Finding days out that welcome dogs can be tricky. Too many places say "dog-friendly" but mean your dog can sit in the car park. We have rounded up the best genuinely dog-friendly attractions in West Sussex, places where your four-legged family member is truly welcome.
Quick Comparison
| Venue | Location | Dogs Off-Lead | Food Available | |-------|----------|---------------|----------------| | West Wittering Beach | West Wittering | Winter only | Cafe | | WWT Arundel | Arundel | No (leads) | Cafe | | Goodwood Estate | Chichester | Most areas | Farm shop | | Petworth Park | Petworth | No (leads, deer) | Town pubs | | Pagham Harbour | Bognor Regis | No (leads) | No | | The Fox Goes Free | Charlton | In garden | Full pub menu | | Buchan Country Park | Crawley | Most areas | Small cafe | | Weald & Downland | Singleton | No (leads) | Cafe |
Best Dog-Friendly Days Out
West Wittering Beach
Dogs welcome on the beach all year round, on leads from May to September and off-lead the rest of the year. East Head nature reserve at the far end is particularly good for dogs. Blue Flag beach with clean water.
Location: West Wittering
Entry: Free (parking charges)
Dogs: On leads May-Sep, off-lead Oct-Apr
Top tip: In summer, head to East Head where dogs can still have more freedom. Water bowls are available at the cafe.
WWT Arundel Wetland Centre
Dogs welcome on leads throughout this beautiful nature reserve. Lovely walks around lakes and marshes with plenty to sniff. The cafe has outdoor seating where dogs are welcome.
Top tip: Keep dogs on leads to protect the wildlife. Great for bird photography with a telephoto lens.
Goodwood Estate Walks
Miles of walking on the Goodwood Estate, including up to the famous Trundle viewpoint. Dogs welcome off-lead in most areas. The estate farm shop and cafe are dog-friendly outdoors. The views from The Trundle are some of the best in Sussex.
Top tip: Walk up to The Trundle for panoramic views. It is an Iron Age hillfort with 360-degree vistas and dogs love it up there.
Petworth Park
National Trust deer park with 700 acres to explore. Dogs must be on leads due to the roaming deer, but it is a spectacular walk. The town of Petworth has several dog-friendly pubs and cafes for after.
Top tip: The Hungry Guest in Petworth town is very dog-friendly. Keep dogs on leads as the deer roam freely and can be unpredictable.
RSPB Pagham Harbour
Easy walking trails around the harbour with free entry and free parking. Dogs welcome on leads. Great for wading birds and sometimes seals. The circular walk is about four miles with shorter options available.
Top tip: The circular walk is about four miles. Shorter options are available from the visitor centre.
The Fox Goes Free
One of the best dog-friendly pubs in Sussex. Dogs welcome throughout the pub, not just the bar area. Large garden. Excellent food. A favourite with the Goodwood crowd and dog walkers alike.
Location: Charlton, near Goodwood
Price: ££ (pub prices)
Dogs: Welcome throughout, water bowls and treats
Top tip: Book for Sunday lunch as it is very popular. Water bowls and treats are provided for dogs.
Buchan Country Park
170 acres of woodland with dogs welcome off-lead in most areas. Lake, play area, and trails. The visitor centre has outdoor seating for dog owners. Good for muddy winter dog walks.
Top tip: Paths can get boggy after rain. Perfect for dogs who love mud.
Weald & Downland Museum
Open-air museum with dogs welcome on leads throughout the grounds. Over 50 historic buildings to explore from outside. The cafe has outdoor seating for dog owners.
Top tip: Dogs cannot go inside the historic buildings but can wait outside while you pop in.
All details were correct at the time of writing (February 2026). Always check venue websites for the latest dog policies, as restrictions can change seasonally.