Just a short drive or train trip south of London, it’s no wonder that Brighton and Hove on the southern coast of England is a popular weekend destination for Londoners. But what about if you’re visiting Brighton with a dog? Find out what to do, where to eat and where to stay for a great dog-friendly seaside getaway.
Are Dogs Allowed on Brighton Palace Pier?
One of the most popular attractions in Brighton is the Brighton Palace Pier. This huge pier is home to amusement rides, bars and food outlets, and even deck chairs for free hire.
Unfortunately though, a visit to the Brighton Palace Pier is off limits for visiting pups. Like many other piers throughout England, pet dogs are not permitted on it, only harnessed guide and assistance dogs.
Although it’s not possible to visit the pier with your dog, it’s still an ever present feature along the seafront, and likely to appear in many of your photos. Brighton used to be home to a second pier – the ruins of West Pier can be seen off the beach near the Brighton i360.
Dog-Friendly Sightseeing in Brighton
Although you’ll need to skip visiting Brighton Palace Pier with your dog, there’s still plenty of dog-friendly things to do in and around Brighton – plenty for a weekend or a longer stay!
#1 Hit the Beach
Brighton and Hove are synonymous with the long pebble beach that runs alongside the city. A visit to Brighton isn’t complete without some time spent frolicking on the beach and paddling in the water.
When I visited Brighton in late April, all of the beaches were accessible to dogs. Between 1st October and 30th April, dogs are allowed on any of the beaches along the Brighton and Hove seafront, and I spotted dogs on many of the beaches. Mind you, many of the cafes and bars were still closed, despite my visit on a late Friday afternoon.
However, between 1st May and 30th September, there are restrictions on the majority of Brighton and Hove beaches. Dogs are prohibited from most of the beaches, except for a selection of dog-friendly beaches. Check out the map on the website for the full list.
None of the beaches in Central Brighton allow dogs. And you’ll have to head west of the Peace Statue in West Brighton for the first short stretch of dog-friendly beach.
It’s better instead to head east of the pier. Dogs are allowed on the beach between the Volks Railway Aquarium Station and the marina wall year round. It’s tricky to access this section of the beach due to the railway line – look for the level crossings and subways.
#2 Stroll Along the Promenade
Although dogs aren’t allowed on the pebbles of the beach in Central Brighton during the warmer months of the year, there’s nothing stopping you from enjoying a walk on the promenade behind the beach, either down next to the shore or up next to the road.
There’s plenty to see along the way, with cafes, bars, shops and even the Brighton Fishing Museum (see more below). Just note that dogs need to be kept leashed at all times.
Another great waterfront walk in the Brighton area is the Undercliff Walk. This three mile long path starts to the east of Brighton Marina and extends to Saltdean, nestled between the cliffs and the sea.
#3 Wander Through the Pavilion Gardens
When I recently visited Brighton, I arrived too late in the day to visit the iconic Royal Pavilion, the stunning Regency royal palace built in an Indo-Saracenic style. However, you can walk through the adjacent Pavilion Gardens and view its exterior any time of day or night.
Dogs are welcome to join you in the gardens, as long as they are kept on a leash and you clean up after them. The gardens are also adjacent to the Brighton Museum & Art Gallery, housed in the pavilion’s grand former stable blocks.
#4 Browse the Boutiques and Street Art in North Laine
My favourite area of Brighton is the North Laine district, located in between the Royal Pavilion and Brighton Railway Station. In the place of the faded grandeur of the the towering hotels and apartments along the seafront, this mixed neighbourhood is housed largely in squat terraces.
The popular North Laine Bazaar, home to over 50 stalls, welcomes dogs to join you inside. Ask or look out for signs at other boutiques to see whether they allow dogs. Upper Clarence Street (upon which North Laine Bazaar is located) is also closed on Saturday for a street market.
This neighbourhood is also home to plenty of street art. Keep an eye out for colourful murals as you wander the streets and laneways. Trafalgar Lane has been renamed to Grafalgar Lane at one end. One of the best murals is on the wall of the Prince Albert – see how many famous musicians you can spot.
Closer to the seafront in Brighton is the Lanes district. These narrow streets, laneways and even alleyways date back to the 16th century. However, I didn’t find this area as charming as bohemian North Laine.
#5 Take a Ride on the Volks Electric Railway
The Volks Electric Railway has trundled along the seafront between the aquarium and marina since 1883, making it the world’s oldest still-working electric railway. It’s a fun historic ride along the Brighton waterfront.
Dogs are welcome to join you onboard the train. There’s also no need to book tickets in advance. Just turn up and queue to board the train for the 12 minute journey. Allow an hour for a return trip, or break up the trip with an exploration at either end.
#6 Check out the Brighton Fishing Museum
Centrally located along the Brighton seafront is the Brighton Fishing Museum. This volunteer-run museum has free entry and offers a great insight into the history of Brighton.
The museum had already closed for the day when I walked past, so I wasn’t able to check that dogs are allowed inside. My guess is that well-behaved dogs will be allowed. Otherwise, just check out the old fishing boats installed out the front – a great photo op.
#7 Hike Along the South Downs Way
Just inland from Brighton is the South Downs National Park, the newest national park in England, lying in between Eastbourne and Winchester. Stretching along the length of the park is the 100 mile-long South Downs Way.
On my most recent visit to the area, I hiked the section of the South Downs Way between Eastbourne and the Seven Sisters Visitors Centre, about 7-8 miles (11-13 km). This dramatic coastal section of the route passes Beachy Head and its Lighthouse, Burling Gap, the Seven Sisters Cliffs and Cuckmere Haven Beach.
Dogs are welcome along the hike, although it’s best to keep them on leash. Some sections of the walk request that dogs are leashed due to livestock or nesting birds, at least seasonally, while the cliffs pose a year-round danger to off-leash dogs.
