13 pubs · South Downs
Dog-friendly pubs with fires near Brighton
Where to warm up with your dog after a walk on the Downs: dog-friendly pubs with real fires within easy reach of Brighton, from Ditchling and Lewes to Alfriston, Steyning and Arundel.
Photo: Brian Gillman (cropped), CC BY 3.0
Brighton has no shortage of pubs, but after a wet walk on the Downs you want somewhere with a real fire, a flagstone floor and a landlord who doesn't mind a muddy dog. The good news is that the villages just beyond the city are full of them.
Every pub in this guide welcomes dogs and has a real fire or wood burner, according to our listings. Most sit at the foot of the South Downs, so you can walk first and warm up after. Dog policies and fires change, so it's always worth a quick call before you set off.
Ditchling: just over the Downs
Ditchling sits directly north of Brighton, on the far side of Ditchling Beacon. It's the closest proper country village to the city and the easiest pub walk to reach.
- Dogs welcome
The Bull
Low beams, open fires and leather sofas, and dogs are welcome throughout the pub, restaurant and garden. It's also the finish of our Ditchling Beacon walk.
Dogs welcome throughout the pub, restaurant and garden; dog-friendly rooms take up to two dogs for a nightly fee.
- Dogs welcome
The White Horse
A smaller village pub on West Street with a real fire, a good alternative if the Bull is busy.
Dogs welcome.
More in Ditchling
Lewes
The county town is a short hop from Brighton by car or train, and its old streets hide some proper fireside pubs.
- Dogs welcome
The Swan Inn
Low ceilings, wonky walls and an open fire: about as traditional as Lewes gets.
Dogs welcome.
- Dogs in some areas
The John Harvey Tavern
A Harvey's pub opposite the brewery shop, with a real fire. Dogs are welcome downstairs on a lead.
Dogs welcome downstairs only, on a lead.
More in Lewes
East to the Cuckmere: Alfriston
Alfriston is on the South Downs Way near the Cuckmere valley, with three old inns along its high street.
- Dogs welcome
Ye Olde Smugglers Inne
A one-time smugglers' haunt with a huge inglenook fireplace in the main bar and a walled garden.
Dogs welcome.
- Dogs welcome
The George Inn
A village inn with a real fire, close to the bus stops if you're walking one way.
Dogs welcome.
- Dogs in some areas
The Star
The 15th-century front of this hotel, The Inn, has open fires and welcomes dogs: a favourite stop after the South Downs Way.
Dogs welcome in The Inn at the front of the hotel.
More in Alfriston
West along the Downs: Steyning, Amberley and Arundel
Head west and the Downs get wilder, with the River Adur and then the Arun cutting through them.
- Dogs welcome
The Star
A pub at the west end of Steyning High Street with a real fire and a garden.
Dogs welcome.
- Dogs in some areas
The Bridge Inn
Log fires in winter at Houghton Bridge, below the Downs. Dogs are welcome in the bar; mention your dog when you book.
Dogs welcome in the bar only; let them know you're bringing one when you book.
Checked on the venue's own website, October 2026.
- Dogs welcome
The White Hart
A town pub with a log fire in the middle of the room, the only pub on the east bank of the Arun.
Dogs welcome.
- Dogs welcome
The Black Rabbit
A riverside pub just outside Arundel with views across to the castle and a real fire, on walks through Arundel Park.
Listed as dog-friendly by the pub.
Checked on the venue's own website, October 2026.
Worth the drive: Midhurst and Petworth
A longer drive west, in the heart of the national park, but worth it for a weekend.
- Dogs welcome
The Swan
A Harvey's pub first established as a coaching inn in 1460, with a real fire and rooms.
Listed as dog-friendly by the pub.
Checked on the venue's own website, October 2026.
- Dogs welcome
The Halfway Bridge
An inn between Petworth and Midhurst with no fewer than five open fires.
Pet-friendly.
Make a walk of it
- Ditchling Beacon from Ditchling village (5 miles, ends at The Bull)
- Fulking and the Devil's Dyke escarpment (2 miles, ends at The Shepherd & Dog)
- Amberley Brooks, Greatham and Rackham (5.9 miles, ends at The Black Horse)
See every dog-friendly pub, cottage and walk in our guide to the dog-friendly South Downs.
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