Dog Friendly West Sussex

West Sussex is a beautiful county in England with a variety of dog-friendly attractions, parks, and places to visit. From the rolling hills and picturesque villages to fun seaside towns like Worthing, West Sussex is not only charming but a great county to explore and enjoy with dogs.

Worthing Seafront

Dog-Friendly West Sussex Must-Sees

National Trust Estates and Stately Homes

There are some fantastic National Trust properties and gardens in West Sussex, where dogs are welcome (but facilities may be limited). Depending on the property, dogs can enjoy gardens and properties, and National Trust has worked with Forthglade to create their ‘National Trust Pawprint rating system‘ where gardens and properties are rated by dog friendliness with a pawprint number between 1 and 3 (least to most dog friendly). They also have a ‘Canine Code’; a set of rules for owners and dogs to comply with when visiting National Trust locations.

National Trust Properties in West Sussex include:

Some properties have specific dog rules, for example, at Nymans Dogs are not permitted in the garden from Sunday 12 February 2023 until Monday 30 October 2023 when they are welcome between 1.30 pm and 4 pm. We always recommend checking the location-specific pages as linked above for more details.

Petworth house

Weald & Downland Living Museum, Chichester

Dogs are welcome at the Weald & Downland Museum; in fact, they’ve won awards for their dog-friendliness, including the Beautiful South Award – Gold Winner for Dog-Friendly Business of the Year 2022 – 2023.

Enjoy the beautiful setting of the museum – including the stunning mill pond, and learn more about local life while you’re doing so.

Market Square Weald & Downland Living Museum

Amberley Museum, Amberley

Amberley Museum provides a range of activities for families and visitors. It’s an excellent destination for a family day out, with both indoor and outdoor attractions to explore. It is known for its focus on heritage and history. You can learn about the area’s industrial heritage and heritage crafts through various exhibits and displays.

Well-behaved dogs are allowed in all exhibition buildings, on the museum bus and train and also in their cafe, Limeburners Cafe. Dogs must be kept on a short lead and you can find water bowls around the site.

amberley museum

Fishbourne Roman Palace & Gardens

Fishbourne Roman Palace & Gardens is the largest Roman home in Britain. Dogs aren’t allowed in the indoor museum and exhibition space, but well-behaved dogs on short leads are welcome in the gardens and cafe.

Formal Gardens at Fishbourne Roman Palace and Gardens

Chichester Cathedral

In May 2023, Chichester Cathedral announced it was opening its doors to dogs – the 3rd cathedral in the UK to do this (in addition to Wells and Lincoln). Dogs are welcome to explore the cathedral and grounds during key visiting hours, alongside the garden and the Cloisters Kitchen & Garden.

Chichester Cathedral

Ashling Park Estate, Chichester

Ashling Park Estate is a vineyard offering tours, a restaurant and a shop – in their words ‘Think Napa Valley but with a twist of the English Countryside’.

Dogs are allowed at Ashling Park Estate with prior arrangement; but only 1 dog is allowed per party, per time.

Denmans Garden

Denmans Garden is the former home and garden of the late John Brookes MBE, one of Britain’s most influential landscape designers. Dogs are welcome at Denmans Garden, including the cafe – they must be kept on a lead at all times.

Denmans Garden bungalow

The Best Dog-Friendly Walks in West Sussex

Centurion Way

Centurion Way is a 5.5-mile (9 km) long route that runs from Chichester to West Dean. It is set amidst beautiful natural surroundings, offering a peaceful and enjoyable experience for outdoor enthusiasts. It passes through the South Downs National Park, providing stunning views of the countryside.

Whiteways Woods

Whiteways Woods, also known as Whiteway Wood, is a large open forest known for its natural beauty. There are lots of routes to explore and it’s worth a visit, especially in the autumn when you can see the beautiful autumn leaves.

West Wittering Beach

West Wittering Beach is a natural and unspoiled sandy beach offering stunning views of Chichester Harbour and the South Downs. From May to September dogs are allowed on the beach, but only permitted outside groynes 14A-18.

West Wittering Beach

West Dean Gardens, Chichester

West Dean Gardens, located near Chichester in West Sussex, is a beautifully restored garden open to the public.

Dogs are welcome on a short lead, and owners need to clean up after their dogs.

Slindon Estate

Slindon Estate covers 3,500 acres of agricultural and woodland areas on the South Downs, all under the care of the National Trust. There are some beautiful trails to walk at Slindon, and there are some lovely places to visit in the village.

Chanctonbury Ring

Enjoy walks with your dogs at Chanctonbury Ring – walking through woods and fields to a beautiful spot where you can admire a stunning view of the rolling fields and hills of the surrounding area – including Washington, Wiston and Truleigh Hill.

