8 Great Dog-Friendly Beaches In East Sussex
Like their human companions, lots of dogs love a trip to the seaside. Lots of space to run about, waves to splash in and all sorts of new sights, smells and textures – what’s not to like? And of course a trip to the beach is a great free activity that all the family can enjoy.
For visitors and locals alike, the East Sussex coastline has plenty to offer for dogs and their owners, including coast path walks and numerous beaches that welcome dogs. As with much of the UK’s coastline, some of the dog-friendly beaches in East Sussex allow dogs all year round while others have restrictions in summer (typically banning access from May to September). These restrictions can change from year to year, so it’s always worth checking online or looking out for local signage for confirmation.
Shingle beaches are the most common in the area, so it’s worth noting that low tide – when the water recedes and leaves more sand – is often the best time for dog walking. That means it’s best to check the East Sussex tide times before setting off.
To help you have a great day out, we’ve picked out eight of the best beaches for dogs in East Sussex – from the cliffs of Cuckmere to the sands of Camber, they’re all great places to take a walk or a day out with your four-legged friend.
For visitors to the area, Pitchup has a great selection of dog-friendly places to stay in East Sussex. These range from simple farm campsites to cosy cabins where you and your dog can relax in comfort while also having easy access to the outside. Take a look at the list below to find the place for you.
See all dog-friendly campsites in East Sussex
Cuckmere Haven
Just where the Cuckmere River meets the sea, Cuckmere Haven’s quiet cove just west of the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs is one of the prettiest locations on the East Sussex coastline. It’s a popular spot for anglers and walkers as well as beachgoers – and with no restrictions on dogs it makes a lovely place for a dog walk at any time of year. When you’ve had your fill of beach time, follow the river inland for a pint at the Cuckmere Inn where your dog is welcome in the garden and the bar.
Birling Gap
Between Seaford and Eastbourne, Birling Gap is a narrow shingle strip where the cliffs tower up to 500 feet directly overhead and the rockpools provide plenty of interest for dogs and humans alike at low tide. Dog walkers are permitted on both the beach and the surrounding rural paths at any time of year, but it’s advisable to keep them on a lead at the top of the cliffs or when walking near grazing cattle and sheep.
Camber Sands
Something of a novelty among the mainly pebbly Sussex beaches, these soft sands near Rye stretch for an impressive five miles. Dogs are allowed at Camber Sands all year round, and although the central bathing has restrictions in summer, there’s so much room that it really doesn’t matter – there’s always somewhere to walk your dog. The dunes at the western end are many a pup’s idea of heaven, making Camber Sands one of East Sussex’s best beaches for dogs.
Pett Level Beach
Pett Level is another of the top sandy beaches in East Sussex for dogs, although they’re not permitted here from May to September. There’s free parking on the road behind the beach, and a café where you can warm up with a hot drink after your walk. Down on the beach, spend some time poking about in the rockpools and look out for the petrified forest that appears during low tide at Cliff End.
Bexhill-On-Sea
The beach at Bexhill-On-Sea is a long, gently sloping strip of shingle and pebbles, with impressive views east to Beachy Head. Dogs are allowed on certain sections of Bexhill beach throughout the year, although they’re banned from Brockley Road (Sovereign Light Cafe) to Sea Road (Sailing Club) from 1 May to 30 September. They’ll also need to be kept on leads on the promenade and lawns between groynes 34 and 78 – it’s best to check local signage to make sure you’re complying with the rules.
Royal Parade Beach, Eastbourne
Set away from the busiest parts of Eastbourne’s promenade, where some areas are off limits for dogs in summer, the Royal Parade beaches welcome dogs all year round and are rather quieter than their town-centre cousins. This stretch also has several cafés where you can stop for a coffee or a pup cup. Aside from the section of beach between the pier and the Wish Tower (where dogs are banned in summer), Eastbourne is a very dog-friendly seaside town. The handy Dog-Friendly Eastbourne guide lists all the dog guidelines you need to know about, and has tips on restaurants and attractions where dogs are welcome.
St. Leonard’s Beach
The western end of the sweeping stretch of shingle at St. Leonard’s has free parking and no dog restrictions at any time of year. That combination means you’re likely to meet plenty of other dog walkers here – excellent news if your hound loves a bit of company. Feeling fit? You can walk all the way to Bexhill at low tide, with train or bus services on hand to ferry you back if you don’t fancy the return walk.
Pevensey Bay
Pevensey’s quiet shingle bay was the spot where William the Conqueror first came ashore in 1066. These days, it’s a popular spot for swimming and fishing as well as dog walking – dogs are allowed on the beach here all year round. Just inland, you can stroll among the birds and wildflowers at Pevensey Marshes Nature Reserve, which allows dogs on leads.
In February 2026 Pevensey Bay joined its neighbours Camber Sands and Bexhill in introducing a voluntary smoke-free space to protect visitors (especially children) and the environment, so look out for the signage while you’re there.
As well as a good list of fabulous beaches, East Sussex has plenty more to offer for dogs and their owners, including some particularly lovely woodland walks. And for visitors there are lots of excellent places to stay – check out the full Pitchup collection to see what’s available for your dates.