Many dog-owners see their four-legged friend as an intrinsic part of home life. So it is not surprising that when it comes to holidays, they want to bring Fido along too. Denise Elphick, co-founder of dog-friendly travel company PetsPyjamas, shares her favourite destinations for Sussex staycations
It is so much more fun taking your pet with you on holiday and Sussex has much to offer - wonderful woodland walks in the South Downs, gorgeously long stretches of sandy beach for long runs off the lead and the chance to swim in shallow calm waters.
Home to a large portion of the South Downs National Park - with serene hills and valleys, fairy-tale castles and splendid stately homes, you and your pet will enjoy wonderful walks on the South Downs Way which will take you through breathtaking ancient woodlands on varied routes.
Where to stay
At the foot of the beautiful South Downs, The White Horse is an AA rosette-awarded five-star restaurant with gorgeous dog-friendly rooms. The hotel always give a very warm welcome to their four-legged guests.
The Spread Eagle Hotel, Midhurst
One of PetsPyjamas' favourite dog-friendly hotels, The Spread Eagle is one of the oldest coaching inns still in existence in the UK, dating back to 1430. The hotel has its own menu of walks for furry friends and their owners.
Mid Sussex is at the heart of some of this area's most wondrous countryside. Ramble along winding country lanes, visit one of the superb gardens or explore the market towns of Burgess Hill, East Grinstead and Haywards Heath with your pooch.
Where to stay
This five-star luxury country house hotel is set among 93 acres of stunning woodland and parkland and is the perfect getaway if you and your pet are both looking for a little pampering and wonderful walks.
The Oriental Brighton, Brighton
Quirky and full of character, this small four-star guesthouse is only a bone's throw away from the beach and is incredibly pet-friendly.
For history buffs and their pups, there is nowhere better than East Sussex. Wander around Battle where William the Conqueror fought with the Anglo-Saxons, explore the ruins of Hastings Castle, and stroll along the medieval streets of Rye. Home to beautiful rolling countryside and gorgeous coastline, including popular seaside resort Eastbourne as well as the huge sandy beach at Camber Sands.
Where to stay
The Flackley Ash Hotel, Peasmarsh
Set in five-acres of gorgeous gardens, this charming Georgian country house hotel makes the perfect base for pets and their owners to explore both the countryside and coastline of East Sussex.
The Gallivant is a fabulous coastal hideaway opposite the dunes and award-winning Camber Sands beach - a beautiful stretch of golden sand where your pet can run around to let off steam.
More…
- Livestock worrying in Sussex: Why you should keep your dog on a lead - It's estimated that 15,000 sheep were killed by loose dogs in 2016 and unfortunately Sussex has the highest number of livestock-worrying incidents and attacks in the UK. Fran Benson talks to some of the people affected by this serious rural crime
