West Sussex has over 300 pubs, but finding one with a genuinely good beer garden that also welcomes families is not always straightforward. Some pub gardens are glorious but have no space for children. Others have play equipment but serve disappointing food. This guide picks out eight of the best pubs in West Sussex where the garden, the food and the family welcome all come together.
Whether you are looking for a post-walk pint near the South Downs, a lazy Sunday lunch with the kids, or somewhere the dog can stretch out while you enjoy a local ale, these are the pubs worth knowing about. We have visited, verified and checked every detail against the pub’s own website or listings, so you know what to expect before you go.
For more family-friendly ideas across the county, see our guides to South Downs family walks and dog-friendly days out in West Sussex.
Quick Comparison
| Pub | Location | Garden Size | Play Area | Dog-Friendly | Food Rating | |-----|----------|------------|-----------|-------------|-------------| | The Fox Goes Free | Charlton, nr Goodwood | Large | No (spacious grounds) | Yes | ★★★★★ | | The Partridge Inn | Singleton | Medium | Yes | Yes | ★★★★☆ | | The Blue Ship | Nr Billingshurst | Very Large (4 acres) | Yes | Yes (bar area) | ★★★★☆ | | The Black Horse | Findon | Medium | No | Yes | ★★★★★ | | The Star and Garter | East Dean | Medium | No | Yes | ★★★★☆ | | The Selsey Arms | Coolham | Large | No (space to run) | Yes | ★★★★☆ | | The George and Dragon | Houghton, nr Arundel | Medium | No | Yes | ★★★★☆ | | The Countryman Inn | Shipley | Large | No (countryside views) | Yes | ★★★★☆ |
South Downs and Chichester Area
The Fox Goes Free, Charlton
This 400-year-old country pub near Goodwood is the kind of place you dream about finding at the end of a walk. Set at the foot of Levin Down with views across the South Downs, The Fox Goes Free has a large, well-kept garden that catches the afternoon sun beautifully.
The food is a clear cut above standard pub fare, with a reputation for quality home cooking and hand-picked wines. Children are welcome and there is plenty of space in the garden for them to explore safely, though there is no dedicated play equipment. It is the sort of garden where families naturally spread out with a mix of seating areas.
Being just a mile from Goodwood Racecourse, it gets busy during major events, so booking ahead is wise. The pub also has bed and breakfast rooms, making it a solid base for a weekend exploring the best markets in West Sussex and the surrounding countryside.
Address: Charlton, Nr Goodwood, West Sussex, **PO18 0HU**
Hours: Mon-Sat 11am to 11pm, Sunday 12pm to 10:30pm
Food: Mon-Thu 12pm-2:30pm and 6:15pm-9pm, Fri-Sat until 9:30pm, Sunday 12pm-8:30pm
Dogs: Welcome
The Partridge Inn, Singleton
If you need a pub with a proper children’s play area in its garden, The Partridge Inn delivers. This traditional pub sits in the heart of Singleton village within the South Downs National Park, and the combination of beer garden, play equipment and dog-friendly policy makes it one of the most family-complete pubs in the area.
The food uses locally sourced ingredients and the range of ales, wines and spirits is well chosen. Three roaring fireplaces make it equally appealing in winter, but the garden is the star in warmer months. It is an easy stop after visiting the Weald and Downland Living Museum or West Dean Gardens, both just minutes away.
The pub also hosts beer and music festivals throughout the year, which add an extra reason to visit.
📍 Address: Singleton, near Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 0HA 🕐 Hours: Open 7 days a week (check website for seasonal times) 🐕 Dogs: Welcome, with treats and water bowls provided 👶 Play area: Yes 🔗 Website: thepartridgeinn.co.uk
The Star and Garter, East Dean
An 18th-century flint and brick country pub on the Goodwood Estate, The Star and Garter has the kind of setting that makes you want to linger. The garden is a lovely spot after a walk through the surrounding South Downs, and the pub’s seasonal menus make the most of local produce.
What sets this pub apart for families is the sheer variety of things going on. Live music every Sunday, regular quiz nights, wine tastings and themed menus mean there is usually something happening. The pub has two bars, a restaurant and garden space, so there is room for everyone.
It also has accommodation, which makes it a useful base for exploring the Goodwood area over a weekend.
Address: East Dean, near Chichester, West Sussex, **PO18 0JG**
Hours: Open 7 days a week (check website for seasonal times)
Dogs: Welcome
Arundel and the Arun Valley
The George and Dragon, Houghton
Tucked into the village of Houghton just north of Arundel, The George and Dragon is a proper family pub with high chairs, board games, a fireplace and free wifi. The beer garden is a pleasant spot overlooking the village, and the pub’s location makes it an ideal stop on a walk along the Arun Valley or after visiting Arundel Castle.
The menu covers pub classics and lighter bites, with seasonal specials keeping things interesting. It is an unpretentious, welcoming place where families with young children will feel at ease.
📍 Address: Houghton, near Arundel, West Sussex, BN18 9LW 🕐 Hours: Open 7 days a week (check website for seasonal times) 🐕 Dogs: Yes 👶 Family facilities: High chairs, board games 🔗 Website: georgeanddragonhoughton.co.uk
Mid Sussex and Horsham Area
The Blue Ship, near Billingshurst
Voted in the top three pubs in West Sussex for five separate years (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2025), The Blue Ship is a genuinely special find. This small, family-run freehouse sits in a quiet spot near Billingshurst and has been run by the same team since 2012.
