Last Updated on 20 May 2026 by Dave King
Brighton is one of the most dog friendly cities on the south coast, but the beach rules catch people out every summer. From 1 May to 30 September, dogs are banned from central Brighton beach and only allowed on specific designated zones. The rest of the year, dogs are welcome everywhere. This guide covers all things dog friendly Brighton. The seasonal beach rules, the best dog walks, cafes and pubs that welcome dogs, and the local rules you need to know.
Table of Contents
Beach Rules at a Glance
| Season | Rule |
|---|---|
| 1 October to 30 April | Dogs allowed on all beaches |
| 1 May to 30 September | Dogs only on designated dog friendly zones (see below) |
| Promenade | Dogs must be on a lead at all times, year-round |
| Brighton Palace Pier | Dogs not allowed (assistance dogs excepted) |
Dog Friendly Beach Zones (Summer: 1 May to 30 September)
During summer, dogs are banned from central Brighton beach. The dog friendly Brighton beach zones you can use are listed below, all signposted at each beach access point. This information comes from the Brighton and Hove City Council dog friendly beaches page.
Hove Lagoon area: Beaches in front of Hove Lagoon from beach hut 457 east to beach hut 376.
Hove (south of bowling greens): From beach hut 212 east to beach hut 153 (Hove Street South).
Hove Lawns: One beach in front of, and one beach to the east of, Hove Lawns Cafe.
Peace Statue: The beach in front of the Peace Statue and Meeting Place Cafe, east to the large groyne with the life-ring.
East Brighton: South of the Volks Railway Aquarium Station running east to the Marina wall. This is the largest dog friendly zone close to central Brighton.
Roedean to Rottingdean: From the Marina wall to the edge of Rottingdean main beach, opposite the White Horse Hotel.
Rottingdean to Saltdean: All beaches east of the large hand-railed groyne to the three main Saltdean beaches in front of the tunnel.
There are no dog friendly beach zones on central Brighton Beach between the Peace Statue and the Volks Railway during summer. If you are visiting with a dog between May and September, head east past the pier or west to Hove.
Dog Walks
Seafront and coastal
The seafront promenade runs from Hove to the Marina. Dogs must be on a lead on the promenade at all times, but it is an easy, flat walk with cafes and facilities along the way.
The Undercliff Walk from Brighton Marina to Saltdean is quieter and more scenic, running beneath the chalk cliffs. It is a good option if you want to avoid the busiest sections of the main promenade.
Parks and countryside
Stanmer Park has wide open fields, woodland and plenty of space. It is one of the best dog walks near Brighton for letting a dog run properly.
Preston Park is the largest urban park in Brighton with good paths and open grass.
Devil’s Dyke on the South Downs has big views and rolling countryside. It is further out but worth it for a longer walk.
For a full list, see the parks guide and the walks near Brighton guide.
Dog Friendly Cafes and Pubs
Dog friendly Brighton extends well beyond the beaches. Most independent cafes and pubs in North Laine, the Lanes and Kemptown will let dogs in, and many provide water bowls. These are some of the most reliably dog friendly venues based on multiple local sources.
Cafes:
- Laughing Dog at Brighton Marina is named for a reason and is one of the most consistently dog friendly cafes in Brighton
- Starfish and Coffee on Egremont Place actively welcomes dogs
- Lucky Beach on the seafront (Kings Road Arches) has outdoor seating with sea views and welcomes dogs
Pubs:
- The Lion and Lobster on Sillwood Street has outdoor seating and welcomes dogs in the bar area
- The Dorset on North Road in North Laine has an open fire and a proper pub atmosphere, dogs welcome
- The Battle of Trafalgar on Guildford Road is spacious with good Sunday roasts, known for welcoming dogs
- Hove Place on First Avenue in Hove has a beer garden and provides water bowls
- The Camelford Arms in Kemptown has a cosy interior with a fireplace and welcomes dogs
For a dedicated directory of dog friendly businesses in Brighton and Hove, brighton.dog lists verified cafes, pubs, shops and services.
Always check with the venue before visiting, especially at busy times or if you plan to eat indoors. Policies can change and some restrict dogs during peak dinner service.
Local Rules
On leads: Dogs must be on a lead on the promenade year-round. Many parks also have lead requirements near children’s play areas and wildlife zones. Follow local signage.
Fouling: You must pick up after your dog. Failing to do so can result in a fine. Carry bags and use the dog waste bins around the city.
Pier: Dogs are not allowed on Brighton Palace Pier. Assistance dogs are the exception.
General etiquette: Keep your dog under control in busy areas. Do not let dogs on cafe or pub furniture. Be mindful of other dogs and children.
FAQs
Can I take my dog on Brighton beach in summer?
Only on designated dog friendly zones. From 1 May to 30 September, dogs are banned from central Brighton beach. The main summer options are east of the Volks Railway Aquarium Station towards the Marina, and several zones in Hove. Check the council’s beach map before visiting.
Do dogs have to be on a lead on Brighton seafront?
Yes. Dogs must be on a lead on the promenade at all times, year-round. On the beach itself, dogs can be off lead in the designated zones, but back on lead as soon as you return to the promenade.
Are dogs allowed on Brighton Palace Pier?
No. Dogs are not allowed on the pier, with the exception of registered assistance dogs.
Which is the best dog friendly beach in Brighton during summer?
The stretch east of the Volks Railway Aquarium Station to the Marina wall is the largest dog friendly zone close to central Brighton. It is the easiest to reach if you are coming from the city centre.
Where can I find a full list of dog friendly places in Brighton?
The best resource for dog friendly Brighton venues is brighton.dog, which maintains a verified directory of cafes, pubs, hotels, shops and services across Brighton and Hove.
Final Thoughts
Dog friendly Brighton comes down to knowing the seasonal beach rules and which venues welcome dogs. Outside of summer, dogs are allowed on all beaches. During summer, head east past the pier or west to Hove for the designated zones. For walks, Stanmer Park and the Undercliff Walk are the standouts. For food and drink, most independent cafes and pubs in North Laine, the Lanes and Kemptown welcome dogs. The dog friendly Brighton community is strong, so check brighton.dog for the latest verified listings. Carry bags, keep your dog on a lead on the promenade, and you will have no problems.
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