Britain is a nation of animal lovers and as one of Britain’s greatest cities, Brighton is proud to extend a warm welcome to visitors and their best furry friends. The city has so much that you can do with dogs, you’ll wonder why you haven’t moved here already.
Dog-friendly Brighton. You can plan your trip before you go with our guide to dog-friendly accommodation, restaurants, pubs, parks, beaches, doggy meetups, events, and even cinemas. We also highlight the places that your pet can’t go to, so you can ensure that you aren’t disappointed when you turn up somewhere with your canine companion in tow.
Is Brighton Dog-Friendly?
Yes, it’s fair to say Brighton is a dog-friendly destination. That doesn’t mean that you can take your dog everywhere but there are a wealth of places that will be happy for you to stay there with you dog, places to eat and drink that will cater to your dog as well as they do for you and plenty of places to go and do things with your dog too.
Dog-Friendly Accommodation in Brighton
It can be difficult to find dog-friendly accommodation in some places, but Brighton has plenty of options.
If you want a dog-friendly hotel, we’d recommend booking quite a bit in advance because there aren’t so many hotels that you’d want to turn up on the day and expect a room but if you’re OK with an apartment or self-catering accommodation then there are no shortage of places to stay with your pooch.
There are also campsites and caravan parks where you can stay in the great outdoors within a stone’s throw of Brighton.
Dog-Friendly Hotels in Brighton
There aren’t that many hotels that welcome pets in Brighton but there are some. These five examples are all happy to welcome a furry friend and ensure that they have as happy a time as you do while you’re in the city:
The Oriental – Guest House, 9 Oriental Place
If you’re looking for somewhere truly chilled with, perhaps, a touch of the hippy vibe where your dog will be welcomed like one of the family, look no farther than The Oriental. It’s 50 meters from the beach and an excellent breakfast can be had (including vegetarian options) every day. The rooms are very stylish too.
The Royal Albion Hotel, 35 Old Steine
If you’re looking for an example of the seaside as it once was, this beautiful hotel near Brighton Pier, which was built in 1826 may be exactly what you’re looking for. It doesn’t seem to be a hit with everyone who stays but those who love it, come back and come back often. They’d be happy to make room for your dog too.
The Grand Brighton, 97-99 Kings Road
If money’s no object and you want some serious luxury, then The Grand Brighton could be the perfect home for you and your pet while you’re in the city. It’s right on the seafront, a short walk from the pier and the Sussex cream teas that it serves on the terrace are to die for. It’s one of the best-rated properties in Brighton and deservedly so.
Brighton Harbour Hotel & Spa, 60-64 Kings Road
For something with a more modern feel, the Brighton Harbour Hotel & Spa is also on the beach, and not far from Brighton’s famous Lanes area too. The complimentary gin and sherry decanters in each room are a nice touch and pets are very welcome, indeed.
Alston House Hotel, 28 New Steine
If your budget’s a little tighter, this is an excellent 3-star property just a couple of minutes’ walk from the seafront. Those who stay there are happy to recommend it to others and they, like all our selections of hotel here, are dog friendly.
Dog-Friendly Airbnb/ Self-Catering in Brighton
Thanks to the boom in Airbnb-style accommodation in the last few years, if you want to bring your pet somewhere that feels just like home in Brighton, then there are plenty of great options to suit nearly any budget including:
Birch at Ship St Gardens, 1 Ship Street Gardens
These comfortable self-catering apartments are a couple of hundred meters away from the beach. Each one has a balcony view, a patio for late-night chilling and access to a garden and a terrace. As you might expect they’re also a great place to while away a summer’s day or two with your puppy. We really like the fact that each one has a coffee machine too.
Chesham Place, Kemptown
This ultra-large and luxury flat has a very minimalist feel to it, you can really appreciate the space. They have 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms which ought to be enough for most families. Your dog is welcome as well. You’re not far from the beach, either.
Dave’s Pop! Place, The Laines
This place was designed by Dave Pop! Of Choccywoccydoodah and while sadly, Brighton’s most famous chocolate shop closed for business – this awesome apartment has not and if you’re lucky and it’s not booked, it may be the most fun destination for you and your canine chum in the whole city!
