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Last updated: 13 November 2025
Planning a break with your dog? The South East's got more dog-friendly accommodation than you can shake a stick at. From luxury hotels offering welcome packages to secluded cottages with enclosed gardens, this corner of England takes pet hospitality seriously.
More UK owners now travel with their pets than ever before, and the South East's responded properly. Water bowls, dog menus, and dedicated outdoor spaces aren't add-ons anymore—they're expected. Properties that ignore this lose bookings to competitors who understand what dog owners actually need.
The South East stretches from Berkshire and Buckinghamshire down through Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex, Kent, and the Isle of Wight. That's 400 miles of coastline, 3 million acres of natural beauty, and enough variety to keep any dog happy. Beach runs in Kent, woodland trails in Hampshire, clifftop walks in Sussex—take your pick.
This guide covers the lot: self-catering cottages with enclosed gardens, luxury hotels that treat dogs like royalty, and country pubs with rooms where muddy paws are part of the furniture. We'll walk you through the best spots to stay, what to look for when booking, and the rules you need to know. Just remember to book a grooming session for when you get back—countryside walks have a way of turning even the cleanest dog into a walking mud sculpture.
Self-catering cottages top the list for dog-friendly holidays. About 61% of pet owners prefer a traditional holiday cottage over hotels, and it's not hard to see why. You get your own space, your own routine, and nobody's raising eyebrows when your dog shakes water all over the kitchen floor.
The real winner is the enclosed garden. About 65% of dog owners say this is non-negotiable, and rightly so. It means your dog can potter about safely first thing in the morning while you're still half-asleep with a coffee. No rushing to get dressed for the morning walk, no worrying about them bolting after a squirrel.
Good cottages go further. Hard floors instead of carpet, outdoor hose points for muddy paws, and proper dog-washing stations. Some places include dog beds, bowls, and even welcome treats. It's the practical stuff that makes the difference between a decent stay and a brilliant one.
Canine Cottages specialises in exactly what it says on the tin. They've got over 500 properties across the South East, covering Kent, Sussex, Berkshire, Hampshire, and Oxfordshire. The whole site's built around pet owners, so you're not scrolling through endless filters trying to work out if dogs are actually welcome.
Sykes Holiday Cottages and Snaptrip both have solid selections too. Snaptrip claims the largest collection of self-catering accommodation in the region, which gives you options if Canine Cottages' availability doesn't line up with your dates.
Eight self-catering cottages in rural Hampshire. Wallops Wood won Beautiful South Dog Friendly Business of the Year, which tells you they're not just saying yes to pets for the booking fees.
You get a dog welcome basket on arrival and a pack of information about local dog-friendly places to visit and eat. It's the kind of attention to detail that makes you feel like they've actually thought about what dog owners need, rather than just tolerating your pet.
Award-winning dog-friendly cottages in rural Hampshire with welcome baskets and dedicated dog facilities
Four cottages in historic surroundings, perfect if you want somewhere with a bit of character. The location's brilliant for valley walks, which means you can tire your dog out properly without having to drive anywhere.
Historic Berkshire cottages with excellent valley walks perfect for tiring out active dogs
A detached holiday home that sleeps up to 10. Berisal's got a private hot tub, which is a nice touch if you're planning a group trip or family gathering. Kent's full of brilliant walks, and Challock puts you right in the countryside.
Detached Kent holiday home sleeping up to 10 with private hot tub - perfect for group getaways in the countryside
Hotels have woken up to the fact that dog owners have money to spend. The good ones don't just tolerate pets—they actively cater to them. Welcome packages, designated rooms, and staff who actually like dogs make all the difference.
Historic luxury on Brighton seafront. The Grand's one of those places that's been around forever, and they've finally caught up with modern pet-friendly expectations. They offer dog-friendly rooms and a proper welcome package—not just a bowl of water and a pat on the head.
Brighton's brilliant for dogs. The seafront stretch gives you miles of walking, and most cafés won't bat an eye at a dog under the table. Just watch the seasonal beach restrictions if you're visiting in summer.
Historic seafront luxury hotel with dedicated dog-friendly rooms and comprehensive welcome packages
Boutique hotel right by Camber Sands beach. Dogs can stay in designated rooms, but you need to tick the 'we'd like to bring our dog' box when booking. They're serious about this—don't just turn up with a dog and hope for the best.
Camber Sands is one of those beaches that goes on forever. Your dog will love it, especially outside the summer restrictions when they can run properly off-lead.
Boutique beachside hotel at Camber Sands with designated dog-friendly rooms - book ahead and specify you're bringing your dog
Dogs are welcome in the bedrooms, the Olive Restaurant, and the gardens. That's a proper welcome, not just being shoved in a room and told to keep quiet. The location's good for countryside walks in West Sussex, and the South Downs are close by.
