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Brighton & Hove
Everyone wants to join in on a trip to Brighton & Hove and as this is a dog-friendly city there is no need to leave your four-legged friend behind.
Read MoreBrighton & Hove is a convenient destination if you are looking for an easy dog-friendly day trip on the coast. It is quite dog-friendly and it takes just an hour from London by train or between 1 h 40 minutes and 3 hours by car depending on the traffic to get there. Today we tell you about some great things to do with your dog in Brighton to make the most of your day out. 7 things to do in Brighton with your dog Brighton & Hove is a dog-friendly town and a nice place where to enjoy the seaside on a sunny day in Spring to Autumn and a dog splash in the sea. Good or bad season, it always good to have a stop at the beach with your dog. Brighton has a massive pebbles beach and pebbles have the advantage the that your dog won’t get home (or in your car) covered in sand after rolling. Dogs are allowed on any beach in Brighton and Hove from 1st October to 1st April, while there are some dog bans in place from April to September. You can find a map showing the dog-friendly beaches here and a description of the dog-friendly areas on Brighton & Hove City Council’s official website. In general, you will find signs on the beach indicating where dogs are allowed and where they are not. Also keep in mind that on the promenade dogs must be on a leash at all times. The Volk’s Electric Railway is the oldest running electric railway, built by Magnus Volk in 1883, which runs on Brighton seafront from near the Brighton Palace Pier to Black Rock near the Marina with a halfway station, and it is dog-friendly. We went with Argo, Gus and Glitch back in September and it was fun. At the Aquarium Station near Brighton Palace Pier, there is also a Visitors Centre with a small exhibition where you can also try on a railway hat and clothes. Gus was a perfect model for the hat. Trains normally run from March to October. Trains are quite frequent. A piece of advice: as it it pretty busy, best to arrive early to get a good seat. The beautiful Indian style Royal Pavilion was designed by architect John Nash for King George IV and it is a very exotic place, that will make you forget where you are. While you can’t visit the Royal Pavilion with your dog (unless it’s an assistance dog), you can have a stroll at the Royal Pavilion Garden and stop for a picnic. We visited the Royal Pavilion Garden back in September with Gustavito and Glitch and it was lovely. Just remember that according to the byelaws dogs must be kept on lead while at the Garden. If your dog can’t go off-leash, there is an enclosed dog park where you can bring them for a run. Withdean Park has a fenced off dog walking area and, apparently, the Withdean Park Dog Walking Community takes great care of the area. There are a host of walks and hikes you can do from Brighton. Brighton and Hove’s Council has a few guides which can be of help for your dog adventure. One of these, which you can do with your dog, is the Undercliff Walk from Brighton Marina to Saltdean, which you can combine with a ride on Volks’ Electric Raiway. You will find yourself under the majestic white cliffs, far from the traffic, and what a best chance for a dog swim or play on the beach. Pride Dog Show Brighton. You can also join the annual Pride Dog Show hosted by Pride in Brighton, featuring awards for numerous categories, stalls, a catwalk doggy fashion show, bar and refreshments. Last year it was held in October at Preston Park in Brighton. Brighton is also the location of some annual breed-specific meet-ups: for instance, the Schnauzerfest Brighton edition, calling all Schnauzers. The DOG SHOW is an initiative which has been running for the last three years, created by artist Joanna Osborne, within Brighton Open Houses and Brighton Festival. You can visit the house and view an exhibition of dog artpieces from sculptures to felted dogs, to the beautiful dog portraits by Sally Muir and more. The exhibition, which in 2018 lasted for a few weekends in May, also featured three events: On the Spot Dog Drawing by Sally Muir, the Real Dog Show and The Dog Photobooth by Alma Haser. In July 2018, Brighton also saw some original dog events taking place, organised by dog media and events agency Pet-fi, a dog-friendly magic show The Great Houdini. Getting to and around Brighton with a dog on public transport Brighton station roof and windows Trains London to Brighton From London, you can get the train to Brighton from Victoria (Southern Railway), St Pancras International, London Bridge or Blackfriars (Thameslink). Direct services take an hour from London Bridge or 1 hour and 17 minutes from Blackfriars. We were advised that trains tend to be pretty packed at the weekend. Luckily the times we went we didn’t find the crowds! When in Brighton you can take your dog on the bus at no extra charge. Dogs must be well-behaved and sit on the floor or on your lap (not on seats please) and you can bring up to two dogs (if you have more than two dogs you need to check with the driver. You can find more dos and don’ts on the official page. You can find Brighton and Hove’s bus routes and maps here and information about fares and tickets.
Dogfriendly Magazine Review
Read our comprehensive review of this listing printed in our bi-monthly magazine.
