Dog-friendly Hotels South Downs

Converted from former farm buildings, these four holiday properties (two of which have been adapted for the disabled with shower chairs available), are in the Southdowns National Park. Properties 17320 and 17321 command fine views over the surrounding countryside. 17320 also has a worktop which has been lowered for wheelchair access to the sink in the kitchen. Situated in the grounds of the family farm (non-working), they are only 100 yards from the village of Compton with village shop and tea room with free wi-fi access. Enjoy peaceful walks along a bridle path leading to the South Downs Way, 2 miles designated as a National Park. The historic cathedral town of Chichester lies 10 miles away, with its cobbled streets adorned with tea rooms and restaurants, and the ornate cathedral. Scenic boat tours can be taken around the harbour. Goodwood and Fontwell races or polo at Cowdray are all within a short drive. Portsmouth, with shopping and leisure facilities, within easy reach. Hawking and falconry days can be arranged, prices on application and must be pre-booked direct with owner. Shop and pub 100 yards.

Steyning Kilns is located on the site of five old lime kilns dating back to the early 1800s. It is a lovely detached property with the added benefit of air conditioning, located on the side of the South Downs, able to comfortably accommodate up to six guests. It provides a fantastic secluded location for couples, families, or small groups of cyclists or walkers to stay, when looking to explore the wider Sussex area. Outside there is a tap for bike and boot washing and an eating area with table and chairs for six, barbecue and fire pit (with free logs) for those cooler evenings. There is a large paddock area for recreation and some outdoor play equipment available for the children.

Steyning is a small, picturesque town, originally one of the most important places in the county during the middle ages, with its large and prosperous port. Now, it resides about 5 miles from the coast, up the River Adur from Shoreham-by-Sea. The centre of the village still has a large number of historic buildings, including many from the medieval and Tudor period.

Today you’ll find independent shops, an assortment of tea rooms and restaurants, pubs, a well-stocked supermarket and a local butcher all on the high street. The award winning Sussex Produce Company stocks high quality produce and some excellent ready meals, where you can shop for food seven days a week and until late in the evening. Also well worth a visit is the Steyning Bookshop and Cobblestone Walk - a unique shopping arcade, all based around a 16th-century tea house.

The property is ideally positioned on the side of the South Downs, bordering onto the National Park boundary, but only ½ a mile from the South Downs Way path, the Downslink Trail and Steyning High Street. It offers many miles of bridle and cycle paths, and footpaths to explore, with pretty rural villages and traditional country pubs to discover along its routes. You can visit the nearby Steyning Bowl, Chanctonbury Ring, with its stunning views, and the Iron Age hill fort at Cissbury Ring.

The cosmopolitan city of Brighton on the south coast lies roughly 12 miles south east, where you can take a tour around the Regency terraces, the Royal Pavilion, the trendy Lanes district and book your ticket for the British Airways i360 observation tower. The town of Worthing, with 2019’s ‘Pier of the Year’ is only 7 miles away.

Other must-see places within Sussex include Arundel with its famous castle, RSPB Pulborough, The Bluebell Steam Railway, Ashdown Forest or slightly further afield to the west, you’ll find the historic Chichester Cathedral and Goodwood and Fontwell races.

Outdoor pursuits are well catered for in the county, including horse riding on the Downs, and golf enthusiasts will find a variety of courses available locally, and hang gliding enthusiasts can visit The Flyers at nearby Devil`s Dyke on The Downs, 7 miles away. Beach 5 miles. Shops, pubs and restaurants ¾ mile.

The Studio is close to the town of Lewes just off the South Downs way at the top of a historic and well-maintained old racecourse. The building was once the home to six horses and has been converted to a very high standard. The Studio is a three-bedroom, two-bathroom New York loft style self-catering accommodation. It boasts spacious open plan living with high ceilings and quality fixtures and fittings throughout. The bedrooms, each equipped with comfortable beds, offer a quiet retreat from the main open-plan living area. The fully equipped kitchen area, complete with modern appliances and a dining area, allows guests to prepare their own meals and enjoy them in the comfort of their own space. Additional amenities include a living area with comfortable seating area and Flatscreen TV and well as a designated workspace with excellent connection to the internet. The two bathrooms are side by side and with external and internal access. There is an additional internal door to separate the two bathrooms. Perfect for small groups or families, this self-catering accommodation offer a unique and stylish alternative to traditional hotel rooms. There is a mezzanine terrace to sit and unwind while taking in the night sky or soaking up the sun during the day.
The Studio is located at the Old Racecourse, Lewes in the heart of the South Downs National Park. In May 2016 the South Downs National Park became part of the International Dark Sky Reserve. At night the star-studded skies are captivating and equally beautiful as the rolling landscape that surrounds you. Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, culture, or history East Sussex has something for everyone. You could take a ramble across the South Downs and stop off at an inn and unwind before heading back. The area is steeped in history with a Norman castle, historic houses and the Glyndebourne opera house a short drive away. Climb to the top of Lewes castle for panoramic views across Sussex and after a picnic in the gardens visit the museum of Sussex Archaeology. Alternatively, have a browse around Lewes town where you will find lots of restaurants, independent boutiques, art galleries, pubs, and antique shops. Beach 9½ miles.