Sussex has one of the most varied coastlines in southern England. From wide sandy beaches backed by dunes to exposed shingle stretches beneath chalk cliffs, it’s a county that offers something very different depending on where you go. For dog owners, that variety is a huge plus, especially if you’re willing to look beyond the main resort beaches.
As with much of the south coast, seasonal dog restrictions are common, particularly in summer. The upside is that Sussex has excellent year-round options and plenty of beaches that become outstanding dog-walking destinations outside peak season. Below, Sussex is split into East Sussex and West Sussex, with the best dog-friendly beaches in each.
Dog Friendly Beaches in East Sussex
Camber Sands
Camber Sands is one of the most famous beaches in Sussex, known for its sweeping sand dunes and wide, flat shoreline. At low tide, the beach opens up dramatically, offering long, uninterrupted stretches of firm sand that are perfect for energetic dogs who love to run.
During the summer months, dogs are restricted from parts of the central beach, but dog-friendly sections remain available. Outside peak season, Camber really comes into its own and is easily one of the best winter dog beaches in the south east, with space, scale, and big skies in every direction.
- Dog restrictions: Seasonal restrictions on central areas
- Terrain: Sand dunes and wide sandy beach
- Parking: Large paid car parks close to the beach
- Facilities: Cafés, toilets, seasonal food stalls
Birling Gap
Birling Gap sits beneath the iconic Seven Sisters cliffs and offers a much wilder coastal experience. The beach is mainly shingle, with patches of sand appearing at low tide, and feels exposed and dramatic in all seasons.
Dogs are welcome year-round, and this is an excellent spot for combining a beach walk with cliff-top paths. The scenery is spectacular, but conditions can change quickly, so it’s worth keeping an eye on tides, as the beach narrows significantly at high water.
- Dog restrictions: Dogs allowed year-round
- Terrain: Shingle with sand at low tide
- Parking: National Trust car park (paid)
- Facilities: Café and toilets near the access point
Cuckmere Haven
Cuckmere Haven is one of the most recognisable landscapes in East Sussex, where the River Cuckmere winds its way to the sea between chalk cliffs. The beach itself is a mix of shingle and sand, backed by open grassland and wide skies.
Dogs are allowed year-round, and the area is ideal for longer, varied walks. You can follow the river inland, explore the beach at low tide, or head up onto the surrounding downs. It’s popular, but the space means it rarely feels crowded away from peak summer weekends.
- Dog restrictions: Dogs allowed year-round
- Terrain: Shingle and sand with grassy surroundings
- Parking: Paid parking nearby
- Facilities: Toilets and seasonal refreshments
Pett Level Beach
Pett Level offers a quieter alternative to some of East Sussex’s better-known beaches. Long, open, and backed by marshland, it has a calm, spacious feel that works particularly well for relaxed dog walks.
The beach is mostly shingle, with sand exposed at low tide, and tends to attract fewer visitors than nearby Camber. Dogs are welcome year-round, making it a reliable option if you want a no-fuss coastal walk without crowds.
- Dog restrictions: Dogs allowed year-round
- Terrain: Shingle with sand at low tide
- Parking: Free roadside parking in places
- Facilities: Limited
Brighton Beach
Although not exactly ‘dog friendly’, no list of Sussex beaches would be complete without Brighton. After all, Brighton Beach is one of the most recognisable stretches of coastline in the south of England, running from Hove in the west through to Saltdean in the east. It’s a classic shingle beach backed by a long promenade, with constant views out to sea and easy access from the city.
Dog access here is heavily restricted during the summer months, and this is not a free-roaming beach in peak season. Between 1 May and 30 September, dogs are banned from the main central sections of Brighton Beach, including the areas around the Palace Pier. Outside these dates, dogs are allowed along much wider stretches, and Brighton becomes a surprisingly good option for winter walks, especially if you enjoy long, flat promenade routes.
If you’re visiting in summer, your best bet is to head east towards Saltdean or west towards Hove Lawns, where restrictions ease and signage clearly marks dog-friendly zones. Expect a lively atmosphere year-round, with cyclists, runners, and paddleboarders sharing the space.
- Dog restrictions: Seasonal bans on central beach sections (1 May to 30 September)
- Terrain: Shingle beach with paved promenade
- Parking: Paid street parking and car parks nearby
- Facilities: Toilets, cafés, restaurants, shops along the seafront
Dog Friendly Beaches in West Sussex
West Wittering (Designated Areas)
West Wittering is one of the most popular beaches on the south coast, known for its clean sands and views across to Chichester Harbour. In summer, dog restrictions apply across most of the beach, but clearly marked dog-friendly zones remain accessible.
Outside peak season, dogs are allowed across much wider sections of the beach, and it becomes a fantastic place for long walks on firm sand. Parking is well managed, but it’s worth arriving early on busy days.
