Dog-friendly Hotels East Sussex

The 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This inviting holiday cottage with a pretty garden at the end of a cobbled twitten is close to the famous Mermaid Inn in the quaint streets of Rye. You enter this charming cottage straight into the living/dining room, with a lovely large window overlooking the pretty front garden. With a patio and lawn, this is a balmy sunny spot for the summer months. A Smart TV complete with Netflix account provided and an Amazon Echo speaker allow you to enjoy your holiday with all the mod cons. In winter with the open fire lit, the cottage is warm and welcoming. The well-equipped kitchen has a small table for two for a quiet morning cup of tea before the rest of the house wakes. On the first floor, the master bedroom to the front of the property offers a double bed overlooking the garden. The famous Mermaid Inn can be glimpsed from the window too. In bedroom two, the Laura Ashley wallpaper and pretty floral bed throw provide a comfy bedtime retreat. From the kitchen you have a door leading to the small courtyard with table and chairs for enjoying balmy summer evenings.

Step out of your front door and you have a pretty tea room at the end of the row of terraces, handy if you don’t fancy cooking breakfast or for sampling their cake offerings after a day out exploring. You are perfectly situated for the local deli, banks, greengrocers, restaurants, pubs and everything else you would expect from a bustling high street. A gentle stroll and you can visit the Heritage Centre, where you can watch the town model’s ’Sound and Light’ show which goes into detail about the history and the colourful past of Rye and its inhabitants. Just a 10-minute drive away is the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve where you can walk along the sea wall and out on to the marshes to enjoy flora and fauna. You can choose to walk out to Camber Castle, originally located on a shingle spit and where once it protected the towns of Rye and Winchelsea before the sea receded. Although no longer open to visitors it is still a striking landmark worth a visit.

The award-winning beach of Camber Sands is just a short drive away and has miles of sandy beach and dunes to explore. Visit the rock pools at low tide on the pebbly beach at Pett Level, just a 10-minute drive from Rye. The towns of Hastings and Ashford are around a 30-minute drive away and here you can get mainline trains to London if you wish to explore the capital for a day. The towns of Tenterden and Canterbury are all within easy reach by car and are well worth a visit. If you would like to take a day trip to the continent, the Eurostar can be picked up from Ashford International station and trains to Paris, Lille and Bruges are available. Alternatively, the ferries run from Dover just 45 minutes away or the Channel Tunnel from Folkestone, a 45-minute drive.