Dog-Friendly Holidays East Sussex
Home to rolling hills, picture-perfect landscapes, family beaches and a number of historic towns, it's no surprise East Sussex is a popular pick when it comes to dog-friendly holidays. Whether you explore the coastal delights of Eastbourne, discover ancient history at Hastings, or indulge in the cultural wonders of Brighton, you and your four-legged friend are bound to have a fabulous time.
Brighton, EnglandBristol Gardens, a stylishly renovated 4-bedroom home in Kemptown, Brighton, offers a dog-friendly stay just moments from the beach.£300From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & book
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Rye, EnglandThis stunning Victorian mansion has been renovated in 2020 to an exceptionally high standard throughout. Large, social living areas with an open flow make Harbour Retreat the perfect escape for all your friends and family. It has been finished to a very high standard with a real touch of elegance and this luxurious, modern space is incredibly light and airy throughout. With many different aspects, this allows sunlight to pour into the property creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Soak up the sun in the private rear courtyard and enjoy a nice glass of wine in the evening or snuggle up in either of the two living rooms. Perfect for celebrating that special occasion or just getting everyone together, this detached holiday home is sure to create many happy memories and a fantastic stay.
Just a short walk away is the medieval and historic hilltop town of Rye. With its famous cobbled streets, lined with interesting historic buildings, an abundance of independent shops, restaurants and cafés, interesting art galleries and museums, as well as cosy and inviting pubs. Head to the harbour for quiet beaches, picturesque walks and coastal birdlife.
Rye is steeped in history and is well worth exploring, with a range of restaurants, bars, boutique shops and historical sites. Wander through the historic Landgate and along the cobbled streets to admire the House with Two Doors (filmed as part of the BBC Series ‘Mapp and Lucia’ and the infamous Mermaid Street). Take lunch at one of the lovely pubs serving food, followed by a visit to Rye Pottery for a creative afternoon. The glorious long sandy beaches and dunes of Camber Sands are also just 5 miles up the road. For wine enthusiasts, Chapel Down and Gusbourne Vineyards are well worth a visit where local wine can be sampled or enjoyed within the restaurant. Further afield are the interesting historic towns of Hastings and Battle. The Old Town in Hastings is a popular historic area with numerous traditional pubs with a vibrant music scene. A busy day of exploration can be rounded off with fish and chips on the seafront. Beach 2 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 50 yards.£572From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Battle, England
4.00The Challoners is nestled in the heart of the East Sussex Weald and redefines what to expect from a premium glamping holiday experience. As you enter through the gate, your two wood-clad cabins greet you unassumingly, but step inside and the lavish attention to detail can really be appreciated. The shepherd’s hut houses the bedroom which offers a sumptuous Hypnos double bed, while delicate finishing touches include softly painted cladding, ornate furnishings, and an antique electric stove heater. Through double sliding doors is a gorgeous en-suite bathroom with roll-top bath. In a separate lodge, just a couple of metres away, are your living quarters. Adorned with chic rustic style, this too is exclusively yours and features an open plan living space complete with large corner sofa and a selection of books, games, and puzzles. For ultimate comfort and convenience there is also a walk-in shower room here along with another washbasin and toilet in addition to those in the en-suite. Both cabins feature underfloor heating throughout for cosy winter evenings in this wonderful self-catering retreat.
Throw open the French doors to enjoy views over the Wealden countryside and your private garden with curved stone loveseat, a covered picnic table, BBQ, and a fire pit where you can gaze at the stars The garden is fully enclosed at this dog friendly accommodation near Bodiam and Battle, making it a perfect rural spot.
The Challoners is a place to enjoy some peace and quiet, so the owners have deliberately left out a TV - the perfect excuse to create your own intimate environment away from the outside world and take some time for you. You may come with good intentions to explore the area and find yourself not wanting to leave this haven all weekend! If you can pull yourself away there are 300 acres of foot and cycle paths to explore in the surrounding area, including access to the owners private 50 acres of woodland with one of the largest badger sets in Europe. A unique boutique countryside retreat for romantic short breaks and pure indulgent escapism.
