Dog-friendly Hotels East Sussex

Built to a good standard, these adjoining holiday cottages in the owners’ grounds are situated in the tiny village of Beddingham, which lies in the South Downs just off the Lewes to Eastbourne road (which although convenient, can be busy). The view to one side of the cottage is that of Mount Caburn, which is one of the highest landmarks in East Sussex and is the home of an Iron Age fort! Both cottages have wheelchair access to the ground floor rooms. Lewes, 2½ miles, is dominated by the ruins of a great Norman castle and boasts twisting medieval streets and tiny twittens. The port of Newhaven lies on the land with the shortest sea route between London and Paris and Seaford is a quiet, informal holiday resort from where Seaford Head, The Seven Sisters Country Park, Beachy Head and the village of Alfriston can all be visited. Glyndebourne and the outdoor opera, 2 miles. Drusillas Zoo Park, Charleston - the home of the artists Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant and rural bolt hole for the Bloomsbury group, Firle Place and Newhaven Fort are all a short drive. Eastbourne, 12 miles, Brighton 10 miles. Shop 1½ miles, pub 1 mile.

In the heart of Hastings Old Town, this attractive, cosily furnished Grade II listed fisherman’s cottage is 150 yards from the beach. Built c.1841, it retains many period features, exposed beams, brickwork. Relax in the secluded west-facing decked courtyard before trying one of many delightful seafood restaurants. Take the Funicular Railways to the country park, castle, smugglers caves. Visit the Blue Reef Aquarium, shipwreck/fisherman’s museums, boating lake, crazy golf. Shops, restaurants 200 yards, pub 25 yards.

Cowbeech Farm Cottage is situated in the beautiful grounds of the owner’s farmhouse on the edge of the village which bears the same name. Originally part of the old dairy and very much a working dairy farm back in the 1950s, it has its own enclosed garden off the original farmyard. The stunning farmhouse grounds have featured in the National Garden Scheme, and other magazines, and guests can stroll around the lake and marvel at the unusual Japanese garden. On the boundary of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and within strolling distance of the local hostelry, which dates back to the early 1600s. A walkers and cyclists paradise, try the Cuckoo Trail, 19 miles of walkways and lanes that follows the old Cuckoo Line Railway from Heathfield to Eastbourne, and gained its name from the releasing of a cuckoo at the Heathfield Fair.
Michelham Priory, Herstmonceux Castle and its gardens, Drusillas Zoo and the Bluebell Railway are great days out, or spend a Saturday evening stargazing at Herstmonceux Science Observatory. Eastbourne with its beaches and pier is a 30-minute drive, and Battle is 8 miles with good rail connections to London. Should the weather be inclement, there is a leisure centre at Hailsham with flumes, inflatables and ten pin bowling. Beach 9 miles. Shop ¾ mile, pub and restaurant 175 yards.

Originally built in 1896, Spilstead Barn has been converted in 2018 into a delightfully welcoming holiday cottage. Still used for livestock and farming today, the 22 acre estate sets the scene with stables greeting you opposite the front door.
You enter into the open plan living area, with a modern kitchen, shower room and the sitting and dining areas. You can see exposed glimpses of the original barn, with the beautifully restored beams cleverly separating the spaces. An extra touch of luxury has been added too, with new underfloor heating downstairs to keep your toes warm in colder months.
The stairs lead you onto a large landing with soft, deep pile carpets and a cosy reading corner. There are two bedrooms, one a twin with lovely oak furniture, and a master bedroom at the far end with king size bed and fabulous views over the estate. There is also a smart shared bathroom to unwind in after a day out visiting the local towns and natural beauty of 1066 country.
Outside you have a private, fully enclosed garden. With children and dogs welcomed, this is a perfect space for them to play while you relax on the decking and enjoy some shade and a book under the parasol. When you are ready to explore a little further, head out of the gate and the hidden gem of Spilstead Barn is reached by a glorious half mile walk. Stroll past the paddocks on a tree-lined avenue, along the old vineyard which meets the open fields, and you will find the beautiful, secluded private lake. With a picnic table and small rowing boat awaiting, you can dip your toes in the water, enjoy a spot of fishing or even take a leisurely swim around the island.

