The coast of Sussex is 75 miles long and boasts some of the busiest seaside towns in the UK. Brighton is perhaps the best known- it’s a huge place that offers everything from a pier, to top night clubs, chip shops to Michelin starred restaurants and vintage shops to high-street stores. With so many dog friendly days out in Sussex, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular.
The Best Places To Take Dogs in Sussex
Camber Sands is family-friendly and Eastbourne has a long prom that doggies will enjoy.
Between the busy beaches, you can find pet-friendly places where pooches can run around unrestricted, and there’s nothing nicer than wrapping up warm and spending time on the pebbles in winter.
Check out our list of 7 dog friendly attractions in Sussex here:
Activities & Things to Do
Find below 7 of the best days out in Sussex for dogs
1. Play on Shoreham-by-Sea Beach
Many of the beaches along the Sussex coast have restrictions in place for dogs from May to September, but a few allow pooches on them all year round. Shoreham-by-Sea beach is always dog friendly and is made up of a wide stretch of shingle and rock. Wander along the boardwalk until you reach Shoreham Fort – you can see where the guns once stood and climb to the look-out point for views across the harbour.
2. Hike On the South Downs
The South Downs National Park reaches from Winchester in Hampshire to Eastbourne in Sussex and offers 100 miles of beautiful hilly countryside. With walking trails that take you through bluebell woods, along cliff edges and across wild heathland, you and your dog can hike for hours. Take a picnic or stop at a dog-friendly pub and enjoy the beautiful scenery on offer.
3. Ride A Steam Train In Sussex
The Bluebell Line is a heritage railway that runs between East Grinstead and Sheffield Park. The 11-mile track takes passengers through the pretty countryside on steam and diesel trains, and doggies can join their owners in the carriage for the trip. At the restored station there’s a café, and events are regularly held here such as vintage car rallies and Christmas markets. Little ones enjoy seeing the trains go past and watching the signal box working too.
4. Visit Sheffield Park And Garden
Influenced by Capability Brown and formed over many centuries, Sheffield Park is 250 acres of spectacularly planted landscape. The River Ouse runs through the middle of it and it’s a haven for birds and wildlife of all kinds. A trail and adventure playground have been created and these are enjoyed by families all year around. Doggies can walk through the grounds after 1.30pm every day – in some parts they need to be on a lead as there is grazing livestock and in other areas they can run around freely. Pooches are also welcome in the tea house garden room.
5. Tour The Weald & Downland Living Museum
Set in the South Downs, this open-air museum displays rescued historical buildings. Old trades are also celebrated at this 40-acre site where knowledgeable volunteers bring the old buildings to life. A Tudor kitchen, working water mill and Edwardian tin church are highlights of the museum where you can see demonstrations and attend courses exploring bygone skills and traditions. The BBC TV show Repair Shop is filmed at this museum, and you can sometimes see them recording episodes on the site. Dogs are welcome to visit the museum with you, and the area of adjoinging woodland makes a great place to go for a stroll.
6. Discover Cissbury Ring
In West Sussex there are the remains of a hill fort built in 300BC. It’s a mystical place loved by dog walkers and ramblers. Take a gentle stroll around the whole area, it takes around an hour, and enjoy the views that stretch all the way to Brighton.
7. Walk In William The Conqueror’s Footsteps
The 1066 trail starts in Battle, ends in Pevensey and is 131 miles long. It’s a route taken by William The Conqueror and goes across open fields, woodland and hills. As you wander you pass through traditional villages with oast houses and dog-friendly pubs. Choose part of the route to explore and retrace some of Sussex’s famous history. Dog walks in Sussex are a lovely way to spend some time with your dog.
Looking at Visiting the Area
From east to west there are seemingly endless dog-friendly places in Sussex so it makes sense that many dog owners choose to spend a few days here. If you’re one of them we have got a great list of pet-friendly accommodation
Holiday Cottages
It can be confusing searching for places where dogs are allowed so we have made it easier by compiling a list of Sussex dog-friendly cottage rentals or you can view this page for Sussex hot tub cottages for pets.
Log Cabins
Want somewhere where the kids can play, scenic walks and onsite facilities then dog friendly lodges in Sussex could be the perfect holiday home for you.