There is nothing better than exploring new trails with your four-legged friend. Dog walks in Sussex are refreshing and rewarding, thanks to the region’s beautiful and varied landscapes, with the rolling hills of the South Downs, ancient woodlands and scenic coastlines.
With an abundance of dog-friendly trails, parks, and welcoming pubs and cafes, Sussex offers a variety of experiences for both dogs and their owners to enjoy
Sussex boasts some of the most beautiful walks in the UK, and some of these stunning locations are perfect for your next dog walk.
The Best Dog Walks In Sussex
The Best Dog Walks West Sussex
Arundel Park
Arundel Park is excellent for dog walkers, thanks to its vast, open spaces and varied terrain, which makes it perfect for both relaxed strolls and energetic adventures with your four-legged friends.
The park features scenic walking trails through woodlands, around the bright blue Swanbourne Lake, and up hills, offering dogs plenty of opportunities to explore and run freely.
Enjoy beautiful views of the South Downs, with Arundel Castle providing a picturesque backdrop for your dog walk. Listen out for various birds here, as many flock around Arundel Wetland Centre.
Arundel is one of our favourite family days out also!
Where to park: Park on Mill Road where there is ample free parking
Where to Eat? The Black Rabbit Pub is a great option to stop for food and is completely dog-friendly. They serve delicious pub grub and Sunday roasts, with beautiful riverside views.
Amberley Circular Walk
The Amberley Circular Walk is a great option for dog walkers, offering a blend of picturesque landscapes, including the River Arun, scenic countryside, and views of the South Downs.
The varied paths and gentle hills keep both dogs and owners engaged, while the route is spacious and generally safe for dogs to explore.
With its mix of open fields and shaded woodlands, the walk provides plenty of opportunities for off-lead play, making it enjoyable for dogs of all energy levels.
Do remember to keep your dog on the lead around animals and livestock or near the river, as it can overflow in the wetter months and it has a strong current.
This walk can also get quite muddy in wetter months, so make sure to pack appropriate footwear, and maybe have a large towel ready for doggo in the car!
Where to park: There is a large, free car park at Amberley Station
Where to eat: Amberley Black Horse welcomes dogs, however do make it clear when reserving so the garden room or a table in the bar can be allocated.
Kingley Vale
Kingley Vale is a great spot for dog walkers, with its ancient yew woodlands, open meadows, and picturesque views from the South Downs.
The different trails provide plenty of space for dogs to roam and explore. With both shaded and open areas, it’s a perfect blend for changeable (British!) weather conditions.
Kingley Vale boasts many interesting, ancient trees, some of which are over 500 years old. It is well worth a ramble with your dog here, you will both leave feeling replenished and satisfied.
Where to Park? West Stoke Car Park or Stoughton Car Park
Where to Eat? The Hare and the Hounds is set in the picturesque village of Stoughton. This is a great place to stop for food and drinks post-dog walk in Kingley Vale.
Check out this helpful South Downs resource and map for Kingley Vale.
Cissbury Ring
We adore going to Cissbury Ring, near Worthing, for our family walks, and many choose to bring their dogs up there for a wild and free run around. Cissbury Ring is one of the most historic hills on the South Downs.
There are wild horses on Cissbury Ring so do always practice caution by putting your dog on a lead around the wild horses.
Where to park? Park for free on Nepcote Lane, Findon or Storrington Rise, Findon Rise (BN14 0HT)
Where to eat? The Black Horse Findon is not far from Cissbury Ring. They are dog-friendly and the service is always great there. Tuck into a Sunday roast or delicious pub food.
Slindon Estate
Slindon Estate is great for a dog walk, with the route being easy and flat. Slindon Estate is around 3500 acres of Sussex woodland, farmland and downland, dotted with pretty villages.
There are plenty of paths and routes to take that lead to the top of the downs.
Where to park? Park Lane, Duke’s Road or Bignor Hill
Where to eat? The Old Stables in Arundel is a dog-friendly pub. Dogs are allowed in the bar and outside areas, with water and little treats available for dogs to refresh on.
Dog Walks in Sussex
The Best Dog Walks East Sussex
East Sussex is renowned for its various landscapes, making it a fantastic location for dog walks. The region offers a mix of coastal paths, rolling hills, ancient woodlands, and heathlands.
