We salute some of the best Sussex establishments that welcome four-legged friends
West Dean Gardens
Dogs on leads are welcome at the lovely gardens at West Dean. Explore the Victorian glasshouses, walled garden, arboretum and more. Take pooch on a walk around the parkland or enjoy a longer stroll at nearby Kingley Vale. For a pub lunch afterwards, head to the dog-friendly Fox Goes Free in Charlton.
Amberley Museum and Heritage Centre
Learn about the industrial heritage of Sussex, take a ride on the narrow-gauge railway, visit the old wheelwright's shop and enjoy craft demonstrations. Dogs are allowed everywhere in this 36-acre open-air museum, except the cafés. For a cream tea, head to Amberley Village Tearoom, which allows dogs, and for a pub lunch, head to the dog-friendly George & Dragon at Houghton.
East Head and West Wittering Beach
Enjoy the wild beauty of East Head's sand dunes and salt marsh with your four-legged friend. Stroll through the dunes and along the sandy beaches, keeping a lookout for seals in the water. Between 1 October and 30 April, dogs are allowed on the adjacent West Wittering beach.
nationaltrust.org.uk/east-head
Bailiffscourt Hotel, Climping
Dogs are treated like royalty at this romantic spa hotel on the coast near Arundel. After a walk on the beach, Fido can relax in one of the sumptuous rooms whilst you dine in the wonderful restaurant. The Sandy Paws package includes a doggie welcome kit with bowl and toys, dinner and an overnight stay.
Petworth Park
Dogs are welcome in this gorgeous 700-acre deer park that was landscaped in the 18th century by Capability Brown. Enjoy the views that inspired Turner, and marvel at ancient oak and lime trees. Four-legged friends are not allowed in the house or the Pleasure Grounds. For a pub lunch, head to the Hollist Arms.
nationaltrust.org.uk/petworth-house-and-park
The Hollist Arms, Lodsworth
This charming country pub welcomes dogs and serves a menu of hearty dishes for humans, including vegetarian options.
Parham Gardens, Storrington
This 875-acre estate at the foot of the downs makes for a great day out. Dogs are not allowed in Parham House, but are welcome in the lovely gardens. Enjoy the kitchen garden, orchard, glasshouse, and herbaceous borders, which are a joy in late summer. Dogs on leads are also allowed in the Pleasure Grounds, the 16th century deer park, and the outdoor areas of the restaurant and café.
The Coach & Horses, Danehill
This traditional pub in the heart of the Sussex countryside welcomes dogs in the bar and bar areas of the restaurant. The lunch menu includes baguettes, fish pie and sweet chilli beef.
Bluebell Railway
Dogs get their own special canine ticket to board the old steam trains of the Bluebell Railway. Trains run daily from the main station at Sheffield Park to East Grinstead. For a long stroll, take the train to Horsted Keynes and then walk 10km (six miles) back across the fields. For a pub lunch, head to the dog-friendly Sloop Inn.
Ashdown Park Hotel, Wych Cross
This luxury spa hotel and golf country club, set amidst the beautiful forest heathland, welcomes dogs. Guests with four-legged friends can stay in the Fairway Suites, which have private terraces and open onto parkland.
Sheffield Park, near Fletching
This landscaped garden of mighty trees and lakes welcomes dogs on leads daily after 1.30pm. The park is at its best in autumn, when the leaves blush fiery colours, and in spring, when the azaleas and rhododendrons bloom. For a pub lunch afterwards, head to the dog-friendly Griffin Inn in Fletching.
nationaltrust.org.uk/sheffield-park-and-garden
Borde Hill, Haywards Heath
The beautiful gardens of Borde Hill welcome four-legged visitors on leads. Enjoy views over the Weald from the 200 acres of woodland, parkland and formal gardens, which include herbaceous borders and an Italian garden.
Royal Oak, Poynings
This dog-friendly pub sits at the foot of the South Downs, just north of Hove. After a stroll around the Devil's Dyke and the surrounding downland, head here for a hearty meal.
Litlington Tea Gardens
This charming old Victorian tea garden near Alfriston welcomes dogs. After a stroll along the Seven Sisters coastline or over the downs, enjoy a cream tea and a visit to the plant nursery next door.
Monk's House, Rodmell
Virginia Woolf lived in this charming cottage with her husband Leonard for 22 years. The couple did not have any children, and doted on their spaniels, Sally and Pinka. Virginia loved dogs so much that she wrote a biography of a cocker spaniel called Flush. Dogs are not allowed in the house, but may accompany you around the pretty garden and into Virginia's 'lodge', where she wrote some of her greatest novels. If you fancy a walk afterwards, head up onto the downs towards Breaky Bottom vineyard.
nationaltrust.org.uk/monks-house
The Ship Inn, Rye
Dogs are welcome in all areas of this charming family-friendly inn, situated in the heart of the medieval town of Rye. Visit for delicious brunch, lunch, or a weekend break in one of the 11 rooms.
Rye Beach and Nature Reserve
Enjoy the salt marsh and birds of the 465-hectare Rye Harbour Nature Reserve and stroll along Rye's sandy beach, where you might spots seals in the water. Dogs must be kept on leads.
Newhaven Fort
There has been a defence on this coastal site since the Iron Age, and the fort protected the UK during both World Wars. Dogs on leads can accompany you as you explore the network of tunnels, the air raid shelter, and the ramparts.
Carr Taylor Vineyard, near Hastings
Dogs are welcome on tours of this family-run vineyard, which produces still, sparkling and fruit wines. Follow the trail through the 37-acre vineyard, visit the winery and bottling room, sample the wine, and enjoy a cup of tea and a slice of cake.
The Horse & Groom, Rushlake Green
Sit in the cosy interior or the lovely garden at this dog-friendly village pub, which boasts views over the surrounding countryside. The tasty menu includes vegetarian options.
www.facebook.com/horseandgroomsussex
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