The city by the sea, sandwiched in between the South Downs National Park and the English Channel, Brighton and Hove has been a favourite British holiday destination for decades. It combines an uncompromising, traditional, windswept seaside charm with a modern, relaxed, trendy and bohemian vibe, creating a blend which is quite unique. For dog owners, Brighton and Hove is an ideal place for a city break, with loads of colourful, quirky and fun independent shops, the seaside and the rolling Downland hills all right on your doorstep.
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Dog Friendly Brighton Must Sees
The Lanes & The North Laine
Brighton’s two most famous shopping districts. The former is a higgledy-piggledy warren of narrow streets which reveal an array of jewellers, bric-a-brac shops and art dealers. The latter is a more open series of grid-patterned terraced streets comprising a bewildering array of independently owned businesses. There’s something here for everyone, be they human or canine. From falafels restaurants to head shops selling skull bongs, vintage clothes stores to comic book stores, gift shops to tattoo parlours, Brighton has you covered. It is a vibrant and ever-changing landscape of things to see and do but do be warned: they can be extremely busy!
The Palace Pier
One of the country’s most famous piers, The Palace Pier at Brighton combines old-fashioned seaside hucksterism and amusement arcades, with food stands, bars and even its own theme park (if you dare). It’s also a great viewing platform to look out across the beach, seafront and to watch the murmuration of starlings from the ruins of the West Pier.
The Royal Pavilion Gardens
Dogs are not allowed in the Royal Pavilion, Brighton’s most famous landmark. The Indian and Chinese-inspired royal palace built by King George IV in the late 18th Century will sadly forever remain a mystery to them. However, they are allowed to sit in and explore the Pavilion Gardens, and take in one of the more peculiar slices of Britain’s royal history.
Volk’s Electric Railway
Infuriatingly, Brighton seafront’s newest attraction – the 555-foot tall i360 viewing tower – is off limits to all dogs except for assistance dogs. However, Brighton seafront’s OLDEST tourist attraction, the electric light railway designed by Magnus Volk that has linked the central promenade to Brighton Marina since 1883, IS dog-friendly. It’s a great way to see the Front as well as get to the shops, bars and restaurants of the Marina. And the joke’s on the i360, because the Volk’s Railway – as the world’s oldest operational all-electric railway – also has history on its side.
The Best Dog Friendly Walks in Brighton
The Promenade
From the Marina in the East to the Angel of Peace Statue at Hove Lawns, Brighton and Hove owes much of its character to its seafront. And there is plenty to explore. You can either take it at a pace as stiff as the winds that come in from the Channel coast in order to get yourself a good appetite, or saunter along the pebble beach investigating the array of independent shops, cafes and bars that now inhabit the old fishermen’s nooks beneath the main road. Either way, you’re almost guaranteed to find something interesting.
Parks
One of Brighton’s more readily-noted quirks is its topography. It is a hilly old place, the result of sitting in a valley between the chalk hills of the Downs to the north and the sea to its south. As a consequence, Brighton and Hove isn’t blessed with areas suitable for the kind of huge, sprawling parks you will find in other cities its size. However, there are a number to choose from, each with their own character. In the city centre, your best bet is Preston Park, a gently sloping area of open grassland with a small wood. If you find yourself in Hove, there is the glorious Hove Park, the largest green space in Brighton and Hove to be entirely surrounded by the city.
Another good option is Queen’s Park, in the city’s Hanover area. However, this one needs strong legs and good lungs, as it is approached on all sides by very steep hills. It might be a good idea to hop on a bus in order to get there, or else both you and your dog will be worn out before you’ve even arrived.
But let’s not beat around the bush: the best park to let your dog run wild and free in Brighton and Hove is Stanmer Park, a 464 acre area of grassland, woods, country houses and farmland which sits to the city’s eastern border, towards Falmer and the Universities. It is easily accessible by car or bus and your four-legged friends will absolutely love it.
Devil’s Dyke
Along with Ditchling Beacon, Devil’s Dyke is the city’s most famous natural landmark, a hundred metre-deep valley set in the beautiful South Downs National Park. Only 5 miles from the city centre as the crow flies, you will feel as though you are in another world. Like Stanmer Park, it is easy to get to by both car and local bus services, and your dog will have a great time.
Dog-friendly Cafés and Restaurants in Brighton
Nowhere Man
53 Upper North Street, BN1 3FH
Not far from the central shopping district, Nowhere Man is in the city’s Montpelier area, a quiet and scenic residential area of town where Brighton meets Hove. Nowhere Man is a great place for breakfast, brunch, pancakes or just a coffee. As you’d expect from Brighton, there are plenty of gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options available.
Moshimo
Bartholomew Square, BN1 1JS
Here’s a piece of trivia: the first sushi restaurant to open in the United Kingdom was in Brighton. Alas, Moshimo – located opposite Brighton Town Hall, between the Lanes and the sea front, was not it. However, it does do outstanding Japanese food in charming surroundings and is dog-friendly.
Smorls
Open Market, Marshall’s Row, BN1 4JU
Technically speaking, Smorls isn’t dog-friendly but it is located in the indoor Open Market, which is. And it would be remiss of us not to recommend it to you, because the food they make there is so consistently outstanding. Wholesome, healthy and delicious falafel salad bowls, pittas, burgers and wraps, it is also 100% vegan.
Wild Flor
42 Church Road, BN3 2FN
A recent addition to the already impressive array of restaurants in Hove’s Church Road, Wild Flor boasts classic cookery and an enormous wine cellar. Friendly service and fresh, tasty food.