The pretty village of Robertsbridge is just a mile away and offers a general store, local pub, and award-winning Indian restaurant. Both the local pubs are also dog friendly and the Salehurst Halt has a large dog-friendly garden. Bewl Water is 7 miles away and offers various water sports and the Bodiam Boating Station is 10 miles away which offers river cruises and boat hire for a more relaxed day out or kayaking for the more adventurous. You can also explore Bodiam Castle 3 miles away and a little further afield are Battle, the Cinque Ports town of Rye and the coastal town of Hastings. The area between Robertsbridge, Rye and Pevensey is called ‘1066 Country’ and boasts a host of tourist and leisure attractions, including Great Dixter, Bodiam Castle and Smallhythe Place. For those wanting to venture back to the time of steam trains, visit the Kent and East Sussex Railway and take a trip from Bodiam to Tenterden in one of the lovely old carriages. Visit the moated castle at Bodiam built in 1385 by Sir Edward Dalyngrigge, a former knight of Edward III, only a 10-minute drive.£155From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Sedlescombe, England 5.00These two pretty, beamed, semi-detached holiday cottages, (refs 27442 and 27443) with mezzanine floor, have been attractively converted from former cow byres and are set in the owners’ 14-acre small holding which is home to farm animals including sheep and pigs. On-site is a small children’s play area. A 10-minute walk across the fields brings you into Sedlescombe with its village green and traditional country pub. In close proximity to Battle, with its famous battlefield and abbey, built to commemorate the Battle of Hastings in 1066. Relive one of the most famous days in history, and join the 1066 walk from the doorstep. Take a trip on the Kent and East Sussex Steam Railway from Tenterden, also known as ’The Jewel of the Weald’, through the Rother Levels to Bodiam, one of the most evocative moated castles (National Trust), built in 1385. Discover the one time coastal smuggling town of Hastings and medieval Cinque Port town of Rye with its cobbled streets. Picturesque sand dunes and interesting wildlife can be explored at Camber. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.
Properties 27442 and 27443 can be booked to together to accommodate up to 4 guests.£44From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Hastings, EnglandForming part of this Grade II listed unique building which once formed The Duke of Wellington’s Headquarters this second-floor apartment is situated in the heart of Hastings Old Town. Taking pride of place on the wall outside the building is the historic blue plaque confirming that the property was the headquarters of Major General Sir Anthony Wellesley, later Duke of Wellington in 1806.
Only a few minutes’ walk away from the beach, bars and restaurants along with the boutique shops of the Old Town, this property is perfectly located. The apartment itself has been refurbished to a very high standard and has been filled with unique items and antique furniture, some of which are available to purchase. A painting of the Duke himself adorns the communal hallway leading up to the second floor apartment and once inside you will not be disappointed. The beauty of this apartment not only lies with the furnishings but also with the sea views which are visible from both the reception room and the bedroom.
Offering open plan living to the reception area and having been refurbished to a high standard, the character and finish offers a comfortable and cosy ambiance to relax in after a long day exploring. A welcome basket filled with goodies from local shops will await your arrival in the modern fitted kitchen also providing a dishwasher for your convenience. A beautifully decorated bedroom provides another sea view along with a large inviting bed and a stunning roll top bath to the corner of the room.
Hastings Old Town is the location of many festivals offering fun and frivolities. Whether it is the Jack in The Green May Day celebrations, Fat Tuesday, Carnival Week, Bonfire Night, or the Old Towns Food & Wine festival to name just a few, you are sure to have a great time. Why not visit the UK’s steepest funicular railway located only a few minutes’ walk away and take one of the original Victorian coaches up to the top of the West Hill to visit Hastings Castle and St Clements Caves, the location of the Smugglers adventures. Offering a choice of Adventure, Crazy or Pirate Golf you can test your skills on the beachside courses, Hastings adventure course itself is the home of the annual World Crazy Golf Championships.
