Best West Sussex Pub Gardens

Home to a large quintessentially British garden, The Fox Goes Free has been regularly complimented as one of the most beautiful pubs in Southern England, and it’s easy to see why.

With striking views over the National Trust’s Levin Down and the South Downs, wild herbs, vivacious greenery and handmade benches to spend your days relaxing on, there’s no need to be inside when the garden's clearly the best ‘room’ in the house.

If you do want to venture inside this quaint pub however, you’ll find oak beams, flint and brick walls, open fireplaces and comfy seating. With six different dining areas and an evolving seasonal menu created with local ingredients, there’s every reason to visit time and time again.

Are dogs welcome? Yes

While you’re in the area: Explore what life was like living through the ages at Singleton’s Weald & Downland Living Museum - also home to the BBC’s Repair Shop! Take a walk up to the Trundle (or St Roche's Hill to give it its official name) for some of the best views in the area, or enjoy the beauty that is West Dean Gardens, home to a walled kitchen garden, 13 working Victorian glasshouses and a stunning 300-foot Edwardian Pergola amongst many other delights.

Sitting on the edge of Chichester Harbour, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), it probably comes as no surprise that The Crown & Anchor is home to views of outstanding natural beauty too. Indulge yourself with stunning views from Dell Quay Marina while enjoying the large waterside terrace.

Just 10-minutes by car from the centre of Chichester, the Crown & Anchor is one of the area’s most popular pubs, not just serving up great views, but great dishes too.

Within this 16^th century pub you’ll find local seasonal seafood dishes and British classics with a twist on the menu, alongside a wine list that changes with the season too.

Are dogs welcome? Yes

While you’re in the area: Soak up the sights from two wheels along the 12-mile Salterns Way Cycle Route, sample the highly regarded local fare at Dell Quay PYO or take to the water (and be in with a high chance of spotting one of the resident seals) with Chichester Harbour Water Tours.

Priding itself for sitting on what’s ‘arguably the finest acre of anything, anywhere in Europe’ is The Duke of Cumberland Arms in the hamlet of Henley, close to Midhurst.

While Henley itself makes quite the picture - home to 16 houses in the middle of the 15,000-hectare Cowdray Estate - the 16^th-century Duke of Cumberland draws crowds from far and wide thanks to its beautiful landscaped garden, large terrace, small trout pools and most importantly, expansive panoramas of the South Downs.

As for fine Sussex fare, you’ll find some of the best examples of it here. Sourcing as many local ingredients as possible, dishes featuring organic meat from nearby farms, fresh fish from the south coast, and vegetables from the pub’s very own vegetable patch can be found on the menu which has a focus on simple yet delicious dishes.

Are dogs welcome? Yes

While you’re in the area: Jump in the car and head to Midhurst, the heart of the South Downs National Park. Explore the famous Cowdray Ruins, trek up St Ann’s Hill to see the remains of the Norman motte and bailey castle or hit the shops. Walkers will also relish the opportunity to explore Black Down - the highest point in the South Downs National Park.

Having stood the test of time, The Horse Guards Inn offers as great a view now as it did 350 years ago when it first opened. With rolling views over the Rother Valley, it must come as no surprise that the garden space is top notch here too - but it comes with a twist.

Within the Horse Guards Inn’s hidden garden, you’ll find deck chairs, straw-bale seats and sheepskin covered tables and benches, nestled alongside the herbs and vegetables which will soon be served to you on a plate.

While you can’t ask for much more from a secret garden, the pub's nooks and crannies offer something for everyone. Play board games at the bar, roast chestnuts foraged from Petworth Park on the open log fires or order from the evolving menu that changes on a daily basis depending on what’s sourced from local suppliers, dug from the vegetable patch or foraged from the wild hedgerows nearby.

Are dogs welcome? Yes

While you’re in the area: Take a short drive to the historic market town of Petworth, famous for its antiques. Admire these rare treasures at Petworth Antiques Market, spot one of the 700 plus fallow deer that have called Petworth home for over 500 years at Petworth Park, or marvel at modern and contemporary art from the great artists of the 20^th-century at Newlands House Gallery.

With the sun shining, roses of every colour in bloom and panoramic views of the South Downs, there’s not much more you could ask for on a summer's day than what’s offered at the Three Horseshoes in Elsted.

With a garden and views that really have to be seen to be believed, this old-fashioned traditional country pub, which is now under new management, sits on top of a ridge at the western end of the Sussex Weald, in the heart of the South Downs National Park. Soak up the views southward to the magnificent South Downs and eastward across the weald, looking down on beautiful areas of wooded farmland.

Thanks to the incredible views, there’s every chance you’ll want to stay here all day. Perfect then, that the ever-changing menu and bar has something for everyone.

Are dogs welcome? Yes, on leads please

While you’re in the area: Whether it’s for Instagram or inside the home, get your perfect family snap at Lordington Lavender, step back in time at the beautiful Uppark House & Gardens or admire the impressive collection of artwork and antiques at Stansted Park, all a short drive away.

While technically home to a terrace rather than a garden, the outdoor space on offer at the The Black Rabbit is certainly a front runner when it comes to incredible Sussex views.

Nestled on the bank of the River Arun with unrivalled views of the wetlands, the famous Arundel Castle and the South Downs, Arundel’s Black Rabbit pub offers everything you need for a leisurely pub lunch or great evening out. Alongside its great selection of beers and ales, you’ll find hearty pub classics to tempt every taste bud.

