Dog Friendly Tourist Spots

When you’re out and about travelling as a family or a couple with your dog, you will be pleased to know that some of the most popular tourist destinations are dog friendly. 

The Weald and Downland Living Museum welcomes well-behaved dogs. The museum is open annually March – October. Dogs are welcome, but must be kept on short leads.

The Amberley Museum and Heritage Centre welcomes dogs, and it’s also good for access for people of all ages and mobility. Plenty of space for dog walking, as the site covers 36 acres. It’s a fascinating site where you can discover the Industrial Heritage of West Sussex.

Traditional craft people demonstrate, and a narrow-gauge railway offers vintage bus rides. You can even see vintage printing presses still in working order. They have various themed events throughout the season, so it’s worth checking out their website for the latest details.

Great Dog Walks

For a great dog walk, you need to check out the Chichester canal. Just a stone’s throw from Chichester city centre, and it is one of the areas best kept secrets. Not only can your dog walk, but you can also enjoy watersports, boat trips, canoeing, fishing and more along the 200 year old canal. 

The towpath is actually a designated footpath, and offers amazing views of the South Downs and Chichester cathedral. The Towpath runs four miles as far as Chichester Marina at Birdham. Ample space for you and your dog to stretch your legs, plus lots of activities for the family to try their hand at.

Head over to Bosham and you find a truly beautiful village with its own coastal flavour. You can take a walk around Bosham Quay. Or enjoy the green space to linger, picnic and play with the dogs in Bosham Quay Meadow. All this complete with an amazing tidal view. You can also watch the local Sailing Club.

Kingley Vale, renowned as one of the premier dog-walking destinations near Chichester, is home to a grove of ancient trees. It is believed to be among the oldest living entities in Great Britain. This area is also a protected nature reserve, though visitors should note that some trails can be steep. It offers diverse walking paths for your canine companion, including an extensive circuit that showcases the vast beauty of the surrounding landscape. The area boasts breathtaking vistas and several spots where dogs can be let off the leash to roam freely, typically beyond the kissing gate.

The trundle in Chichester is old fort. The terrain offers a little climb at the start, and there is a free car park. There are lots of walks to explore if you don’t want to head to the top. But if you make the effort and get to the top of the trundle, you also get good views of the race track at Goodwood.

Goodwood and Dogs

Goodwood Estate is very dog friendly, and they even have dog shows on annually now, which is called Goodwoof! With over 12000 acres to explore, the team at Goodwood Estate has put together some stunning walks. Many that take in amazing forest and woodland. An example is the blue one 1.5 km walk that actually starts at the Goodwood hotel and then works its way down to the kennels. 

The Red Run runs for 2.65 km, which starts at the hotel, but this time it takes you through a meandering tour of the grounds of Goodwood House. It then loops around via Seeley Copse through the Woodland.  If you’re feeling more energetic, then another red walking route will take you through an amazing 7 and 1/2 hectares of ancient woodland. Dogs are welcome, but must be kept on a lead at all times. Detailed walking maps are available on the website.

Oaklands Park in Chichester is actually the largest public recreational space in the City. Situated just to the north, it’s very easy to access. The four cars and adult football pitch a softball pitch Pavilion for rugby pitches cricket pitch and is a Haven for sports enthusiasts. The park is a public area and dogs are welcome. It’s a great space to give them a good run!