Dog Friendly West Sussex

1st February 2022

With its winning combination of coast and countryside, West Sussex is a wonderful place to bring your canine companion. Whether its chasing through the surf, snuffling in the woods or racing along the downs, the area is brim full of exciting opportunities. And if your well-behaved pooch likes to accompany you everywhere, we’ve plenty of great places to visit that welcome all the family, four-legged friends included. 

Beaches

There’s no shortage of beautiful beaches to enjoy in West Sussex, and whilst some have seasonal restrictions in place for the peak season, you can always find somewhere for a dip in the sea and a bark at the waves. 

Take a look at Climping Beach, halfway between Littlehampton and Bognor Regis and further along the peaceful Rustington Beach, a popular West Sussex kitesurfing spot. Both welcome dogs all year round, as does Lancing with its pastel-hued beach huts and Shoreham-by-Sea, where the Monarch’s Way long-distance footpath runs close to the beach.  

Seasonal Restrictions apply at the main beaches at the Witterings, Bognor Regis, Goring and Worthing but you can enjoy the lively promenades anytime. Check details here.

Attractions

Well-known for its floral abundance, you and your dog can enjoy the blooms at a number of our bountiful gardens in West Sussex. Try the always lovely Borde Hill Gardens near Haywards Heath, the scenic paths and lakes at Leonardslee near Horsham or the restored beauty of West Dean. Many of the county’s National Trust properties welcome dogs in their extensive grounds such as Nymans, Standen and Petworth.

And if you’d like to discover more about the history of the area you will all have a fascinating day out at the Weald and Downland Museum near Chichester, the Amberley Museum in the South Downs National Park and Fishbourne Roman Palace – even the dogs will enjoy it.  

Food and Accommodation

Most of our friendly West Sussex inns welcome visitors who are accompanied by their trusted pooch. Some appealing highlights for hounds include The Black Rabbit in Arundel where you can enjoy views across the river, The Ginger Fox in the South Downs and The Cat Inn, West Hoathly! Also try The Fountain Inn, Ashurst and The White Horse Inn, Sutton for delicious human food.

If you want to spend longer, and why wouldn’t you, we can highly recommend Historic Sussex Hotels who love having dogs to stay, Beachcroft Hotel, right beside the beach and Goodwood – who are even running a dog-themed festival. Don’t miss Goodwoof which will return in 2023!