The Old town itself also benefits from Hastings Contemporary Jerwood Gallery, the Fisherman’s Museum, Blue Reef Aquarium along with an abundance of seaside favourites such as fish & chips, doughnuts, arcades, and the Flamingo Amusement Park. The apartment is also within walking distance of Hastings with its pier and town centre with Hastings mainline railway station, allowing you to get access to the capital in just under two hours. Nearby towns of Bexhill, Eastbourne and Rye are all worth a visit if you are driving, and nearby locations such as Winchelsea Beach or the sandy beach of Camber also offer another option alongside Hastings seafront. Please note that due to the level of the apartment and there not being a lift it is not suitable for anyone that has mobility concerns or for children under the age of 11. Please no hen or stag parties. There is no washing machine provided at the apartment however there is a laundrette situated only a few doors away. An additional apartment in the building ’Duke of Wellington HQ’ is also available should you require space for more guests and can be booked alongside Wellesley Retreat.£109From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Rye, England 5.00Follow in the footsteps of Elizabeth I and spend some time exploring the beautiful Cinque port market town of Rye. In 1573 she bestowed the title Rye Royale. Stay in this well thought out and stylish holiday cottage which is just a 6 minute walk from the centre of the town, with its large selection of pubs, restaurants and cafes. You could discover for yourself why many authors, musicians, artists and celebrities have chosen to settle here. Rye is one of the best preserved medieval towns in England, despite being the haunt of the notorious smugglers, The Hawkhurst Gang. Visit The Mermaid Inn, their famous hideout, where the cellars date back to 1156. Visit the Rye Museum and climb St Mary’s Tower for breathtaking views across to Rye Harbour Nature Reserve and Winchelsea. See Lamb House, the home of Henry James and later E. F. Benson, and where they filmed the recent production of ’Mapp and Lucia’. Another great film location is Camber Sands and going in the other direction towards Hastings where ’Foyles War’ was filmed. There are also connections by train to London. Shop 300 yards, pub and restaurant ½ mile.£49From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Rye, England 5.00Newhope is a modern detached property with a private courtyard garden making it the perfect base for a romantic get-away, with many areas of natural beauty surrounding the property. Located on the East Sussex coast, it enables you to enjoy endless walks around the area and absorb the breathtaking scenery whilst remaining close to the historic towns of Hastings, Rye and the sandy beaches of Camber Sands.
On arrival, just off the main coastal road, find your private car parking spaces on the approach to Newhope. The private and enclosed courtyard makes for a fantastic sun trap or alternatively let your furry friends roam freely. The property boasts patio doors opening from the living area onto the patio, letting the light and fresh sea air fill the property.
Rye Harbour Nature Reserve is just 1 mile away and hosts a large range of wildlife in numerous different habitats. Shingle, saltmarsh, freshwater gravel pits and saline lagoons are only a few of the natural habitats that can be found when discovering the coastline. Alternatively you can delve into the rich military history which is attached to the area.
Newhope is also very close to Camber Castle, formerly known as Winchelsea Castle, which was built by Henry VIII to protect the Sussex Coast against French invaders in the 16th century. This, along with the golden sandy beaches of Camber Sands, can also be discovered on your visit to Winchelsea Beach. Beach 175 yards. Shop 350 yards, pub and restaurant 530 yards.£60From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Brightling, England 5.00In the High Weald AONB and converted to a high standard, this attractive, single-storey barn is accessed via a track ¼ mile from the lane and lies quietly in 500 acres of Brightling Park (once known as The Rose Hill Estate) with sheep and horses on the farm. Brightling is famous for the many Fuller follies. Excellent walks on the doorstep. Visit Bateman’s (Kipling’s home) and Sarah Raven’s famous cutting garden at Perch Hill. Rye and Tunbridge Wells are 30 minutes by car, Brighton is 45 minutes. Mainline station to London is 5 minutes’ drive from Robertsbridge. Shop and pub 2 miles.
