Dog-friendly Hotels East Sussex

This 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.

These 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.

Mount House Barn is a tastefully renovated 17th-century barn ideally located in the pretty village of Burwash, surrounding the property with wonderful views. The property boasts a wood burner in the living room to cosy up in front of in the colder months. The garden outside is a show stopper, as it is surrounded by luscious greenery from the surrounding fields; why not sit outside with your morning coffee and take in the fresh air around you, or dine al fresco in the evening with a hearty meal, watching the stars above you.
The property is surrounded by things to do for all the members of the family. Close by is the All Things Dog Park which allows your four-legged friend to explore and play while still being in the safety of the enclosed field. The park is open for 12 hours a day, all week allowing you to go and play any time of the day.
A short 15-minute drive away is the High Weald AONB which is filled with things to do. There are endless footpaths to take, each one producing its stunning scenery, or hike up some of the hills and get some breathtaking views below you, creating perfect photo opportunities. If cycling is more your thing, there are several cycle trails you can take, weiving you around the area into the most stunning locations.
Bodium Castle is also within a 15-minute drive and is filled with a plethora of different things to do. Interactive activities are held frequently for children to join in and get a taste of what it was like to live in Medieval times, joining quests and designing maps making this a memorable adventure for all. Other nearby areas include Eastbourne, Battle and Rye, all of which have adventures of their own.

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.

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.

Follow 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.

In 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.

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.

A fabulous wing of the owners' home just outside the medieval town of Rye. Excellent accommodation for families and couples. Dog-friendly. Stunning views and country walks direct from the door. Rye 2 miles.

Lovely detached studio lodge set in beautiful countryside in Linchmere within the South Downs National Park. Sauna. Private decked area. WiFi. Perfect romantic retreat, ideal base for walking and cycling. Pet-friendly. Midhurst 5 miles.