Ashdown Forest
Famous for being the setting for Winnie the Pooh, Ashdown Forest is a great place for dog walks in Sussex. The landscape is varied at Ashdown Forest, with a mix of ancient woodlands and open fields.
Ashdown Forest offers peaceful and scenic trails, many of which allow dogs to walk off-lead. This is one of the best dog walks in East Sussex.
Ashdown Forest and its surrounding areas offer several dog-friendly pubs and cafes, perfect for a post-walk break with your furry companion.
- The Hatch Inn in Coleman’s Hatch is a historic gastropub where dogs are welcomed, offering a pet-friendly menu including dog-friendly ice creams and beer.
- Pooh Corner in Hartfield is a must-visit for dog owners, offering a welcoming atmosphere with a tea room and gift shop, right by the famous Hundred Acre Wood.
- The Bear Inn in Hartfield, a charming 15th-century pub, offers outdoor seating where dogs can join you while you enjoy seasonal dishes and local honey.
- The Cat Inn in West Hoathly is nearby, a 16th-century pub with stunning views of the Weald, where dogs are welcome in the bar and on the garden terrace.
Ditchling Beacon
This high point on the South Downs Way offers breathtaking views, making Ditchling Beacon one of the most scenic dog walks in Sussex.
The paths here are well-threaded, which is helpful if you are visiting for the first time. It is an easy path to follow with lots of trees for dogs to sniff and explore.
Ditchling Beacon offers panoramic views of the sea and across the Weald area. It is fairly accessible from Brighton. Do keep an eye out for cows grazing or horse riders where dogs may need to be put on a lead.
Where to park? There is a pay and display carpark at Ditchling Beacon National Trust
Where to eat? The Bull allows dogs in the bar area and the beer garden
Friston Forest
Friston Forest has numerous beechwood trails, which are great for walking with dogs. Friston Forest is under the care of Forestry England, meaning there are good facilities such as picnic benches, rest rooms etc.
Friston Forest also allows professional dog walking companies to utilise the space, so long as the forest code is respected.
There are beautiful views of the Cuckmere River if you follow the large, natural staircase up on the Cuckmere view trail.
Where to park? Butchers Hole or Litlington Road – both paid parking.
Where to eat? The Long Man of Wilmington welcomes dogs on leads and requests they are not left unattended nor disturbing of other diners.
Rye Nature Reserve
If you are seeking dog walks in Rye East Sussex, then Rye Nature Reserve is a tranquil place to visit.
This is a great place for bird-watching and photo opportunities. The beach is much quieter than it’s neighbouring and popular Camber Sands.
Dogs are welcome into the Rye Nature Reserve Discovery Centre so long as they are on a short lead and good boys/girls!
There is a policy to take to keep your dog and wildlife safe whilst visiting the reserve.
It can get cold and windy here in winter, so dress accordingly.
Rye itself is a lovely dog-friendly town with lots of pet-friendly pubs, cafes and accommodation.
Where to park? It is free to park here however, you can offer a voluntary donation.
Where to eat? The Standard Inn is an award-winning pub, serving a delicious menu. Dogs are welcome inside and in the outside courtyard.
Bedgebury National Pinetum
Just outside of Sussex, in our neighbouring Kent, Bedgebury National Pinetum is a fantastic choice for dog walking due to its extensive network of trails, offering varied terrain through woodlands and open meadows.
The park’s natural beauty provides plenty of space for dogs to roam off-lead, while the diverse landscape ensures a stimulating environment for pets and their owners alike.
Near Bedgebury National Pinetum, you can find several dog-friendly pubs and cafes to enjoy after a walk.
- The Peacock Inn in Goudhurst welcomes dogs in its cosy bar area and serves meals, making it a great stop for a relaxing break.
- The Bell, in nearby Ticehurst, is a dog-friendly pub with a relaxed atmosphere and a great menu.
- Greedy Goat Café, also in Ticehurst, is another excellent spot offering dog-friendly seating.
- The Bedgebury Cafe offers a more nature-focused experience at the National Pinetum. Dogs are welcome and they serve locally sourced food with views of the forest.
This combination of varied landscapes, including coastlines, forests, and hills, makes Sussex a particularly rewarding area for dog walkers.
These are some of the best dog walks in Sussex, we hope you enjoy them too!
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