Grey’s Apartments, Brighton & Hove
If you’re looking for a modest apartment for you, your family and your pet, look no farther than Grey’s apartments. Not far from all of the sights but at a price that shouldn’t break the bank – this could be the perfect place for your stay in Brighton.
Warehouse DesRes, Central Brighton 6B
This place is quirky, peculiar and charming all in the same breath. You’ll have plenty of room for a family in its 3 bedrooms and your canine companion ought to have plenty of space to relax in too. The location is great, near the beach, near the Laines and near nearly everything else people come to Brighton to see as well.
Dog-Friendly Caravans in Brighton
There are no caravan parks within the city but there are several that aren’t very far from the city borders and they include:
Brighton Caravan Club Site, South Downs National Park
Just two miles from the city centre and actually walkable from Brighton Marina is this superb caravan site which is just inside the South Downs National Park. Pets are fine to come, and they have a range of tent, caravan and motor home options for camping. It’s a very family-oriented site.
Southdown Way Caravan and Camping Park, Hassocks
You can see the famous “Jack and Jill” windmills from this excellent caravan park. They’ve also got excellent fire pits if you want to set up a BBQ for your family. What we like is that the profits go to the Sussex Lantern Charity which homes local people with vision disabilities to lead a better life. Dogs are allowed and this is one of the most peaceful ways to get away from it all.
The Barn Caravan Park, Lancing
You’d have a long walk to Brighton from this caravan park but it’s only a short bus journey away. There is free Wi-Fi available but it’s a touch limited. There are plenty of other facilities within walking distance and dogs are welcome and there’s no charge to bring your pet onto the park.
Dog-Friendly Food & Drink Options
Brighton’s restaurants, pubs and cafes are not all open to dogs but you’d be amazed at how many are and we’ll walk you through some of the best options in the city. Many of which
Dog-Friendly Afternoon Tea/Coffee Shops in Brighton
Want a cup of coffee or a more luxurious classic afternoon tea option? Well, no problem, Brighton’s businesses will be happy to entertain you and your pet. Some even provide special food options for dogs!
Metro Deco Brighton, Kemptown
With a gorgeous outdoor area there’s no reason not to bring your dog to this gorgeous Twenties-styled tearoom in Kemptown. There are plenty of options for a great afternoon tea here and they do cater to vegetarians (though we’re not sure about vegans). The scones with clotted cream are to die for.
Small Batch Coffee, Jubilee Road
Not only are Small Batch canine friendly but they’re very coffee friendly too. They have their own roastery based in Brighton and are fully committed to fair trade principles including ensuring that the coffee bean suppliers are fairly paid for their efforts. An espresso with your pup here is that little bit better knowing that you’re doing some good for the world.
The Lanes Coffee House, Ship Street
The Lanes Coffee House aims to “have the best coffee in Brighton” and while that’s a bold claim, they’re certainly up there with the best. They’re adamant that they are one of the most dog-friendly venues in the city and you should keep an eye out for their ice cream for dogs! We’re told that our furry friends absolutely love it!
Joe’s Café, Upper Hamilton Road
Want to take your dog out for breakfast? Then there may be no better place to do so in the city to do so than Joe’s café and their coffee is very good too. Get down there before 10 a.m. on a Monday morning and they’ll be happy to give you a free tea with breakfast as well. Dogs and kids really seem to love Joe’s and we do too.
Malmaison, Malmaison Hotel, Brighton Marina
This chic, and somewhat pricey, brasserie is happy to cate to dogs and humans alike and they offer one of the city’s most interesting afternoon tea options too. It’s a luxurious treat rather than an everyday occurrence but until Betty’s of Harrogate opens in Brighton, it may be the best option for something that perfect British afternoon.
Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Brighton
From chains to independents, Brighton’s restaurants are, generally speaking, happy for you to bring your canine companion with you to get something to eat and many offer good options for dogs too. Check out our selection of favourites:
The Laughing Dog Café, Brighton Marina
It’s right there in the name and they certainly live up to their promise of being dog friendly. The Laughing Dog Café doesn’t just deal in great local food and artisan coffee, it’s also part of Brighton’s thriving contemporary arts scene. They may also have the widest choice of teas in the city.
