For those who own dogs it is reassuring to know that the four-legged member of the family is welcome at some pubs and other restaurants.
Here are some of our favourite options.
West Dean Gardens
Dogs on leads are welcome at the lovely gardens at West Dean. Explore the Victorian glasshouses, walled kitchen 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 (01243 811461) 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 (01798 839196), which allows dogs, and for a pub lunch, head to the dog-friendly George & Dragon at Houghton (01798 831559).
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.
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 Horsted Keynes, Kingscote, and 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 (01444 831219).
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 (01825 722890) 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.
© Chichester Self Catering
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