BRIGHTON REVIEW WITH SCOTT LEARMOUTH
On a recent visit to Brighton DogFriendly noticed how many dogs there were around enjoying the shop, cafes, life in the lanes and of course the beach. We asked Scott Learmouth owner of the Bone Idol pet shop on St James Street why he thinks Brighton is so appealing to dog owners.
It's safe to say that Brighton has earned its stripes as the UK's most dog friendly city, we just love dogs! In St James Street, where the Bone Idol salon is located, 80% of the businesses are dog friendly, and you can take your canine companion with you on a range of errands, from Boots the Chemist to Nice and Naughty, our local adult shop! Dogs thrive when we spend time with them, and Brighton really is a city where no dog is left at home.
We have stunning dog-friendly beaches, perfect parks and a whole range of cafes and pubs to pass the time of day. We are proud to be from Brighton, and here's a round-up of some of Bone Idol's favourite dog-friendly spots.
Beaches:
Brighton has a pebble beach (no sandy paws), and our dogs Krystle, Doris and our new puppy Rock just love the feeling of the smooth pebbles on their feet. Between October 1 and April 30 it's a doggy free for all, when all of the beaches in Brighton are designated as space to roam for our furry friends. From May 1 to September 30 the beach to the West of the pier is designated “human only”, but fear not, to the East (between the Zip-Line to the Marina) the beach is dog friendly all year round, just as scenic and a stone’s throw from our shop.
Things to do with your dog:
Brighton is home to The world's oldest operating electric railway, and you can enjoy a ride with your dog! The Volk's Electric Railway opened in 1851, and is proud to be canine friendly picking up at quaint olde worlde stations along the seafront. If outdoor pursuits is more your thing, every year in September the Saltdean Lido hosts two very popular dog swimming days. For around £10 you and your dog can chill out in the sunshine, or take a dip in the pool on a day of relaxation and fun that you won't forget in a hurry!
Brighton also loves it's dog stars, and every year the Pride Dog Show is an event not to be missed. Organised by the world famous Brighton Pride, from the amazing range of stalls, to the fun and fabulous event itself the show really does epitomise what Brighton is all about. We are also really proud of our parks, and two in particular really are perfect for walking the dog. Withdean Park covers 38 acres and is one of the most beautiful parks in Brighton. It also is home to the Withdean Park Dog Walking Community, the perfect way to make new friends. East Brighton Park is also very convenient, and if you are travelling from further afield its pay and display parking is very handy.
A large field for letting off some steam of-lead, and a pretty walk into the Sheepcote Valley make for a great doggy afternoon out. Not to mention that Brighton backs on to the South Downs National Park, so within a 10 minute drive or bus ride (dogs are allowed on those too) there is a world of walks and fantastic views
Pubs and Restaurants:
Brighton really is the icing on the cake when it comes to eating and drinking out with your dog.
The Marina is home to Cafe Zio, a friendly cafe which serves traditional favourites as well as homemade cakes and ice cream. Also at the Marina is The Laughing Dog cafe and art gallery which is the perfect place to pick up an unusual gift or treat. Brighton is a feast of choice for enjoying an afternoon out with Fido. The brilliant Ginger Dog, which serves delights such as Corn Fed Chicken Breast, Fregola, Confit Bacon, Courgette, Shiitake Mushrooms and Chicken Butter Sauce, and White Chocolate Ganache, Roast Peach and Thyme (caters well for vegetarians too) is a great place for an early evening meal. Likewise dog-friendly Moshimo is perfect if you like sushi as much as we do!
For pubs Brighton is also top notch and Busby and Wilds, The Walrus, Charles Street Tap or al fresco at the Amsterdam Bar & Kitchen all get the seal of approval from Krystle, Doris and Rock.
Here the dogs are treated like royalty, with treats on the bar, and extra fuss from staff and regulars alike! And good news, all of those establishments serve delicious food too!
Really we are just scratching the surface of what Brighton has to offer you and your dog.
It has to be seen to be believed, and as soon as you get here you will both know that you are right home. We love living in a City where dogs not being allowed is the exception.
We hope that you come and visit us soon. If you do, stop by Bone Idol and say hello, buy some treats, a new lead & collar or book your dog in for a fabulous new “hair-do”
Scott Learmouth. www.boneidol.co.uk.
98 St James’s Street
Brighton
BN2 1NA
01273 695631
Or if you fancy the ultimate doggy treat, why not learn to groom your own dog in a day at our new training school. www.boneidol.co.uk/training
THE BRIGHTON REVIEW APPEARS IN DOGFRIENDLY MAGAZINE ISSUE 63. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE DOGFRIENDLY MAGAZINE VISIT WWW.DOGFRIENDLY.CO.UK/MAGAZINE.
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Listing Updated: 08/06/2021
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