While it’s the outside space that’s lured you in, make sure you take a peek through the door. Inside you’ll find quirky riverside memorabilia, including a boat from the first Harry Potter film.

Are dogs welcome? Yes

While you’re in the area: Take to the water on a rowing boat at the beautiful Swanbourne Lake, twitch to your hearts content at the 60-acre WWT Arundel Wetland Centre or travel back to the medieval times with a trip to the famous Arundel Castle.

The Royal Oak at Hooksway - just off the B2141 which connects Chichester with Petersfield, passing through Chilgrove and South Harting - is a favourite for both walkers exploring the nearby South Downs Way and real ale lovers.

A little off the beaten track, your efforts to find The Royal Oak will be rewarded. The pub garden features plenty of picnic benches and open space, all sitting within beautiful surroundings, with the footpath to the South Downs Way just behind the pub so you can work up an appetite before lunch.

Are dogs welcome? Yes. 

While you’re in the area: The South Downs way, of course - you can't be so close and walk just a small section of it, admiring the astonishing views. Also nearby is Uppark House (National Trust) which opens for visits from Sunday to Wednesday, with free admission to the gardens and cafe. You can see the house by joining a guided tour. The city of Chichester is just a 20 minute drive away.

Set amongst the foothills of the glorious South Downs, and just moments from the equally glorious Goodwood Estate, is The White Horse pub in Chilgrove. Just a 10-minute drive from Chichester City Centre, the White Horse is home to a fabulous terrace that soaks up the South Downs sun all day long. To the front of the pub you’ll also find tables for eating and drinking with spectator views of the striking scenery.

As if you needed anything else to tell you you’re in Sussex, this traditional community pub has an ever-changing seasonal menu featuring ingredients from local suppliers. If you’re after a Sussex tipple too, you’ll be delighted with the thirst-quenching range of cask ale, craft beer, cider, fine wines and classic cocktails on offer.

Are dogs welcome? Yes

While you’re in the area: When the scenery’s this good you’ll want to see it from the air. Take a trial lesson in a WWII Harvard trainer at Goodwood’s Aero Club, enjoy afternoon tea with a house tour at the prestigious Goodwood House, or venture into the city and follow in the footsteps of the Romans at Chichester’s Novium Museum.

The Unicorn Inn sits amid stunning South Downs scenery and offers a truly scenic setting for you and your pint. 

Set in the small village of Heyshott short drive from Midhurst, The Unicorn offers lunch and dinner, and serves a variety of ales and beers on draft. Heyshott is just off the South Downs Way, so well placed for walkers taking on this section - or the entire length - of this national trail. The climb up to the South Downs Way is steep and challenging - if you plan to walk before lunch you will certainly work up an appetite. Or you can simply sit and soak up the scenery.

Are dogs welcome? Yes - dog treats are available

While you’re in the area: While steep, the 230m climb up to Heyshott Down to pick up the South Downs Way is very rewarding with outstanding views.

Sitting on the doorstep of footpaths and bridlepaths that traverse miles of the South Downs National Park, you couldn’t find a better placed pub if you’re a lover of the great outdoors.

Midhurst’s beautiful 17^th century Royal Oak is nestled on the edge of woodland just outside of the town centre and is, of course, home to a sprawling scenic garden. This incredible outside space can be made use of whatever the weather however, thanks to its large heated tent from which the beautiful garden views can still be enjoyed.

Showcasing the very best of Sussex fare, The Royal Oak partners with the finest local suppliers of both food and drink to create seasonal, delicious and daily changing menus.

Are dogs welcome? Yes

While you’re in the area: Don your walking boots and make the most of the incredible walks on offer from the doorstep of The Royal Oak. Follow the Midhurst section (stage 13) of the Serpent Trail, trek up St Ann’s Hill to see the remains of the Norman motte and bailey castle, or pop through town and join the River Rother near Woolbeding.

When it comes to spectacular views of the South Downs countryside, The Welldiggers Arms is hard to beat.

A traditional country pub located just moments from Petworth town centre, here you'll find a warm welcome followed by locally-minded menus which change with the seasons. The focus on local extends to real ales and Hampshire produced sparkling wines, too. Pull up a chair beneath a parasol and enjoy a tipple whilst admiring the seemingly endless views.

Are dogs welcome? Yes. Overnight four-legged guests can enjoy special Muddy Paws packages.

While you’re in the area: Exploring Petworth town centre is a must, whether for some retail therapy or exploring the myriad of antiques stores here. The National Trust's Petworth House should be on your list too, and a walk across the Shimmings Valley. With so much to do, we think you'll need to stay over!

Tucked away along a country lane, on the outskirts of the village of Lodsworth, between Midhurst and Petworth, Langham Brewery is an award-winning independent brewery producing cask-conditioned real ales and keg beer. Set in an 18th Century granary barn, you're in the heart of the South Downs National Park, a fact confirmed by the glorious countryside which surrounds the barn.

At the tap room you can sample seven different cask ales and four keg beers - plus there's local ciders, locally made Brilliant Gin and soft drinks (including tea and coffee) for non drinkers. On warm days you can sit and sip in the courtyard to enjoy the peace and tranquility which surround you. You may like to accompany your drink with a fresh pizza from Faretti Pizzas conveniently located next door, or pastries and treats from the fabulous - and local - Sodt Bakery.

Are dogs welcome? Yes, and there are great walks from here which both dogs and humans will enjoy.

While you’re in the area: It goes without saying that walking and cycling within the National Park are plentiful here. You're within easy reach of the towns of Midhurst and Petworth, so there's plenty of exploring to be done.