- Dog restrictions: Seasonal restrictions with designated dog zones
- Terrain: Wide sandy beach
- Parking: Large managed car park (paid)
- Facilities: Toilets, café, seasonal food outlets
East Head
East Head sits at the entrance to Chichester Harbour and feels very different from open-coast beaches. Backed by sand dunes and salt marsh, it has a more sheltered, natural feel and is particularly good for gentle walks.
Dogs are allowed year-round, but ground-nesting birds are present, so keeping dogs under close control is important. At low tide, there’s plenty of space to explore, while high tide brings calmer, narrower walking routes.
- Dog restrictions: Dogs allowed year-round (controls advised)
- Terrain: Sand dunes and tidal sands
- Parking: Parking at West Wittering
- Facilities: Limited
Bognor Regis (Aldwick and Felpham Ends)
While central Bognor Regis has summer dog restrictions, the quieter ends of the promenade, particularly towards Aldwick and Felpham, offer more flexibility outside peak season. These areas are mostly shingle, with sand appearing at low tide.
In winter, dogs are generally allowed across much larger stretches, making it a good option for off-season walks when you want easy access and flat terrain.
- Dog restrictions: Seasonal restrictions in central areas
- Terrain: Shingle with sand at low tide
- Parking: Street and paid parking nearby
- Facilities: Promenade cafés and toilets
Littlehampton Beach (Climping End)
Heading east from Littlehampton towards Climping, the beach becomes quieter and more natural. This stretch is popular with dog walkers, particularly outside the summer months, thanks to its open feel and long, flat walking routes.
The terrain is mostly shingle, but the space makes it ideal for steady coastal walks. Restrictions vary by section and season, so it’s worth checking signage on arrival.
- Dog restrictions: Seasonal restrictions in some sections
- Terrain: Shingle
- Parking: Car parks and roadside options
- Facilities: Limited away from town centre
Map of Dog Friendly Beaches in Sussex
The map below shows all of the dog-friendly beaches featured in this guide, covering both East Sussex and West Sussex. It’s designed to help you quickly visualise where each beach sits along the coastline, making it easier to plan day trips, longer coastal walks, or link beaches together with nearby trails.
Littlehampton Beach stretches along the mouth of the River Arun and offers a more open, spacious feel as you move away from the town centre. The beach is predominantly shingle, with long, flat walking routes that work well for relaxed coastal outings with a dog.
Seasonal dog restrictions apply closer to the central seafront during the summer, but quieter sections towards Climping are often more flexible. Outside peak season, Littlehampton becomes a reliable option for longer walks, especially if you enjoy uninterrupted shoreline and easy navigation.
Location: Littlehampton, West Sussex
Dog restrictions: Seasonal restrictions near the central seafront
Terrain: Shingle beach
Parking: Seafront and nearby car parks
Facilities: Toilets, cafés, shops in town
Bognor Regis Beach runs along the town’s seafront and is characterised by a wide shingle shoreline backed by a long promenade. It’s a classic south coast beach with open sea views, flat walking, and easy access, making it a practical option rather than a wild one.
Dog access is subject to seasonal restrictions, particularly along the central sections during the summer months. Outside peak season, much more of the beach opens up, and it becomes a solid choice for steady coastal walks, especially if you want something accessible with nearby amenities.
Location: Bognor Regis, West Sussex
Dog restrictions: Seasonal restrictions on central sections
Terrain: Shingle beach with promenade
Parking: Paid car parks and street parking nearby
Facilities: Toilets, cafés, shops along the seafront
East Head is a sandy spit at the entrance to Chichester Harbour, offering a quieter, more sheltered coastal experience. Sand dunes, calm water, and changing tidal conditions give it a very different feel from the open coast nearby.
Wildlife is a key consideration here, and dogs should be kept under close control, particularly during nesting seasons. The walking routes change with the tide, adding to the sense of exploration.
Location: Chichester Harbour, near West Wittering (West Sussex)
Dog restrictions: Dogs allowed, close control required
Terrain: Sand dunes and tidal sands
Parking: Use West Wittering parking and walk across
Facilities: Limited on the spit itself
West Wittering is one of the standout beaches in West Sussex, known for its wide sands, open views, and clean, natural feel. At low tide, the firm sand creates excellent conditions for long beach walks with plenty of space.
Seasonal restrictions apply, with designated dog friendly areas during busier months. Outside peak season, access opens up significantly, making this one of the best beaches in Sussex for extended coastal walks.
Location: West Wittering, near Chichester (West Sussex)
Dog restrictions: Seasonal restrictions with designated dog friendly zones
Terrain: Wide sandy beach with dunes
Parking: Large managed pay and display car park
Facilities: Toilets and seasonal food outlets
Brighton Beach is a lively, urban seafront backed by a long promenade, cafés, and constant movement. The beach itself is mainly shingle, offering open sea views and easy access right through the city.
