After a long, muddy walk, I want three things: a warm fire to dry off in front of, a biscuit from the bar, and somewhere to snooze while Graham and Maggie finish their drinks. These are my favourite Sussex pubs for all three.
Last checked November 2026. Rules can change, so if you’re planning to eat, ring ahead and ask where dogs can sit.
South Street, Cuckfield, RH17 5LB
Dogs welcomeOpen fireTreats at the bar
Ted’s number one. Landlord Kevin Smith always gives Ted, and every other dog who comes through the door, a proper welcome, and there are treats behind the bar. It’s a traditional pub in two halves: a bar serving Harveys by the open fires on one side, and a Thai restaurant on the other.
Sunte Avenue, Lindfield, RH16 2AB
Dogs welcome
A Lindfield village local that’s been pouring pints since the 1700s. Well-behaved dogs are welcome throughout the pub on a lead, which makes it an easy stop after a walk. Good for Sunday lunch, and there’s live music on Friday nights.
47 Sussex Road, Haywards Heath, RH16 4DZ
Dogs welcomeTreats at the bar
A friendly Harveys community pub just outside the town centre. Dogs are welcome and there are treats at the bar. There’s a snug bar for a quiet pint and a back bar for watching the sport.
High Street, Ditchling, BN6 8TA
Dogs welcomeOpen fireTreats at the bar
A 16th-century inn in the middle of Ditchling, with flagstone floors, oak beams and open fires. Dogs are welcome in the bar, with water bowls and dog biscuits on hand. Ditchling Beacon is close by for a walk first.
The Street, Firle, BN8 6NS
Dogs welcomeOpen fire
A rambling old pub below Firle Beacon. Each of its three main rooms has an open fire, lit every day from October to April, and muddy boots and dogs are part of the furniture. It has rooms if you want to stay over.
Queen’s Square, West Hoathly, RH19 4PH
Dogs welcomeOpen fire
A hilltop village inn near Ashdown Forest, with flagstones, beams and inglenook fireplaces. There are dog-friendly tables in the bar, and great walking all around.
Cuckfield
Dogs welcomeOpen fire
A second Cuckfield pick. It’s dog friendly, with an open fire your dog is welcome to stretch out in front of, and on Saturday mornings the Cuckfield Food Market sets up in its courtyard.
47 Friday Street, Warnham, RH12 3QY
Dogs welcomeOpen fireTreats at the bar
A country pub near Horsham with log fires and a garden. Dogs are welcome, with water and biscuits available.
East Lavant, near Chichester
Dogs welcomeOpen fireTreats at the bar
A village pub near Goodwood and the South Downs with a roaring log fire. Dogs get water bowls and treats, and there’s a garden for them to stretch their legs.
Fulking
Dogs welcome
Tucked under Devil’s Dyke, it’s the perfect halfway stop on a circular walk from the top. As the name suggests, dogs are welcome.
Staying over? See our dog-friendly cottages in West Sussex and Mid Sussex and the South Downs. You can also follow my pub visits on Instagram.
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On our list, the White Harte in Cuckfield, the Bull in Ditchling, the Ram Inn at Firle, the Cat Inn at West Hoathly, the Talbot in Cuckfield, the Greets Inn at Warnham and the Royal Oak at East Lavant all welcome dogs and have open fires.
The White Harte in Cuckfield, the Heath in Haywards Heath, the Bull in Ditchling, the Greets Inn at Warnham and the Royal Oak at East Lavant all have treats or biscuits for dogs.
Not always. Some pubs welcome dogs throughout, while others keep them to the bar or garden and away from the restaurant. If you’re eating, ring ahead and ask where dogs can sit.