In an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, on the edge of the village of Beckley and above the River Rother, are these three stylish holiday properties. The Little Lodge (ref W43703) is situated down a quiet lane overlooking fields and adjoining the owners’ home, it sits in 3½ acres of grounds, surrounded by forestry and woodland, where a small orchard is set aside for the guests’ sole use. The Lodge (ref UK11986) is a beautifully appointed property in a gorgeous rural setting, perfect for those looking for a peaceful getaway. You will find a home from home in this single-storey lodge with its wonderful spot in this countryside location with even a beauty room with bookable treatments on site, including manicures, pedicures and more. Being a pet friendly property located within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it is a fantastic choice for those who enjoy cycling and scenic walks with their dog. The Little Abbey (ref UK12598) is perfectly finished for that cosy couples getaway. The beautiful décor is of a very good quality throughout and poses the best spot in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This single-storey property adjoins the owners property, yet has its own parking and entrance. The Little Abbey comfortably sleeps two guests in the large super kingsize bedroom and benefits from its own private garden section which overlooks the owners beautiful horses. You will find the home from home modcons here with 2 televisions both with built-in DVD and free Wi-Fi for guests to use.

Located in this gorgeous spot in the countryside and teeming with wildlife, you can enjoy horse riding at the stables just 15 minutes’ drive away (at cost) and a nearby fishing lake is available at Iden Wood Fishery (at cost, license required). To truly indulge in relaxation, you can treat yourself to the on-site medical beauty clinic appointments by arrangement only (at cost).

The village of Beckley is nearby with an array of local amenities, and exploring the small town of Rye is easily accessible with it being only 8 miles away. Rye is famous for its 18th-century smuggling activities and boasts a stunning port area with cobble lined streets with restaurants and shops. The beach can be reached at Winchelsea, and has associations with Spike Milligan and Camber Sands, as the name suggests there are miles of golden sand dunes. It is home to various film locations including ‘The Monuments Men’ with George Clooney, and ‘The Invisible Woman’ with Ralph Fiennes. Take a boat trip from Northiam and arrive at the fairytale Bodiam Castle, which is 4 miles away, or catch the Kent and East Sussex steam railway which travels to Tenterden, described by many as ’The Jewel of the Weald’. Beach is 8.5 miles away, shop 1 mile away, pub and restaurant 1.5 miles away.
These properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 8 guests.

Visit England ROSE award winner 2017 and Customers’ Choice Award for 2015 2018 2021 and 2022

Situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the Sussex High Weald, this detached holiday barn conversion has delightful rural views and footpaths right on the doorstep. Forming part of the owner’s grounds with 15th-century thatched cottage, this smallholding residence is shared by Golden Guernsey goats, ponies, ducks and an abundance of wildlife. Visit Battle Abbey and the 1066 Battlefield site, stunning moated Bodiam Castle, Herstmonceaux, Heritage steam railways, Weald gardens and stately homes. Eastbourne 15 miles. Tunbridge Wells 18 miles. Brighton 30 miles. Shop 2½ miles and pub 2 miles.

These semi-detached holiday properties (refs 29887, 29895, 29896, and W43461) reside in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the glorious Sussex countryside and were once part of Vigoes Dairy Farm until the end of the 20th century. Set back from the road, each property has its own individual terrace with furniture, and to the rear of the buildings is a shared grassed area, beyond which is a paddock, an ideal place in which to let off steam, kick a ball around, or have a leisurely picnic. Spot deer, the occasional buzzard, or the very rare short-toed eagle! Walks and cycle routes beckon from the doorstep. See the beautiful Sheffield Park Gardens (National Trust) where, in the 1700s, Capability Brown was commissioned to landscape the gardens. A glorious feast of red and gold in the autumn and where the national collection of Ghent azaleas can be seen in their full glory in the spring alongside the bluebells. In 1876 the third Earl of Sheffield laid out a cricket pitch where the first ever match against Australia was played in 1884! The Bluebell Railway offers an opportunity to stroll amongst the locomotives in the engine sheds and perhaps spot ‘Stepney’ who appears in the Thomas the Tank Engine books, and of course, take a train journey. Stroll through the Ashdown Forest which covers approximately 10 square miles and in fact is not all forest but largely heathland, where cattle and sheep also freely graze for part of the year. It is also famous for the Winnie The Pooh Stories written by AA Milne who lived on the northern edge of the forest with his son Christopher Robin. Attend Glyndebourne, visit the county town of Lewes with its museum, antique shops, and brewery, or head to the coast at Brighton or Eastbourne across the South Downs. Horse riding is available locally. Good rail connections to London from Haywards Heath for further sightseeing opportunities. Shop 1 mile and pub/restaurant 1½ miles.

