Dog-friendly Lewes: things to do in Lewes with a dog

Recently moved to East Sussex and want to know about things to do in Lewes with a dog? Or is historic England calling your name, and thinking about house sitting in Lewes soon?

No worries - here find the ultimate dog-friendly guide to the county town. Below, learn about the pet-friendly pubs in Lewes, cafes, restaurants and dog walks. 

And if you’re welcoming a pet sitter soon, be sure to share this handy guide ahead of time!

Dog-friendly pubs in Lewes

Whether you’re new to the town or you’ve lived here for decades, one of the top things to do in Lewes has to be visiting a pub or two! 

The town is packed with breweries and public houses that date back through the centuries. So, stay right where you are for a list of the dog-friendly pubs Lewes has to offer.

The Snowdrop Inn

This spot was built in 1840 and commemorates the tragic avalanche - which the pub is named after. It’s both dog and family-friendly, serves up a range of home-cooked classics and is complete with quirky decor. Just remember to look up!

Location: 119 South St, Lewes BN7 2BU

The Swan Inn

The Swan Inn pub, Lewes is a spot popular with both locals and tourists. With an award-winning garden, Harvey’s beer and homemade food, you really can’t go wrong. Dogs are welcome in the pub, but the owners ask that pups are kept on the lead.

Location: 30A Southover High St, Lewes BN7 1HU

The Lewes Arms

If you’re on the lookout for pubs in Lewes town centre, look no further than The Lewes Arms. Like many local watering holes, The Lewes Arms is a truly historic pub - it’s over 220 years old, in fact. It’s also the host of various quirky events, like The World Pea Throwing Championships - but note that this one doesn’t allow our four-legged friends. 

Location: The Lewes Arms, 1 Mount Pl, Lewes BN7 1YH

The White Hart

This highly-rated hotel and 17-century pub in Lewes warmly welcomes canine companions. Boasting pride of place on Lewes high street and walking distance from the train station, why not check out the roof terrace that overlooks the South Downs? And naturally, if your pooch fancies a dog treat or a water bowl, just ask. 

Location: 55 High St, Lewes BN7 1XE

The Pelham Arms

Fancy getting cosy next to an inglenook fireplace below original oak beams in a 17th-century pub? Naturally. Check out this spot’s craft beers from ABYSS brewing (brewed by Andrew, the pub’s landlord) with your furry friend. And if you’re feeling peckish, check out their impressive burger menu which prides itself on using locally-sourced ingredients.

Location: High St, Lewes BN7 1XL

The Rights of Man

This might look like a cosy tavern from the outside (which it certainly is), but The Rights of Man is truly a foodie heaven. With fish from Brighton Fish Market, meats from Kent and Sussex, and vegetables from Convent Garden, locals can rely on quality at this spot.

Location: 179 High St, Lewes BN7 1YE

The Brewer’s Arms

Like your local ales? Look no further than Lewes High Street - it’s bursting with dog-friendly pubs, like The Brewer’s Arms. Pop along to try an ale or two and fill up on hearty pub classics, like sausage and mash, a Sunday roast, and steak pie (that’s made with ale, naturally).

Location: 91 High St, Lewes BN7 1XN

John Harvey Tavern

Want to sample the delights of Harvey’s Brewery, that’s just over the road? Check out John Harvey Tavern and sit inside or out with your pooch. 

Location: Bear Yard, Cliffe High St, Lewes BN7 2AN

The Gardener’s Arms

Looking for a traditional, drinks-only real ale pub in the heart of Lewes? Look no further than The Gardener’s Arms on Cliffe High Street. With a great selection of ales, a welcoming atmosphere, and a packet of crisps, you can’t go too far wrong.

Location: 46 Cliffe High St, Lewes BN7 2AN

The Juggs

Slightly out of town but well worth the journey, The Juggs is a 15th-century cottage nestled in the village of Kingston. So if you’re after a spot to stop for a drink and traditional British food during a walk across the South Downs, check out The Juggs.

Location: The St, Kingston, Lewes BN7 3NT

Dog-friendly cafes in Lewes

Love a morning coffee run and want to take your pooch along, or fancy an afternoon cake date with your furry friend? Make a note of the dog-friendly cafes in Lewes, East Sussex below.

The Sip

Feeling peckish? Head to The Sip - an independently-owned cafe serving up sandwiches, salads, poke bowls and traditional breakfasts.

Location: Netwerks, 4 Fisher St, Lewes BN7 2DG

Cafe Vegu

Prefer to eat in fully vegan spots? Try Cafe Vegu which is pet-friendly, and choose from well-reviewed Korean-inspired breakfast, brunch and lunch dishes.

Location: 70 High St, Lewes BN7 1XG

The Patch

Half cafe, half pub (it is Lewes, after all), The Patch is perfect whether you’re looking for coffee, lunch, ale - or all three.