Dog access is restricted during the summer months, particularly across the central sections. Outside peak season, the beach becomes far more suitable for dog walks, especially for long, flat promenade routes with plenty of atmosphere.
Location: Brighton seafront (East Sussex)
Dog restrictions: Seasonal bans on central sections
Terrain: Shingle beach with paved promenade
Parking: Paid street parking and nearby car parks
Facilities: Toilets, cafés, restaurants, shops
Pett Level Beach is a quieter, understated stretch of coast with a relaxed, open feel. Backed by low-lying land and wide skies, it’s a good option if you want a straightforward coastal walk without the crowds found at larger beaches nearby.
The shoreline is mostly shingle, suiting steady walks rather than long sandy runs. It’s popular with local dog walkers and works well year-round for calm, no-fuss time by the sea.
Location: Pett Level, near Rye (East Sussex)
Dog restrictions: Typically dog friendly, check local signage
Terrain: Shingle beach
Parking: Informal roadside parking nearby
Facilities: Limited
Cuckmere Haven is one of the most iconic coastal landscapes in Sussex, where the River Cuckmere meets the sea between sweeping shingle and rolling chalk cliffs. The setting feels open and cinematic, with wide views and a strong sense of space.
It’s ideal for longer, varied walks, combining river paths, beach walking, and links into the South Downs. The terrain can be stony underfoot, and conditions shift with tide and weather, but it’s a rewarding place to explore with a dog year-round.
Location: Exceat, near Seaford (East Sussex)
Dog restrictions: Generally dog friendly, keep under close control around wildlife
Terrain: Shingle beach with sand patches at low tide
Parking: Pay and display at Seven Sisters Country Park
Facilities: Toilets and seasonal refreshments nearby
Birling Gap sits beneath the chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters and feels raw, exposed, and dramatic in all seasons. The beach is mainly shingle, with rock pools and patches of sand revealed at low tide, backed by towering cliffs that dominate the landscape.
This is an excellent choice if you want to combine a beach walk with clifftop trails. Tides play a big role here, as the usable beach can narrow quickly, and care is needed near cliff edges, but the scenery makes it one of the most memorable coastal spots in Sussex.
Location: East Dean, near Eastbourne (East Sussex)
Dog restrictions: Dogs welcome year-round, keep under control
Terrain: Shingle and rock pools, sand at low tide
Parking: National Trust pay and display car park
Facilities: Toilets and café near the access point
Camber Sands is the big, open, dune-backed beach that most people picture when they think of Sussex coast days. It’s wide, sandy, and feels properly expansive at low tide, with long sightlines and loads of space to roam.
It’s a brilliant option for a beach walk with a dog, especially outside peak season when you can settle into a long out-and-back without constantly weaving around crowds. Expect exposed conditions on windy days and soft sand in places, so it can feel like a workout for both you and your dog.
Location: Camber, near Rye (East Sussex)
Dog restrictions: Seasonal restrictions on central sections, check signage on arrival
Terrain: Sand dunes and wide sandy beach
Parking: Large pay and display / RingGo car parks close to the beach
Facilities: Toilets and seasonal food options near main access points
Looking for more places to explore? Discover dog friendly beaches, walks, and wild spaces across the UK on the full Wildpack Map.
Advice for Visiting Sussex Beaches with Dogs
- Seasonal restrictions are common between May and September, especially on town beaches. Always check local signage.
- Many Sussex beaches are shingle-based, which can be harder going for some dogs over long distances.
- Tides can dramatically change the available walking space, particularly at Birling Gap and Cuckmere Haven.
- Winter and shoulder seasons offer the best experience, with far fewer restrictions and more space.
What’s Nearby?
- Dog friendly walks in the South Downs National Park – Right on Sussex’s doorstep, offering rolling chalk hills and coastal viewpoints.
- Dog friendly beaches in Kent – Just east of Sussex, Kent’s coastline adds sandy bays and quieter stretches.
- Dog friendly walks in Kent – With woodland, downs, and river walks that complement coastal days out.
- Dog friendly walks in New Forest National Park – Just west, the New Forest brings open heathland, ancient woodland, and free-roaming ponies.
- Dog friendly beaches in Dorset – Further west but worth the journey, Dorset offers dramatic cliffs, fossil beaches, and long coastal paths.
- Dog friendly walks in Surrey – Heading North? Surrey boasts some fantastic dog walks, with heathland moors and grassy downs.
- Dog friendly beaches in Hampshire – A mix of exposed Solent shores, village backed beaches and nature rich coastlines.
Final Thoughts
Sussex rewards dog owners who are flexible and willing to plan around seasonal access. While summer restrictions can limit options, the county really shines outside peak season, offering some of the best coastal dog walks in the south of England. From sandy winter runs at Camber to dramatic cliff-backed beaches at Birling Gap, Sussex has plenty to explore with your dog, whatever the time of year.