Nestling in the heart of the Tillingham Valley and located on a 200-acre family-run, traditional working sheep and fruit farm, these holiday properties (refs 19652 and 19745 ) are ideally based for exploring the Kent and Sussex countryside. A walkers paradise, with an apple orchard and sheep filled fields to wander over and connect with several public footpaths. See the lambs under the trees of apple blossom in spring, or visit the ancient Cinque Port town of Rye, with its cobbled streets, tea rooms, art galleries and far reaching views over the Romney Marsh. Rye activities include the Scallop Festival in February, the Maritime Festival and Raft Race in August, an arts festival in September and Rye Fawkes Bonfire in November. Camber, Bodiam and Scotney castles are all nearby, along with Battle Abbey and the beautiful gardens of Sissinghurst, Pashley, Great Dixter and Bedgebury Pinetum. Fishing, golf, swimming, sailing, horse riding, cycle hire and rowing boat hire are all available locally, or take the time to explore the wonderful nature reserve at Rye Harbour. Beaches at Winchelsea, 3 miles, and the fabulous golden sands at Camber, 6 miles. Enjoy a tour around and sample the produce of the local vineyards or ride on the vintage steam railway to Bodiam. Rye railway station provides access to London in 1 hour 45 minutes. Shops and pub 2 miles.
Refs 19652 and 19745 can also be booked with refs 29071 and 29072 to accommodate up to 18 guests.

Set in an idyllic, rural surrounding, Kipling Cottage is the ideal, get away from it all holiday, hosting its own flower laden large private sun terrace with accompanying summerhouse and panoramic views over the beautiful Dudwell Valley. Less than a 30-minute drive from Tunbridge Wells, the property looks like something straight out of a fairy tale, style and opulence flow throughout creating a wonderful space to enjoy time with loved ones, with a dining area to seat 4. Renovated and modernised in 2018 by the current owners who live nearby, the attention to detail and stylish touches are exceptional. It boasts a stunning Parisian spiral staircase, walk-in shower equipped with Bluetooth and use of a luxurious viewing theatre for watching movies (please request). Wildlife regularly visit the gardens.
You’ll find Kipling Cottage nestling in the bucolic rolling countryside of the High Weald in East Sussex, a mile or so from Batemans, where Rudyard Kipling, author of The Jungle Book, spent most of his adult life where he penned the classic ’If’, which still remains the nation’s favourite poem. Built in 1634, Batemans is a beautiful 17th century mansion and is now one of the National Trust’s most fascinating tourist attractions and is well worth a visit. In the area Kipling Cottage is conveniently located close to the borders of Kent and East Sussex enabling a wealth of interesting towns and villages to visit in both counties. Etchingham is also located within 1066 country which has many castles, from the ruins of Hastings and Pevensey to the storybook romance of Bodiam and Herstmonceux, where history and beautiful grounds are waiting to be discovered. Gatwick Airport is an hour away, 40 miles. Beach 15 miles. Shop and pub 3 miles, restaurant 5 miles.
Kipling Cottage is only half an hour from the historic town of Rye, which has a wealth of history and historic places to visit as well as being the home of the Rye Jazz Festival. Also close to Lewis, which hosts an amazing fireworks display in November, and there are a multitude of beaches in the area, including Camber Sands.
Kipling Cottage can be booked together with Kipling’s Place (UK36118) to accommodate up to 14 guests.

Bring your friends or family to this darling stable conversion, green pastures stretch out from the roofed porch where you can sit and watch the children play or take some time out with a good book. This pet friendly accommodation is perfect to enjoy, whilst visiting the magnificent gardens of East Sussex or heading to the beach with a bucket and spade.
With a myriad of delightful quaint tea shops and cafés to choose from in nearby Battle, it is possible to while away the hours investigating the history and the legend of the infamous 1066 battle. Browse the antique shops on the pretty streets emanating out from Battle Abbey, in autumn watch out for the firework parades and explore a bygone era at ’Yesterday’s World’ on the High Street, where a nostalgic trip down memory lane awaits.
The larger coastal town of Hastings is only 15 minutes away by car, perfect to soak up the traditional seaside atmosphere. Wander through the Old Town where there are plenty of English pubs to choose from, offering great live music in the evenings or try the amusements by the beach, have a ’fish and chip dinner’ and an ice cream to complete a wonderful day.
If you’re looking to retire closer to home, Sedlescombe Golf Club can accommodate golfing enthusiasts at any skill level and ’Green’s’ restaurant is a perfect way to fill up on hearty local food at the end of the day. Sedlescombe Vineyard provides an excellent day out, explore the vineyard or take a guided tour with wine tasting which can be rounded off with a delicious Ploughmans lunch or afternoon cream tea. The village pub ’The Queens Head’ is incredibly charming, welcomes dogs and has great food all within walking distance too.
Carefully renovated to provide outward facing aspects to maximise privacy, this holiday home can be booked independently or in conjunction with its sister property Castlemans Stables West.