West Sussex hotel welcoming dogs in bedrooms, restaurant, and gardens - close to South Downs walking routes
Award-winning country pub near Horsham with rooms and two self-catering cottages. The pub's dog-friendly, which means you can eat with your dog nearby rather than leaving them in the room. These places understand that most dog owners want their pets with them, not locked away.
Award-winning country pub near Horsham with dog-friendly rooms, cottages, and dining area
Classic country house inn overlooking the Ouse Valley with 13 en-suite bedrooms. The location's stunning if you're after proper countryside walks. East Sussex delivers on rural landscapes, and The Griffin puts you right in the thick of it.
Country house inn with 13 en-suite bedrooms overlooking the Ouse Valley - stunning East Sussex countryside location
Designated Courtyard rooms come fully equipped. Dog bed, blanket, water and food bowls, treats, and waste bags. It's the complete package, which saves you carting half your house down in the car.
Basingstoke hotel with fully equipped Courtyard rooms - complete dog welcome package including bed, bowls, treats, and waste bags
Offers designated pet-friendly areas in Winchester. The city's got history and culture, plus decent walks along the water meadows. It's a good mix if you want a bit of sightseeing alongside the dog walks.
Winchester city hotel with designated pet-friendly areas - perfect blend of historic culture and water meadow walks
Ground floor dog-friendly rooms with everything you need. Dog bed, towels, bowls, treats—the works. The location's brilliant because you've got miles of hiking trails on your doorstep. Vineyard views and proper countryside walks, all in one spot.
Surrey vineyard hotel with ground floor dog-friendly rooms - complete welcome package and miles of hiking trails on your doorstep
Dogs are welcome in the stable block. It's practical rather than fancy, but sometimes that's exactly what you want—somewhere that doesn't make a fuss about muddy paws.
Practical Surrey hotel with dog-friendly stable block accommodation - no fuss about muddy paws
Pet-friendly rooms less than eight miles from Oxford. Good if you want to visit Oxford but need somewhere practical to stay. The Hilton brand means you know what you're getting—reliable, clean, and efficiently run.
Pet-friendly hotel near Oxford - reliable Hilton quality accommodation ideal for visiting the historic city
Right, the practical bit. A few things to sort before you book to avoid awkward conversations when you turn up.
Always specify you're bringing a dog when you book. Don't just tick the pet-friendly filter and assume it's fine. Most properties welcome up to two dogs, and there's usually a charge per pet. This can range from a tenner to £30 or more per night, depending on where you're staying.
Some places have restrictions on size or breed. Get this sorted at booking time, not when you're standing in reception with your bags.
Every property will have a canine code of conduct. It exists for everyone's safety and to stop the next guest finding dog hair all over their bed. Here's what's typically expected:
Properties usually provide dog waste bins. Use them. Nobody wants to step in what your dog left behind.
Some properties set limits on the number, size, or type of dogs they accept. UK law bans certain types: Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, and XL Bully (in England and Wales). Beyond legal restrictions, individual properties may have their own policies based on insurance requirements or available facilities.
Always check the specific property's policy before booking. Don't rely on website filters—phone them directly and get confirmation, especially if you have a larger breed or multiple dogs.
Registered assistance dogs stay free at most places. You still need to inform the property before arrival so they can make proper arrangements.
Check eating arrangements before you travel. Dogs aren't allowed in all restaurants and bars, even at dog-friendly properties. Some places have designated pet-friendly dining areas—like Pooch Corner at Shorefield Country Park in Hampshire—where dogs are actively welcomed.
Country pubs are usually your best bet. Many keep dog beds, water bowls, and treats behind the bar. The staff at proper dog-friendly pubs will make a fuss over your dog, and you can eat without feeling like you're causing a problem.
Walking is the whole point of the trip for most dog owners. About 73% of owners say dog-friendly rural walking is their main holiday activity. When choosing accommodation, 43% prioritise proximity to footpaths, and 24% want a dog-friendly pub nearby. Can't blame them.
The South East delivers on both counts. Every county has brilliant walking routes, from coastal paths to ancient woodlands. Here's where to go in each area.
The New Forest is the obvious choice. Try the Wilverley Wander for a proper forest walk where your dog can explore without seeing a road for miles. The forest's managed by grazing animals, so keep dogs on leads around livestock.
Beaulieu's worth a visit. The National Motor Museum sits in the grounds, and the pathways around the estate are perfect for dog walking. You get history, scenery, and a decent walk all in one spot.
Beachy Head offers stunning sea views over the South Downs Way. The clifftop walk is spectacular, but keep dogs on leads near the edge. The chalk cliffs drop straight down to the beach, and it's a long way to fall.
The Cuckoo Trail runs 13 miles from Heathfield to Eastbourne. It's surfaced, which means it's walkable year-round even when the countryside's a mud bath. Perfect for dogs that hate getting their paws dirty.
Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest is brilliant for off-lead exercise. The forest tracks go on for miles, and your dog can run properly without you worrying about them disappearing. It's one of those places where you can let them be a dog.
Camber Sands beach is worth the drive. Massive stretch of sand where dogs can run until they're exhausted. Just watch the seasonal restrictions—dogs aren't allowed during peak summer hours. For more beach options, see our guide to dog-friendly weekend getaways near Folkestone.
Dogs travel free on Wightlink and Red Funnel car ferries, and Hovertravel has no extra fare. That's a proper incentive right there. The island's got over 500 miles of footpaths, so you won't run out of places to explore.
The Isle of Wight Steam Railway welcomes dogs, which makes a nice change from the usual "dogs not allowed" signs at tourist attractions. It's the little things that make the Isle of Wight so dog-friendly.
Windsor Great Park offers thousands of acres of open parkland. The walk around Virginia Water Lake is 4.5 miles of proper scenic walking. You'll see deer, swans, and the occasional tourist wondering how to get back to Windsor Castle.
The park's a working royal estate, so there are rules about keeping dogs under control. It's not the place for off-lead chaos, but it's beautiful walking nonetheless.
Ashridge Estate has ancient woodland and parkland that goes on forever. It's National Trust managed, which means well-maintained paths and proper facilities. The kind of place where you can walk for hours and still find new routes.
Chiltern Open Air Museum welcomes dogs on short leads. They can't go in the historic buildings, but the grounds are accessible. It's a nice option if you want something different from the usual woodland walks.
Painshill's 18th-century landscaped gardens are open to dogs on short leads. Not many historic gardens welcome pets, so this is worth knowing about. The grounds are stunning, and it makes a change from forest walks.
Alice Holt Forest Centre has the Lodge Pond Trail—2.5 miles of attractive walking through managed woodland. The trail's well-marked and suitable for all fitness levels, which is handy if you've got a less energetic dog or older family members along.
The South East's got everything sorted for dog owners. Luxury hotels that treat pets like VIPs, practical cottages with enclosed gardens, and country pubs where your dog can sleep under the table while you eat. The variety's what makes it work—you can book five-star luxury or a simple cottage and still get a proper welcome for your dog.
Plan ahead and you'll have a brilliant time. Tell the property you're bringing a dog when you book. Check the breed restrictions and extra charges before you commit. Pack their usual food, bed, and any medication they need. Bring waste bags even if the property says they'll provide them—you never know when you'll run out.
Follow the rules. Keep your dog supervised, don't leave them alone in rooms, and clean up after them. It's basic stuff, but it's what keeps properties willing to welcome dogs. The more dog owners behave responsibly, the more places will open their doors to pets.
After a weekend of beach runs, forest walks, and rolling in whatever smells interesting, you'll probably need professional help. The New Forest's mud has a particular talent for working itself into every layer of fur, and coastal walks leave dogs caked in salt and sand. Check out our guides to the best groomers in Folkestone, Hythe, and Dover for post-holiday clean-ups, or read our muddy walk recovery guide for immediate help.
Have a brilliant break. Your dog will love you for it.
Yes, dogs travel free on Isle of Wight ferries. Wightlink and Red Funnel carry dogs at no extra charge, and Hovertravel has no additional fare for pets. You'll need to let them know you're bringing a dog when you book, and check each operator's current rules about leads, seating areas, and pet-friendly lounges.
Most hotels charge between £10 and £30 per night per dog, though some include it in the room rate. Many places provide a welcome pack with a bed, bowls, towel, and treats as part of the fee. Some properties charge a one-off cleaning fee instead of a nightly rate. Always confirm the exact charge and what's included when you book—policies vary significantly between properties.
Look for cottages with enclosed gardens, hard floors, and nearby footpaths. Enclosed gardens mean your dog can go outside safely without you having to get fully dressed at 6am. Hose points and dog-washing stations are brilliant after muddy walks. Properties near forests or coastal paths save you driving to decent walking spots. Specialist providers like Canine Cottages filter specifically for these features, which makes searching much easier than trawling general booking sites.
Policies vary—many pubs with rooms allow dogs in bar and garden areas, but fewer hotels permit them in formal dining rooms. Some properties have designated pet-friendly dining spaces where dogs can join you. Country pubs are generally your safest bet; many keep dog beds and water bowls behind the bar and actively welcome dogs. Always check the specific property's dining policy before booking if eating together is important to you.
Yes. UK law bans five types: Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, and XL Bully (in England and Wales). Beyond these legal restrictions, individual properties set their own policies based on insurance, size limits, or available facilities. Some won't accept certain breeds or limit the number and size of dogs. Always check directly with the property before booking—don't rely on website filters alone.
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