Seven Sisters Visitor Centre is just a 45 minute drive east of Brighton, or under 60 minutes on the express buses. There are multiple carparks along the route – take your pick then use a bus to return to your starting point. Eastbourne is accessible by both train and bus from Brighton.
#8 Run Free on Cuckmere Haven Beach
Just west of the Seven Sisters Cliffs is Cuckmere Haven Beach. If you’re not up to a proper hike with your dog, it’s possible to just walk the flat and partially paved walk out to the beach from the Seven Sisters Visitor Centre, about a mile away. Just be warned the path can sometime flood.
There are no restrictions during the year for dogs on Cuckmere Haven Beach, so it’s a great spot to let your dog off leash during the summer months. It’s a wild beach well away from the bustle of Brighton, though still very popular when the weather is nice!
It’s also possible to visit Cuckmere Haven on a walk from Seaford, although it’s only possible to cross the river at low tide – check the tides before making plans.
#9 Or Hike to the Devil’s Dyke
For another great hike in the South Downs National Park close to Brighton, head north instead of east to the Devil’s Dyke and Ditchling Beacon, both only about a 15-20 minute drive north of Brighton, also accessible by bus.
Devil’s Dyke is the longest, deepest and widest dry valley in the UK, made colourful with wildflowers in the spring and summer. While Ditchling Beacon is one of the highest points along the South Downs Way, offering far-reaching views.
It’s about a 7 mile walk between both points, or else just complete a shorter circular walk at either location. This leaflet provides maps and instructions.
#10 Visit Charming Alfriston
The village of Alfriston lies just inland from the Seven Sisters Cliffs, also along the South Downs Way. While just a 35 minute drive from Brighton, this charming spot is a world away from alternative Brighton.
Take a wander through the cottages and small shops of the village to the village green, surrounding the imposing St Andrew’s Church.Close by is the former Alfriston Clergy House, built in the 14th century and the very first property purchased by the National Trust.
I recommend stopping at Badgers Teahouse at The Old Village Bakery. Well-behaved dogs are allowed in the back courtyard and the cream tea served on fine china is delicious.
Dog-Friendly Parks in Brighton
One of the most popular off-leash spots in Brighton is the long grassy expanse of the Hove Lawns. Starting just west of the Angel of Peace statue in West Brighton, the lawns stretch for almost 3/4 mile to Fourth Avenue in Hove.
There were plenty of dogs enjoying a run on the grass on the evening that I visited. Just remember to pick up after your dog, with plenty of bins provided.
Dogs on Public Transport in Brighton
It’s easy to access Brighton by train from London, with services provided both by Southern Railway and Thameslink. Trains can also be used to access nearby towns like Eastbourne and Hastings. Like all trains across the UK, dogs are welcome onboard for free.
For other locations, including accessing the above hikes, you’ll need to catch a bus. One of the main companies is Brighton & Hove Buses. All dogs are welcome on their buses, although you may not be able to board if there is already another dog on board and there is disagreement between the dogs. Also ask in advance if you have more than two dogs.
Dog-Friendly Cafes in Brighton
There’s no shortage of cafes to dine at with your dog in Brighton, although always ask including at the seasonal waterfront cafes.
In North Laine, a popular spot is Iydea Vegetarian Kitchen, which displays a sign out the front welcoming pups inside. This popular vegetarian cafes serves up tasty meals that even non-vegetarians will enjoy. Its open daily, roughly from 9:30am to 5:30pm.
In the Lanes area of Brighton, closer to the seafront, head to Lost in the Lanes. This well-rated trendy cafe offers an all-day brunch, plus has recently started opening in the evening on Thursday, Friday and Sunday nights. Check out their seasonal menus online.
Dog-Friendly Pubs in Brighton
Brighton and the surrounding area has long been home to a flourishing beer industry, with many craft breweries established in recent years. While most of the breweries are located outside of the city centre, an exception is the Brighton Bierhaus, located on the edge of Kent Town.
The Bierhaus is the home of the locally brewed Brighton Bier, plus there’s a range of other beers on offer. Dogs are welcome both outside and inside, with a selection of board games available. If you’re feeling peckish, their Meal Deal of a pint, toastie and crisps is good value – there’s even a selection of Salty Dog crisps!
In North Laine, a dog-friendly traditional pub to visit is the Basketmakers Arms. This award winning pub is popular with both locals and visitors, plus has a great food menu of British favourites. Dog bowls and even sometimes treats are available – just keep your dog leashed and on the floor.
Dog-Friendly Accommodation in Brighton
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A delightful dog-friendly spot to stay in Brighton is the Artist Residence Brighton. Like all the Artist Residence hotels, dogs are welcome in selected rooms and in the public spaces.
The hotel is located in an historic building on Regency Square, with views of the sea and West Pier from many of the rooms. All dog-friendly rooms come with doggy bed, bowl and gourmet treats. An additional pet fee of £15 per night applies. Make sure you mention you are bringing a pet.
Another dog-friendly hotel in Brighton is the Southern Belle. This 19th century boutique hotel and pub, just one block back from the seafront, offers 10 beautifully decorated rooms to book.
Pet dogs can be accommodated in about half of the rooms – double check the descriptions before making a booking. A £10 supplement applies per pet per night. Dogs are also welcome to join you in the bar area downstairs.
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About the Author
Shandos Cleaver is the founder of Travelnuity: Dog-Friendly Travel. She has travelled extensively with her Miniature Dachshund, Schnitzel, including to 33 countries across Europe, every state and territory of Australia except Tasmania, and 10 of the United States. She’s passionate about providing inspiration and information to others wanting to travel with their dogs, whether close to home or internationally.