Dog-friendly Cafés and Restaurants in West Sussex

Paws for Tea, Steyning

Located next to Cobblestone Teahouse, Paws for Tea is Steyning’s doggy cafe! They have a full human menu alongside their dog menu, meaning that you won’t miss out while your dog is enjoying some delicious treats. Their dog menu includes doggy sausages, crisps, doggy teas, puppacinos and more, and if it’s a special occasion, why not book a paws party?!

Laughing Dog, Worthing

The sister cafe of Laughing Dog Brighton, Laughing Dog Worthing is a gorgeous cafe serving coffee (and other drinks), and delicious food, and there’s also a shop to pick up gifts and treats for yourself and others.

The Bluebird Cafe, Ferring

You’ll find The Bluebird Cafe on the beachfront in Ferring. From quick drinks to breakfast boxes and takeaway fish and chips, there’s something for everyone to enjoy – including sausages for your dog!

Spilt Milk Coffee Club, Worthing

A newcomer on the Worthing cafe scene, Spilt Milk Coffee Club is growing in popularity; and so it should. Enjoy brunches, burgers, great coffee and more in a gorgeous setting – and of course, your dog is welcome too!

Spilt Milk Coffee Club Worthing

The Cafe at The Old Workshop, Sullington

The Cafe at The Old Workshop can be found at Sullington Manor Farm. There’s great food to enjoy and the main barn and outside area are both dog-friendly, so why not bring your dog along to keep you company when you visit for coffee or brunch.

Motte & Bailey, Arundel

Motte & Bailey Cafe is a traditional cafe in the beautiful town of Arundel. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, coffee, and cream tea during the day, and from Thursday to Saturday the cafe changes to a Spanish, North African & Middle Eastern inspired Tapas restaurant.

Moathouse Bakeaway & Coffee Co., Arundel

Moathouse Bakeaway & Coffee Co. serves breakfast, lunches and more to the people of Arundel.

Cockburns Tea Rooms, Arundel

As you can tell, Arundel has some lovely tea rooms, and Cockburn’s Tea Rooms is no exception. Enjoy a delightful tea experience with great service and your dog by your side.

Garton’s Coffee House, Midhurst

Located in Midhurst’s old town, Garton’s Coffee House is a great place to enjoy a bite to eat.

Perch on the Pier, Worthing

Located on the end of Worthing Pier, Perch on the Pier offers beautiful seaside views, delicious food and drink, and a great atmosphere for you and your (well-behaved) dog.

Perch on the Pier Worthing

Dog-Friendly Pubs in West Sussex

The Black Rabbit, Arundel

The Black Rabbit in Arundel is a riverside pub and restaurant located on the riverbank. Enjoy hearty pub grub with scenic views of the wetlands and Arundel Castle.

The Amsterdam, Shoreham-by-Sea

Located just off the A27, near Shoreham (Brighton City) airport, and close to the river Adur, The Amsterdam pub in Shoreham-by-Sea is a favourite spot for dog walkers and even has its own dog menu, including meals, treats, and drinks.

The Amsterdam, Shoreham-by-Sea

The Ginger Fox

The Ginger Fox is a popular gastropub located in Hassocks, just a short drive from Brighton. It is part of the Ginger Restaurants group (like The Ginger Pig in Hove) and as such is renowned for its menu, atmosphere, and dining experience.

Dogs can be in the bar area but it is recommended that you phone ahead if you’re looking to bring your dog into the main dining area.

The Shepherd and Dog, Fulking

The Shepherd and Dog is a pub located in Fulking and is known for its country pub atmosphere, craft beers, real ales, and locally sourced food. The pub has outdoor areas, including a garden and stream, and is a lovely place to visit after a walk on the Downs.

The Shepherd and Dog, Fulking

The Spotted Cow, Angmering

Located on a quiet, no-through lane in Angmering, The Spotted Cow is a much-loved pub serving a great selection of beers and other drinks, alongside a great variety of home-cooked food. Dogs are welcome in both the bar area and gardens.

The Crown Inn, Dial Post

The Crown Inn in Dial Post, West Sussex, is an award-winning pub located opposite the village green and offers a welcoming pub experience.

The Cat Inn, West Hoathly

Despite the name, The Cat Inn at West Hoathly is dog-friendly. Dogs are allowed in the bar area of the pub, but not the restaurant (dining room).

The Cat Inn, West Hoathly

The Woolpack, Burgess Hill

Formerly known as West End Farmhouse, The Woolpack is a traditional country pub with a rich history, offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere to visitors – including their dogs!

The Woolpack, Burgess Hill

CJs, East Grinstead

CJs Cafe Bar in East Grinstead, West Sussex, is a dog-friendly place, offering a relaxed atmosphere, good food, and a great selection of wines and other drinks.

