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.

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.

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.

Situated in Ore village, a residential area on the outskirts of Hastings, this holiday property is just a 10 minute drive to the beach, with local shops, pubs and restaurants within walking distance. On the other side of Ore is access to the Hastings Country Park with 3 miles of cliffs and coastline to explore. Venture into the old town of Hastings where the drama ’Foyles War’ was filmed, and see the Stade and the famous black weather boarded net huts. Visit Hastings Castle, experience an undersea safari in a tropical ocean through a transparent underwater tunnel or join ’Hairy Jack’ through acres of underground caverns. Shop, pub and restaurant 0.25 mile, beach 2 miles

A well-thought-out, semi-detached holiday bungalow offering good-sized living accommodation in an elevated position on the edge of Hastings. It has a greenhouse in the garden, and from the terrace you can actually glimpse the sea as you stand up to reposition your deckchair! Situated on bus routes for easy access to the centre of this medieval Cinque Port and you can experience for yourself the relationship that the town has with the ocean and see the largest beach launched fishing fleet in Europe, despite the decline in the fishing industry. The old town offers interesting book shops, vintage clothes, tea rooms and antiques. Although The Battle of Hastings in 1066 took place a few miles down the road at Battle Abbey, the ruins of William the Conqueror’s first English Castle still stands on the cliffs overlooking the sea in Hastings. Just along the coast is the Cinque Port of Rye; here you can explore where E. F. Benson’s ’Mapp and Lucia’ was filmed. Visit the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve and then continue to Camber and stroll along the glorious miles of sand dunes. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.

Nestling in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, The Peacock Barn is a single-storey, detached, barn conversion. It has been thoughtfully converted to a high standard and enjoys far reaching rural views. A peaceful haven from the hustle and bustle of everyday life surrounded by 80 acres of working farmland with sheep and horses. The property is accessed from Burwash village via a half mile farm drive, with a 15th-century pub at the village end of the lane, serving local ales and good food, which makes for an enjoyable walk. There are miles of walking opportunities directly from the farm. Burwash itself is steeped in history and was a notorious spot for smugglers and highwaymen in the 18th and 19th centuries. The pretty, weather-boarded high street is a conservation area, and Bateman’s mansion, a fine example of Jacobean architecture, is just outside the main village. It was once owned by Rudyard Kipling and is now open to the public, National Trust. Battle Abbey lies 9 miles to the south east, Bodiam Castle, (also National Trust) with its fairytale moat, is 8 miles to the east. Enjoy a trip on the Kent and East Sussex steam railway which runs from Bodiam to Tenterden, known as ’The Jewel in the Weald’, through 10½ miles of beautiful Kent and Sussex countryside. Fishing, cycling and water sports can be enjoyed at Bewl Water, and the many award-winning local vineyards are an enjoyable day out. Camber Sands near Rye is a magnificent beach or discover the beaches at Hastings and Bexhill. Discover Bedgebury, not only offering the pinetum but also Go Ape too. The owner lives on site for your convenience and the parking is in the cottage grounds. Beach 15 miles. Shop ½ mile.

Situated in a tiny hamlet adjoining the owner’s oast, this well-presented holiday cottage with an enclosed, secluded courtyard garden, makes an ideal base from which to explore the glorious Sussex countryside. The village of Herstmonceux is just ½ a mile away and has pubs and a restaurant. Herstmonceux Castle and gardens are close by and are home to the Observatory Science Centre, offering both adults and children some hands-on science, amongst the domes and telescopes of a world famous astronomical observatory. See the beautiful 7-acre gardens at Michelham Priory, or visit Rudyard Kipling’s home at Batemans (NT), and Charleston, home to the Bloomsbury set. The beach is can be reached within 8 miles at either Eastbourne or Cooden. Trains can be boarded via Polegate, giving access to Brighton or London for additional sightseeing. Golf and trout fishing (from £20 per day) are available locally, and walks and cycle paths emanate from the front door. Beach 8 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant ½ mile.

Woodpeckers is a beautifully appointed property located in the relaxing village of Cowbeech near Hailsham in East Sussex. Attached to the owners’ home, this is the best location for those looking to get away from it all reading your favourite book, taking long scenic walks and cycling around the East Sussex countryside. From the dining room you have stunning views out across the gardens, and you can admire the views whilst watching the alpacas in the farmland next door. Two modern decorated bedrooms comfortably sleep four guests, with one double and two twin beds available. Enjoy cooking and dining in the fully equipped kitchen leading through to the dining room, and there is also outside dining furniture for those warm summer evenings.

Woodpeckers has all there is to offer for those wanting to embrace nature and the quiet countryside. For local conveniences you have a farm shop 2 miles away, or for an array of choice of shops and restaurants visit Hailsham, just a short drive from the property. You can enjoy days out in Battle, which is a 20-minute drive, visiting and learning about the historic sites of the Battle of 1066. If you are looking to visit London, you can easily get a direct train from the nearby stations of Polegate and Battle. For family days by the seaside, famously known Eastbourne is 15 miles away and Pevensey Bay is 10 miles. The local fishing lake is approximately 700 yards away. Beach 10 miles. Shop 2 miles, pub and restaurant 1 mile.

A charming two-bedroom detached lodge resting in Battle, East Sussex. Open-Plan. Smart TV. Off-road parking. Hastings 5.4 miles; Bexhill-on-Sea 7.9 miles; Eastbourne 16.5 miles.