With the South Downs National Park at the heart of the county, 50 miles of stunning coastline and a plethora of dog-friendly pubs, cafes and places to stay, travelling with your four-legged friend has never been more appealing! Whether you’re looking for the perfect walkies or inspiration for a weekend away, you’ll find something for the whole party in West Sussex.
We’ve listed some of the best dog-friendly activities, places to eat and drink, as well as stay, in West Sussex.
Things to do in West Sussex with your dog
If a stroll around the gardens of a stately home sounds like your kind of heaven, the National Trust allows dogs in many of its grounds and surrounding walking routes, including Petworth’s 700-acre estate, Uppark House and Garden in Petersfield and Standen House and Gardens close to East Grinstead. You can even take your four- legged friend to explore the 500-acres of wild botanic gardens at Wakehurst! You could try the beautifully manicured grounds of West Dean Gardens in Chichester or Borde Hill Gardens in Haywards Heath, the naturalistic Sussex Prairie Gardens near Henfield or the magnificent Leonardslee Gardens near Horsham.
There are numerous walks across the South Downs you can download routes for, one of the most renowned being the Centurion Way. Or you can explore the dozens of pathways that run throughout Whiteways Woods in Arundel.
Don’t forget that the majority of our beaches welcome dogs to designated stretches throughout the year, so if you’re both keen paddleboarders, head to West Wittering, Worthing or Littlehampton.
View our amazing dog friendly-beaches and check for any restrictions when visiting with your dog.
Travelling as a family? You’ll be pleased to know that many of the area’s most popular family museums, including the Weald & Downland Living Museum and Amberley Museum and Heritage Centre welcome well-behaved pooches.
Dog-friendly pubs, restaurants, cafés
After all that walking, you’ll need somewhere to refresh and refuel. The Bluebird Café is located right on Ferring beachfront, making the perfect place to stop on a coastal stroll. For a traditional tearoom complete with sandwiches, cake, tea and coffee, visit Highdown Tea Rooms between Littlehampton and Worthing – it even stocks doggy ice cream! Closer to Arundel, pop into local coffee roastery and café The Edge with your pup in tow and peruse some of the local produce.
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If cosying up in the pub is more your thing, you’ve plenty of choice as West Sussex is full of dog-friendly inns. After a good walk, try The Black Rabbit in Arundel, grab a drink and enjoy the serene views across the river and wetlands. The Ginger Fox is an idyllic country pub, nestled into a nook of the Downs. Meanwhile, The Worlds End and The Swallows Return pub and restaurants both welcome dogs and are within close reach of Worthing.
Accommodation
Pack up your bag and your pooch for a relaxing stay in the best of West Sussex’s pet friendly accommodation. From camping and self-catered accommodation to hotels and spas, there are some great choices available.
Set within a grand estate just outside of Chichester, The Goodwood Hotel is a quintessentially British establishment with selected pet friendly rooms. If you fancy a wooden lodge, try those on the Tinwood Estate, offering a unique and luxurious stay for you and your furry plus one. Head along to Bognor Regis’ coast and find some of The Beachcroft Hotel’s luxury beach huts or ground-floor private terrace rooms ready for you and your companion!
For hotel and spa stays, Bailifscourt in Climping, Ockenden Manor in Cuckfield and The Spread Eagle Midhurst all offer pet friendly getaways, complete with doggy welcome packs!
Picturesque Petworth offers The Welldiggers Arms, a snuggly country pub with 14 lavish rooms that all accept dogs and up the road in Pulborough, The White Horse Inn offers several dog-friendly rooms in relaxing surroundings – plus a great pub menu.
Is there a place missing from our list that you think we should know about? Feel free to get in touch via our contact form and let us know.
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