The New Club
133-134 Kings Road, BN1 2HH
Opposite the i360 and the ruins of the West Pier and with a great sea view, The New Club is a New York-style dining experience, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner. It does great steaks and burgers, as well as an exciting array of cocktails.
Small Batch Coffee Roasters
111 Western Road, BN1 2AA
108a Dyke Road, BN1 3TE
70 Goldstone Villas, BN3 3RU
67 Church Road, BN3 2BD
Wellington House, Boundary Road, BN41 1DU
Brighton Station Forecourt, Queens Road, BN1 3XP
If you’re just in the mood for a coffee and a cake, perhaps to dip out of the sea breezes and get into the snug, we recommend Small Batch. They’re the local independent coffee chain and as you can probably tell from their ever-growing list of locations, they’re doing a great job.
Dog Friendly Pubs in Brighton
The majority of the pubs in Brighton and Hove allow dogs, as is only right and proper. However, here are a few recommendations.
The Pond
49 Gloucester Road, BN1 4AQ
Located just to the north of the North Laine and not far from Brighton Station, The Pond is well worth a visit. There’s always a good choice of drinks and, better still, the kitchen produces a delicious array of Asian-style street food.
The Crescent
6 Clifton Hill, BN1 3HL
Near the Seven Dials area of Brighton, The Crescent is a charming old-fashioned pub with log fires, ample outdoor seating and good pub grub in peaceful and friendly surroundings.
The Lion and Lobster
24 Sillwood Road, BN1 2PS
Tucked away behind the city’s main shopping streets in an otherwise unassuming street of terraced houses in one of Brighton’s most eclectic and fascinating watering holes, The Lion and Lobster features multiple highly-decorated storeys with nooks, crannies, gardens and terraces. There’s always something going on here.
The Hampton
57 Upper North Street, BN1 3FH
From the outside The Hampton looks like a very traditional English pub, and it is. But there is more to it than that. A friendly and buzzing local, it has recently added Indian-inspired street food made by Easy Tiger to its menu, as well as opening its doors to their very own resident pub dog.
Brighton Bierhaus
161 Edward Street, BN2 0JB
In the city’s forever-trendy Kemptown area, Brighton Bierhaus offers a range of German and Belgian beers unmatched anywhere else in the city, alongside local ales and a variety of tasty food.
Dog Friendly Shops in Brighton
Brighton’s shops are unusually dog-friendly, the result of there being so many independently-owned stores around the North Laine and The Lanes. Always remember to ask first if you’re unsure! However, here are some of our picks:
The Laughing Dog
31 The Octagon, Mariner’s Quay, BN2 5WA
Based at Brighton Marina, The Laughing Dog combines gifts, art galleries and a print studio. It also has its own cafe on site.
Dave’s Comics
5 Sydney Street, BN1 4EN
Your one stop shop for everything comic book or graphic novel based, Dave’s also specialises in models and other gifts. The ideal place for a dog who is also a nerd.
Bird and Blend
41 Gardner Street, BN1 1UN
Bird and Blend specialise in tea mixology, and their store in the North Laine lets customers customise and mix their own blends of tea or purchase some of the pre-established tried and tested varieties. Both you and your dog are guaranteed a warm welcome.
You’re Pawfect
32 Ship Street, BN1 1AD
The boutique store your dog has been waiting for its whole life, You’re Pawfect combines dog fashions, toys and treats with a grooming salon and a dog cafe. The only thing that is missing is a cat to chase up a tree, but you can’t have everything.
Dog-friendly Brighton: Where to Stay
If you’re looking to stay in a dog friendly hotel in Brighton and Hove, here’s our recommendations:
Aubyns
Hove, BN3 2TL
Ideally located just outside the hustle and bustle of the city centre, close to both the beach and the characterful park at St. Ann’s Well Gardens, this private let property sleeps 8 and allows up to two dogs for £171 per night.
Steyning Kilns
Steyning, BN44 3PD
The area just to the north and west of Brighton is home to some unforgettable Downland countryside and also a great variety of dog-friendly holiday cottages and lets. Check out Pets Pyjamas and Canine Cottages for a huge selection. We’ve chosen this one as an example, in the Steyning area which is ideally placed for people wanting to get into the city without missing out on the surrounding countryside.
Old Ship Hotel
32-38 Kings Road, BN1 1NR
Located on the seafront, the Old Ship Hotel is one of Brighton’s most popular resorts. They are also dog friendly, boasting that your four-legged friend will receive as warm a welcome as you do. Your dog will receive a welcome pack of a bowl, bed and treats, and is also free to join you in both the hotel’s restaurant and bar. Prices start at £150 per night, including up to two dogs.
Artist Residence
33 Regency Square, BN1 2GG
With a prime location in the Georgian splendour of Regency Square, Artist Residence is a quirky and artistic boutique hotel with magnificent views across the beach. Your dog will receive its own bed, bowls and towels, in addition to a welcome pack of treats. They are also welcome to dine with you at the hotel’s restaurant, from £310 per night.
Travelodge
Many of Travelodge’s 570 locations in the UK are pet friendly, including these three in and around the Brighton and Hove area:
Travelodge Brighton Seafront, West Street, BN1 2RE
Travelodge Brighton, 165-167 Preston Road, BN1 6AU
Travelodge Worthing Seafront, 86-95 Marine Parade, BN11 3QD
The Grand Hotel
97-99 Kings Road, BN1 2FW
Our list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Brighton’s most famous hotel, nestled in the centre of the promenade and forever looking, well, Grand. Happily The Grand Hotel also allows dogs to stay, for a £30 additional charge when you book.