The garden is the real standout, with a large seating area plus four additional acres used for outdoor events and camping during summer months. There is a dedicated children’s play area (closed in winter for ground conditions), and dogs are welcome in the bar and front dining room.
The food is all freshly prepared, with homemade pies, curries and the famous Blue Ship burger menu. They offer an extensive range of gluten-free options too, which is unusual for a country pub. Real cask ales and locally sourced menu ingredients complete the picture.
One important note: The Blue Ship operates reduced hours, currently open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only, and is closed through January and most of February. Check their website before visiting. Booking is recommended.
📍 Address: The Haven, near Billingshurst, West Sussex, RH14 9BS 🕐 Hours: Fri, Sat and Sun (check website for seasonal changes) 🐕 Dogs: Welcome in bar area and front dining room 👶 Play area: Yes (seasonal) 🔗 Website: theblueship.co.uk
The Selsey Arms, Coolham
A 16th-century country pub in the rural hamlet of Coolham near Horsham, The Selsey Arms has a large beer garden with a marquee for all-weather outdoor dining. Run by Kenny and Belinda, it has a genuinely warm, community feel.
The food is fresh and locally sourced, with Sunday roasts from £13 for a small portion up to £24 for braised lamb shank. All roasts come with Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables, cauliflower cheese and red wine gravy. It is honest, well-priced pub food done properly.
For families, the big draw is the combination of the spacious garden (children have plenty of room to run safely), the nearby Knepp Estate for rewilding walks, and the Blue Idol Quaker Meeting House for a dose of history. The pub has also installed a community defibrillator funded by quiz night proceeds, which tells you something about the sort of place it is.
Address: Coolham, near Horsham, West Sussex, **RH13 8QJ**
Hours: Open 7 days a week (check website for seasonal times)
Dogs: Welcome (service dogs only in restaurant)
Sunday roasts: From £13 (small) to £24 (lamb shank)
The Countryman Inn, Shipley
Surrounded by stunning open countryside near the village of Shipley, The Countryman Inn offers far-reaching views that make it worth the trip alone. The garden looks out over rolling fields, and the pub’s commitment to fresh local ingredients from nearby farms and producers means the food is consistently good.
It is a traditional, cosy pub with real ales and a menu that changes with the seasons. Not the biggest garden on this list, but the views make up for it, and the peaceful setting means children can enjoy the outdoors without traffic concerns.
Address: Countryman Lane, Shipley, West Sussex, **RH13 8PZ**
Hours: Wed-Sat 10am to 10pm, Sunday 10am to 5pm. Closed Monday and Tuesday.
Food: Wed-Sat 12pm-2:30pm and 6pm-8:30pm, Sunday 12pm-3:30pm
Findon and the Coast
The Black Horse, Findon
Perched in the downland village of Findon, between Worthing and the South Downs, The Black Horse is a pub that immediately feels like home. Run by Jen (born and bred in West Sussex) and Andrew, who brings 23 years of food and wine experience, this is a local that takes its food and drink seriously.
The garden is a pleasant, sheltered space, and the menu focuses on local ingredients, vegan-friendly options and house cocktails alongside quality ales and wines. Food is served generous hours, with the kitchen open until 8:30pm most days and until 9pm on Saturdays.
While there is no dedicated play area, the village setting is safe and quiet, and families are very much part of the pub’s character. It pairs beautifully with a walk on Cissbury Ring or along the Findon Valley.
Address: Findon, near Worthing, West Sussex, **BN14 0TA**
Hours: Mon-Sat midday to 10pm, Sunday midday to 9pm
Dogs: Welcome
Tips for Visiting Pub Gardens with Children
- Book ahead at weekends, especially in summer. Most of these pubs are popular with walkers and cyclists too.
- Check seasonal hours. Several country pubs operate reduced hours in winter or close certain days. The Blue Ship, for example, only opens Friday to Sunday.
- Bring layers. Even on warm days, pub gardens in the South Downs can catch a breeze as the sun goes down.
- Ask about allergens. Several pubs on this list offer gluten-free and vegan options, but menus change seasonally. Check when you arrive.
- Combine with a walk. Many of these pubs sit on or near walking routes. See our guide to South Downs family walks for ideas that pair perfectly with a pub stop.
For more on what the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) recommends in the area, their online pub finder lets you search by facilities including gardens and family areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which pubs in West Sussex have beer gardens with play areas for children? The Partridge Inn in Singleton and The Blue Ship near Billingshurst both have dedicated children’s play areas in their gardens. The Selsey Arms in Coolham has a large beer garden with plenty of space for children to run around safely.
Are there dog-friendly pubs with beer gardens in West Sussex? Yes, the vast majority of West Sussex country pubs welcome dogs. The Blue Ship, The Partridge Inn, The Fox Goes Free, The Selsey Arms and The Countryman Inn all welcome dogs. It is always worth calling ahead to check any restrictions during busy periods.
What are the best pubs near the South Downs with outdoor seating? The Fox Goes Free in Charlton sits at the foot of Levin Down with South Downs views. The Star and Garter in East Dean is in the heart of the South Downs National Park. The Partridge Inn in Singleton is also within the National Park, near the Weald and Downland Museum.
Which West Sussex pub gardens are best for a family Sunday lunch? The Selsey Arms in Coolham serves Sunday roasts from £13 for a small portion. The George and Dragon near Arundel provides high chairs and board games. The Fox Goes Free offers quality Sunday lunches with garden space for children to explore afterwards.