The Farm Tavern, 13 Farm Road
Not only does The Farm Tavern welcome our canine chums but it also makes a roast dinner especially for dogs! You can’t get much more welcoming than that. The roast dinners for humans are excellent too and they offer both gluten-free and vegan options. All food, wherever possible, is locally sourced.
Edendum, 69 East Street
If you’re in the mood for something from Italy, then Edendum’s the place to go. The menu is all about handmade traditional Northern Italian dishes and the pasta is incredible. Dogs are 100% welcome and you should have no problem getting a comfortable seat for them. They also cater to both vegans and vegetarians.
TGI Friday’s, Brighton Marina
Yes, we know they’re a big chain restaurant but they absolutely welcome dogs and sometimes, you’re not looking for fussy food, you just want a great big greasy burger and that’s exactly what you’re going to find. It may not be fine dining but you’ll be able to eat your fill of American classics in comfort and that may be just what you and your pup want.
Meat Liquor, 22-23 York Place
OK, it might not sound like it but this burger joint is happy to cater to both vegans and vegetarians as well as a crowd that’s definitely more carnivorous. Not only are dogs welcome at Meat Liquor but we’d recommend hitting up their lunches which come in at just £10 which is a bargain in Brighton.
Dog-Friendly Vegetarian Restaurants in Brighton
Your dog doesn’t have to be a vegetarian for you to enjoy a good vegetarian or even vegan meal at one of Brighton’s most dog-friendly places and these 2 venues are all very good:
The Basketmakers Arms, North Laine
This place has won so many awards that it ought to be famed throughout the land. Its menu is now very much focused on vegetarian and organic food. They only use the freshest, local ingredients and there are plenty of cask ales on draft to choose from too. Your dog will be most welcome while you eat and drink.
Prince George, 5 Trafalgar Street
One of the city’s most popular vegetarian/vegan places. There’s no meat on the menu at all and they’d be happy to welcome you and your dog for lunch, dinner or even just snacks while you have a few drinks. We always admire their ability to turn old-school British favourites into their vegetarian equivalents. It’s a very English place.
Dog-Friendly Pubs in Brighton
Many of Brighton’s best watering holes are also happy to allow dogs on to the premises and some even keep doggie snacks and water at the bar for your puppy pal too. It’s always worth checking that a pub’s not too busy before taking a dog though, you don’t want them to become distressed by too much noise.
Ten Green Bottles, Jubilee Street
Ten Green Bottles has something of confused identity, and it doesn’t seem to be able to tell if it’s a bar or a wine shop. This doesn’t matter though because they sell great wines and you can bring your pooch down on an evening and enjoy their wine tasting menu until they run out of wine – which they probably won’t.
Camelford Arms, Camelford St.
Famed for its dog-friendly attitude this pub is a short walk from the beach and it’s worth it for your dog for the free dog biscuits and it’s worth it for you to enjoy the Snuffles Dog Beer. They also won an award for the best Sunday Lunch in Brighton if you’re feeling peckish. In fact, they do some of the best pub grub in town full stop.
The Black Lion, The Lanes
One of the cities best pubs, where you can stop into watch the football, turn up in the evening to catch some live tunes or enjoy great food all day long, is also happy to welcome your dog. They even have a heated beer garden that you can play in during the Summer or Winter with your dog when they’re ready for some exercise.
The Hartington, Hanover
You can’t go wrong with this old-school public house just off of Elm Grove. The menu is excellent, and the beer flows freely. For your dog, there’s always free water and doggie treats available and if you’re there on the right day, they have a beautiful big garden outside for them to roam in too.
The Duke Of Wellington, 70 Upper Gloucester Road
They like dogs in The Duke of Wellington but you ought to know that it can be a bit crowded and noisy on match days, if your dog gets a bit nervous. They hold a number of awards for their beer and they are famous for their awesome pies. They also cater to vegans, vegetarians and gluten-free eaters.
