.png "Dog lying on a wooden pub floor at The Crown in Hastings, with chairs, tables and a cosy brick interior in the background.")
This is a guest blog written for 1066 Country by Dakota Murphey.
1066 Country is one of the most historic areas of the UK, where you’ll be met with sweeping sandy beaches, medieval towns, ancient woodlands and dramatic cliff paths, all connected by the rich history of the Battle of Hastings. But what really makes this area so compelling is that much of it is incredibly dog-friendly, meaning you can bring your beloved companion along with you for the ride.
With only 48-hours to spare, you want to be able to combine the scenic coast with the history of the area and plenty of countryside walks where your dog can be let loose to explore. The 1066 Country Walk is perfect for this; a 31-mile trail connecting Pevensey Castle, the Battle of Hastings battlefield, and the medieval Cinque Port town of Rye, which forms the spine of this adventure. The following suggested itinerary takes in the highlights of 1066 Country, with time to relax and unwind along the way.
Image: Stephen Cawthorne
Day 1
Morning: Dunes or something gentler
Start your weekend at Camber Sands, which offers some of the finest dune systems along the south coast. Arrive early to secure some unrestricted, off-lead time for your dog on the western end of the beach (seasonal restrictions apply here, usually between May and September for areas closer to the village). The elevated dune crests offer incredible views, with the English Channel glittering to the south, Dungeness power station hulking on the horizon, and the Romney Marsh spreading inland.
Alternatively, commence at Bexhill-on-Sea, a classic Victorian seaside town, offering a gently sloping, shingle beach, and a long, level promenade for a perfect brisk morning walk. Seasonal restrictions apply to the main beach section from May to September, and dogs are requested to be kept on leads on the promenade and lawns between groynes 34 and 78.
An important safety consideration remains with recent clean-up efforts still ongoing to remove plastic pellets washed ashore in Camber last year. Some are still present on the beach, so visitors, and particularly pet owners, are therefore advised to take care to ensure animals do not ingest any plastic.
Lunch: Pet-welcoming bistros in Rye
A 15-30 minute drive inland, whether from Camber or Bexhill-on-Sea, brings you to the picturesque town of Rye. One of the best-preserved medieval towns in England and an outstanding base for the whole weekend. The cobbled streets of Mermaid Street and the timbered facades of the Strand Quay provide a cinematic backdrop for a leisurely lunch with your four-legged friend.
Rye is incredibly dog-friendly. Several of its independent cafés and bistros not only welcome dogs inside but provide water bowls and treats as a matter of course.
Afternoon: Explore the history of Battle
The town of Battle, easily accessible from Rye is home to Battle Abbey, built by William the Conqueror on the very ground where Harold II fell in 1066. English Heritage manages the site, and while dogs aren’t permitted inside the actual abbey ruins, the extensive grounds and the battlefield walk (a circular trail following the positions of both armies on that pivotal morning) are fully accessible if you keep your dog on a lead.
Put aside a couple of hours to really enjoy the scenery or head towards Brede High Woods, a huge woodland trail with streams and ponds that your dog will love exploring. Spend the evening in Hastings so you can enjoy the coast in the morning.
Image: Steve Prosser
Day 2
Morning: Cliff walks at Hastings Country Park
Start your second day at Hastings Country Park - 850 acres of ancient woodland, sandstone cliffs, and heathlands that constitute some of the most dramatic walking terrain on the south coast. The park doesn’t impose any dog restrictions, provided they’re kept in control around wildlife, so it’s a reliable year-round alternative to the seasonal constraints of the beach.
Lunch: Dog-friendly pubs in the Old Town
The Old Town is well-stocked with pubs that welcome their canine clientele. The Crown on All Saints Street is a strong choice for seafood, with locally caught fish, ales, and a relaxed interior. The First In Last Out on the High Street takes a more traditional approach: flagstone floors, real ales brewed on the premises, and water bowls set out as a matter of routine. Both establishments sit within easy walking distance of the beach, making it easy to combine with a post-lunch stroll along the shoreline. The Albion, situated right on the seafront, is a vibrant, traditional pub known for its pies, live music and very welcoming attitude to dogs.
Afternoon: End your journey where the story of 1066 began
To round off your trip through 1066 Country, head west along the coast to the historic village of Pevensey, where one of England’s most significant moments in history began. This quiet coastal spot is home to Pevensey Castle, built inside the walls of a Roman Saxon Shore fort and closely linked to the Norman Conquest of England.
It’s a peaceful place to finish your weekend in 1066 Country, wandering the castle grounds with your dog, exploring the grassy ramparts, and then taking a short walk across Pevensey Bay for fresh sea air and wide coastal views.
The logistics checklist: Infrastructure for success
Seasonal awareness is essential when you’re visiting the south coast. For example, Camber Sands operates dog restrictions on certain sections of the beach between May and September, which are usually in place from 10am until 6pm. This means you’ll need to plan morning arrivals outside peak hours or use the western dune section, which operates under different local authority rules.
You also need to take distances into account if you want to explore as much of this area as possible, especially when planning a 48-hour itinerary. Rye serves as a great base camp for Camber Sands, Bexhill-on-Sea, Battle, and Hastings. Most journeys take no longer than 30 minutes, and there are good rail connections if you don’t want to drive. Lastly, make sure you book accommodation that explicitly states dogs are welcome to avoid any issues when you check in.
Making the most of a short stay
1066 Country offers so much to explore, for humans and pets alike, from the freedom of Camber and Hastings to the dog-friendly eateries in Rye and the historic grounds of Battle. Here, it’s easy to build an itinerary that’s filled with experiences everyone will enjoy, whether you’re ready to explore the outdoors or soak up the history.
Looking for somewhere to stay with your four-legged friend? Explore dog-friendly accommodation options here.
Related
The 31-mile 1066 Country Walk is a relatively easy, low-level route through countryside that witnessed the Norman Conquest. Starting at Pevensey Castle (though you can start in Rye), it passes Herstmonceux Castle, the historic 1066 Battle Abbey and Battlefield, medieval Winchelsea, ending in historic Rye.
The Crown is an independent, family run freehouse, situated in the heart of Hastings Old Town at the foot of the clifftop country park, and a stone's throw away from the beach. Reopened by Tess and Andrew Swan in July 2014, The Crown is a welcoming hub for the community and visitors, dogs and kids, open seven days a week.
A cosy pub with its own microbrewery, excellent locally sourced food, live music sessions and an impressive middle-of-the-room fireplace.
Visit the site of one of the most famous battles in England's history – the 1066 Battle of Hastings, and discover the fascinating story of events behind that historic date.
A fabulous nature reserve with stunning coastal scenery situated within the High Weald National Landscape.
Brede High Woods is the Trust’s largest ancient woodland, six miles north of Hastings in the High Weald National Landscape. It’s full of history and there’s some incredible and rare wildlife.
Walk the massive outer walls and gatehouse of one of the Romans' Saxon shore forts, within which the Normans built another oval-shaped castle, now ruined. Parts of the towers, keep and chapel remain and Elizabethan catapult balls and cannon can also be seen.
Comments
Nobody has commented on this post yet, why not send us your thoughts and be the first?
Leave a Reply