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.

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.

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.

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.

Embrace the stunning scenery that surrounds you at Smugglers Barn Cottages where you will find peace and tranquillity in a wonderful spot of the South Downs National Park in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. With stunning backdrops, this is the perfect location for leisurely strolls with the dog, cycling or a quiet place to read your favourite book. You will feel fully relaxed at these cottages which are located in the quaint village of Jevington with close proximity to the well-loved seaside town of Eastbourne, known as the sunshine coast and boasting a three mile long seafront promenade.

At Oak Cottage (UK11597), with its cosy ambience and comfortable interior, you can enjoy evenings cooking with a modern, well-equipped kitchen and chilling out on the sofa in front of the TV. The double bedroom is very generous in size with plenty of storage for your belongings. The well cared for garden space to the front enjoys views of neighbouring gardens and across the gorgeous South Downs Way.

Fox Cottage (28830) is a delightful, semi-detached cottage and boasts plenty of space for two people to comfortably enjoy a peaceful holiday all year round. There is another similar holiday property on-site.

If you love exploring the outdoors, take a visit to Beachy Head and the soaring white cliffs of The Seven Sisters Country Park in Cuckmere Valley, a 10-minute drive away. It is a popular spot for birdwatchers, cyclists and canoeing. Other beauty spots and attractions nearby are Friston Forest Walks, Drusilla’s Zoo, Battle Abbey, Cuckmere Haven’s Sandy Beach and much more. For something different, Herstmonceux Castle, Battle Abbey and Glyndebourne are all nearby. The popular seaside town of Eastbourne is 4 miles and Hastings, Rye and Brighton are a little further afield. A car is essential due to the remote location of this property. Beach 4¼ miles. Shop 2¼ miles, pub and restaurant 500 yards. These properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 4 guests.

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.

Steyning High Street is flanked with a bounteous collection of Grade II listed houses and cottages in a charming range of styles and sizes, and Causeway Cottage is no exception. Stepping inside, the front door opens into the embrace of a genteel sitting room in the oldest part of the house. With comfortable, elegant seating, an inglenook log burner and Smart TV, the ancient lath and plaster wall remains on show in the corner to reveal the architectural history of this home dating back to 1435.
From the sitting room, one doorway leads to the main staircase to the first floor, and another door brings you into the kitchen where an electric Aga stands proudly in the middle. Through the kitchen a separate dining room looks over the garden through leadlight windows. From the family room there are steps up to a gorgeous old oak door into bedroom three, but as the access is particularly low, we suggest using the main staircase from the living room. At the top of these main stairs are three bedrooms and a family bathroom. Do take care throughout this Grade II listed home as there are several low doorways and beams, all part of the charm but can catch you if unaware. Outside and accessed through the kitchen and family room there is a wonderful walled garden, planted with traditional flowers and shrubs between brick pathways in classic cottage style.

Steyning is a picturesque and vibrant small market town. Well preserved, it is full of narrow streets with many timber-framed Tudor style buildings as well as some fine Georgian townhouses. Its High Street retains many small and attractive independent shops, tea rooms and restaurants and makes Steyning an interesting town to browse. The Norman church contains some of the best Romanesque architecture in England; visit Steyning Museum next to the library which tells the story of the area from prehistory to the present day. The small village of Bramber next door has remained largely unchanged over the centuries and is overlooked by the remains of the castle built after the Norman Conquest.

Just west of Steyning is the famous landmark of Chanctonbury Ring on the South Downs, a three mile walk from the Roundhill above the town where you can pick up the South Downs Way. Cissbury Ring, another Iron Age hill fort is a picturesque 3-mile walk from Chanctonbury and provides wonderful views over the Downs and out to sea; on clear days Chichester and the Isle of Wight are easily visible from Cissbury. To the east there is fine walking along the South Downs Way towards Truleigh Hill and beyond to Devil’s Dyke and Ditchling Beacon. There are spectacular long range views en-route, both inland over the Weald and out to sea over Shoreham by Sea and Brighton.
The Downs Link is located just north of Steyning, a 37-mile shared route for walkers, cyclists and horse riders that links the South Downs Way with the North Downs Way.