West Sussex has a long coast, the South Downs and some of the best estates in the south, but also seasonal beach bans, a patchwork of council orders and places that restrict dogs at certain times of year. Several council orders are at or near their renewal date, so we’ve said where we couldn’t confirm the current position.
Beaches and seasonal bans
In Arun, dogs are banned from 1 May to 30 September on three stretches: Bognor Regis from the sailing club ramp to Gloucester Road, Felpham from Canning Road to Felpham Sailing Club, and Littlehampton from East Pier to Norfolk Road. Dogs must be on a lead on the promenade alongside. In Worthing, dogs are excluded from the beach between Splash Point and Heene Road, and at Goring between the two boat launching ramps, over the same dates. The council says dogs are allowed on all Adur beaches (Lancing, Shoreham, Southwick, Kingston and Fishersgate) all year. In Selsey, restrictions apply between groynes E26 and E33 in summer, with leads on the sea wall.
West Wittering is a private estate. From May to mid-September, dogs are excluded from the bathing zone between groynes 14a and 18, in front of the beach huts, and welcome elsewhere on the beach. Don’t assume 30 September there. We found no council rules for Climping or Pagham beach, and we couldn’t confirm the current position at East Wittering and Bracklesham from a council page.
Council orders
Adur and Worthing sealed new orders on 18 December 2025. They require leads on streets, car parks, cemeteries, the Worthing promenade and pier, and several named parks, cap dogs at six per person, exclude dogs from Highdown Gardens, and carry a £100 fixed penalty. Arun’s orders were due to expire on 5 November 2026, with a three-year extension proposed after a consultation that closed in July. We couldn’t confirm it was adopted, so check the council. Chichester’s order ran to 16 October 2026 and a renewal to 2029 was proposed; we couldn’t confirm the outcome. It uses leads on an officer’s direction, excludes dogs from Priory Park, Bishop’s Palace Gardens and fenced play areas, and has a £150 fixed penalty reduced to £100 if paid within 14 days. Crawley requires dogs on a lead of no more than 2 metres around Tilgate lake, the main lawn and the Peace Garden. Mid Sussex caps dogs at six per person on council nature reserves and selected large parks. Horsham’s last order ran to March 2024 and the council says none is in place now, though check for a new one.
Estates, reserves and the Downs
Kingley Vale requires leads at all times. Petworth Park (National Trust) allows dogs off the lead in the Deer Park under close control, with a short lead in the Pleasure Garden and extra care in fawn season. Nymans closes its garden to pet dogs in spring and summer and reopens it to them at set times in winter, so check dates; the woodland welcomes dogs all year, on leads from March to August. Cissbury Ring welcomes dogs on leads. Leonardslee allows dogs on short leads in the gardens, Knepp welcomes them under close control with no swimming, and Pagham Harbour and Medmerry (RSPB) ask for close, effective control on rights of way only. Warnham Local Nature Reserve allows no dogs at all. Sussex Wildlife Trust asks for short leads near livestock and leads or close control where nesting birds or adders live.
We couldn’t confirm official dog rules at Arundel Park, Chanctonbury Ring, Duncton Down, Goodwood’s open ground or Brooklands Park, or any current algae notice. Black Down sits on the Surrey border. For swimming, treat the National Trust and council signs as final.
Beaches, deer and sheep all add up to a lot for a dog to take in. A calming bite can help take the edge off a busier day out, and if your dog struggles to settle wherever you walk, that is worth a word with your vet or a qualified trainer. For everything else, see our West Sussex dog services hub, and if you want a fenced field to let a reactive dog run, our secure dog fields in West Sussex.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which West Sussex beaches ban dogs in summer?
Between 1 May and 30 September, stretches of Bognor Regis, Felpham, Littlehampton, Worthing, Goring and Selsey beaches, and the West Wittering bathing zone until mid-September. Adur beaches are open to dogs all year.
Can dogs go off the lead at Petworth Park?
In the Deer Park, yes, under close supervision. The Pleasure Garden needs a short lead, and fawn season in June and July calls for extra care.
How many dogs can I walk in Worthing?
Worthing’s dog order allows a maximum of six dogs per person.
Written by Georgiana & Figo, who has never met a groyne he didn’t want to sniff.
