Planning a coastal escape with your four-legged friend? Dog-friendly Rye and Camber are made for wagging tails and sandy paws. As local hosts (and devoted dog people ourselves), we know “dog-friendly” should mean more than simply “dogs allowed”. It should feel like dogs are genuinely welcome – with space to run, pubs that bring a water bowl without asking, and walks that start right from your front door.
Here’s the good news: winter is the secret season for dog owners. Once the summer restrictions lift, our stretch of East Sussex coast opens right up. Camber Sands becomes a vast, empty playground for zoomies and fetch, while the cobbled streets of Rye stay just as atmospheric – only quieter, cosier, and perfect for pub fires and muddy paws.
This is your definitive guide to getting the most out of a dog-friendly Rye and Camber break.
Our Top 3 Hyper-Local Walks in Dog-Friendly Rye and Camber
Forget long car journeys. These three walks are on your doorstep and ideal for winter exploring – big skies, sea air and happy, tired dogs.
1. The Classic: Camber Sands & the River Rother
This is the walk your dog has been dreaming of.
In winter, the miles of golden sand at Camber Sands are gloriously open, so you can let your dog off the lead (if they have good recall) and enjoy proper, full-throttle running and ball chasing. Walk the length of the beach, then loop back along the path beside the River Rother for a change of scenery and big open views towards Rye.
Best for: High-energy dogs who need to burn off serious steam.
Pro tip: Check the tide times. At low tide you get a huge, firm stretch of sand – perfect for older dogs, buggies, and humans who prefer not to wade through soft dunes.
2. The Wildlife Walk: Rye Harbour Nature Reserve
Just a few minutes’ drive from Camber, Rye Harbour Nature Reserve is a brilliant winter walk for dogs on leads. Wide, flat paths mean it’s easy in all weathers, and you can choose a short loop or a longer outing depending on how everyone’s feeling.
Along the way you’ll pass historic pillboxes, a Martello Tower and bird hides where you can spot huge flocks of wintering birds. It’s a lovely mix of shingle beach, saltmarsh and big skies – and yes, plenty of new smells for inquisitive noses.
Best for: Peaceful, flat winter wanders with lots to look at (and sniff).
Pro tip: Dogs are welcome inside the Discovery Centre café at Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, so you can both warm up with a hot drink and a slice of something cake-shaped after your walk.
3. The Viewpoint Walk: The Playden Walk
If you fancy a countryside stroll with a proper Sussex view at the end of it, the 3-mile Playden circular route just outside Rye is spot on.
Expect fields, stiles and a few hilly sections as you wind your way through the countryside, with lovely elevated views across the Brede and Tillingham valleys. On a clear winter’s day, the low sun and big skies are magic.
Best for: A shorter, structured walk that still feels like you’ve explored “real” 1066 Country.
Pro tip: This route can get muddy after heavy rain, so pack your wellies – and a dog towel for the journey home.
The Best Dog-Friendly Pubs and Cafés in Rye
After a bracing winter walk, nothing beats thawing out in a cosy pub or café where dogs are genuinely welcome. While some Rye institutions (like the famous Mermaid Inn) don’t accept pets, there are plenty of spots that will.
The Ship Inn, Rye
A proper, characterful inn dating back to 1592, The Ship sits on The Strand and is a favourite with both locals and visiting dogs. Inside it’s all low beams, cosy corners and good food – ideal for a Sunday roast or a long, lazy lunch after a stomp along Camber Sands.
Dogs are warmly welcomed in the bar areas, and you’ll usually find a water bowl and a friendly pat waiting.
Rye Harbour Discovery Centre Café
Back at Rye Harbour, the modern café at the Discovery Centre is dog-friendly, with big windows and lovely views over the reserve. In winter you can expect hot drinks, simple lunches and often something festive – think mince pies and steaming mugs of tea while your dog snoozes under the table.
More Dog-Friendly Days Out Near Rye and Camber
Once you’ve ticked off the beaches and marshes, there are more ways to explore dog-friendly Rye and Camber with your four-legged sidekick.
Visit Bodiam Castle
Just a short drive from Rye, Bodiam Castle is a spectacular 14th-century moated castle surrounded by fields and riverside paths. Dogs on leads are welcome in the grounds, so you can wander around the outside of the castle, cross the famous bridge, and enjoy an atmospheric winter day out.
It’s one of those places that feels even more magical in mist or low winter sun – and dogs seem to approve of the ducks.
Your Perfect Dog-Friendly Cottage in Rye and Camber
For us, the heart of any dog-friendly Rye and Camber break is having a warm, welcoming base to come back to – somewhere you can kick off your boots, towel down the dog, and put the kettle on without worrying about getting glared at for sandy paws.
In our dog-friendly cottages you’ll typically find:
-
Enclosed gardens or secure terraces for quick morning and bedtime sniffs
-
Hard flooring or rugs in high-traffic areas (so you can relax about muddy paws)
-
Dog-friendly touches like bowls, blankets and sometimes even a few treats
-
Locations close to beach or marsh walks, so you can be on the sand or paths in minutes
Whether you’re visiting with one small terrier or a couple of larger breeds, there’s a cottage to suit – from snug hideaways for two plus dog, to family homes where everyone (and every paw) has space.
Explore our full collection of dog-friendly cottages in Rye and Camber to find your perfect winter hideaway – then let the walk planning begin.
Dog-Friendly Rye and Camber: FAQs
Are Rye and Camber dog-friendly in winter?
Yes. Winter is arguably the best time to visit with a dog. Seasonal beach restrictions at Camber Sands are lifted, meaning much more space to run off-lead, and footpaths around Rye, the marshes and the nature reserve are generally quieter.
Can dogs go on Camber Sands all year round?
Some parts of the beach have dog restrictions in summer, but in winter dogs are welcome across the wider stretch of sand (as long as they’re under control and you pick up after them). Always check the latest signage when you arrive.
Are there genuinely dog-friendly places to eat in Rye?
Absolutely. Several pubs and cafés in Rye and the surrounding area are very welcoming to dogs, especially in the bar areas. The Ship Inn and the café at Rye Harbour Nature Reserve are two reliable, dog-friendly options to start with.
Is dog-friendly Rye and Camber suitable for older dogs?
Yes. Camber Sands at low tide offers firm, flat sand that’s kinder on older joints, and Rye Harbour Nature Reserve has wide, level paths ideal for slower strolls. Many cottages also have enclosed gardens so older dogs can potter about safely.
Ready to experience dog-friendly Rye and Camber for yourself? Pack the lead, the wellies and a few extra treats – we’ll see you (and your pup) by the sea. 🐾
Leave a Reply