Eastbourne is a wonderfully dog-friendly place — the sunniest town in Britain, with miles of flat promenade, dog-welcoming beaches, glorious downland walks and plenty of pubs and cafés happy to see a wagging tail. There are a few seasonal beach rules to know, but with a little planning it makes a brilliant day out or holiday with your four-legged friend. Here’s our guide.
Dogs on the beach
The main thing to know is that dogs are banned from Eastbourne’s main resort beach — the stretch from the Wish Tower to the Pier — between 1 May and 30 September, and must be kept on leads along the seafront during that season. This is enforced by the council, so do watch for the signs. Outside those months, from October through April, dogs are welcome along the whole beach.
The good news is that two stretches welcome dogs all year round: Holywell and Falling Sands at the western end, a pretty, quieter spot with rock pools and chalk cliffs, and the Royal Parade beaches towards the eastern end, which are calmer than their town-centre cousins. Dogs must simply be kept under control. Do note that the pier itself does not allow dogs. For more on the coastline, see our guide to Eastbourne’s beaches.
Dog-friendly walks
Walkers are spoilt here. The seafront promenade runs for almost five flat miles, making an easy, scenic stroll past the beach, gardens, bandstand and Victorian architecture. For something more dramatic, the South Downs rise right behind the town, with superb routes around Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters — just keep dogs on leads near grazing livestock and well away from the cliff edges. Closer to home, Gildredge Park (with the dog-friendly Love All Café) and Hampden Park both offer plenty of green space for a gentler outing. Our guide to the best walks in Eastbourne has more ideas.
Dog-friendly pubs and cafés
You won’t struggle to find somewhere to refuel together. The Pilot Inn in Meads, sandwiched between the seafront and the Downs, is a favourite with Beachy Head walkers and welcomes dogs in its cosy bar. Up near the start of the South Downs Way, The Kiosk on Foyle Way has covered outdoor seating where dogs are allowed, and the Holywell Tea Chalet has dog-friendly seating right by the western beach — perfect after a cliff walk. Many seafront cafés happily serve a “pup cup”, and plenty of the town’s pubs welcome well-behaved dogs in the bar. See our guides to the best pubs and best cafés in Eastbourne for more.
Beyond the town
Just along the coast, some lovely spots welcome dogs all year with no seasonal restrictions. Birling Gap allows dogs on the beach and surrounding paths year-round (on leads near the cliffs and livestock), while Cuckmere Haven is dog-friendly at any time, with the Cuckmere Inn welcoming dogs in its bar and garden. To the east, Pevensey Bay is also dog-friendly all year round. All make excellent alternatives when the main resort beach is closed to dogs in summer.
Tips for a dog-friendly visit
A few practical pointers: keep to the lead rules on the seafront in summer and always check the beach signage when you arrive, as the exact zones and dates are set by the council and can change from year to year. Eastbourne’s beaches are mostly shingle, so low tide — when more sand is exposed — is often the nicest time for a paddle; it’s worth checking tide times before you set off. Bring the usual essentials (water, bowl, poo bags), and if you’re staying over, there’s a good choice of dog-friendly hotels and B&Bs in and around the town.
Good to know: beach dog restrictions are enforced under a Public Spaces Protection Order and can be updated each year, so treat the dates above as a guide and always check the latest council information and on-site signage before visiting.
Eastbourne with a dog: FAQs
Are dogs allowed on Eastbourne beach?
Dogs are banned from the main resort beach (Wish Tower to Pier) from 1 May to 30 September, and welcome there the rest of the year. Two stretches — Holywell/Falling Sands to the west and the Royal Parade beaches to the east — welcome dogs all year round.
Where can I walk my dog in Eastbourne?
The five-mile seafront promenade is ideal, as are the South Downs around Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters (dogs on leads near livestock and cliffs). Gildredge Park and Hampden Park are great for a gentler stroll with green space.
Are there dog-friendly pubs in Eastbourne?
Yes, plenty. The Pilot Inn in Meads is popular with walkers, The Kiosk near Beachy Head has dog-friendly outdoor seating, and the Holywell Tea Chalet welcomes dogs by the western beach. Many seafront cafés and town pubs are dog-friendly too.
Can dogs go on Eastbourne Pier?
No — dogs are not allowed on Eastbourne Pier. However, the promenade alongside it and much of the seafront are perfect for a walk, and nearby Birling Gap and Cuckmere Haven welcome dogs year-round.
Planning your visit? See our guides to Eastbourne’s beaches, the best walks in Eastbourne, and Cuckmere Haven & the Seven Sisters.