Coblye Barn (PJJR) and Ox Lodge Barn (PQQW), situated 1 mile apart, can be booked together to accommodate up to 7 guests.£69From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Battle, England 5.00The perfect place for those looking to enjoy a relaxing break in a quirky modern shepherd’s hut! The Shepherd’s Hut at Calvesfield Shaw is a cosy retreat with a fully-equipped kitchen, shower room, Smart television, double bed, and a wood burner to keep you warm. With the outdoors at heart, it opens onto a large decking area with dining facilities and seating, with sweeping views across its own 5 acres of surrounding fields. It is set on a working farm totalling 37½ acres, which guests are also free to roam around and explore. There are sheep, geese, ducks, chickens, and a fenced pond 30 yards from the entrance. Being fully insulated and with the cosy wood burner the hut is toasty all year round and can make for a romantic getaway in the winter months. With a hardcore drive allowing you to drive down to the hut to drop off luggage and stepping stones to get to the door, you won’t need to worry about muddy boots until you head off exploring. Whether it’s a crisp winter morning or a sunny summer day Calvesfield Shaw offers the perfect hideaway.
Herstmonceux is not only home to the hands-on Observatory Science Centre housed amongst the domes and telescopes of the former Royal Greenwich Observatory but there is also the magnificent Herstmonceux Castle with its Elizabethan gardens to wander around. The town also produces Henner’s medal-winning sparkling wine, and because Sussex has a sunny climate and chalky subsoil (the same as that in Champagne in France), the county also produces wonderful sparkling wines. To access your nearest beach, take a short car journey to Pevensey where the Romans landed, and you can tackle the beautiful 31-mile 1066 Country Walk which starts at Pevensey via Herstmonceux, and on to Battle and then the Cinque Port town of Rye. Golf and fishing lakes are close by. For a spot of sightseeing, you can take the train to London from Polegate. Beach 8 miles. Shop, pub, and restaurant 1¼ miles.
The Shepherd’ Hut at Calvesfield Shaw can be booked together with Moorhen (UK41448) to accommodate up to 4 guests.£43From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Eastbourne, England 5.00Embrace the stunning scenery that surrounds you at Smugglers Barn Cottages where you will find peace and tranquillity in a wonderful spot of the South Downs National Park in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. With stunning backdrops, this is the perfect location for leisurely strolls with the dog, cycling or a quiet place to read your favourite book. You will feel fully relaxed at these cottages which are located in the quaint village of Jevington with close proximity to the well-loved seaside town of Eastbourne, known as the sunshine coast and boasting a three mile long seafront promenade.
At Oak Cottage (UK11597), with its cosy ambience and comfortable interior, you can enjoy evenings cooking with a modern, well-equipped kitchen and chilling out on the sofa in front of the TV. The double bedroom is very generous in size with plenty of storage for your belongings. The well cared for garden space to the front enjoys views of neighbouring gardens and across the gorgeous South Downs Way.
Fox Cottage (28830) is a delightful, semi-detached cottage and boasts plenty of space for two people to comfortably enjoy a peaceful holiday all year round. There is another similar holiday property on-site.
If you love exploring the outdoors, take a visit to Beachy Head and the soaring white cliffs of The Seven Sisters Country Park in Cuckmere Valley, a 10-minute drive away. It is a popular spot for birdwatchers, cyclists and canoeing. Other beauty spots and attractions nearby are Friston Forest Walks, Drusilla’s Zoo, Battle Abbey, Cuckmere Haven’s Sandy Beach and much more. For something different, Herstmonceux Castle, Battle Abbey and Glyndebourne are all nearby. The popular seaside town of Eastbourne is 4 miles and Hastings, Rye and Brighton are a little further afield. A car is essential due to the remote location of this property. Beach 4¼ miles. Shop 2¼ miles, pub and restaurant 500 yards. These properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 4 guests.£86From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free