Dog Friendly Brighton: Beaches, Walks and Pubs
Which beaches your dog can use and when, how to get them up to the Downs by bus, and the pubs that are happy to see muddy paws.
By Only Brighton Editorial
Dog friendly Brighton comes down to knowing the beach rules and a few good addresses. From 1 October to 30 April dogs can go on every beach in the city; from 1 May to 30 September they are limited to marked dog friendly stretches in Hove, West Brighton, East Brighton and out to Rottingdean and Saltdean, with none at all in central Brighton. For walks, take the bus up to Devil's Dyke or along the Undercliff; for a pint, try The Joker on Preston Road, the Preston Park Tavern or the bar at The Ginger Pig in Hove. Rules and policies were checked in October 2026.
The beach rules, properly
This is the bit that catches visitors out. According to the council's dog friendly beaches map, from 1 May to 30 September dogs are only allowed on these stretches:
- West Hove: in front of Hove Lagoon, from beach hut 457 east to beach hut 376.
- Central Hove: south of the bowling greens, from beach hut 212 east to beach hut 153 (Hove Street South).
- East Hove: one beach in front of and one to the east of Hove Lawns Cafe.
- West Brighton: the beach in front of the Peace Statue and Meeting Place Cafe, east to the large groyne with the life ring.
- Central Brighton: none.
- East Brighton: south of the Volk's Railway Aquarium Station, all the way east to the Marina wall.
- Roedean to Rottingdean, and Rottingdean to Saltdean: long stretches either side of Rottingdean's main beach, out to Saltdean.
From 1 October to 30 April, every beach is fair game, which is why the seafront in winter is basically a dog show. Most beach entrances have a sign telling you which rule applies.
The Undercliff Walk
The Undercliff Walk runs just over 5km from behind Asda at Brighton Marina to Saltdean, with dog friendly beaches below it for almost the whole way, even in summer. It is shared with cyclists, so keep your dog close, and skip it in rough weather when waves come over the wall.
Devil's Dyke and the Downs
Most of the city's dog walkers head for the hills. The weekend Breeze buses go to Devil's Dyke (77), Stanmer Park (78) and Ditchling Beacon (79), with a £5 return. Brighton & Hove Buses say dogs other than assistance dogs travel at the driver's discretion, on a lead and well behaved, and they cannot sit on seats, though they can sit on your lap. Two or more dogs need the driver's permission. On the Downs, expect grazing animals and keep the lead handy.
Preston Park
For a daily leg stretch in town, Preston Park is the big open green space in north Brighton, a short walk from the Preston Park Tavern for afterwards.
Dogtember at Saltdean Lido
Dogs are not allowed at Saltdean Lido for most of the year, for hygiene and water safety reasons, with one glorious exception: the end of season dog swim days it calls Dogtember, after the summer season ends in September. It is as joyful as it sounds. Guide dogs are welcome at all times.
The Joker, Preston Road
The Joker at 2 Preston Road describes itself, in its words, as dog friendly (obvz). It has Lost Boys fried chicken in the kitchen, welcomes children until 8pm and stays open until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays, so the dog may need to head home before you do.
Preston Park Tavern, Havelock Road
At 88 Havelock Road, the Preston Park Tavern calls itself a proper neighbourhood pub that is family and dog friendly, with Thai food, Sunday roasts you can book ahead, a garden and a fire in winter. Muddy paws after a park walk are part of the deal.
The Ginger Pig, Hove
The Ginger Pig at 3 Hove Street, a few minutes from the beach, is dog friendly in its bar area only. Mention the dog when you book and they will seat you in the right place. It is a good choice for a smarter lunch after a winter walk along the Hove seafront.
Tips for a Brighton dog day
- Summer beach trips: head for East Brighton or the Undercliff, where the dog friendly stretches are longest.
- Bring water. Pebbles get hot and there is little shade on the seafront.
- Bag everything. The city takes fouling seriously, and so do the locals.
- Always check a pub's dog policy before you go: many welcome dogs in the bar but not the dining room.