Dog-Friendly Parks in Brighton
If you like to take your dog for long and interesting walks, Brighton has a variety of parks that allow dogs and their owners to take in the fresh air and frolic in green space:
Withdean Park
Withdean is, perhaps, the most dog-friendly park of them all as it has a fenced-off dog walking area specifically designed to ensure that your furry friend can get their exercise without being bothered by anyone and vice-versa. They also have a dog walking community which has a Facebook page which can help you get to know the area better.
Preston Park
The largest park in the city and home of what might be the two largest Elm trees in the world. It has 63 acres of space that you can walk your dog in, and it has won several awards for the quality of its facilities. It’s a really pleasant space and it’s not far from the city centre, so it may be the most accessible park for your dog in Brighton too.
Stanmer Park
This is a lovely park on the outskirts of Brighton. It is a wide-open country space and you can have great fun walking your dog here. Just make sure to keep your leash handy as it can be packed with other dogs at the busiest times of the year. You don’t want a pleasant stroll to turn into a scrap between pooches, do you?
Is Brighton Beach Dog-Friendly? Can I take my dog to Brighton Beach?
Not all of Brighton and Hove’s beaches are open to dogs during the period from 1st May to 30th September but fortunately, Brighton & Hove council publish this handy map so that you can work out which is which.
For the rest of the year, dogs are allowed on all of Brighton’s beaches. Don’t worry too much though, there are signs posted on the beaches in most areas to explain when dogs are or aren’t allowed.
If you want to take your dog for a walk on the promenade that’s fine but you must ensure it’s kept on a leash at all times or you may be subject to a fine.
Dog-Friendly Things to do in Brighton
There are a few other dog-friendly activities to enjoy with your pet in Brighton too including:
The Saltdean Lido Dog Swim
This is an annual event and you will need to check with the Lido to see when it is running, it’s been in the middle of September for the last two years and has run over two weekends. Be warned, tickets sell out in an instant when it’s announced, so if this is important to you, you’ll need to keep a close eye on their website.
Paddle Dogs
When the Brighton Paddle festival takes place there’s a special event for dogs and they like to see how many people they can get on paddleboards along with their dogs. In fact, they hold the world record for this!
Brighton Open-Theatre
Not every show is dog-friendly, so don’t shell out on tux for Fido, just yet. However, they do hold semi-regular dog-friendly events that can be a huge amount of fun. The Pop Bingo Disco Doggy even in July was fantastic, for example.
Doggy Meetups in Brighton
There are semi-regular dog meetups with the Sussex and Surrey Hiking with dogs group. Don’t expect these to be every week but if you’re in town when they’re having a meetup, you’ll be more than welcome to join.
There are also a few breed-specific meetups around and about in Brighton, like this one for Schnauzers, for example. It’s a good idea to check Facebook’s events section to see what’s going on if this is important to you.
Also, there’s the annual (or nearly – it wasn’t held in 2019 but is back in 2020) Dog Show which takes place during the Brighton Festival and dogs are welcome at this wonderful exhibition of dog-related art.
Dog-friendly Cinemas in Brighton
We know it sounds like a doggy-fairy tale but in Brighton, a dog-friendly cinema is a reality not a work of fiction. In fact, the Picture House has been running dog-friendly screenings for more than 2 years now!
Please be aware that not every screening is dog-friendly, though, so it’s on you to check the website and ensure that you’re bringing your pup to a showing that was designed just for you and for them!
No Dogs allowed Brighton
It’s important to be aware that even in a city that is as dog-friendly as Brighton, you don’t have free rein to bring your dog absolutely everywhere.
In general terms, you’re not allowed to bring a dog into most shops or restaurants unless they have an explicitly dog-friendly policy, or you are using a service dog. Emotional support animals do not qualify as service dogs in the United Kingdom.
Are dogs allowed on Brighton Pier?
No, Brighton Pier does not allow dogs, unless they are service dogs. The pier simply isn’t a great environment for dogs, it’s the busiest free-to-visit attraction in the United Kingdom and the volumes of people are likely to cause distress to an animal.
Conclusion
Brighton is an amazing city to enjoy with a dog. You’ll find dozens of options to stay, to eat, drink and be merry and to enjoy the company of your dog in so many other ways. Now, all you need to do is decide when to come and what to pack!