Corner House, Worthing

The Corner House is built on the site of one of Worthing’s oldest pubs and is a well-known and much-loved pub. Enjoy delicious food, a great range of drinks, and fun events (such as quizzes and open mike nights) with friends, family, and your dog!

The Gribble Inn, Oving

The Gribble Inn is a gorgeous pub housed in a 16th-century thatched cottage! It also has an onsite brewery so you can enjoy a great selection of beer along with some delicious food, and of course, it’s dog-friendly.

The Gribble Inn, Oving

The Halfway Bridge Lodsworth

The Halfway Bridge is situated in Lodsworth, in the picturesque heart of the South Downs National Park, between two historic market towns: Midhurst and Petworth. Not only is The Halfway Bridge a pub serving great drinks and delicious food, but it also has luxury accommodation, too. Well-behaved dogs are allowed in the bar and the garden, there are also pet-friendly rooms and pets are also allowed to stay in the Shepherds hut. Only guide and assistance dogs are allowed in the restaurant and Cowdray Barns

Noah’s Ark, Lurgashall, Petworth

The Noah’s Ark pub is a 16th-century pub located in the beautiful village of Lurgashall, situated on the border of Surrey and West Sussex. Dogs are welcome in the bar and gardens – so a perfect visit for a pint and some bar snacks after exploring the local area.

The Bell Inn, Chichester

You’ll find The Bell Inn across the road from the Chichester Festival Theatre, and as such, it’s known as ‘the theatre pub’. It’s a traditional pub serving British pub food and a good selection of drinks. In the summer they often have a dog paddling pool so that your dog can cool off.

The Wheatsheaf, Midhurst

The Wheatsheaf has been pouring pints to the people of Midhurst since 1621 and is well-known as a dog-friendly, community pub. The staff at The Wheatsheaf are known to be friendly towards dogs, with a jar of doggy treats available on the bar for canine visitors. Dogs receive attention and affection from the staff, making it a pleasant place for pet owners to dine or have a drink.

Tap House, Shoreham-by-Sea

The Tap House in Shoreham-by-Sea is a bar and restaurant located in the heart of the town. It offers a family-friendly atmosphere and serves a variety of food and drink. Like their sister pubs The Corner House and The Beach House in Worthing, The Tap House is proudly dog-friendly and will always have a bowl of water and some treats for furry friends.

The Bull Inn, Henfield

You’ll find The Bull Inn just north of Henfield, in Mock Bridge. It’s well-known for having a great family-friendly atmosphere, and that includes dogs as well!

Dog-Friendly Shops in West Sussex

Alongside dog-friendly chain shops, there are some great dog-friendly independent shops in West Sussex. Here are a few of our favourites.

Browns Natural Pet Store

If you’re looking for high-quality treats and other products, Browns Natural Pet Store in Worthing is a must-visit! Alongside the products you can buy, your dog can also visit the Dog Grooming Spa for a wash, trim and chill!

Willow Haven

Willow Haven in Horsham is a shop specializing in crystals, gifts, jewellery, incense, essential oils, and more. They offer services like healing, crystal healing, Reiki, readings, reflexology, and stone massage. And your dog is welcome, too – just make sure to contact them ahead of your visit.

Aries Dog Boutique

Specialising in fun dog fashion and accessories, Aries Dog Boutique is a popular spot for dogs and their owners in Worthing and the surrounding areas. The owners also have a new venture; Puppa Tea – pop up doggy events!

Dog-friendly West Sussex: Where to Stay

Travelodge

As we’ve mentioned in our other dog friendly location guides, Travelodge hotels are great for those who want to stay in hotels with their dogs. We recommend contacting the hotel before or at time of booking to ensure all is good for your dog to stay!

The Goodwood Hotel

You and your dog will love The Goodwood Hotel! The whole of the Goodwood Estate is dog-friendly, and they even run Goodwoof; a fun dog event!

At The Goodwood Hotel, both you and your dog will be treated as a VIP. Their dog-friendly rooms include a dog bed, walking map, bags and treats, their VIP luxury dog crate contains butcher’s dog treats, toys, a dog water bottle and a dog bow-tie, and they also can arrange doggy playdates, doga, behavioural therapy, and your dog is welcome to come along if you choose golf, too. The ultimate luxury stay for yourself and your dog!

The Goodwood Hotel

The Spread Eagle Hotel & Spa, Midhurst

The Spread Eagle is a gorgeous dog-friendly hotel and spa located in Midhurst, close to Cowdray estate and the South Downs National Park – perfect for long, enjoyable walks or just a restful stay!

