Whether you’re new to Brighton or you’ve lived here your whole life, a fresh walking route can be difficult to find.
Brighton has a variety of dog-friendly parks such as Preston Park, Queen’s Park and Stanmer Park. Hove Lawns and the beachfront are also lovely areas to walk if you’re fancying some sea air.
However, for many of us, walkers fatigue quickly sets in as you grow tired of doing the same old route all the time. Luckily for us, Brighton has a huge variety of beautiful landscapes that are ideal for taking your furry friends out for a stroll.
Whether you’re looking to go near or far, below are a list of six pup-friendly spots to help you change things up a bit.
Near by:
Hollingbury Park and Woods
Hollingbury Woods offers a great route for you and your pooch. Head to the Fiveways area of Brighton, just off of Ditchling Road where you will find a peaceful footpath surrounded by woodland. The woods lead up to Hollingbury Golf Course, which is fine to walk around as long as you are considerate of golfers and don’t amble on the fairways. Enjoy open fields and spectacular views over the city no matter which route you take.
Megan Novak, founder of dog-walking service Dogs on the Downs, says Hollingbury woods is her favourite spot. She suggests finding the dew pond through the woods:
“The dogs love it there! It’s like a little dog watering hole”
Beacon Mill
The iconic black Beacon Mill sits on the headland above Rottingdean, overlooking the sea. The Mill is surrounded by a vast expanse of open fields, where you’ll often find sheep in a pen. Enjoy a stroll over the hill while looking out onto the horizon.
Devil’s Dyke
Devil’s Dyke is a rather spectacular 100m deep V-shaped valley on the South Downs Way. This spot is perfect if you’re fancying something slightly more strenuous. There are various routes you can choose from which take you either through or around the valley. From the highest point (next to the pub car park) you can see for miles – weather permitting. Head to the Royal Oak after your hike for a well-earned pub lunch or roast dinner on a Sunday.
Sheepcote Valley
You’ll find Sheepcote Valley up a rather large hill near to Brighton Racecourse. You can follow the trail round to the pond or walk immediately south toward the sea for coastal views over the city. Your dog will be fine off-lead as long as you manage to keep them off the racecourse itself.
Further afield:
Friston Forest
If you’re coming from central Brighton, Friston Forest will take you slightly longer to get to. However, it’s stunning beech wood forest and abundance of marked routes for walkers make it worth the drive. For those looking for a longer route, you can take the stunning circular walk which takes you past Birling Gap, Seven Sisters and the forest.