Location: 19-21 Market St, Lewes BN7 2NB

Pharmacie Coffee Roasters

Serious about your morning roast? Head to Pharmacie Coffee Roasters - an independent micro roaster which is said to provide dog beds for furry customers!

Location: 11 Cliffe Industrial Est, Lewes BN8 6JL

Taith Coffee

If you’re looking for somewhere a little more central for your morning brew, try Taith Coffee on Lewes High Street, and soak up the countryside views from upstairs.

Location: 84 High St, Lewes BN7 1XN

Dog-friendly restaurants in Lewes

Looking for somewhere to have a bite to eat in a friendly atmosphere that’ll welcome your pooch? Well many of the pubs in Lewes (that we’ve listed above) also serve up delicious, home cooked British food. So if that’s your jam, scroll up. 

If you’re looking for a dog-friendly restaurant in Lewes that’s not in a pub, make a note of our list below. And as with any local businesses or chain restaurants, be sure to call up beforehand to double check they’re still dog-friendly.

Riverside Brasserie

For views of the river and a menu of pancakes, full English breakfast and burgers, stop at the Riverside Brasserie in the centre of Lewes.

Location: 20 Cliffe High St, Lewes BN7 2AH

Fuego Lounge

Choose from a global, reliable menu and enjoy a meal out in the relaxed atmosphere of Fuego Lounge.

Location: Unit 1 The, Old Court House, Lewes BN7 2FS

Bill’s

Whether you’re looking for somewhere to get breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even afternoon tea, Bill’s is a reliable, pet-friendly restaurant in the heart of Lewes town.

Location: 56 Cliffe High St, Lewes BN7 2AN

The best Lewes walks to explore with a dog

Looking for a way to experience dog-friendly Lewes, aside from heading to a pub or eatery? Below find a five popular Lewes walks, ideal for a few hours of exercise with your furry friend.

Lewes Railway Land Nature Reserve

Explore the woodlands, wetlands and meadows of the Lewes Railway Land - an area where flora and fauna are able to flourish. To help protect the land while on your dog walk, keep your pup out of the water.

Location: Lewes BN7 2BS

Malling Down Nature Reserve

Easily accessible from Lewes town centre, why not walk across Malling Down to catch a glimpse of rare butterflies and rolling hills? Be sure to only let your dog off the lead if they’re under voice control, and pop the lead back on if you come across sheep grazing.

Location: Lewes BN8 6SH

The River Ouse Path 

This 35-mile river path runs from West Sussex, through Lewes and out to the sea at Newhaven. So, if waterside walks are your thing, be sure to tick off the River Ouse.

Blackcap

This area of National Trust woodland is the perfect place to get into nature with your furry friend. Just a 7-minute drive from Lewes town, find parking in the layby off B2116.

Location: East Chiltington, Lewes BN7 3AA

Firle Beacon

You might already know that Lewes is right next to the South Downs Way, which Firle Beacon is part of. This chalky hill is home to prehistoric mounds, and is popular with dog walkers who are after views of the stunning National Park.

Location: Lewes BN8 6LR

Tips for pet parents

As a pet parent, you certainly aren’t short of things to do in Lewes, so to keep your furry family content in town, follow our tips below.

• Explore the South Downs. Lewes town is surrounded by the rolling hills of the South Downs National Park, so make the most of the jaw-dropping views with your four-legged friends.
• Make a plan for Bonfire Night. If you’re new to Lewes, you might not have experienced Bonfire Night here before - it can be incredibly noisy, depending on where you live. So, be sure to make a plan for keeping your pup calm on what can be a distressing evening for dogs.
• Plan ahead for your holiday. We can agree that Lewes is a seriously dog-friendly town, so why not keep your pooch at home - where vets agree they’re happiest - during your next trip? To learn how to connect with verified, in-home pet sitters, click below.

Tips for pet sitters

Adore animals and fancy exploring the medieval town of Lewes, without paying a penny for accommodation? Sounds like it’s time to kick off your Lewes house sitting adventure - follow our tips below for making it a great one.

• Get amongst Lewes’ pub culture. Drink ale or not, the pubs in Lewes are a fantastic way to experience the town’s history. Plus, most are completely dog-friendly and serve up hearty, homemade food.
• Walk where the locals do. To explore as much of the town and its surroundings as possible, live like a local - and get chatting to them - for local recommendations on where to walk your new pup pal.
• Explore Lewes through house sitting. Excited to wander the South Downs’ rolling hills, or get cosy in a local pub, fireside with a furry friend? Click below to learn how to get your house sitting adventure started.

More dog-friendly travel guides near Lewes

Thinking about house sitting near Lewes, visiting a nearby town with your canine companion, or welcoming a pet sitter soon? Explore our travel guides below for dog-friendly places to visit, along with local tips and advice.

• Dog-friendly Worthing, UK: Things to do in Worthing with a dog
• Dog-friendly Eastbourne: Things to do in Eastbourne with a dog
• Dog-friendly Brighton: things to do in Brighton with a dog