The hotel recommends booking a Midhurst room so that you and your dog(s) have more room to stay, and dogs are charged at £25 per night, per dog. Dogs are welcome everywhere humans are, apart from the spa and restaurant – don’t worry though, you’ll be able to dine with your dog in the conservatory and bar.

At the time of writing, they also offer the ‘Muddy Paws‘ deal, which includes:

The Spread Eagle Hotel & Spa, Midhurst

The Angel Inn, Petworth

Set in a coach house with medieval origins, The Angel Inn in Petworth is a beautiful place to stay with lots of character; a perfect place to explore the local area, the South Downs and beyond. Alongside the hotel, the pub is also dog-friendly.

The Angel Inn, Petworth

Spire Cottage B&B, Hunston

Spire Cottage is a gorgeous B&B located just south of Chichester. Fun fact; the building was created using the spire from Chichester Cathedral. Dogs can stay in the ground floor garden annexe room (which is self-contained and has its own garden) at a charge of £5 per night and also at Harry’s, which is a self-contained cottage as part of the B&B.

The Beachcroft Hotel, Bognor Regis

The Beachcroft Hotel in Felpham, Bognor Regis, calls itself ‘the best dog-friendly hotel in Sussex‘ and we can see why. Beachcroft is a 4-star hotel and stunning beach hut suites located right on the beach, and the team will treat your dog to their own dog bed, bowls, treats and a little gift to play with on the beach when they join you on your stay. A great bonus; Felpham beach is dog-friendly all year round, so no need to worry about where to walk!

The Welldiggers Arms, Petworth

The Welldiggers Arms can be found in Low Heath, just outside of Petworth. It’s a lovely country pub serving traditional food made from locally sourced ingredients and also has a selection of bedrooms to stay in. Unlike some other dog-friendly hotels, B&Bs and inns, all of the rooms at The Welldiggers Arms are dog-friendly, and there is a charge of £20 per dog. Just make sure to let the team know that your dog(s) will be accompanying you on your stay.

Bailiffscourt Hotel and Spa, Climping

Set in 30 acres of private parkland and leading onto Climping Beach, you’ll find Bailiffscourt, a luxury spa hotel complete with cottages, indoor and outdoor pools and tennis courts. Bailiffscourt welcomes well-behaved dogs, and they recommend booking a ‘Climping room’ so that you and your dog(s) have ample space. They charge £30 per night, per dog, and dogs are welcome throughout the complex apart from the spa and restaurant. You may dine with your dog in the rose garden, courtyard, or in one of their lounges.

Ockenden Manor, Cuckfield

Home to a gorgeous spa and Michelin-star restaurant, Ockenden Manor is a dog-friendly hotel for those seeking a luxury stay in West Sussex. Make sure to contact the hotel when booking so that you can choose the correct room for your stay and also pay the per-dog fee at the time of booking.

The Hickstead Hotel, Bolney

You’ll find The Hickstead Hotel a short drive from Brighton and Gatwick Airport, and just minutes from Hickstead Place.

The Hickstead Hotel was one of the first hotels to allow dogs to stay with their humans and allows two dogs of any size in designated rooms for an additional fee of £10 per pet, per stay.

The Old House Inn, Copthorne

The Old House Inn is a charming hotel located in Copthorne, West Sussex. It serves as both a hotel and a restaurant and pub and is known for its rustic charm. Dogs are welcome in the bar and hotel; comfortable beds and water bowls are provided when your dog stays the night, and there is a fee of £20 per dog.

Alexander House, East Grinstead

Alexander House is a luxurious 5-star hotel and spa located in East Grinstead and has dog friendly rooms so that you and your dog friends can stay in luxury together! The dog friendly areas are the Cedar Lodge Garden Suites and all rooms come with a comfy dog bed, bowls and treats to enjoy. There’s also a dedicated dog friendly area of the champagne bar so dogs and their owners can enjoy dinner together – lovely! Oh, and there’s even more! Alexander House also offers a doggy afternoon tea.

South Lodge Hotel and Spa, Near Horsham

South Lodge Hotel and Spa is a luxurious, 5-star country house hotel based in Lower Beeding, just outside of Horsham. The hotel and spa is set in 93 acres of beautiful grounds and the spa and health facilities are absolutely outstanding.

Dogs are welcome (and we mean, which dog wouldn’t want to explore those 93 acres of grounds?!) at a £40 charge for up to 2 dogs per stay, and will be accommodated with a bed, towel, water bowl, poo bags and welcome treat. However, if you choose to use the spa facilities or restaurant, your dog will not be allowed to accompany you and the hotel does not offer a dog-sitting service.

South Lodge Hotel and Spa

Looking for other dog friendly places in the UK?

Check out our dog friendly city guides.