in the East Park area.
The wider woodland walks around the estate are a joy for dogs who love to sniff and explore. The Coach House Café is dog-friendly too, making it easy to extend a visit.
Petworth House & Park, West Sussex
Petworth is an expansive 700-acre park and home to a herd of fallow deer. There is a dedicated dog-friendly walking route through the park, and the open grassland and wooded areas give dogs of all sizes plenty of space to stretch their legs.
Dogs must be kept on leads to protect the deer. The nearby market town of Petworth has a number of welcoming cafes and pubs.
Wakehurst, West Sussex
Wakehurst covers over 500 acres of woodland, meadows, water gardens and a sculpture trail. Dogs are welcome to explore the wider landscape on a lead, and there is a dedicated off-lead area specially for dogs who want to roam freely.
It is particularly beautiful in spring and autumn, and the woodland walks feel wild and expansive.
Dog-Friendly Events in Sussex Not to Miss
The Sussex events calendar gives dog owners something remarkable to look forward to throughout the year. Here are two of the very best.
Goodwoof, Goodwood Estate
Goodwoof is the biggest celebration of dogs in the UK outside of Crufts. It's held annually at an 11,000-acre Goodwood Estate near Chichester. This two-day festival brings together thousands of dog owners, canine athletes, world-class experts and celebrity guests.
Goodwoof is just a short drive from Historic Sussex Hotels. The Spread Eagle Hotel & Spa in Midhurst is the closest of our three properties to the Goodwood Estate, and our Muddy Paws dog-friendly package makes it the perfect base for a Goodwoof weekend break.
Bailiffscourt Hotel & Spa in Climping is equally well placed, just a few miles to the South of Goodwood on the West Sussex coast, and both hotels offer a genuinely warm welcome to dogs and their owners.
Paws in the Park, South of England Showground, Ardingly
Paws in the Park is set in the South of England Showground in Ardingly, West Sussex. This joyful, relaxed and entirely dog-centred weekend is equally perfect for seasoned dog show regulars and complete first-timers.
Tickets are affordable, dogs go free and weekend camping is available for those who want to make a proper break of it.
Dog-Friendly Pubs & Dining in Sussex
No dog-friendly day out is complete without a well-earned lunch stop, and many of the county's best pubs warmly welcome four-legged guests. Here are a few worth seeking out:
The Black Horse, Climping
Our own dog-friendly pub is the latest addition to the Historic Sussex Hotels family. Voted Best Destination Pub in Sussex at the Muddy Stilettos Awards, The Black Horse leads down to Climping Beach, making it the perfect before-or-after destination for a coastal dog walk.
Well-behaved dogs are welcome, and the wood burner provides the perfect spot for them to stretch out beside while you eat. Guests staying at Bailiffscourt Hotel & Spa next door can walk to The Black Horse directly through the grounds.
Devil's Dyke Pub, near Brighton
The Devil's Dyke Pub is a top post-walk reward for dog owners exploring this corner of Sussex. The pub sits directly in the car park above the Dyke Valley. The South Downs Way passes right by the door, making it a natural stopping point for walkers on longer routes between Ditchling Beacon and the coast.
Dogs are welcome in the bar area, with water and treats laid on, and the outdoor garden is popular with four-legged visitors on sunnier days.
The Cuckmere Inn, Exceat Bridge, near Seaford
The Cuckmere Inn has one of the most scenic pub settings in East Sussex, with panoramic views over National Trust marshland and rolling hills of the South Downs.
Walkers arriving windswept and muddy after a day on the downs are entirely at home here. Dogs are welcome, and a water bowl sits outside the entrance for thirsty hounds arriving straight from the trail.
Dogs Are Always Welcome at Historic Sussex Hotels
Historic Sussex Hotels is proud to be dog-friendly across all three of our properties. We believe your four-legged companion is an important part of the family, and we take every care to make sure they feel as welcome and well looked after as you do.
At Bailiffscourt, dogs are free to roam our extensive grounds and even enjoy trips down to the beach. The Spread Eagle offers the perfect base for adventures, with our Muddy Paws package designed for exploring the South Downs and surrounding countryside together. Meanwhile, Ockenden Manor provides a tranquil setting, with peaceful gardens and scenic walks right on the doorstep.
Ready to plan your dog-friendly break in Sussex? Browse our dog-friendly packages or call our reservations team, who will be delighted to find the perfect package for you and your four-legged companion.
